Birth: Unknown
Left Middle-Earth: Year 120 of the Fourth Age Race: Elf Culture: Wood-elf Part of the Fellowship: Elf Hair Color: debatable; possibly blond or dark Eye Color: Grey Skin Color: White Residences: Mirkwood, later Ithilien Father: Thranduil Mother: Unknown Siblings: None Spouse: None Children: None Horse: Arod Gift of Lorien: Galadhrim Bow |
Biography
Legolas of Mirkwood was an Elf prince who was a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. He became fond of Hobbits and a friendship grew between he and the man Aragorn. Surprisingly, Legolas became quite friendly with Gimli, who was a Dwarf. Legolas was also called Legolas Greenleaf.
Legolas was the son of Thranduil. Legolas was very old, just a bit younger than the Forest of Fangorn itself. He may have been born in the First Age, or maybe even in the Years of the Trees. His grandfather Oropher founded Mirkwood for the Elves who followed him.
In Peter Jackson's film trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, Legolas was suposed to have been 2,931 years old, but Tolkien says nothing in canonical works to confirm this.
At the Fall of Gondolin, an Elf named Legolas Greenleaf of the Noldor escaped to Tol Eresea. This was doubtfully the same as Legolas of the company of the Ring.
When Thorin and Company traveled through Mirkwood in 2941 of the Third Age, Thranduil held them captive until Bilbo Baggins rescued them, and they sailed in barrels down the River. In the Battle of Five Armies, Thranduil led an army of Wood-elves to assist the Dwarves and men of Dale. Legolas may have assisted his father during these events.
In 3017, Gollum escaped from Mirkwood after being captured by Aragorn. Legolas was ordered to go to Rivendell to warn Elrond of this. On October 25 of 3018, the Council of Elrond met and it was decided that the One Ring which was held by Frodo Baggins would be destroyed in Mordor. Legolas joined the Fellowship on December 18 and they left Rivendell on December 25. The Fellowship headed south.
They passed through the Misty Mountains. When they reached the Redhorn Gate, the Fellowship realized that they could not pass due to severe snow conditions. Most of the Fellowship were buried under the snow, and Legolas told them how far they needed to dig before they reached the surface. Gandalf said that the Fellowship should take the pass through the mines of Moria.
As they headed towards the Doors of Durin at the West-gate, the Fellowship was attacked by Wargs and Legolas killed many, causing the rest to flee. At the gates on January 13, Legolas and Gimli both recognized the location as the historic trade port of the Dwarves, which the Elves frequently visited. They then argued about which race was at fault for the friction between Elves and Dwarves. Gandalf stopped them, and soon they entered Moria.
In the mines, Gollum picked up their trail. On January 15, the Fellowship reached the Chamber of Mazarbul, where they were attacked by Orcs. Legolas killed two and then helped hurry Gimli away from the tomb of his cousin Balin.
At the Bridge of Khazad-dum, a Balrog confronted Gandalf and Gandalf and the Balrog fell into the deep hole of shadow to beneath the mines and they would eventually fight in the Battle of the Peak. Legolas and the other seven remaining members of the Fellowship escaped Moria through the Dimrill Gate. They traveled to the woods of Lothlorien.
In the outskirts of Lothlorien, Frodo and Sam Gamgee realized that they had been wounded and Legolas tended to their needs. That night, the Fellowship camped by the River Nimrodel. Legolas sang of Nimrodel, the beautiful Elven woman after whom the river was named. He then climbed a mallorn tree, seeking shelter for his companions. Part way up, Haldir told him to bring Frodo to his flet.
High in the tree, Legolas explained to Haldir who his companions were and what their task was. Haldir warned Legolas to watch carefully after the Dwarf.
On January 17, the Fellowship were brought to Galadriel and Celeborn in Caras Galadhon. There they remained until February 16. In the days that led up to the Fellowship's departure, Legolas and Gimli spent much of their time in the wild woods, hiking and becoming friends. At the Fellowship's departure, Galadriel honored each member with a mighty gift. To Legolas, she gave a bow of the Galadhrim and a quiver of arrows.
