Why Elrond Chose the Fellowship Without Glorfindel

The inclusion of powerful figures in the Fellowship of the Ring was a strategic decision made by Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell. In the context of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, particularly in The Fellowship of the Ring, Glorfindel, while one of the most powerful elves, was not chosen to join the Fellowship. This decision was a crucial element in the overall literary and thematic design of the novel. Let’s delve into the reasons behind Elrond’s choice and understand why Glorfindel’s absence served the story’s purpose.

Reasons for and Against Including Glorfindel in the Fellowship

The discussion surrounding whether Glorfindel should have been part of the Fellowship is detailed in The Ring Goes South, a chapter from The Fellowship of the Ring. Several editions of Tolkien's works address this decision, but it is significant to note that Glorfindel makes no appearance in The Two Towers. This absence is a choice made by the author, rather than a mistake, and it highlights the pivotal role of the Fellowship in the larger story.

Elrond, the father of Aragorn and uncle of Frodo, chose specific members of the Fellowship based on their roles and the nature of the mission to destroy the One Ring. His selection criteria emphasized both the physical journey and the ideological struggle. Elrond, a wise and noble elf, believed that the presence of Glorfindel, a powerful elf-lord, could be more detrimental to their mission.

Power Dynamics and the Nature of the Quest

It is essential to understand the context of the quest. The Fellowship was destined to fail if its members relied solely on brute strength. The character of Frodo, the Ring-bearer, and his companions, such as Sam, Merry, and Pippin, were not about winning battles but about maintaining hope, enduring suffering, and ultimately succeeding through compassion and sacrifice. If Glorfindel had joined the Fellowship, his power would have been wasted. Pity and meekness, as opposed to strength and might, often proved to be the weapons of choice in the war against the dark forces of Sauron.

Biographical Context of Glorfindel

Though Glorfindel was one of the most powerful characters in Middle-earth, his history is marked by sacrifice and aloofness. Born during the Age of the Two Trees, Glorfindel was a key figure in both the defense of Gondolin against Morgoth and his ultimate fall. He is renowned for his victory over the Balrog, though it came at a heavy cost. His spirit was sent to the Halls of Mandos, but he was eventually sent back to aid the Free Peoples against Sauron.

The Role of the Fellowship

The Fellowship was not about the mightiest warriors or the most powerful individuals but about a group of characters united in a singular purpose. Merry and Pippin, as hobbits, brought a unique set of insights and capabilities to the mission. Their encounters with Treebeard and the Ents, as well as their role in convincing Aragorn to leave Frodo alone to complete his quest, played a crucial part in the success of the overall narrative.

The decision to include Merry and Pippin was fortuitous. Their presence not only provided a broader impact on the story but also allowed Frodo to pursue his personal quest more effectively. The distraction caused by Glorfindel could have alerted Sauron, which would have undermined the entire mission. Instead, the Fellowship, with its diverse members, was better suited to the challenges they faced.

The Out-of-Universe Reason

Finally, considering the out-of-universe perspective, Elrond’s choice to exclude Glorfindel allowed the story to focus on the main characters: Gandalf, Aragorn, and the hobbits. If Glorfindel had been included, the story would have shifted towards his actions and accomplishments, detracting from the narrative centered on the struggle of the Fellowship. This decision reinforced the focus on the protagonists and their journey, thereby maintaining the central theme of the narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elrond’s decision to exclude Glorfindel from the Fellowship was a masterstroke of strategic narration. It underscored the importance of unity, humility, and the right choice at the right moment. The Fellowship, with its imperfect members, proved to be the right group to face the daunting challenge of destroying the One Ring. The absence of Glorfindel, the strongest of all elves, is a testament to the complex and thoughtfully crafted world that Tolkien created, where power is not the only measure of success.