Glorfindel: The Elf Who Came Back

Research & Sources

Research Notes: Glorfindel's Death and Resurrection: The Elf Who Came Back

Overview

Glorfindel represents one of the most extraordinary stories in Tolkien's legendarium: a heroic elf-lord who died fighting a Balrog during the Fall of Gondolin in the First Age, was resurrected in the Halls of Mandos, and returned to Middle-earth in the Second Age with powers rivaling the Maiar. His story encompasses three fascinating dimensions: (1) an epic tale of heroic sacrifice, (2) a unique theological case study in Elvish death and reincarnation, and (3) a compelling scholarly debate about authorial intention and textual consistency.

The character's significance extends beyond his dramatic deeds. Glorfindel is Tolkien's primary exploration of Elvish reincarnation, a concept that challenged his Catholic worldview yet proved essential to his mythology. The question of whether the Glorfindel who died at Gondolin and the Glorfindel who appears in The Lord of the Rings are the same person became one of Tolkien's final creative concerns, addressed in essays written just a year before his death in 1972.

Primary Sources

The Fall of Gondolin (The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, 1917)

The earliest and most detailed account of Glorfindel's death comes from Tolkien's 1917 narrative, first published in 1984:

Glorfindel's Character: - Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, one of the twelve houses of the Gondothlim - His name "meaneth Goldtress for his hair was golden" - Came late to the battle, only able to escape from the Great Market once the House of the Harp had relieved the House of the Golden Flower - The House bore a distinctive emblem: a rayed sun upon their shields The Battle with the Balrog: During the escape from Gondolin, the refugees crossed the Vale of Tumladen and climbed to Cirith Thoronath (the Eagles' Cleft), a narrow and dangerous pass through the Encircling Mountains. There they were ambushed by Orcs and a Balrog, even in this unexpected spot where Morgoth had set watchers.

The most detailed account describes how Glorfindel's ardor drove the Balrog from point to point, with his mail protecting him from its whip and claw. He beat heavily upon the Balrog's iron helm and even hewed off the creature's whip-arm at the elbow. Then the Balrog sprang at Glorfindel in pain and fear, and they grappled and swayed on the crag-top. Glorfindel's left hand found a dirk, which he thrust upward to pierce the Balrog's belly (the demon was double his stature), and it shrieked and fell backward from the rock—but while falling, it clutched Glorfindel's yellow locks beneath his cap, and both fell into the abyss.

The Aftermath: Quote: "Thorondor bore up Glorfindel's body out of the abyss, and they buried him in a mound of stones beside the pass; and a green turf came there, and yellow flowers bloomed upon it amid the barrenness of stone, until the world was changed." (The Silmarillion, "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin")

All would have been lost if not for the intervention of the Eagles, who stooped upon the Orcs and slew them or cast them from the Cirith Thoronath. Thus no word of the escape reached Morgoth until long after Gondolin's fall. The eagle Thorondor rescued Glorfindel's body from the abyss and he was buried in a cairn beside the pass, where yellow flowers bloomed amid the barrenness of stone.

Cultural Legacy: The phrase "Glorfindel and the Balrog" became an in-universe proverb used in Elven culture to describe great skill and courage in battle. Many songs were sung of the duel between Glorfindel and the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place.

The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955)

Flight to the Ford (The Fellowship of the Ring, Book I, Chapter 12): A figure with flowing golden hair, riding a white horse named Asfaloth, appeared to rescue Frodo and his companions in the Trollshaws. This was Glorfindel, an Elf-lord who lived at Rivendell.

Glorfindel lifted the wounded Frodo onto his horse, saying that in case of emergency Asfaloth would bear him forward with greater speed than any Black Rider could match. When the Nazgûl attacked at the Ford of Bruinen, Glorfindel called to his horse in Elvish: "Noro lim, noro lim, Asfaloth!" and the horse immediately broke into a full gallop, outpacing the Nazgûl.

Powers Revealed: At the Ford of Bruinen on October 20, TA 3018, the Nine Nazgûl confronted Glorfindel. He revealed himself to be a Lord among Elves, and from him shone a great white light. Glorfindel revealed his power to the Riders and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

When Frodo was in the Unseen World (under the influence of the Ring), he saw Glorfindel as a being of radiant light.

Glorfindel touched Frodo's wound from the Morgul-blade, and it immediately began to heal, demonstrating his powers even over the weapons of the Enemy.

Council of Elrond: Glorfindel attended the Council of Elrond and participated actively in the debate. He concluded that there were only two options remaining: send the Ring west over the sea, or destroy it. He suggested throwing it into the sea, but Gandalf countered this by saying that vile creatures in the deep might find and retrieve it. Why Not in the Fellowship: Despite his power, Glorfindel was not chosen for the Fellowship. Gandalf explained to Elrond: "In this matter it would be well to trust rather to their friendship than to great wisdom. Even if you chose for us an elf-lord, such as Glorfindel, he could not storm the Dark Tower, nor open the road to the Fire by the power that is in him." Battle of Fornost (TA 1975): Glorfindel led a company from Rivendell to the Battle of Fornost which was instrumental in bringing about Angmar's defeat. As the Witch-king fled, Glorfindel counselled against his pursuit, prophesying that his doom was far off, and that not by the hand of man would it be achieved—a prophecy fulfilled millennia later by Éowyn and Merry.

