One Cast To Rule Them All
In spite of the massive influx of fantasy titles dominating the big and small screens, there’s just something about Tolkien’s world that keeps fans coming back again and again. Whether it’s the on-screen adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, or the upcoming Amazon TV series, Middle-earth is apparently the place to be when it comes to elves, dwarves and epic adventures. Might have something to do with these extraordinary characters.
#5: Gollum [aka Sméagol]
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
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.
#3: Samwise Gamgee
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)
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.
#1: Aragorn [aka Strider]
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.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Moments.
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