The Folly Of These Days

As has been well and probably tiresomely documented on the forum of this board I do not and never will understand the fandom that has exploded around the character of Haldir. In fact, it turns me off. Being a book-centric writer, I have always believed that Haldir’s brief appearance provided absolutely no material for such rabid devotion, let alone that of his brothers, Orophin and Rumil. Now, I know there were those movie things, and that much of the fervor has grown up from the character's embodiment by Craig Parker, but that is also something I have failed to appreciate ... repeatedly.

So I took the opportunity of this challenge to examine my prejudice, and reintroduce myself to the character of Haldir as it appears in print and, while I remain of the opinion that there is no "there, there" where Rumil and Orophin are concerned, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Haldir actually does have a character and, more than that, a story arc.

When we meet him, he is clearly one somewhat set in his ways and happy that way. He seems to like rules, and likes upholding them. He is possessive of Lothlorien, and happy to play his part in keeping it safe and unchanged. He is wary of strangers, even xenophobic, but appropriately so given his role of border guard.

However, when he meets the Fellowship, and the Hobbits in particular, his world-view begins to broaden and gentle. He personally seems to guide Frodo through Lorien, converses with him at some length, calls him "happy" to live near the sea and the Grey Havens, and leads Sam and Frodo up Cerin Amroth when he perceives that they perceive the power of the Lady in the woods about them. Haldir is also quick to take Galadriel's example when she extends a gracious welcome and friendship to Gimli. And it is Haldir who returns from the Northern border to lead the Fellowship out of Lorien.

So, the least I thought I should do is take his example, and broaden my outlook, and write about him.

Rather than take his perspective, however, I chose to see Haldir's change of heart through the eyes of one who Tolkien gives absolutely no character, merely a name, and for whom there is no evidence of a similar story arc: Rumil.