The Lord of the Rings is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of readers and movie-goers alike for decades. The epic saga of Middle-earth is filled with an array of characters, from brave and noble heroes to cunning and treacherous villains. However, among the characters in the series, some stand out due to their age, wisdom, and experience.
In this article, we will look at the 8 oldest characters in Lord of the Rings, exploring their rich histories, roles in the story, and their impact on the plot. From the ancient elves to the wise wizards, these characters have played a crucial role in shaping the fate of Middle-earth. Moreover, they are a testament to the depth and complexity of J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterful storytelling.
Join us as we delve into Middle-earth’s world and uncover its oldest inhabitants’ secrets and mysteries.
8. Gollum
Age: 589 years old
Birth: TA 2430
Full Name: Sméagol (real name)
Race: Stoor
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Gollum, also known as Sméagol, is a fictional character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings. He is introduced in the first book of the series, The Fellowship of the Ring, as a small, slimy, and deformed creature who lives in the dark and damp caves beneath the Misty Mountains.
Originally a hobbit-like creature, Sméagol became obsessed with the One Ring, a powerful artifact that grants its wearer immense power but corrupts them with its influence.
After killing his own cousin to possess the Ring, Sméagol was banished from his community and forced to live in solitary, eventually becoming the twisted and pitiful creature known as Gollum.
Throughout the series, Gollum becomes a major character, often serving as a foil to the protagonists, Frodo and Sam. He is fascinated and repelled by the Ring, and his obsession with it drives much of his behavior.
Did You Know?
Despite his treacherous nature, Gollum also has moments of sympathy and even heroism, such as when he leads Frodo and Sam through the treacherous landscape of Mordor.
7. Arwen
Age: 2,901 years old
Birth: TA 241
Full Name: Arwen Undómiel
Race: Half-elves
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Arwen is an elf and the daughter of Lord Elrond, the ruler of the elven haven of Rivendell. She first appears in the story in the appendix to The Lord of the Rings, where she is described as the betrothed of Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. Her role is relatively minor in the book, but she is given a more prominent role in the movie adaptations.
In the movies, Arwen is portrayed as a strong and compassionate character deeply in love with Aragorn. She is shown to be skilled in sword-fighting and horse-riding and is instrumental in helping Frodo reach Rivendell after a Morgul blade stabs him.
Did You Know?
One of the most significant moments in Arwen’s story is when she gives up her immortality and becomes mortal to be with Aragorn. This decision is a significant sacrifice for an elf, emphasizing the depth of Arwen’s love for Aragorn.
6. Legolas
Age: 2,931 years old
Birth: TA 87
Full Name: Legolas Greenleaf
Race: Sindar
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Legolas is an elf from the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood and a Fellowship of the Ring member. He is introduced in the second book of the series, The Two Towers, when he is sent to Rivendell to represent his people in the Council of Elrond. He is then chosen to be a member of the Fellowship, a group tasked with destroying the One Ring and defeating the dark lord Sauron.
Legolas is a skilled archer and fighter with keen senses and impressive agility. He is also a loyal and courageous friend to his fellow members of the Fellowship, particularly to the dwarf Gimli, with whom he forms an unlikely friendship. Throughout the series, Legolas is shown to be a powerful and formidable fighter, using his skills to help the Fellowship overcome many obstacles.
Did You Know?
Legolas is particularly effective in battles against orcs and other enemies and is valuable in tracking and scouting missions.
5. Thranduil
Age: 4,000 to 6,000 years old
Birth: F.A. 507
Full Name: Thranduil Oropherion
Race: Elves
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Thranduil is best known for his appearance in The Hobbit and the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings. He is the Elvenking of the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood and rules over his people from his underground halls in the forest.
Thranduil is a proud and haughty elf with a long history of conflict with the dwarves. However, he is highly protective of his people; his priority is always their safety and well-being.
He is also highly suspicious of outsiders, particularly dwarves and men, due to his past experiences with them. In The Lord of the Rings, Thranduil appears briefly in the Appendices, where he is shown to be present at the coronation of Aragorn as the new King of Gondor. He also sends a company of elves to assist in the defense of Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring.
