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Who Is Like the Wise Elf?

© Michael Martinez

Gildor Inglorion, Glorfindel, Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, Luthien Tinuviel, and Finrod Felagund all share something in common: they are members of that vaguely defined group of Elves whom J.R.R. Tolkien called "the Wise". What did Tolkien mean when he used the word, "wise"? As a philologist he would not simply have grabbed the word at random. He would have studied its history and elected to use it for reasons which were very clear to him. In examining "wise", we can see that it is a very powerful, ancient, and flexible word. "Wise" comes to us from the Indo-European root word "weid-", "to see". The adjective "wise" refers to something perceptive, shrewd, prudent, or to a person who possesses great knowledge, keen judgement, or the ability to perceive what is right and true. As a noun, "wise" may be used to refer to "a way" (as of doing things); or it may refer to people who are deemed to be wise, as in the Bible's references to "the wise (who did something prudent)". Tolkien's Elven-wise, the Wise, are not simply prudent people, although both Gildor and Glorfindel seem rather prudent. Nor are they merely knowledgeable or perceptive people. Elrond is a master of wisdom and lore, but he also foresees many things, and perceives hidden meaning behind events. Galadriel, too, possesses great wisdom, though hers seems more born of experience than learning (as Elrond's seems to derive mostly from study), but Galadriel is also very perceptive, seeing deeper into the hearts of others than anyone else. Celeborn is called "the wise" but many readers feel he doesn't live up to his reputation. The general view seems to be that Galadriel could outmaneuver Celeborn in a one-way street, or lead him any way she pleases. Galadriel only really outshines Celeborn in one scene, but she does get her own scene with Frodo and Sam, whereas Celeborn sits back and lets Galadriel do most of the work in ferreting out the Fellowship's motives and intentions. It is Celeborn, however, who understands and acknowledges the implications of the Fellowship's actions or indecision. Galadriel is praised for her gentle admonishment to Celeborn when he regrets his welcome of Gimli and his companions, upon learning that a Balrog dwells near the border of Lorien. But Celeborn does quickly assess the danger to his people: if the Balrog had been roused by the Dwarves, then it plainly might follow the Fellowship into Lorien. Gandalf, too, seems to have understood what could happen -- and that is why he sacrifices himself. There is no other way to prevent the Balrog from achieving whatever end it has in mind. Frodo and the Ring are in the gravest peril from the Balrog, and even Lorien's Elves wouldn't be able to protect him.

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