In the opening scene of “The Lord of the Rings,” Galadriel recounted the history of the One Ring, and her line, “None now live who remember it,” might require some unraveling to fully grasp. The One Ring underwent numerous trials and tribulations before ending up in Frodo’s possession in the first film, and Galadriel’s narration effectively encapsulated this journey. This introduction was crucial for many viewers, particularly those who hadn’t read the book or its background information. However, some astute readers might point out a potential falsehood in Galadriel’s assertion.
Although the movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” concludes with the Fellowship splitting up, it actually begins millennia before any of the characters were born. This film, an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first volume in “The Lord of the Rings,” bypassed Tolkien’s Hobbit prologue, instead focusing on the atmosphere set by the opening poem about the One Ring. While this choice was fitting, Galadriel’s initial lines might not hold up under close examination, considering the details presented within Tolkien’s broader mythos, or legendarium.
Galadriel Says “None Now Live Who Remember It,” But She’s Wrong
Galadriel’s Statement In The Lord Of The Rings Prologue Is Vague But Invites Examination
In a slightly rephrased manner:
Galadriel, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, stated that no one alive today remembers Middle-earth’s early days, but this wasn’t entirely accurate. Interestingly, the exact words Galadriel spoke in the movie were directly from the book, but in the novel, it was Treebeard who originally said those words. Treebeard was older than Galadriel and did not specify what exactly had been forgotten, which made his statement seem more plausible than Galadriel’s.
| Tolkienian Age | Event Marking The Start | Years | Total Length In Solar Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before time | Indeterminate | Indeterminate | Indeterminate |
| Days before Days | The Ainur entered Eä | 1 – 3,500 Valian Years | 33,537 |
| Pre-First Age Years of the Trees | Yavanna created the Two Trees | Y.T. 1 – 1050 | 10,061 |
| First Age | Elves awoke in Cuiviénen | Y.T. 1050 – Y.T. 1500, F.A. 1 – 590 | 4,902 |
| Second Age | The War of Wrath ended | S.A. 1 – 3441 | 3,441 |
| Third Age | The Last Alliance defeated Sauron | T.A. 1 – 3021 | 3,021 |
In the grand tapestry of Middle Earth, as depicted in “Lord of the Rings,” both Galadriel and Treebeard stood as ancient pillars of wisdom. However, Gandalf once described Treebeard as, “A power that walked the earth, ere Elf sang or hammer rang.” This implies that Treebeard’s existence predates even the awakening of the Elves, marking the start of the First Age.
Elves have been instrumental in recording most of the tales within the legendarium, and their awakening heralded the beginning of the First Age. Consequently, much of what transpired before the First Age, including the Years of the Trees, has been shrouded in the mists of time.
Yet, among the few who preserved knowledge from that era were noble figures like Galadriel and her kin, including Celeborn and Elrond. They had access to lore dating back to the First Age.
Galadriel’s statement is somewhat mysterious, much like Treebeard’s, lending an eerie ambiance during the movie’s opening sequence. In a way, the first film of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy manages to pull off this enigmatic tone – Galadriel seems to be discussing a wide range of topics. Nevertheless, her phrase “Much that once was” transitions smoothly into her subsequent statement – “It began with the forging of the great rings.“. This event took place during the Second Age, and Galadriel, along with Elrond, Círdan, Gandalf, and other Eldar and immortal Maiar in Valinor, have vivid memories of it.
What Galadriel Actually Means In The Lord Of The Rings’ Opening Monologue
Galadriel Is Much Older Than Most Others In The Lord Of The Rings Movies
In Peter Jackson’s prologue, Galadriel’s words may appear to refer to distant past events that many in Middle-earth are unaware of. Tolkien often employs strong terms like “none” and “always,” but these aren’t always literal, mirroring the epic styles of Viking and Anglo-Saxon tales, adding a touch of drama and enchantment. Moreover, Galadriel is one of the most powerful Elves in The Lord of the Rings, older than most, so it’s possible she recalls events significant to others who have long since passed.
In the epic tale of Lord of the Rings, Galadriel possesses immense power, a trait she owes to her Eldar ancestry, upbringing, training, age, and magical possessions. These attributes helped her navigate numerous world-altering events hinted at in her initial dialogue within The Fellowship of the Ring, which could account for her exceptional wisdom. However, it’s plausible that she might be reminiscing about Middle-earth as it was before Elves inhabited it. Galadriel would have been aware that immortal beings known as Maiar wandered Middle-earth since its creation, but there may have been places untouched by their presence.
Galadriel’s Monologue May Be Narrated Long After The Lord Of The Rings
It Isn’t Clear When Galadriel Is Speaking In The Lord Of The Rings Prologue
In a creative rephrasing:
The narration at the beginning of The Lord of the Rings, attributed to Galadriel, might not have occurred in the novel as written, leaving us uncertain about when her speech takes place within the story’s universe. However, it is evident that she is recounting past events, looking back on history. This means that theoretically, her narration could stem from any time during the Third Age or later since it encompasses events up until the end of the Second Age in Lord of the Rings. The War of the Last Alliance marked the end of the Second Age, a period when Galadriel resisted Sauron. It’s possible that Peter Jackson imagined her reading an Elvish historical text written after this event.
It’s possible that Galadriel, the narrator, is telling the story from a time well beyond the events depicted in the movies. This perspective, along with her selection of topics, suggests she could be recounting the story post-its conclusion, given that the Third Age for Elves ended when they journeyed to Valinor at the end of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. If this is the case, Galadriel might be speaking from the Fourth Age, a time period in which fewer individuals may still recall specific aspects of the past as depicted in “The Lord of the Rings”.
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2025-05-05 06:26