Unfinished Tales (1980)

References to Glorfindel's return during the Second Age: - The Valar sent Glorfindel back to Middle-earth during the Second Age to serve as their emissary and aid in the continuing struggle against Sauron - Multiple possible dates discussed: SA 1200 (when Sauron tried to enter Lindon but was rejected by Gil-galad), SA 1590 (around the forging of the Three Rings), or SA 1600 (just after the One Ring was made and Eregion attacked) - His mission was to aid Gil-galad and Elrond in the struggle against Sauron's power - May have been sent to help the Elven-smiths of Eregion understand who Sauron really was

The History of Middle-earth Series

Morgoth's Ring (Volume 10) - "Laws and Customs Among the Eldar":

This essay explores fundamental aspects of Elvish nature, particularly the relationship between fëa (spirit/soul) and hröa (body):

Elvish Death: When Elves died, their spirits (fëar) were summoned to leave the places of their life and death and go to the Halls of Waiting (Mandos) in the realm of the Valar. Fëar are summoned to the Halls of Mandos and cannot reach the Halls without this summoning, yet the summoning may be refused. Of the Elves who refused the initial summons of the Valar to Aman, this refusal is common. Reincarnation Process: After a time of Waiting, the fëa may be reincarnated into a new-born body that is identical to the previous hröa if allowed by Mandos. The happiest fortune, the Elves deemed, was after the Waiting to be re-born, for so the evil and grief that they had suffered in the curtailment of their natural course might be redressed. A houseless fëa that chose or was permitted to return to life re-entered the incarnate world through child-birth. Only thus could it return. Exceptions: Not all fëar in Mandos are reborn; some did not wish to return to life (Míriel, first wife of Finwë, was one of these), and a small number (Fëanor chief among them) did such bad things in life that they were not permitted rebirth. Glorfindel's Special Status: In later writings such as the Athrabeth and "The Converse of Manwë and Eru," Elves could only be reincarnated by special permission of the Valar in a reconstituted body. Glorfindel's case would be handled by Manwë as he was remade rather than reborn. The Peoples of Middle-earth (Volume 12) - "Last Writings":

The chapter "Last Writings" contains manuscripts from the last year of Tolkien's life (1972), including two separate texts about Glorfindel along with brief notes. These represent some of Tolkien's final creative work.

Glorfindel I and Glorfindel II: Tolkien wrote two essays addressing whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person: - Glorfindel I: outlined Glorfindel returning from Aman to Middle-earth in the early Third Age as a companion of Gandalf and representative of the Valar - Glorfindel II: places his return in the Second Age during the reign of Gil-galad (this version was favored) Key Points from the Essays:

Christopher Tolkien stated that his father had not originally conceived the Glorfindel of The Lord of the Rings as the same person as the similarly named Elf of Gondolin, but had simply reused the name. However, Tolkien eventually decided that each Elf's name should be unique, and therefore the two Glorfindels should be one and the same.

Quote from Tolkien's essay: Glorfindel left Valinor reluctantly and is blameless in the Kinslaying, and since his sacrifice in defeating the Balrog was deemed to be "of vital importance to the designs of the Valar," he is granted an exemption to the Exiles' ban and purged of any guilt.

Enhanced Powers: Once restored and allowed to dwell in Valinor, Glorfindel's spiritual power was greatly enhanced, almost to the level of the Maiar. Being already an Elda of great corporal and spiritual stature, in his new incarnated life his spiritual power was enhanced by his self-sacrifice. He lived in Valinor for many years in the company of the Eldar and the Maiar, the latter also regarding him as an equal, for he was incarnate. The Air of Sanctity: In a late essay presented in two parts, Tolkien explained that an "air of special power and sanctity [...] surrounds" Glorfindel in The Lord of the Rings because of his death and reincarnation.

Letters

In a 1954 letter, Tolkien admitted it was "cheating" to have Gandalf return from the dead, which relates to his broader thinking about reincarnation in Middle-earth. This admission reveals his struggle with the theological implications of resurrection in his mythology, even as he was developing Glorfindel's return more thoroughly.

Key Facts & Timeline

First Age

- F.A. 510: The Fall of Gondolin occurs; Glorfindel, lord of the House of the Golden Flower, fights in the city's defense - F.A. 510: During the escape through Cirith Thoronath, Glorfindel battles and slays a Balrog, but both fall into the abyss - F.A. 510: Thorondor the Eagle rescues Glorfindel's body from the abyss; he is buried in a cairn where yellow flowers bloom - F.A. 510+: Glorfindel's fëa journeys to the Halls of Mandos in Valinor - Unknown Date (First Age): After a "short time" in Mandos, Glorfindel is re-embodied due to his heroic sacrifice saving the refugees

Second Age

- SA 1200-1600 (various dates proposed): Manwë sends Glorfindel back to Middle-earth as an emissary of the Valar - SA 1200: When Sauron tried to enter Lindon but was rejected by Gil-galad (one possibility) - SA 1590: Around the time of the forging of the Three Rings (another possibility) - SA 1600: Just after the One Ring was made and Eregion attacked (most likely, per Tolkien's essays) - SA 1600+: Glorfindel serves as advisor to Gil-galad and Elrond, with powers nearly equal to the Maiar

Third Age

- TA 1975: Glorfindel leads forces from Rivendell to the Battle of Fornost, instrumental in defeating Angmar - TA 1975: Glorfindel prophesies that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of man - TA 3018, October: Glorfindel searches for Frodo and his companions, meeting five of the Nazgûl who flee from his presence - TA 3018, October 20: Glorfindel rescues Frodo and his companions in the Trollshaws, gives Frodo his horse Asfaloth - TA 3018, October 20: At the Ford of Bruinen, Glorfindel reveals his power, driving the Nazgûl into the flood - TA 3018, October 25: Glorfindel attends the Council of Elrond, participating in debates about the Ring

Significant Characters

Glorfindel: - Name means "Golden-hair" or "Golden-tressed" (Sindarin: glaur = golden, findel = lock of hair) - Quenya form: Laurefindil or Laurefindele - Lord of the House of the Golden Flower in Gondolin - Blameless in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë - Reluctantly followed the Noldor into exile - Became the only documented case in Tolkien's work of an Elf who died heroically, was re-embodied, and returned to Middle-earth - After resurrection, enhanced to near-Maiar level power - Could exist in both the Seen and Unseen worlds simultaneously - The Nazgûl feared and avoided him Thorondor: - Lord of the Eagles - Rescued Glorfindel's body from the abyss after his battle with the Balrog - Representative of divine intervention and the Valar's favor The Balrog of Gondolin: - One of Morgoth's most terrible servants - Double Glorfindel's stature - Armed with whip and claws, wore an iron helm - Slain by Glorfindel's sacrifice, but took Glorfindel with him in death Manwë: - Chief of the Valar, King of Arda - Made the decision to send Glorfindel back to Middle-earth - Granted Glorfindel enhanced powers nearly equal to the Maiar Elrond: - Survived the Fall of Gondolin as a child (son of Eärendil and Idril's companion Tuor) - Later became Glorfindel's close ally in the Second and Third Ages - Chose Glorfindel to search for Frodo because he did not fear the Nazgûl

