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Celeborn Unplugged - Page 8

© Michael Martinez

It is thus to his credit that Celeborn could listen with his heart to Galadriel's admonition against retracting his welcome to Gimli. Celeborn was wise enough to realize that his were not the only concerns in the world. Galadriel is credited with being sympathetic to the Dwarves because of her Noldorin ancestry. Her people had been friendlier with Dwarves than Celeborn's people (either Nandor or Sindar) had. But Celeborn was resolute and guided by necessity. The Balrog had been let out of the bag, so to speak. Barring Gimli and all who went with him would really serve no purpose. Celeborn needed to focus on the needs of the day, and Galadriel's words reminded him that those needs were so important because the Elves and their allies were striving to preserve everything they cherished. Galadriel had shown him very subtly how to find a rapport with Gimli: "If our folk had been exiled long and far from Lothlorien, who of the Galadhrim, even Celeborn the Wise, would pass nigh and would not wish to look upon their ancient home, though it had become an abode of dragons?" These are very prophetic words, and Celeborn must have reflected upon their relevance to his own future. The day was coming when Galadriel would leave him, and eventually that would be followed by the day when he would leave Middle-earth. Longing for the past and regret were feelings that Elves, all Elves, could easily understand and accept. Galadriel spoke to Celeborn, Elf to Elf, and asked him exactly the type of question an Elf would agree with. He understood what she was saying without hesitation, and his conciliatory words show that he was willing to accept that rapport with Gimli. Of all the Elven lords mentioned in the book, Celeborn seems to be the least rattled by anything. Gildor Inglorion refrains from helping Frodo directly against the Nazgul. He probably fears that openly defying Sauron's agents will attract too much attention. He does communicate with Bombadil, Aragorn, and Rivendell on Frodo's behalf -- and yet people all too often ask what good Gildor accomplishes for Frodo. Celeborn helps Frodo readily, almost eagerly. He lives on the frontier and knows what is at stake. But Gildor was also probably one of the lords of Eregion, or perhaps a lord of Lindon, who had become deeply embroiled in the politics of the Rings. The Noldor, for all their wisdom and friendliness toward other races, had nonetheless sinned greatly by creating the Rings of Power and failing to disclose all the facts about the Rings. Celeborn, though probably knowing Galadriel had a Ring of Power, was guiltless for the most part. Whereas Elrond was almost paralyzed with fear of the One Ring, Celeborn made his choices quickly and easily. Yes, we'll help the Ringbearer. Yes, we'll stand up to Dol Guldur and anything else Sauron throws at us.

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