Brush Up on Your Lord of the Rings Lore With These 20 Interesting Facts

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John Summers • Contributor
Apr 3, 2024 12:00 AM EDT

Embark on a journey through Middle-earth with this collection of 20 interesting facts about The Lord of the Rings, brought to you by the Imgur user with the deliciously sounding name: cucumberbrusselsprout. These facts delve into the depths of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece, the epic film adaptations by Peter Jackson, and the life of the author himself. From hidden details in the movies to lesser-known tidbits about the books and their creator, this compilation is a treasure trove for fans of the beloved fantasy saga.

As we explore these fascinating insights, we'll uncover the dedication, creativity, and passion that went into bringing the world of hobbits, elves, and orcs to life. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Tolkien's work or a newcomer to the wonders of Middle-earth, these facts will enhance your appreciation for the enduring legacy of The Lord of the Rings. So, prepare to be enchanted by the magic, the lore, and the behind-the-scenes stories that make this series a timeless classic.

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  • 01
    The three elven Rings of Power are named Vilya, Nenya and Narya. All of them gave the bearer the power to "ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world". Vilya, the Ring of Air, is kept by Elrond and has a sapphire encrusted. It originally belonged to Gil-galad, the last king of the High Elves, and passed to Elrond when Gil-galad died. Nenya, the Ring of Water, is kept by Galadriel and has an adamant encrusted. Originally belonged to Celebrimbor, the maker of the three, bu
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  • 02
    The Nazgûl cannot see the world of the living in broad daylight, they depend on their mounts (horses and fell beasts) to do so for them. Nonetheless, they can smell the blood of the living creatures and perceive the presence of their prey, as it casts a shadow upon their minds. In the darkness they can sense signs and forms that the living ones can't, that's the reason why they are more fearsome and dangerous at night.
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  • 03
    Gollum was captured by Aragorn about a year before the Council of Elrond. He brought Gollum to Thranduil, who imprisoned him in his dungeons. Legolas's task in the Council was to tell the news of Gollum's escape, which took place after a group of orcs attacked the guards that were watching over him one day in Mirkwood (they let him climb trees under supervision from time to time).
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  • 04
    The dwarves are a very tough race. Sauron never could submit them through the rings like he did with men. The only effect the rings had upon them was to increase their greed and make them lust gold and precious jewels to an even greater extent, which ultimately brought ruin upon them.
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  • 05
    分 Saruman's initial plan was to join Sauron and convince Gandalf to do the same, and when the time was right, turn against Sauron and take control. When Gandalf refused, he then changed his plans and decided to deceive Sauron into thinking he was his ally while he looked for the One Ring in order to gain power to supplant him. But Sauron ended up manipulating him and turning him into a puppet for his own purposes.
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  • 06
    Gandalf is carried by Gwaihir, the Lord of the Eagles, thrice in the novel. The first time is when he was trapped in the top of Orthanc, the tower of Saruman. The second one is when he "resurrects" after his fight with the Barlog in the top of a mountain. The last one is when he's at the battle of the Black Gate and then he's picked up to head towards Mount Doom in search of Frodo and Sam.
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  • 07
    Legolas was astonished with the beauty of the forest of Fangorn and Gimli felt the same way about the Glittering Caves located in Helm's Deep. They promised each other that when the war was over each one would accompany the other to see the place they fell in love with.
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  • 08
    In Edoras, Gimli says to Éomer that if he ever sees Galadriel and doesn't acknowledge her as the fairest of ladies, their friendship will end. When the war is over and Aragorn marries Arwen, they finally got to solve their conflict. Éomer then says he cannot acknowledge Galadriel as the fairest lady, as Arwen is even more beautiful in his eyes. Gimli accepts his answer and they remain friends.
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  • 09
    Éowyn falls in love with Aragorn because he's a great warrior and adventurer. She had the heart of a warrior and envied his brother because he could ride and battle, while she was doomed to take care of a sick Théoden. So, when Aragorn appeared, she saw the opportunity to be spared of that lifestyle and live adventures by his side; but it was nothing but a thought that she loved. That's the reason why Aragorn wasn't the one man for her.
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  • 10
    The knife which Merry stabs the Witch King with was specially forged by the wars against him and carried the only power that could hurt him. The hobbits get these weapons from a barrow in a region near the Shire known as Barrow-downs. This region was filled with the tombs of the warriors who fought against Angmar, the kingdom of the Witch King.
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  • 11
    In the region near the Shire known as the Barrow-downs dwell some evil spirits known as the barrow-wights, supposedly sent by the Witch-King to haunt the tombs of his enemies. One of these spirits captures the hobbits and puts them inside a barrow, keeping them under a spell. The hobbits were nearly slain by it, but Frodo managed to awake and attack the spirit, gaining some time before they were finally rescued.
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  • 12
    There is a character in Middle Earth that doesn't get affected by the One Ring at all. His name is Tom Bombadil and he's probably the most mysterious character ever created by Tolkien. He rescues the hobbits in two occasions: when they are trapped and nearly killed by an old willow in the Old Forest beside the Shire, and when they are captured by a barrow-wight in the Barrow-downs (mentioned above). He was the one that took some daggers out of the barrow and gave them to the hobbits (including t
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  • 13
    The wife of Denethor, Finduilas, died just twelve years after they got married. Denethor aparentely got depressed after her death, as he became more silent and grim than before. He became very unstable and got obsessed over the threat of Mordor, which ultimately made him start looking in the palantír, being prematurely aged and worn out in the process.
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  • 14
    Boromir and Faramir deeply loved each other. Even if Denethor loved Boromir more and favoured him, Faramir was never jealous and there was no rivalry between him and his brother. He admired Boromir and always thought of him as an unmatchable warrior.
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  • 15
    After Aragorn died, Legolas headed to the Grey Havens to leave Middle Earth taking Gimli alongside him. Galadriel achieved that the dwarf was admitted into the Undying Lands in order to spend the rest of his days in company of his best friend.
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  • 16
    VIA 9GAG.COM Also after Aragorn's death, Arwen bid farewell to her children and left Gondor. She wandered through the empty woods of Lothlorien for a while, until finally she laid herself upon the very hill on which she and Aragorn once pledged their love, and passed away.
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  • 17
    Although it is not common, elves can actually grow beards. In the novel, when Frodo and the others are in the Grey Havens about to board the ship to the Undying Lands, Círdan, the guardian of the havens, is described as having a long grey beard. He's most certainly the oldest elf in all Middle Earth.
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  • 18
    Unlike in the movie, in the novel Frodo never sent Sam home. Sam accompanied him throughout the whole journey and together they crossed Shelob's tunnel. It was him who Gollum attacked when they made it out the tunnel, that's the reason why he couldn't help Frodo from being poisoned by Shelob.
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  • 19
    The eagles were never a choice to bring the One Ring to Mordor since the mission relied in stealth and secrecy. Even if it was just one, a big eagle entering Mordor would have been spotted right away and brought down, spoiling the mission and delivering Sauron the Ring at very doorstep. his
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  • 20
    Galadriel's gift to Sam was a little box of wood with earth inside. This earth came from Galadriel's orchard and had the capability to make fertile any soil it was put on. It was with this earth that Sam could help restoring the Shire's gardens and vegetation after they were destroyed by Saruman and his men.
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