Geographic Locations

Gondolin: - The Hidden Kingdom of the Noldor, founded by Turgon - Surrounded by the Echoriad (Encircling Mountains) - Fell to Morgoth's forces in F.A. 510 after being betrayed by Maeglin - Site of Glorfindel's heroic deeds during the final battle Cirith Thoronath (The Eagles' Cleft): - A narrow pass through the northern part of the Encircling Mountains - The escape route used by the refugees from Gondolin - A dangerous path with a yawning emptiness beside it - Site of Glorfindel's final battle and death - Where his burial cairn remained, covered with yellow flowers, "until the world was changed" The Vale of Tumladen: - The valley within the Encircling Mountains where Gondolin stood - Crossed by the refugees hidden by the fume and mists of the city's destruction The Halls of Mandos: - Located in Valinor, the realm of the Valar - Where Elvish spirits (fëar) go after death - Ruled by Mandos (Námo), the Doomsman of the Valar - Place of waiting and judgment for the dead - Where Glorfindel spent a "short time" before re-embodiment Rivendell (Imladris): - Glorfindel's home in the Second and Third Ages after his return - Founded by Elrond in SA 1697 after the fall of Eregion - A refuge and center of resistance against Sauron The Ford of Bruinen: - Where Glorfindel confronted the Nazgûl - Site of his demonstration of power in both the Seen and Unseen worlds

Themes & Symbolism

Heroic Sacrifice and Divine Grace: Glorfindel's story embodies the concept that heroic self-sacrifice can transcend death itself. His willingness to face certain death to save the refugees from Gondolin was deemed "of vital importance to the designs of the Valar," earning him not just resurrection but enhancement beyond his original state. This represents a form of eucatastrophe—the sudden joyous turn in a story that pierces the heart with joy. Death and Resurrection in Tolkien's Mythology: Glorfindel is the primary case study of Elvish reincarnation in Tolkien's legendarium. Unlike Men, whose fate after death (the Gift of Ilúvatar) takes them beyond the world, Elves are bound to Arda. Glorfindel's return demonstrates that this binding can work in both directions—not just as a doom, but as a second chance. However, Tolkien struggled with this concept given his Catholic faith, which rejects reincarnation. The fact that he devoted his final creative efforts to reconciling Glorfindel's story shows how important—and problematic—this character was to his mythology. The Visible and Invisible Worlds: Glorfindel's unique status as one who has died and returned gives him power in both the Seen and Unseen worlds. Those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds, and against both the Seen and the Unseen they have great power. This dual existence explains why the Nazgûl, who primarily exist in the Unseen realm, fled from his presence, and why Frodo (when drawn into the Unseen world by the Ring) saw Glorfindel as a being of radiant light. The Uniqueness of Names: The scholarly debate about whether the two Glorfindels were the same person arose from Tolkien's developing conviction that each Elf's name should be unique. This reflects a deeper theme in his work: that names carry power and identity. The resolution—that they must be the same person—shows Tolkien's commitment to internal consistency and the depth of meaning in every element of his world. The Enhancement of the Resurrected: Glorfindel returned from death greater than he left—his spiritual power enhanced to rival the Maiar. This concept appears elsewhere in Tolkien's work (Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White with greater power), though Tolkien admitted this was somewhat "cheating." The idea that one can be purified and strengthened through death and rebirth has deep Christian resonances (death and resurrection, dying to sin and being born anew), even as the mechanism (reincarnation) conflicts with Christian doctrine. Emissaries of the Divine: Glorfindel's role as an emissary of the Valar, sent on a mission similar to the Istari but arriving earlier, positions him as a bridge between the divine and mortal realms. He is simultaneously fully Elvish (incarnate in a body) yet enhanced to near-angelic status, making him a unique figure in Middle-earth's spiritual hierarchy.

Scholarly Interpretations & Theories

The Reincarnation Paradox: Scholars have extensively analyzed Tolkien's struggle with reincarnation in his mythology. Although reincarnation is firmly excluded from Roman Catholic Christianity as being "Not True," Tolkien seems to have had a spontaneous and intuitive belief in the reality of some version of the very-broadly-defined possibility of deceased souls returning in different bodies. (Source: "The Notion Club Papers" blog, "Tolkien and reincarnation")

From the 1950s onwards, Tolkien reconsidered his metaphysical and philosophical explorations, gradually moving the texts of his legendarium into closer alignment with Christianity. Glorfindel represents a test case for this alignment—can Elvish reincarnation be reconciled with Christian theology?

Tolkien defended Elvish reincarnation as an authentic expression of sub-creation, seeing it as a mode of existence for certain kinds of "rational incarnate creatures" that differed from humans. (Source: Dr. Philip Irving Mitchell, Dallas Baptist University, "Tolkien's Essays and Letters on Elvish and Human Death and Reincarnation")

The Identity Debate: The incremental changes made to Glorfindel's character, most notably the introduction of the theme of reincarnation, as part of the ongoing development of Tolkien's legendarium have been analyzed by scholars. The question of whether both characters named Glorfindel could be one and the same has been extensively debated.

Some scholars questioned whether the 1972 essays (published posthumously in The Peoples of Middle-earth) should be considered canonical since they were never published by Tolkien himself during his lifetime. However, Christopher Tolkien's position was clear: his father had definitively resolved that the two Glorfindels were the same person.

