Legolas Before the Fellowship: From a Silly Prince to a Valiant Hero
When most readers of The Lord of the Rings first encounter Legolas Greenleaf, they see him as a valiant elf bow-bearer and an essential member of the Fellowship. However, the pre-Fellowship years of Legolas are shrouded in mystery, and his significance is often underestimated. This article delves into Legolas’s life before joining the Fellowship, exploring the circumstances that made him so pivotal later on.
Family Background and Early Significance
Legolas is the son of Thranduil, the ruler of Greenwood the Great, which was also known as Mirkwood. His family background alone gives him some weight, as Thranduil had connections with Lake-town and the country of Dorwinion, renowned for its exquisite wines. Legolas’s grandfather, Oropher, was a significant figure in his own right; he led a part of the Telerin elves from Lindon into Greenwood, thus establishing a strong lineage.
Oropher’s death in the tragic Last Alliance of Elves and Men, where major elf-lords like Gil-galad and Elendil fell in battle against Sauron, is a critical event in elvish history. Legolas’s possible kinsmanship to the powerful Silvan elf King Thingol further adds to his importance within his house. Although it is uncertain if Legolas had siblings or if he was solely an heir, his family’s influence and the significant role of his grandfather could imply that he was groomed for a leadership position.
After the Last Alliance, Thranduil retreated from the political affairs of the elvish kingdoms, and Greenwood the Great entered a period of retreat. In this context, Legolas seems to have led a life of relative ease and possibly a focus on the social or diplomatic aspects of his identity, much like a prince in a medieval court.
A align"justify">Silly Prince or Mistaken Elf?
Many readers debate whether Legolas was a ‘silly prince’ or a pragmatically flawed individual. There is a notable incident that many believe led to Thranduil’s withdrawal and Legolas’s critical viewpoint. In the pre-Fellowship period, Legolas, along with Tauriel, and their company, encounter Gollum. As the story goes, Legolas and his group inadvertently free Gollum from captivity, an event that could have dire consequences.
At this point, Legolas’s actions were not seen as overly grave. Like many younger nobles of his time, he may have lacked the vigilance that was required in dealing with such a sensitive matter. It was the severity of the matter only became clear when word reached Thranduil of the Gollum incident and the potential threat it posed. This moment is said to have pushed Thranduil to withdraw from the world, understanding the consequences of such a mistake.
When Legolas returns with the news at the Council of Elrond, his responsibility for the escape becomes more pressing. He immediately recognizes the gravity of his actions and offers to join the Fellowship as penance and to protect the company from more such mistakes. His honesty and willingness to take responsibility are remarkable, and they likely solidified his role within the Fellowship despite his youth and seeming lack of precocity.
The Significance of Legolas in the Fellowship
Although it is easy to passively observe Legolas as a member of the Fellowship, his significance goes beyond his elf-bow and his friendship with the dwarf Gimli. His role in uniting the divided races of elves and dwarves is crucial. The relationship between elves and dwarves is fraught with tension, but through Legolas, this rift is bridged, making the Fellowship a truly multiracial and multicultural entity.
Legolas’s journey is one of growth and transformation. From a young prince living in the luxurious halls of Mirkwood to a valiant warrior defending Middle-earth, he represents the transition from carefree nobility to a sense of duty and responsibility. His contributions to the Fellowship are not just about his archery skills but about his ability to foster unity among diverse groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Legolas’s pre-Fellowship background is relatively unknown, his significance is profound. Whether seen as a silly prince or a harbinger of change, his role in the Fellowship and his ability to bring harmony between elves and dwarves make him an essential character. His journey from a noble to a hero is a testament to the power of redemption and the importance of taking responsibility.
Whether you see Legolas as a screwup or the golden child of Mirkwood, the truth lies somewhere in between. His legacy is not defined by the mistakes he made but by the person he became and the role he played in the greater narrative of The Lord of the Rings.