On February 23, Uruk-Hai attacked the Fellowship. A Nazgul flew overhead on a Fell Beast, which Legolas slew with his bow.
They sailed upstream on the Anduin to Amon Hen, where the Fellowship was broken on February 26. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli chased after Merry and Pippin, who were captured by Uruk-Hai, while Frodo and Sam went to destroy the Ring in Mordor alone. Boromir was killed by an Uruk Captain.
Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli spent four days running forty-five leagues across Rohan. Legolas could see the Uruks from afar, and he told his companions which direction they headed. On February 30, the three met Eomer near the Wold. He insulted Galadriel and Gimli took offense, causing Legolas to nearly kill Eomer. Aragorn came between the two and stopped their skirmish.
Eomer soon understood that their business was not evil, and he gave Legolas and Gimli the horse Arod under the condition that they returned him to Meduseld.
The three companions reached Fangorn Forest on March 1. In the eaves, they were reunited with Gandalf, who had survived a battle with the Balrog. He was sent back to Middle-Earth until his task was done. Legolas apologized to Gandalf, for he had mistook him for Saruman. Gandalf told the three companions that Merry an Pippin met Treebeard the Ent and were safe. Gandalf summoned Shadowfax and the four companions rode to Edoras.
On March 2, the four reached Edoras. Gandalf encouraged King Theoden to declare war upon Saruman. Legolas rode to war with the Rohirrim.
At Helm's Deep on March 3, an army of ten thousand strong from Isengard attacked. Legolas killed forty-one of the Uruks while Gimli killed forty-two in the Battle of Helm's Deep. On March 4, an army of the West Fold led by Erkenbrand and Gandalf rode against the armies of the enemy and the battle was soon won. Legolas noticed that the few orcs who remained fled into the forest nearby that had not been there the day before. He soon realized that Huorns of Fangorn had travelled to Rohan to help defeat the orcs.
Legolas rode with Aragorn, Gandalf, and Gimli to Isengard where they found Merry and Pippin on March 5. At Orthanc, they confronted Saruman. When Grima Wormtongue threw down the palantir of Orthanc, Pippin caught it. That night, Aragorn looked into it and revealed himself to Sauron. He saw the Corsairs travelling up river to attack Gondor and realized he needed to summon and Army of Dead to conquer them. Legolas and Gimli accompanied Aragorn to the Paths of the Dead.
They reached the Stone of Erech and successfully summoned the army on March 8, and on March 13 they marched with the Grey Company to Pelargir to attack the Corsairs of Umbar. There, Legolas heard the cawing of seagulls, giving him a desire to see the Great Sea and beyond. He then remembered the war and sailed with Aragorn upstream to Gondor. On March 15, they fought and won the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
In Minas Tirith, Legolas and Gimli sought Merry and Pippin. Legolas thought the ruined city needed to be more beautiful, so he decided that he would bring gardens after the war. He met Imrahil of Dol Amroth, who reminded Legolas of his own people.
On March 18, Legolas left Minas Tirith with Aragorn and Gimli along with an army of the West. They were headed to the Black Gate to challenge Sauron. This also was to give Frodo more time to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom.
At the Black Gate on March 25, the Host of the West was confronted by the Mouth of Sauron. The armies of Mordor including Orcs and Easterlings came forth, but failed in defending Sauron because the Ring was destroyed.
After the West's victory, Legolas returned to Minas Tirith where he was reunited with the rest of the Fellowship on April 8 on the Field of Cormallen. Legolas moved to Ithilien and frequently visited Aragorn, who was crowned High king on May 1. On July 22, the Fellowship left Minas Tirith for Rohan.
At Helm's Deep on August 19, Gimli took Legolas into the beautiful Glittering Caves, and Legolas was astonished by their beauty. On August 22, Legolas and Gimli left the others to visit Fangorn.
Legolas lived in the gardens of Ithilien until 120 in the Fourth Age, when he and his friend Gimli went to the Undying Lands over the Sea at the death of Aragorn.
Legolas was the son of Thranduil. Legolas was very old, just a bit younger than the Forest of Fangorn itself. He may have been born in the First Age, or maybe even in the Years of the Trees. His grandfather Oropher founded Mirkwood for the Elves who followed him.