The Timing of the Return: Scholarly debate continues about when exactly Glorfindel returned to Middle-earth. The three main candidates are: 1. SA 1200 - during Sauron's early attempts to dominate the Elves 2. SA 1590 - around the forging of the Three Rings 3. SA 1600 - immediately after the forging of the One Ring and the attack on Eregion

Most scholars favor SA 1600 based on Tolkien's later essays, which suggested this timing made the most narrative sense—sending Glorfindel as a counter to Sauron's revelation of his true nature and power.

Glorfindel as Tolkien's "Lazarus": Some scholars refer to Glorfindel as "Tolkien's Very Own Lazareth" (Source: "Sweating to Mordor" blog), comparing him to the biblical Lazarus raised from the dead. However, the comparison is imperfect: Lazarus was resurrected by divine miracle in the same body and life, while Glorfindel underwent re-embodiment after time in Mandos and returned with enhanced powers. The comparison does highlight how unusual and theologically challenging Glorfindel's return was for Tolkien. The Maiar Comparison: Analysis of Glorfindel's power level has led to extensive discussion about how he compares to the Maiar and other powerful beings in Middle-earth. The consensus among scholars is that after his return, Glorfindel occupied a unique position: an incarnate being (an Elf requiring a body) with spiritual power approaching that of the Maiar (angelic beings who could take bodily form at will). This makes him perhaps the most powerful Elf ever to walk in Middle-earth, exceeding even Galadriel or Fëanor in spiritual might, though not necessarily in all other aspects. Academic Resources: - Markus Altena Davidsen's 2014 doctoral thesis on Tolkien spirituality - "Glorfindel: Tolkien's Intertextual Link Between the First and the Third Age" (Luna Press Publishing) - Various analyses in The Tolkien Forum and Silmarillion Writers' Guild scholarly discussions

Contradictions & Different Versions

The Original Duplication: Christopher Tolkien explicitly stated that his father had not originally conceived the Glorfindel of The Lord of the Rings as the same person as the Elf of Gondolin who died fighting the Balrog. Tolkien had simply reused the name—a practice he engaged in during the development of his legendarium when he liked certain names and character concepts. Evolution of the Resolution: The two essays "Glorfindel I" and "Glorfindel II" show Tolkien working through different solutions: - In one version, Glorfindel returns in the early Third Age together with the Istari - In the other (favored) version, he returns much earlier in the Second Age during Sauron's rise to power - The essays were unfinished, showing Tolkien was still working on the details at the end of his life The Timeline Problem: Even within the "same person" resolution, there are contradictory dates for Glorfindel's return to Middle-earth: - SA 1200 - SA 1590 - SA 1600 Tolkien never definitively settled on one date, though his notes suggest SA 1600 was most likely. Linguistic Anachronism: A subtle contradiction noted by scholars: The name "Glorfindel" uses an archaic Sindarin form. By the Third Age, the medial "nd" had become "nn" in Sindarin, so if Glorfindel had been named in the Third Age, he would have been called "Glorfinnel" instead. The preservation of the archaic form supports the idea that he was indeed the ancient Glorfindel of Gondolin, his name unchanged from the First Age. The White Council Question: Sources differ on whether Glorfindel was definitively a member of the White Council. Some state he was "one of the chief counsellors of Elrond and a powerful member of the White Council," while other sources suggest his membership is speculative rather than confirmed in Tolkien's canonical writings. Power Levels and Descriptions: Different sources describe Glorfindel's enhanced powers slightly differently: - "Almost an equal to the Maiar" - "Powers nearly as strong as those of the Maiar" - "Spiritual power enhanced, rivaling that of a Maia" These are not contradictions so much as different ways of expressing the same basic idea—that Glorfindel was enhanced beyond normal Elvish levels but still remained incarnate (requiring a body), unlike true Maiar.

Cultural & Linguistic Context

Etymology: - Sindarin (Glorfindel): Derived from glaur ("golden") and fîn or find ("lock of hair"), with †findel meaning "head of hair" - Quenya (Laurefindil/Laurefindele): Composed of laurë ("golden") and findelë ("lock, head of hair") - Meaning: "Golden-hair" or "Golden-tressed" - Historical Note: The name derives from the earliest work on the mythology, The Fall of Gondolin (1916-17), where it was intended to mean "Golden-tressed" Linguistic Significance: The archaic nature of the name is indicated by the fact that the medial "nd" had not yet become "nn" as was usual in later Sindarin. By the Third Age "findel" had become "finnel," so Glorfindel, had he been named in this era, would have been Glorfinnel instead. The preservation of the First Age form of the name serves as linguistic evidence that he was indeed the ancient hero of Gondolin. The House of the Golden Flower: One of the twelve houses of Gondolin, their device was that of a rayed sun, which they bore upon their shields. The imagery of gold, sun, and radiance pervades Glorfindel's character from the golden flowers on his tomb to the white light that shone from him when he revealed his power to the Nazgûl. Cultural Parallels: While not explicitly documented by Tolkien as an inspiration, the concept of a hero who dies fighting a demon and is resurrected has parallels in various mythologies: - Norse mythology: Heroes in Valhalla who fight and die and rise again - Christian tradition: The resurrection and the concept of saints - Classical mythology: Heroes who descend to the underworld and return

However, Tolkien's treatment is unique in that Glorfindel returns permanently to mortal life (Middle-earth) rather than remaining in the afterlife or divine realm (Valinor).

The Proverb: "Glorfindel and the Balrog" became an in-universe proverb among the Eldar on occasions when a power of good was hopelessly outmatched by powers of evil, yet triumphed through sacrifice. This cultural echo shows how deeply Glorfindel's sacrifice resonated in Elvish memory.

