The Lord Of The Rings: Most Important Elves In The Lore

The Elves of The Lord of the Rings are some of the most important characters in the lore of Tolkien’s vast universe. They inhabited Middle-earth before Men and Dwarves, and their exploits were the basis of the legends and stories throughout the books.

Elves are immortal (although there have been exceptions), so they have plenty of time to have amazing adventures and meet other famous people. There are very few villains in the Elf kingdoms of Middle-earth, but that still means a few. And of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of moral ambiguity, and even a few dark or evil shadows among them.

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5 Fëanor

The Creator Of The Silmarils

Introduced In: The Silmarillion (1977)
Live Action Appearances: TBD

Fëanor isn’t just one of the most important Elves in the lore. He might actually be the most important character in the history of Arda. He was the only child of Míriel, the first wife of King Finwe of the Noldor, and he grew up to be the famous craftsman who made the Silmarils. These were sacred jewels that held the light of the Two Trees, and so strong was their allure that Morgoth wanted them for himself.

Morgoth and his ally, the monster Ungoliant, destroyed the Two Trees and sacked Fëanor’s home while he was away to take the jewels. Fëanor and his sons then swore an Oath to follow and destroy anyone or anything that would keep the Silmarils from their family. Certain extended family members however, like Galadriel and her brothers, opposed the Oath.

The Oath of Fëanor and the pursuit of the Silmarils would be the main story of Middle-earth for the First and Second Age, with Beren and Luthien being among the first to retrieve one. Eventually, the other SIlamrils were recovered but lost again. Their legend endures into the War of the Ring.

4 Galadriel

The Lady Of Lothlorien

Introduced In: The Silmarillion (1977)
Live Action Appearances: Rings of Power (2022-), The Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014), The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy (2001-2003)

Galadriel was one of the oldest living beings in Middle-earth by the time Frodo and Sam visited her in Lothlorien. By then, she was close to 8000 years old, and in that time she had witnessed or been a part of virtually every important event in the history of Arda.

split image members of Galadriel's family Celembribor Elros and Elrond Galadriel in armor

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Galadriel and her brothers were famous for their opposition to the Oath of Feanor, and resolved to stay in Middle-earth and protect it from Morgoth’s legacy. She’s not one of the Maiar, but her close friendship with Melian the Maia gave her access to similar powers, which she used to protect and hide her realm of Lothlorien. Her daughter, Celebrían, is the wife of Elrond Halfelven, and Arwen Evenstar is her granddaughter.

3 Finrod Felagund

The King of Nargothrond

Introduced In: The Silmarillion (1977)
Live Action Appearances: Rings of Power (2022-)

Finrod Fegalund was Galadriel’s oldest brother. When she pledged to go to Middle-earth to pursue Morgoth and defy the Oath of Feanor, he took the same journey. When he rose to prominence in Middle Earth as the founder and king of Nargothrond, he used the name Felagund, and was recognized as one of the most powerful rulers among the elves.

He was famous for his feats of architecture, building the original Minas Tirith on the island of Tol Sirion years before carving out the caves of Nargothrond. The ring of Barahir, which Aragorn wears, was originally a gift from Finrod to the new king’s ancestor, Barahir of the House of Bëor.

Finrod’s close relationship with humans was why he was one of the few Elves to have faith in the quest of Beren and Luthien. He used his magical powers to disguise himself, his soldiers, and Beren in an attempt to sneak into Morgoth’s fortress. They failed, and Finrod lost his life-fighting Morgoth’s werewolves so Beren could live.

2 Elrond Halfelven

The Lord Of Rivendell

Introduced In: The Hobbit
Live Action Appearances: Rings of Power (2022-), The Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014), The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy (2001-2003)

The Hobbit was the first of Tolkien’s books that was subject to adaptation, with much nostalgia reserved for the Rankin-Bass cartoon from 1977. The first elf that was introduced in that story was Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell. He has some notable family ties. These include his mother Elwing, who had the Silmaril that her ancestor Luthien had recovered from Morgoth; his mother-in-law Galadriel; and his daughter Arwen Evenstar.

title image things book readers know about elrond young elrond and galadriel rivendell movie elrond

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Elrond is an important theme character in The Hobbit, translating the moon letters on the map and the sword runes, and guiding Thorin and company. The Council of Elrond was a pivotal moment in The Fellowship of the Ring, and one of the last things he did before leaving Middle-earth was give his daughter’s hand in marriage to the new King Ellesar.

1 Celebrimbor

Forged The Rings Of Power

Introduced In: The Silmarillion (1977)
Live Action Appearances: Rings of Power (2022-)

Celebrimbor was the grandson of Feanor, and had the same craftsmanship skill as his famous ancestor. He didn’t craft all of the Rings, nor did he craft the One Ring. Instead, the three that he did make were intended and designed to protect the Elves against a variety of malicious powers, including Sauron’s.

The kingdom of Eregion was known for its art and spellcraft in the Second Age. It was during this time that Celebrimbor became friends with Galadriel and Celeborn, and gained a reputation as one of the best smiths in Middle-earth. When Sauron appeared, disguised as the benevolent and talented Annatar, Celebrimbor was anxious to learn more from him, even though his friends were deeply suspicious.

When Sauron put on the One Ring, Celebrimbor and the Elves sensed his power and refused to give up the Three Rings, which Sauron had never seen or touched. Celebrimbor named them Vilya, Narya, and Nenya, and sent them to secret locations outside Eregion where they would be safe from Sauron. The Dark Lord eventually attacked Eregion, trying to get them back. Although he tortured Celebrimbor to death, the last of the great elven smiths never revealed the rings’ locations.