In Peter Jackson's film trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, Legolas was suposed to have been 2,931 years old, but Tolkien says nothing in canonical works to confirm this.
At the Fall of Gondolin, an Elf named Legolas Greenleaf of the Noldor escaped to Tol Eresea. This was doubtfully the same as Legolas of the company of the Ring.
When Thorin and Company traveled through Mirkwood in 2941 of the Third Age, Thranduil held them captive until Bilbo Baggins rescued them, and they sailed in barrels down the River. In the Battle of Five Armies, Thranduil led an army of Wood-elves to assist the Dwarves and men of Dale. Legolas may have assisted his father during these events.
In 3017, Gollum escaped from Mirkwood after being captured by Aragorn. Legolas was ordered to go to Rivendell to warn Elrond of this. On October 25 of 3018, the Council of Elrond met and it was decided that the One Ring which was held by Frodo Baggins would be destroyed in Mordor. Legolas joined the Fellowship on December 18 and they left Rivendell on December 25. The Fellowship headed south.
They passed through the Misty Mountains. When they reached the Redhorn Gate, the Fellowship realized that they could not pass due to severe snow conditions. Most of the Fellowship were buried under the snow, and Legolas told them how far they needed to dig before they reached the surface. Gandalf said that the Fellowship should take the pass through the mines of Moria.
As they headed towards the Doors of Durin at the West-gate, the Fellowship was attacked by Wargs and Legolas killed many, causing the rest to flee. At the gates on January 13, Legolas and Gimli both recognized the location as the historic trade port of the Dwarves, which the Elves frequently visited. They then argued about which race was at fault for the friction between Elves and Dwarves. Gandalf stopped them, and soon they entered Moria.
In the mines, Gollum picked up their trail. On January 15, the Fellowship reached the Chamber of Mazarbul, where they were attacked by Orcs. Legolas killed two and then helped hurry Gimli away from the tomb of his cousin Balin.
At the Bridge of Khazad-dum, a Balrog confronted Gandalf and Gandalf and the Balrog fell into the deep hole of shadow to beneath the mines and they would eventually fight in the Battle of the Peak. Legolas and the other seven remaining members of the Fellowship escaped Moria through the Dimrill Gate. They traveled to the woods of Lothlorien.
In the outskirts of Lothlorien, Frodo and Sam Gamgee realized that they had been wounded and Legolas tended to their needs. That night, the Fellowship camped by the River Nimrodel. Legolas sang of Nimrodel, the beautiful Elven woman after whom the river was named. He then climbed a mallorn tree, seeking shelter for his companions. Part way up, Haldir told him to bring Frodo to his flet.
High in the tree, Legolas explained to Haldir who his companions were and what their task was. Haldir warned Legolas to watch carefully after the Dwarf.
On January 17, the Fellowship were brought to Galadriel and Celeborn in Caras Galadhon. There they remained until February 16. In the days that led up to the Fellowship's departure, Legolas and Gimli spent much of their time in the wild woods, hiking and becoming friends. At the Fellowship's departure, Galadriel honored each member with a mighty gift. To Legolas, she gave a bow of the Galadhrim and a quiver of arrows.
On February 23, Uruk-Hai attacked the Fellowship. A Nazgul flew overhead on a Fell Beast, which Legolas slew with his bow.
They sailed upstream on the Anduin to Amon Hen, where the Fellowship was broken on February 26. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli chased after Merry and Pippin, who were captured by Uruk-Hai, while Frodo and Sam went to destroy the Ring in Mordor alone. Boromir was killed by an Uruk Captain.
Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli spent four days running forty-five leagues across Rohan. Legolas could see the Uruks from afar, and he told his companions which direction they headed. On February 30, the three met Eomer near the Wold. He insulted Galadriel and Gimli took offense, causing Legolas to nearly kill Eomer. Aragorn came between the two and stopped their skirmish.
Eomer soon understood that their business was not evil, and he gave Legolas and Gimli the horse Arod under the condition that they returned him to Meduseld.