Questions & Mysteries

Why Was Glorfindel Chosen for Return? While Tolkien explains that Glorfindel's sacrifice was "of vital importance to the designs of the Valar," we don't know the full reasoning. Many Elves died heroically in the First Age—why was Glorfindel specifically selected for re-embodiment and return? Was it purely the nature of his sacrifice (saving the refugees who included Eärendil, whose voyage would lead to Morgoth's defeat)? Or was there something unique about Glorfindel's spirit that made him suitable for this role? What Did Glorfindel Experience in Mandos? We know Glorfindel spent a "short time" in the Halls of Mandos before re-embodiment, but what did this entail? Did he interact with other deceased Elves? What was the process of re-embodiment like? Did Glorfindel ever report on the conditions of the Halls of Mandos to those in Middle-earth? Tolkien left these questions unanswered. The Gap in the Record: If Glorfindel returned to Middle-earth around SA 1600, what did he do during the rest of the Second Age and early Third Age? We know he fought at Fornost in TA 1975, but that's nearly 3,600 years after his return. What was he doing during all that time? Was he primarily serving as an advisor? Did he participate in other battles? This enormous gap in Glorfindel's story remains mysterious. The Enhanced Powers: Exactly what capabilities did Glorfindel's enhanced state grant him? We know he: - Could exist in both Seen and Unseen worlds - Radiated light visible to those in the wraith-world - Could drive away Nazgûl by his mere presence - Had healing abilities - Was considered nearly equal to the Maiar

But what were the limits of these powers? Could he perform other feats? How exactly did his dual-world existence work?

Why Didn't Glorfindel Go to Valinor? The Elves who survived the War of the Ring eventually departed to Valinor. Did Glorfindel go with them? Or, having already dwelt in Valinor and been sent back with a mission, did he remain in Middle-earth? His fate after the Third Age is unknown. The Prophetic Gift: Glorfindel prophesied that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of man. Did his time in Mandos and his enhanced state give him prophetic abilities? Or was this a one-time divine inspiration? We don't know if Glorfindel made other prophecies or had consistent foresight. Why Yellow Flowers? The specific detail that yellow flowers—matching Glorfindel's golden hair—grew on his tomb seems significant. Were these ordinary flowers, or was there some lingering power in the place of his death and burial? Did they remain even after the world was changed? The specificity of this image suggests deeper meaning, but Tolkien never explained it.

Compelling Quotes for Narration

1. "Thorondor bore up Glorfindel's body out of the abyss, and they buried him in a mound of stones beside the pass; and a green turf came there, and yellow flowers bloomed upon it amid the barrenness of stone, until the world was changed." - The Silmarillion, "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin"

2. "Glorfindel's left hand found a dirk, which he thrust upward to pierce the Balrog's belly (the demon was double his stature), and it shrieked and fell backward from the rock—but while falling, it clutched Glorfindel's yellow locks beneath his cap, and both fell into the abyss." - The Fall of Gondolin (detailed account)

3. "Glorfindel revealed himself to be a Lord among Elves, and from him shone a great white light." - Description at the Ford of Bruinen

4. "In this matter it would be well to trust rather to their friendship than to great wisdom. Even if you chose for us an elf-lord, such as Glorfindel, he could not storm the Dark Tower, nor open the road to the Fire by the power that is in him." - Gandalf at the Council of Elrond

5. "Glorfindel did not fear the Ringwraiths, as he had great presence in both the Seen and Unseen worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence." - Account of his search for Frodo

6. "Glorfindel left Valinor reluctantly and is blameless in the Kinslaying, and since his sacrifice in defeating the Balrog was deemed to be 'of vital importance to the designs of the Valar,' he is granted an exemption to the Exiles' ban and purged of any guilt." - Tolkien's essay on Glorfindel (The Peoples of Middle-earth)

7. "Once restored and allowed to dwell in Valinor, his spiritual power was greatly enhanced, almost an equal of the Maiar." - Description of his re-embodiment

8. "An 'air of special power and sanctity [...] surrounds' Glorfindel in The Lord of the Rings because of his death and reincarnation." - Tolkien's late essay explaining the character

9. "Many songs were sung of the duel between Glorfindel and the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place." - The Fall of Gondolin

10. "Not by the hand of man will he fall." - Glorfindel's prophecy about the Witch-king

Visual Elements to Highlight

1. The Golden-Haired Warrior: Glorfindel as lord of the House of the Golden Flower in Gondolin's glory, with golden hair and armor bearing the rayed sun emblem

2. The Fall of Gondolin - Chaos and Fire: The burning city, dragons attacking, the desperate defense by the Twelve Houses

3. The Escape Through Cirith Thoronath: The narrow mountain pass, the refugees climbing, the yawning abyss beside the path

4. The Balrog Ambush: The demon appearing in the mountain pass, double Glorfindel's height, with whip and claws, iron helm

5. The Epic Duel: Glorfindel and the Balrog grappling on the pinnacle of rock, the desperate combat

6. The Fatal Strike: Glorfindel thrusting his dirk upward into the Balrog's belly as it clutches his golden hair

7. The Fall into the Abyss: Both warrior and demon falling together into the darkness below

8. Thorondor's Rescue: The great eagle descending into the abyss to retrieve Glorfindel's broken body

9. The Tomb of Yellow Flowers: The stone cairn beside the pass, covered in yellow flowers amid the barren rocks

10. The Halls of Mandos: The mysterious halls of waiting in Valinor, where Elvish spirits dwell

11. The Re-embodiment: Glorfindel's spirit being given new form, enhanced and purified, in Valinor

12. Glorfindel Among the Valar: Living in Valinor in the company of the Eldar and Maiar, who regard him as an equal

13. The Return to Middle-earth: Glorfindel arriving in the Second Age, perhaps by ship, to aid against Sauron

14. The Battle of Fornost: Glorfindel leading Elvish warriors against the forces of Angmar

15. The Prophecy: Glorfindel facing the fleeing Witch-king, speaking his doom

16. The Radiant Rescuer: Glorfindel appearing in the Trollshaws on his white horse Asfaloth, golden-haired and shining

17. Dual World Vision: Frodo seeing Glorfindel as a being of radiant white light when in the wraith-world

18. The Ford of Bruinen: Glorfindel revealing his power at the ford, the Nazgûl driven into the flood, white light blazing

