LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Mirror of Galadriel

After the great buildup into the journey to Lothlorien, the Fellowship are led into its great city, Caras Galadhon, the City of Trees. There the Fellowship are introduced to the Lady Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien and her husband, Lord Celeborn (also known as Elrond's in-laws). While Lothlorien is Galadriel's domain, her husband seems to run everything (not a bad marriage deal, either). As the Fellowship tell their story, they soon realize that there is an extraordinary power and magic to the Lady Galadriel. Amid Celeborn's snark and shady comments, Galadriel is able to work her way into their minds, release their deepest emotions and leave them frightened and empty.

The Fellowship stay in Lothlorien under the generous care of Galadriel and Celeborn. A respite that is very much needed, especially since none of them had any time to properly mourn for Gandalf. This weight, Frodo bears heavily, now no longer having the wizard's advice and sound council to see him through. However, he still does have Sam. Ever cheerful, practical and hopeful. 

 One night, Galadriel introduces Frodo and Sam to her mirror. A magical mirror that will allow any who look into it to see their fate and the fate of all those around them. Sam sees his beloved Hobbiton being torn down and Frodo almost looks into the great eye of Sauron himself. Not the outcome either were looking for as their fates are now tied to the Ring. Frodo, out of fear of failing is his task, offers the Ring to Galadriel. She declines the Ring, telling the Hobbits that this offer of the Ring is a long prophesied test and one that she has passed.

A pretty simple chapter that gives great description to the beauty of Lothlorien and the wonder of their Lord and Lady. You can probably say that Celeborn and Galadriel are the ultimate power couple of Middle-Earth. Both wise, compassionate and generous, Celeborn is more outgoing while his wife isn't necessarily withdrawn, but seems to have the ability to be in multiple places at once. With what little she says there is great depth and insight to her words. 

Heidi's Questions:

• Sam says, "...I reckon there's Elves and Elves. They're all elvish enough, but they're not all the same. Now these folks aren't wanderers or homeless, and seem a bit nearer to the likes of us: they seem to belong here, more even than Hobbits do in the Shire. Whether they've made the land, or the land's made them, it's hard to say, if you take my meaning. ...If there's any magic about, it's right down deep, where I can't lay my hands on it, in a manner of speaking." It's an interesting comparison and not one I would have initially thought of. One similarity that does jump out at me is how both are very content dwelling within the confines of their own borders, protected and caring little what happens beyond its confines (though the elves do have long memories of the elder days, but I mean in the sense that they're little concerned with the doings of other folk). Can you think of any other similarities and/or dissimilarities?

- Between the elves and the Hobbits? Well, partying and getting drunk set aside, both cultures have a beautiful relationship with nature and prefer the outdoors to being confined inside. The Hobbits found themselves very comfortable in Lothlorien because they slept on the ground, which is similar to sleeping in their Hobbit holes. 

• I don't agree with everything (or rather, have to keep thinking on some points), but this easy to read essay on Celeborn is well worth a read, particularly if you've ever thought he comes across as weaker than his consort. So far I have to say it's revolutionizing my perception of his character. Here's the link. I'd definitely like to hear your thoughts on it! (The author also makes an interesting point on his and Galadriel's hair color, which I'd love to have your feedback on.

 - Excerpt from the essay:  

'Well, yes,' you may say, 'I can see that he might have been intended to be her equal. That's the theory. But the minute he opens his mouth the effect is ruined. He calls Gandalf an idiot for going into Moria in the first place. Then he threatens to throw Gimli out, along with the rest of the Fellowship, like any of it was Gimli's fault! Elves aren't supposed to be like that! I thought elves were supposed to be nice'

And that, I think is the whole problem. Celeborn is not 'nice' in the same way Elrond, Gildor and Galadriel are.

Let's look at this a bit closer. On hearing that Gandalf has died, Celeborn says "And if it were possible, one would say that at the last Gandalf fell from wisdom into folly, going needlessly into the net of Moria." At that point we start getting annoyed with him, so that when Galadriel points out that maybe Gandalf had his reasons, our sympathies swing fairly heavily away from him and towards her.

Annoyed?? Dude is a boss for dispensing with niceties and getting straight to the point! Great essay and her opinions and thoughts on Celeborn are the same as mine.

• Here's a beautiful, wistful, and lilting version of Frodo's Lament for Gandalf.