The three companions reached Fangorn Forest on March 1. In the eaves, they were reunited with Gandalf, who had survived a battle with the Balrog. He was sent back to Middle-Earth until his task was done. Legolas apologized to Gandalf, for he had mistook him for Saruman. Gandalf told the three companions that Merry an Pippin met Treebeard the Ent and were safe. Gandalf summoned Shadowfax and the four companions rode to Edoras.
On March 2, the four reached Edoras. Gandalf encouraged King Theoden to declare war upon Saruman. Legolas rode to war with the Rohirrim.
At Helm's Deep on March 3, an army of ten thousand strong from Isengard attacked. Legolas killed forty-one of the Uruks while Gimli killed forty-two in the Battle of Helm's Deep. On March 4, an army of the West Fold led by Erkenbrand and Gandalf rode against the armies of the enemy and the battle was soon won. Legolas noticed that the few orcs who remained fled into the forest nearby that had not been there the day before. He soon realized that Huorns of Fangorn had travelled to Rohan to help defeat the orcs.
Legolas rode with Aragorn, Gandalf, and Gimli to Isengard where they found Merry and Pippin on March 5. At Orthanc, they confronted Saruman. When Grima Wormtongue threw down the palantir of Orthanc, Pippin caught it. That night, Aragorn looked into it and revealed himself to Sauron. He saw the Corsairs travelling up river to attack Gondor and realized he needed to summon and Army of Dead to conquer them. Legolas and Gimli accompanied Aragorn to the Paths of the Dead.
They reached the Stone of Erech and successfully summoned the army on March 8, and on March 13 they marched with the Grey Company to Pelargir to attack the Corsairs of Umbar. There, Legolas heard the cawing of seagulls, giving him a desire to see the Great Sea and beyond. He then remembered the war and sailed with Aragorn upstream to Gondor. On March 15, they fought and won the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
In Minas Tirith, Legolas and Gimli sought Merry and Pippin. Legolas thought the ruined city needed to be more beautiful, so he decided that he would bring gardens after the war. He met Imrahil of Dol Amroth, who reminded Legolas of his own people.
On March 18, Legolas left Minas Tirith with Aragorn and Gimli along with an army of the West. They were headed to the Black Gate to challenge Sauron. This also was to give Frodo more time to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom.
At the Black Gate on March 25, the Host of the West was confronted by the Mouth of Sauron. The armies of Mordor including Orcs and Easterlings came forth, but failed in defending Sauron because the Ring was destroyed.
After the West's victory, Legolas returned to Minas Tirith where he was reunited with the rest of the Fellowship on April 8 on the Field of Cormallen. Legolas moved to Ithilien and frequently visited Aragorn, who was crowned High king on May 1. On July 22, the Fellowship left Minas Tirith for Rohan.
At Helm's Deep on August 19, Gimli took Legolas into the beautiful Glittering Caves, and Legolas was astonished by their beauty. On August 22, Legolas and Gimli left the others to visit Fangorn.
Legolas lived in the gardens of Ithilien until 120 in the Fourth Age, when he and his friend Gimli went to the Undying Lands over the Sea at the death of Aragorn.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond;" "Lothlorien," page 362; "Farewell to Lorien," page 395; "The Great River," page 403; "The Breaking of the Fellowship"
The Two Towers: "The White Rider," pages 94-106; "The King of the Golden Hall," page 111; "The Road to Isengard," page 152
The Return of the King: "The Paths of the Dead," passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields;" "The Last Debate," passim; "The Black Gate Opens;" "The Field of Cormallen"
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter # 211
"Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings," in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pages 56, 84, 153
The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "The Fall of Gondolin": "Notes and Commentary"
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond;" "Lothlorien," page 362; "Farewell to Lorien," page 395; "The Great River," page 403; "The Breaking of the Fellowship"
The Two Towers: "The White Rider," pages 94-106; "The King of the Golden Hall," page 111; "The Road to Isengard," page 152
The Return of the King: "The Paths of the Dead," passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields;" "The Last Debate," passim; "The Black Gate Opens;" "The Field of Cormallen"
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter # 211
"Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings," in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pages 56, 84, 153
The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "The Fall of Gondolin": "Notes and Commentary"
Timeline
Ancient times or First Age:
Legolas was born to Thranduil in Mirkwood.