19. The Council of Elrond: Glorfindel among the great and wise, debating the fate of the Ring

20. Both Worlds at Once: Visual representation of Glorfindel existing simultaneously in the Seen and Unseen realms, terrifying to the Nazgûl

Sources Consulted

Primary Tolkien Sources:

- The Fall of Gondolin (standalone book, 2018, and earlier versions in The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, 1984) - The Silmarillion (1977), particularly "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin" - The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955), particularly "Flight to the Ford" and "The Council of Elrond" - Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth (1980) - The History of Middle-earth, Volume 10: Morgoth's Ring (1993) - "Laws and Customs Among the Eldar" - The History of Middle-earth, Volume 12: The Peoples of Middle-earth (1996) - "Last Writings"

Reference Works:

- Tolkien Gateway (https://tolkiengateway.net) - comprehensive articles on Glorfindel, Fall of Gondolin, Cirith Thoronath, and related topics - The Encyclopedia of Arda (https://www.glyphweb.com/arda/) - The One Wiki to Rule Them All (https://lotr.fandom.com)

Scholarly Analysis:

- "Exploring the People of Middle-earth: Glorfindel, Resurrected Hero and Spiritual Warrior" - Tor.com/Reactor (2019) - "Let the Houseless be Re-housed! (Part I & II) – Tolkien Deals with Glorfindel's Reincarnation" - Sweating to Mordor blog (2014) - "The Reincarnation of Glorfindel – Tolkien's Very Own Lazareth" - Sweating to Mordor blog (2014) - "Tolkien's Essays and Letters on Elvish and Human Death and Reincarnation" - Dr. Philip Irving Mitchell, Dallas Baptist University - "Glorfindel: Tolkien's Intertextual Link Between the First and the Third Age" - Luna Press Publishing - "The Notion Club Papers" blog: "Tolkien and reincarnation" - Character Biography: Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell - Silmarillion Writers' Guild (by Oshun)

Fan Resources and Discussion:

- The Tolkien Forum (https://thetolkien.forum) - extensive discussions on Glorfindel's identity, timeline, and powers - Ask Middle Earth (Tumblr) - "The Second Life of Glorfindel Losgloriol" and "The Elvish Afterlife" - Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange - multiple Q&A threads on Glorfindel topics

Additional Notes

Glorfindel as Exception: Glorfindel is explicitly noted as "the sole exception" to the usual pattern—he is deliberately an agent of the Valar to aid in the war against Sauron. He represents Tolkien's first and primary attempt at contemplating the portrayal of a reincarnated elf, making him a crucial figure in understanding Tolkien's evolving theology and mythology. The Film Omission: In Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, Glorfindel's role was given to Arwen. This was a significant change that removed one of the most powerful Elves from the narrative. The filmmakers' reasoning was likely to give Arwen more screen time and development, but it meant that movie audiences never encountered this remarkable character. Connection to Eärendil: One reason Glorfindel's sacrifice may have been deemed "of vital importance to the designs of the Valar" is that the refugees he saved included young Eärendil (son of Tuor and Idril). Eärendil would later sail to Valinor to plead for aid against Morgoth, leading to the War of Wrath and Morgoth's defeat. Without Glorfindel's sacrifice, Eärendil might never have survived to fulfill his crucial role. The Istari Parallel: Glorfindel's mission is explicitly compared to that of the Istari (Wizards), but with key differences: - The Istari were Maiar who took the form of old men and had their powers restricted - Glorfindel was an Elf who had his powers enhanced to near-Maiar levels - The Istari arrived in the Third Age; Glorfindel likely arrived in the Second Age - The Istari were forbidden to match power with power; Glorfindel had no such restriction

Both were emissaries of the Valar sent to aid against Sauron, but their methods and nature differed significantly.

Textual Development: The evolution of Glorfindel's character across Tolkien's writings provides insight into his creative process: 1. 1917: Created for The Fall of Gondolin - heroic death 2. 1937-1949: Name reused for an elf in Lord of the Rings 3. 1950s-1960s: Growing awareness of the name duplication issue 4. 1972: Final essays reconciling the characters as the same person through reincarnation

This 55-year journey shows Tolkien's meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to internal consistency.

The Catholic Dilemma: Tolkien's struggle with Glorfindel illuminates the tension between his devout Catholicism and his creative mythology. Reincarnation is incompatible with Catholic doctrine, yet Tolkien felt compelled to include it for his Elves. He attempted to reconcile this by: - Making it specific to Elves (not humans, who have the "Gift of Men" to leave the world) - Requiring divine permission (the Valar's judgment, not automatic) - Treating it as re-embodiment rather than rebirth into a new life - Positioning it as sub-creation (a "what if" for a different kind of rational being) Thematic Resonance: Glorfindel's story resonates with several Christian themes despite the reincarnation element: - Sacrificial love (laying down one's life for others) - Death leading to greater life (resurrection and enhancement) - The purification of suffering (his guilt purged through sacrifice) - Divine grace (the Valar's gift of return) - Mission and purpose (sent back with a specific calling)

These parallels may explain why Tolkien, despite his theological concerns, ultimately embraced Glorfindel's resurrection as part of his mythology.

The Power Question: If Glorfindel possessed power nearly equal to the Maiar, why didn't he play a larger role in the War of the Ring? Gandalf's explanation at the Council of Elrond addresses this: power alone cannot storm the Dark Tower or open the road to Mount Doom. The Quest required secrecy, humility, and friendship—qualities embodied by Hobbits, not the mighty. This reflects one of Tolkien's central themes: the great may be brought low by the small, and true victory comes not through power but through sacrifice and grace. A Note on Sources: The most detailed and authoritative information about Glorfindel's reincarnation comes from The Peoples of Middle-earth, published posthumously in 1996. These essays represent Tolkien's final thoughts on the subject, written in 1972 (one year before his death). While they were never published by Tolkien himself, Christopher Tolkien's editorial judgment was that they represented his father's definitive resolution of the Glorfindel question. Scholars generally accept these essays as canonical despite their posthumous nature.

