Celeborn

Celeborn, Lord of the Galadhrim and husband to Galadriel, is accounted the wisest of the Elves still dwelling in Middle-earth during the Third Age, a lord whose memory stretches back to the Elder Days before the fall of Nargothrond and Gondolin. He rules Lothlórien alongside the Lady Galadriel, and though his realm is a place of ancient beauty and power, he is a figure of stern authority, wary of strangers and bound by the laws of his people, yet capable of great generosity and foresight when the need is dire.

Identity and Role

Celeborn is described as very tall, clad wholly in white, with long and bright silver hair and no sign of age upon him except in the depths of his eyes, which are keen as lances in the starlight and profound as wells of deep memory. He is the Lord of the Galadhrim, the Tree-people of Lothlórien, and has dwelt in the West since the days of dawn, having passed over the mountains before the fall of Nargothrond or Gondolin. He and Galadriel have together through ages of the world fought what she calls "the long defeat." He is the one who first summoned the White Council, though he later notes that if his designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey. Celeborn is a giver of gifts beyond the power of kings, and his wisdom is sought by Elrond and others in the darkening world.

Encounters with the Fellowship

When the Fellowship arrives in Caras Galadhon, Celeborn greets each companion courteously by name. He welcomes Aragorn son of Arathorn, noting that eight and thirty years of the world outside have passed since Aragorn last came to the land, and that those years lie heavy on him. He welcomes Legolas son of Thranduil, remarking that too seldom do his kindred journey from the North. To Gimli son of Glóin he says it is long indeed since they saw one of Durin's folk in Caras Galadhon, and that by breaking their long law to admit him, it may be a sign that better days are at hand and that friendship shall be renewed between their peoples. Gimli bows low. When he learns of Gandalf's fall in Moria, Celeborn calls it the most evil tidings spoken in long years full of grievous deeds, and he rebukes Haldir for not having told him before. He initially speaks harshly of the Dwarves having stirred up evil in Moria again, saying he would have forbidden the Fellowship to pass the northern borders had he known. But Galadriel gently corrects him, and he later asks Gimli to forget his harsh words, saying he spoke in the trouble of his heart.

The Gift of Boats and the Parting Feast

When the time comes for the Company to depart, Celeborn speaks of their journey. He notes that beyond Lothlórien they cannot forget the Great River, which cannot be crossed by travellers with baggage between Lórien and Gondor save by boat, and that the bridges of Osgiliath are broken down and all the landings held now by the Enemy. He asks which shore they will take, and when Boromir answers for the western shore and the way to Minas Tirith, Celeborn says it is not his part to choose for them but he will help them as he may. He furnishes the Company with small, light boats, warning that they will come to the rapids of Sarn Gebir and the great falls of Rauros, and that boats may make their journey less toilsome for a while but will not give them counsel. At the parting feast on the green grass of Egladil, Celeborn warns Boromir and Aragorn not to despise the lore that has come down from distant years, for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memory word of things that once were needful for the wise to know. He and Galadriel then offer gifts to each member of the Company, with Celeborn giving Aragorn a sheath for Andúril overlaid with a tracery of flowers and leaves wrought of silver and gold, set with elven-runes formed of many gems.

Later Meetings and Farewell

After the War of the Ring, Celeborn and Galadriel ride with the Company as far as the Gap of Rohan, where they take leave of Aragorn. Celeborn says to him, "Kinsman, farewell! May your doom be other than mine, and your treasure remain with you to the end!" He then travels with the others to Rivendell, and later, after the passing of Galadriel, he grows weary of his realm and goes to Imladris to dwell with the sons of Elrond. In the final parting at the borders of Fangorn, Treebeard bids him farewell with great reverence, saying it is sad that they should meet only thus at the ending, for the world is changing. Celeborn replies, "I do not know, Eldest," but Galadriel answers that they will not meet again in Middle-earth, nor until the lands that lie under the wave are lifted up again, when in the willow-meads of Tasarinan they may meet in the Spring.