3018
In the Summer: Legolas was sent to Rivendell to give news of Gollum's escape.
October 25: Legolas attended the Council of Elrond and revealed the news of Gollum's escape.
December 18: Legolas joined the Fellowship.
December 25: The Fellowship departed from Rivendell and headed South.
3019
January 13: The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria.
January 15: In the Chamber of Mazarbul, Goblins attacked. At the Bridge of Khazad-dum, Gandalf fell fighting a Balrog. In Lothlorien, Haldir promised to lead the Fellowship through the woods.
January 17: Legolas met Galadriel and Celeborn.
Early February: Legolas befriended Gimli.
February 16: The Fellowship left Lothlorien and Galadriel gave Legolas a bow of the Galadhrim as a parting gift.
February 23: As the Fellowship travelled upstream, a Nazgul attacked and Legolas shot his Fell Beast.
February 26: At Amon Hen, Legolas followed Aragorn and Gimli and helped chase Merry and Pippin, who were captured by Uruk-Hai.
February 30: In Rohan, Legolas and his companions met Eomer and Legolas nearly killed him.
March 1: In Fangorn, Gandalf reunited with the companions and revealed that Merry and Pippin were safe with Treebeard. He rode to Edoras with them.
March 2: King Theoden met the four companions at Edoras. They rode to war at Helm's Deep.
March 3: The Battle of Helm's Deep began.
March 4: The Battle of Helm's Deep ended in a crushing defeat for the orcs of Isengard.
March 5: At Isengard, Legolas and his companions met Merry and Pippin and confronted Saruman.
March 8: Legolas went with Gimli and Aragorn to the Paths of the Dead. They summoned a ghostly army.
March 13: Aragorn successfully took the Corsairs' ship fleet. Legolas missed the Great Sea at the cawing of seagulls.
March 15: At Minas Tirith, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli fought in the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
March 16: Legolas explored Minas Tirith and decided it needed more gardens.
March 18: Legolas left Minas Tirith with Aragorn's Host of the West. They were headed for the Black Gate.
March 25: The Battle of Morannon took place until Frodo destroyed the One Ring and Sauron was utterly defeated.
April 8: Legolas saw his former companions on the Field of Cormallen. He moved to Ithilien.
May 1: Legolas attended the crowning of Aragorn in Minas Tirith.
July 22: The Fellowship set out for Rohan.
August 19: Legolas visited the Glittering Caves with Gimli.
August 22: Legolas and Gimli visited Fangorn Forest.
120 of the Fourth Age
Aragorn died and Legolas and Gimli went to the Undying Lands over the Sea.
Names & Meanings
Legolas is an Elven name.
Legolas:
Legolas means "green leaf" from leg meaning "green" in Silvan and las meaning "leaf" in Sindarin. The element golas means "collection of leaves" in Sindarin. Laegolas is the Sindarin form of the Elf's name.
Greenleaf:
Greenleaf is a translation of Legolas's name. He was sometimes called Legolas Greenleaf which literally translates Greenleaf Greenleaf.
Legolas:
Legolas means "green leaf" from leg meaning "green" in Silvan and las meaning "leaf" in Sindarin. The element golas means "collection of leaves" in Sindarin. Laegolas is the Sindarin form of the Elf's name.
Greenleaf:
Greenleaf is a translation of Legolas's name. He was sometimes called Legolas Greenleaf which literally translates Greenleaf Greenleaf.
Gallery:
Image Credits
Legolas was portray by Orlando Bloom in the New Line Cinema film Trilogy of the Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
On the bottom left of the Gallery is a painting of Legolas in Rivendell by artist Alan Lee. On the bottom right of the Gallery is a painting of Legolas shooting his bow by artist Inger Edelfeldt. Note that he has black hair in the painting. There is some argument about what color hair Legolas had.
On the bottom left of the Gallery is a painting of Legolas in Rivendell by artist Alan Lee. On the bottom right of the Gallery is a painting of Legolas shooting his bow by artist Inger Edelfeldt. Note that he has black hair in the painting. There is some argument about what color hair Legolas had.
Family Tree
Legolas's Family Tree:
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