Legolas Research and Fan Club Thread Page # 2-3

Discussion on Legolas and Rivendell

 From Morgan

Legolas in Rivendell

In LoTR, the first we hear of Legolas is when he arrives at Rivendell for the Council of Elrond. But I get the impression this is not the first time he has been there. Would Thranduil have sent his son there previously do you think? Are there any particular incidences where this might have occurred and to what end?

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"We must be willing to relinquish the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." 

From Rain

quote: 

In LoTR, the first we hear of Legolas is when he arrives at Rivendell for the Council of Elrond. But I get the impression this is not the first time he has been there. Would Thranduil have sent his son there previously do you think? Are there any particular incidences where this might have occurred and to what end? 

What I am also curious about is why send Legolas? Does the news justify sending the king's son - is it major news such that he sends his oldest son (Legolas being his only, or oldest son sounds improbable to me...but please don't ask me why because I have no idea...it's just an impression); or is it less important news - meaning he still sends his son, but maybe the youngest or one of the younger ones. I hope I haven't confused you all...I am just putting my thoughts down and as usual, they are mighty confused. Anyway, when I read about Legolas at the Council, I am always curious as to why Thranduil decided to send him.
And Morgan, I too get the impression that Legolas has been there before. It feels too familiar for him.
That was my 2 cents worth
S'you all later  

From Elanor Gamgee

Legolas in Rivendell

Morgan and Rain,
Yes, my understanding also has always been that the trip to the Council was not Legolas' first visit to Rivendell. I would even imagine that he was well acquainted with Gandalf, and would at the least know Aragorn. As for why it was he to be sent to Rivendell, IMHO just because the situation was so important. (Actually, it's not entirely my idea, I read it somewhere, but I like it and I'd like to share it with you). As we know, Thranduil's elves had failed with their task to keep Gollum in custody, although this task had been given to them by Gandalf (Mithrandir), a VIP for all Elves. So, to demonstrate how sorry he was, make amends and enable decision-making (in case further actions would be required) Thranduil sent his son. My personal opinion is that Legolas was his father's only child and heir, and as such, the second in command in the Woodland Realm.

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From Morgan

Re: Legolas in Rivendell

quote:

Originally posted by Elanor Gamgee
Morgan and Rain,
My personal opinion is that Legolas was his father's only child and heir, and as such, the second in command in the Woodland Realm. 

Elanor,
I am inclined to agree with you on the basis of my intuitional interpretation of the text. Legolas' character does not "feel" like he has siblings. He certainly never mentions anything which suggests them. And his behaviour in general I find to be akin to that of an only child. ~His natural curiosity for things around him, often expressed with such innocence. It is as if he has had no real mentor to explain and share such things with him and has been left much to his own devices. I always felt his life was probably a little lonely and himself a loner in the Woodland Realm. But before everyone else starts screaming at me... remember, this is just MY interpretation. I think it would be awfully convenient if Legolas' fan base were to discover he has LOTS of brothers and sisters, and possibly even a twin... I can "hear" a certain Hobbit Maid laughing at me from where I stand!

Having said all this, I am now fully prepared to draw my rapier and defend my position!

Blessings,
Morgan, FoL, EM.
P.S. Why isn't there a smiley with Elvish ears?!!!

__________________
"We must be willing to relinquish the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." 

From Rain

Re: Re: Legolas in Rivendell

quote: 

Originally posted by Morgan

Elanor,
I am inclined to agree with you on the basis of my intuitional interpretation of the text. Legolas' character does not "feel" like he has siblings. He certainly never mentions anything which suggests them. And his behaviour in general I find to be akin to that of an only child. ~His natural curiosity for things around him, often expressed with such innocence. It is as if he has had no real mentor to explain and share such things with him and has been left much to his own devices. I always felt his life was probably a little lonely and himself a loner in the Woodland Realm. But before everyone else starts screaming at me... remember, this is just MY interpretation. I think it would be awfully convenient if Legolas' fan base were to discover he has LOTS of brothers and sisters, and possibly even a twin... I can "hear" a certain Hobbit Maid laughing at me from where I stand! 

Makes sense...thinking of it, I do get the impression that Legolas is quite a loner, though he demonstrates very strong feelings for his friends (not just Gimli). However, sometimes I get the feeling that if he does have brothers/ sisters, they are much older than him (Legolas being the youngest), such that he can avoid duties associated with being the son of a king...Ok I'm rambling, but I do get that impression  

From Elanor Gamgee

Continued under Discussion titled:

Elvish Emotions and Legolas