Did You Know?
In The Hobbit, Thranduil is shown to be a reluctant ally to Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves, offering them sanctuary in his halls after spiders capture them.
4. Galadriel and Celeborn
Age: Over 7,000 years old
Birth: Y.T. 1362
Full Name: Lord of Lothlórien, Lady of the Golden Wood
Race: Elves
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Galadriel and Celeborn are two important elven characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, who play significant roles in The Lord of the Rings.
Galadriel is a powerful elven queen who resides in the forest of Lothlórien. She is a wise and mystical figure, possessing great knowledge and insight into the world’s workings. She is also one of the oldest elves remaining in Middle-earth, having lived through many ages and witnessed much of the history of the world.
Celeborn is the husband of Galadriel and co-ruler of Lothlórien. He is also an ancient and powerful elf with a deep knowledge of the world and fierce loyalty to his people. Unlike Galadriel, Celeborn is more reserved and less involved in the affairs of the wider world, but he is a respected and wise figure within his own realm.
Did You Know?
Their presence in The Lord of the Rings adds depth and richness to Tolkien’s world, and their wisdom and magical abilities are crucial to the success of the quest of the Fellowship.
3. Círdan
Age: 10,000 years old
Birth: Between Y.T. 1050 and 1105
Full Name: Nówë
Race: Elves
photo source: The Hobbit Roleplay
Círdan is another important elven character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, who appears briefly in The Lord of the Rings. Círdan is a powerful elf lord and shipwright known for his skill in crafting and sailing ships. He is also one of the oldest elves remaining in Middle-earth, having lived through many ages and witnessed much of the history of the world.
In The Lord of the Rings, Círdan plays a minor but important role. The elf lord gives an elven ring Narya, the Ring of Fire, to Gandalf when he arrives in Middle-earth. This act helps solidify Gandalf’s role as a powerful force for good in the struggle against Sauron. It also reflects Círdan’s deep understanding of the world’s workings and his commitment to the cause of defeating evil.
Did You Know?
Although Círdan is not a major character in The Lord of the Rings, his presence adds depth and richness to Tolkien’s world, and his wisdom and foresight are crucial to the success of the quest of the Fellowship.
2. Treebeard
Age: 17,051 years old
Birth: Unspecified
Full Name: Fangorn
Race: Ent
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Treebeard, also known as Fangorn, is one of the oldest and most powerful Ents, a race of tree-like creatures living in Middle Earth’s forests. He is wise and patient, with a deep knowledge of the natural world and a great love for the trees and creatures of the forest. In The Lord of the Rings, Treebeard plays a crucial role in the fight against Saruman and his army of orcs.
He is initially hesitant to become involved in the conflict but is eventually convinced to take action by the hobbits Merry and Pippin, who he takes under his protection. With Treebeard’s help, the Ents can launch a devastating attack on Saruman’s stronghold at Isengard, ultimately defeating him and his army.
Did You Know?
Treebeard is a memorable and beloved character in The Lord of the Rings, with his slow, deliberate way of speaking and deep connection to the natural world.
1. Gandalf
Age: 24,000 years old
Birth: 5092 BFA
Full Name: Gandalf the Grey
Race: Maia
photo source: Wikimedia Commons via Nidoart
Gandalf is a wizard, one of the five Istari or “Wizards” who were sent to Middle-earth by the Valar, the angelic beings who shaped the world. He is also known as Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, and is considered the oldest character in the Lord of the Rings. Gandalf is wise, powerful, and deeply knowledgeable about the history and workings of Middle-earth.
He is one of the few characters who has been alive since the earliest days of Middle-earth, having been sent to the world by the Valar in the Second Age. He has also played a significant role in many of the major events of Middle-earth’s history, including the defeat of Sauron in the Second Age and the War of the Ring in the Third Age.
Did You Know?
Throughout The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf mentors and guides the other characters, offering them wisdom, guidance, and magical assistance.