Sources for "Glorfindel's Death and Resurrection: The Elf Who Came Back"

Primary Tolkien Texts

Published Works

1. The Fall of Gondolin (standalone edition, 2018, edited by Christopher Tolkien) - Original story written 1916-1917 - Most detailed account of Glorfindel's battle with the Balrog

2. The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two (1984, The History of Middle-earth Volume 2) - Contains the earliest complete version of The Fall of Gondolin - Published by Christopher Tolkien

3. The Silmarillion (1977, edited by Christopher Tolkien) - Chapter: "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin" - Condensed account of Glorfindel's death and burial

4. The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955) - Book I, Chapter 12: "Flight to the Ford" - Glorfindel's rescue of Frodo - Book II, Chapter 1: "Many Meetings" - Frodo's recovery and Glorfindel's presence - Book II, Chapter 2: "The Council of Elrond" - Glorfindel's participation in the debate

5. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth (1980, edited by Christopher Tolkien) - References to Glorfindel's return in the Second Age - Timeline discussions and narrative context

6. Morgoth's Ring (1993, The History of Middle-earth Volume 10) - Section: "Laws and Customs Among the Eldar" - Detailed explanation of Elvish death, the Halls of Mandos, and reincarnation - Fundamental for understanding the theological framework of Glorfindel's return

7. The Peoples of Middle-earth (1996, The History of Middle-earth Volume 12) - Section: "Last Writings" - Contains "Glorfindel I" and "Glorfindel II" essays written by Tolkien in 1972 - Christopher Tolkien's commentary on the identity question - Tolkien's final resolution that the two Glorfindels are the same person - Most authoritative source for Glorfindel's reincarnation and return

8. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (1981, edited by Humphrey Carpenter) - Letter discussing resurrection as "cheating" (1954) - Relevant to understanding Tolkien's theological concerns

Reference Works & Encyclopedias

Online Resources

1. Tolkien Gateway (https://tolkiengateway.net) - Article: "Glorfindel" - comprehensive character biography - Article: "Fall of Gondolin" - historical context - Article: "Cirith Thoronath" - geographic details - Article: "Laws and Customs among the Eldar" - theological framework - Article: "House of the Golden Flower" - Glorfindel's house in Gondolin - Article: "Ford of Bruinen" - site of Glorfindel's confrontation with Nazgûl - Article: "Council of Elrond" - Glorfindel's role in the War of the Ring

2. The Encyclopedia of Arda (https://www.glyphweb.com/arda/) - Entries on Glorfindel, Gondolin, and related topics - Timeline references

3. The One Wiki to Rule Them All (https://lotr.fandom.com) - Comprehensive Glorfindel article - Fall of Gondolin article - Related character and event pages

4. Eldamo - Elvish Linguistic Dictionary (https://eldamo.org) - Etymology of "Glorfindel" (Sindarin) - Etymology of "Laurefindil/Laurefindele" (Quenya) - Linguistic analysis

5. Parf Edhellen - Elvish Dictionary (https://www.elfdict.com) - Word meanings: "golden," "gold," "hair" - Etymology resources

Scholarly Articles & Analysis

Academic Sources

1. Dr. Philip Irving Mitchell (Dallas Baptist University) - "Tolkien's Essays and Letters on Elvish and Human Death and Reincarnation" - Available at: https://www.dbu.edu/mitchell/tolkien-medieval-tradition-resources/tolkiendeath.html - Academic analysis of Tolkien's theology

2. Markus Altena Davidsen (2014 doctoral thesis) - Research on Tolkien spirituality - Referenced in scholarly discussions

3. Luna Press Publishing - "Glorfindel: Tolkien's Intertextual Link Between the First and the Third Age" - Available at: https://www.lunapresspublishing.com/post/glorfindel-s-intertextual-link-between-the-first-and-the-third-age - Literary analysis

Online Scholarly Blogs

1. Sweating to Mordor (WordPress blog) - "The Reincarnation of Glorfindel – Tolkien's Very Own Lazareth" (March 27, 2014) https://sweatingtomordor.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/the-reincarnation-of-glorfindel-tolkiens-very-own-lazareth/ - "Let the Houseless be Re-housed! (Part I) – Tolkien Deals with Glorfindel's Reincarnation" (March 28, 2014) https://sweatingtomordor.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/let-the-houseless-be-re-housed-tolkien-deals-with-glorfindels-reincarnation/ - "Let the Houseless be Re-housed! (Part II) – Tolkien Deals with Glorfindel's Reincarnation" (March 29, 2014) https://sweatingtomordor.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/let-the-houseless-be-re-housed-part-ii-tolkien-deals-with-glorfindels-reincarnation/ - Detailed multi-part analysis of Glorfindel's theological significance

2. The Notion Club Papers (Inklings blog) - "Tolkien and reincarnation" (May 2019) http://notionclubpapers.blogspot.com/2019/05/tolkien-and-reincarnation.html - Analysis of Tolkien's struggle with reincarnation concept

3. Tolkien: Medieval and Modern (blog) - "Reincarnation in Tolkien" (April 2014) http://tolkienmedievalandmodern.blogspot.com/2014/04/reincarnation-in-tolkien.html - Theological and literary analysis

4. Tor.com / Reactor - "Exploring the People of Middle-earth: Glorfindel, Resurrected Hero and Spiritual Warrior" (April 18, 2019) https://www.tor.com/2019/04/18/exploring-the-people-of-middle-earth-glorfindel-resurrected-hero-and-spiritual-warrior/ - Comprehensive character analysis

