Top 10 Best Lord of the Rings Characters

Not just easy on the eyes, Legolas is a certified bad ass. This Sindarin Elf is the Prince of the Woodland Realm of Northern Mirkwood and possibly the best archer in Middle-earth. Attending the Council of Elrond at the behest of his father, Thranduil, to deliver a message about Gollum’s escape, he joins the Fellowship of the Ring when it becomes clear that Sauron’s forces are on the move. From there, along with Aragorn and Gimli, he continues to fight the good fight even after he’s separated from Frodo and Sam, assisting through Rohan, fighting in the Battle of the Hornburg, and ultimately the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. A tireless fighter with sharp vision, Legolas is a proven invaluable member of the team.

Lady of Lothlórien and a Guardian of the Golden Wood, this Elf queen is known as one of the most beautiful and powerful Eldar in Middle-earth. On top of this, she also bears one of the three Elven Rings of Power- Nenya, the White Ring. Having been around longer than almost anyone else, born before the First Age, her knowledge and wisdom can’t be rivalled. While in younger days, she was ambitious and commanding, by the Third Age – in which LOTR is set – she uses her power to oppose Sauron, helping to form the White Council, and during the War of the Ring, she aided the Fellowship. Gifted with telepathy, she is one boss queen you don’t want to piss off.

Our main character throughout the bulk of the LotR trilogy, this mighty little Hobbit is the adopted nephew of his cousin Bilbo Baggins. Like the One Ring itself, Frodo proves that even the smallest hold great potential. But what he lacks in stature, he makes up for in spades with bravery. After inheriting the One Ring from Bilbo, and making it all the way to Rivendell – while getting stabbed by the Witch-King of Angmar in the process – Frodo presents the Ring at the Council of Elrond. When a fight breaks out over what to do with the Ring, it's Frodo that steps up and volunteers. Despite the great danger, and the obvious toll the burden takes on him throughout, Frodo steadfastly sees his mission through.

Looking up a branch on the family tree, it isn't hard to see where Frodo got his personality. It's true the Baggins’ clan used to be quiet, respectable Hobbits, but imagine if this pipe-smoking, ring-stealing dude hadn’t accompanied the Dwarves on their quest to burgle a dragon. Pretty much the entire narrative was set in motion after he decided to leave his front door, and Middle-earth has never been the same since. The titular Hobbit of Peter Jackson’s LOTR prequel film trilogy, and like his nephew to follow, Bilbo is as brave as he is clever. Not only does he outwit trolls, and win a deadly game of riddling, but he’s also able to banter with a dragon and live to tell the tale. Leonard Nimoy was right when sang that he was “the bravest little Hobbit of them all.”

The eldest- and clear favorite- son of Denethor II, and the Steward-prince of Gondor, this brave warrior was a son of Gondor and unwaveringly proud of it. Growing up near the border, he perhaps knew better than anyone else in the Fellowship the true threat of Mordor and the power they were up against. Having already fought the battle for eastern Osgiliath alongside his brother Faramir – who, despite their father’s blatant favoritism, respected and loved his big brother – Boromir knew there was a lot at stake. However, his determination to protect his city at all costs left him vulnerable to temptation. Nevertheless, after attempting to steal the Ring, he redeemed himself when he gave his life to protect his friends.

After killing his cousin and best friend Déagol, the Stoor Hobbit Smeagol descended into madness and became the creature known as Gollum – so named for his hacking cough. After Bilbo Baggins escapes him in the Misty Mountains taking the “Precious” with him, Gollum became obsessed with getting the Ring back. Although not truly evil, he was a wretched character nonetheless, and garnered the pity of both Bilbo and Frodo. Remarkable for being the second longest serving Ring Bearer, Gollum is also regarded for his travelling and tracking abilities, which rival even those of skilled Rangers - all of which makes him one of the most unique characters in Middle-earth.

#4: Éowyn

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Top 10 Villains in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Movies

Shield-maiden of Rohan and younger sister of Éomer, this lady is not afraid. Having already been forced to take care of her uncle, King Théoden- who was both sick and under the control of Saruman- Éowyn was itching to prove herself when the War of the Ring rolled around. Fuelled by her family's trademark bravery, she dons armor and secretly sets off with the army. When the Witch-King of Angmar attacks the fallen Théoden, and all other riders flee, it's Éowyn who takes care of business. Later, while they were both recovering from their various battles, she meets Faramir. Finding out they share a talent for kicking ass, they eventually marry, becoming the Prince and Lady of Ithilien.

Who doesn’t love this amazing and brave Hobbit? Frodo's most loyal friend, he is one of the few in the Fellowship who never, ever gives up hope. The moral center of both the Fellowship and the story as a whole, Sam continually reminds everyone of the good in the world despite the evil all around. Coming to his friend’s rescue more than once, he’s more than earned a quiet life. So even though he was a Ring-Bearer – albeit very temporarily, while saving Frodo from Cirith Ungol – and he had the option to sail east with Frodo and the Elves when they leave Middle-earth for good, he opted to stay in the Shire… at least for the time being.

#2: Gandalf (the Grey & the White)

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Dumbledore Versus Gandalf

Like many of the protagonists, there is more to this wizard than first meets the eye. Okay, we’re going deep nerd here. Prior to the events of the Lord of the Rings, Gandalf was a Maia- an immortal spirit-, named Olórin. When Sauron first rose to power, he was sent to Middle-earth to stop him. Wandering for centuries among the Elves and Free People as Gandalf the Grey, he joined the Fellowship of the Ring as a mentor and protector. After “dying” in his fight against the Balrog, he returned as Gandalf the White to continue the good fight. A semi-divine, sword-wielding, pipe-smoking old wizard, Gandalf truly is one of kind. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Gimli Saruman Thorin II Oakenshield

The son of Arathorn II, he is the true King of Gondor, destined to bring peace to Middle-earth. Raised by Elrond in Rivendell, he only learned of his true ancestry as a grown man. At the advice of Gandalf – the wizard freshly returned from a little adventure concerning dragons and Dwarves – Aragorn became a Ranger, assumed the name of Strider, and began to live in the borders near the Shire. When the time came, he made sure to be there when the new Ring Bearer needed him. A born leader and master swordsman, he is able to overcome temptation and fear in his quest to reunite Middle-earth and defeat Sauron to be crowned King Aragorn II Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom.