Galadriel is one of the most significant characters both in 's and the wide history of Middle-earth more generally. If you've listened to The Lord of the Rings or seen any of the film adaptations, then you're likely well aware of who Galadriel is.
But what, exactly, makes her so important? What is her history? And what role will she play in the upcoming Prime Video streaming series, The Rings of Power? This character guide is here to answer all of your questions about the powerful Elf Galadriel, the Lady of Lórien.
Who is Galadriel?
Galadriel was born in Valinor in the Years of the Trees 1362, before the First Age. She is the daughter of Finarfin, prince of the Noldor, and Eärwen, princess of the Teleri. Galadriel was Finarfin and Eärwen's only daughter and their youngest child. She had three older brothers: Finrod Felagund, Angrod, and Aegnor.
In , Tolkien describes Galadriel as "the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in Middle-earth." She is especially tall, standing at an impressive height of six foot four. She's known for her stunning hair, which is described in great detail in Tolkien's : "It was golden like the hair of her father and of her foremother Indis, but richer and more radiant, for its gold was touched by some memory of the starlike silver of her mother; and the Eldar said that the light of the Two Trees had been snared in her tresses."
Personality-wise, Galadriel is considered willful, rebellious, free-spirited, and proud, especially in her younger years. In her later years, she's described as wise and gentle. She's also incredibly intelligent and perceptive, which is why, on top of her powers, she has played such a significant role in so many events in Middle-earth throughout the Ages.
Galadriel Through the Ages of Middle-earth
Galadriel in The Years of the Trees
Galadriel was born in Valinor in the Years of the Trees. During the Darkening of Valinor, she was a leader in the rebellion of the Ñoldor and their flight from Valinor. She swears no oaths and is very independent, hoping one day to rule a realm of her own. After hearing what the Ñoldorin Elf Fëanor had to say about Middle-earth, Galadriel becomes eager to see those lands for herself. She and her people are not participants in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. Instead, they separate from Fëanor and follow Fingolfin.
Galadriel in The First Age
At the beginning of the First Age, Galadriel spends time with Doriath in the court of Thingol and Melian in Menegroth. Here she meets Celeborn, who would later become her husband. During the First Age, all three of Galadriel's brothers are killed in various battles. During the First Age, Galadriel becomes friends with Melian the Maia, who is eager to know the causes of the Exile of the Noldor. Galadriel refuses to tell her anything about what happened after the death of the Trees, but eventually Melian is able to get details out of Galadriel and discern the rest of what her friend is hiding. When Morgoth is defeated by the coming of the Valar out of the West, Galadriel is offered a safe return to Valion, since she did not participate in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. Instead, Galadriel chooses to stay in Middle-earth. She is the only leader of the Ñoldor exiles who stays in Middle-earth after the First Age.