5. A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry (Bret Devereaux) - "Collections: How Gandalf Proved Mightiest: Spiritual Power in Tolkien" (April 25, 2025) https://acoup.blog/2025/04/25/collections-how-gandalf-proved-mightiest-spiritual-power-in-tolkien/ - Analysis of spiritual power in Middle-earth, relevant for understanding Glorfindel's enhanced state

Fan Communities & Discussion Forums

The Silmarillion Writers' Guild

1. Character Biography: Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell (by Oshun) - Part 1: http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/characterofthemonth/glorfindel1.php - Part 2: https://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/glorfindel2.php - Comprehensive two-part character biography with extensive citations

2. Character Biography: Thorondor, Lord of the Eagles (by Oshun) - https://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/thorondor.php - Context for the eagle who rescued Glorfindel's body

The Tolkien Forum

1. Discussion threads: - "Glorfindel number 1 and number 2, are they the same?" https://thetolkien.forum/threads/glorfindel-number-1-and-number-2-are-they-the-same.18740/ - "Was the Silmarillion Glorfindel the same as the LOTR Glorfindel?" https://thetolkien.forum/threads/was-the-silmarillion-glorfindel-the-same-as-the-lotr-glorfindel.31608/ - "Glorfindel" (general discussion) https://thetolkien.forum/threads/glorfindel.36755/ - "A Glorfindel essay" https://www.thetolkienforum.com/threads/a-glorfindel-essay.19065/ - "The arrival of Glorfindel and the Istari" https://thetolkien.forum/threads/the-arrival-of-glorfindel-and-the-istari.7686/ - "The Istari & Glorfindel - Arrival Dates?" https://thetolkien.forum/threads/the-istari-glorfindel-arrival-dates.20370/

2. Wiki articles: - https://thetolkien.forum/wiki/Glorfindel

Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange

1. "Why wasn't Glorfindel included in the Fellowship?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/38904/why-wasnt-glorfindel-included-in-the-fellowship

2. "Why was Glorfindel sent back to Middle Earth?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/87917/why-was-glorfindel-sent-back-to-middle-earth

3. "Did Tolkien communicate whether Glorfindel ever reported the conditions of the Halls of Mandos?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/266946/did-tolkien-communicate-whether-glorfindel-ever-reported-the-conditions-of-the-h

4. "Are there characters from Tolkien's Legendarium that came back from the dead?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/176174/are-there-characters-from-tolkiens-legendarium-that-came-back-from-the-dead

5. "What happened to elves when they died or lost the will to live?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/58700/what-happened-to-elves-when-they-died-or-lost-the-will-to-live

6. "Besides Galadriel and Glorfindel, were any of the elves living in Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age born in Aman?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/268338/besides-galadriel-and-glorfindel-were-any-of-the-elves-living-in-middle-earth-a

7. "How could Gandalf beat the Balrog?" https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/94763/how-could-gandalf-beat-the-balrog

Ask Middle Earth (Tumblr)

1. "The Second Life of Glorfindel Losgloriol" https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/54998262138/the-second-life-of-glorfindel-losgloriol

2. "The Elvish Afterlife" https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/43010877100/the-elvish-afterlife

3. "Glorfindel's Grave" https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/70737191471/glorfindels-grave

4. "Elvish Funerals" https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/69028738376/elvish-funerals

Other Resources

Middle-earth & J.R.R. Tolkien Blog

1. "How Did Glorfindel Die in the First Age?" https://middle-earth.xenite.org/how-did-glorfindel-die-in-the-first-age/

2. "Who Were the Members of the White Council?" https://middle-earth.xenite.org/who-were-the-members-of-the-white-council/

Wisdom from The Lord of the Rings (Stephen C. Winter)

1. "The Council of Elrond" https://stephencwinter.com/tag/the-council-of-elrond/

2. "'We Must Send The Ring to The Fire'. Elrond Concludes The Debate on What To Do With The Ring" https://stephencwinter.com/2021/07/02/we-must-send-the-ring-to-the-fire-elrond-concludes-the-debate-on-what-to-do-with-the-ring/

Valar Guild

1. "Glorfindel" (comprehensive article) http://valarguild.org/varda/Tolkien/encyc/papers/Glorfindel.htm

2. "Death in Tolkien's Legendarium" https://valarguild.org/tolkien/encyc/papers/Amaranth/DeathinTolkien.htm

The Tolkien Society

1. "The Fall of Gondolin published" (2018 announcement) https://www.tolkiensociety.org/2018/08/the-fall-of-gondolin-published/

2. "Frequently Asked Questions" https://www.tolkiensociety.org/discover/faq/

Wikipedia

1. "Glorfindel" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glorfindel

2. "The Fall of Gondolin" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fall_of_Gondolin

3. "The Peoples of Middle-earth" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Peoples_of_Middle-earth

4. "Morgoth's Ring" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgoth's_Ring

5. "Unfinished Tales" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_Tales

6. "Balrog" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balrog

Research Methodology

This research drew from: - Primary canonical sources: Tolkien's published and posthumously published works - Linguistic resources: Etymology and name analysis from Eldamo and Parf Edhellen - Academic scholarship: University-level analysis and doctoral research - Reputable fan scholarship: Silmarillion Writers' Guild character biographies - Community discussions: The Tolkien Forum and Stack Exchange for scholarly debates - Popular media: For accessibility and contemporary interpretations

All quotes attributed to Tolkien come from published sources (either during his lifetime or posthumously edited by Christopher Tolkien). Scholarly interpretations are clearly identified as such, and speculation is distinguished from established canon.

The most authoritative sources for the reincarnation aspect are: 1. The Peoples of Middle-earth (Tolkien's 1972 essays) 2. Morgoth's Ring ("Laws and Customs Among the Eldar") 3. Christopher Tolkien's editorial commentary

The most detailed narrative sources for the Fall of Gondolin are: 1. The Book of Lost Tales Part Two (earliest version, 1917) 2. The standalone Fall of Gondolin (2018 edition with multiple versions) 3. The Silmarillion (condensed canonical version)