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{{sindar infobox
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[File:Ebe Kastein - Celeborn.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Ebe Kastein - Celeborn.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Celeborn" by [[:Category:Images by Ebe Kastein|Ebe Kastein]]
| name=Celeborn
| name=Celeborn
| pronun=
| pronun
| othernames=[[Telerin|T.]] ''[[Teleporno]]''
| othernames=''[[Teleporno]]'' ([[Telerin|T]])
| titles=Lord of [[Lothlórien|Lórien]]
| titles=Lord of the [[Galadhrim]], [[Lord of Lórien]], The Wise
| position=
| position=
| location=[[Doriath]]<br/>[[Lindon]]<br/>[[Eregion]]<br/>[[Lothlórien]]
| location=[[Doriath]], [[Harlindon]], [[Eregion]], [[Eriador]], [[Belfalas]], [[Imladris]], [[Lothlórien]], [[East Lórien]]
| affiliation=[[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| language=[[Sindarin]], [[Westron]], and [[Silvan Elvish]]
| birth=Uncertain, see [[#Controversy|below]]
| birth=Uncertain, see [[#Controversy|below]]
| birthlocation=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| rule={{TA|1981}} - early [[Fourth Age]]
| sailedwest=Early [[Fourth Age]]
| sailedwest=Early [[Fourth Age]]<ref>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=AppTale>{{App|Tale}}</ref>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| age=
| notablefor=
| notablefor=
| house=
| house=A member of the royal house of [[Doriath]]
| parentage=Unclear ([[#Controversy|see below]])
| parentage=[[Galadhon]]  
| siblings=Unclear ([[#Controversy|see below]])
| siblings=[[Galathil]]  
| spouse=[[Galadriel]]
| spouse=[[Galadriel]]
| children=[[Celebrían]], [[Amroth]]<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> (earlier version)
| children=[[Celebrían]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=
| height=6 feet 4 inches (193cm)<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]", the heights of Galadriel and Celeborn are described: "Very tall they were, and the Lady no less tall than the Lord". Galadriel's height of 6'4'' comes from "Appendix: Númenórean Linear Measures" to "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]" in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''.</ref>
| hair=Silver, long<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|Mirror}}</ref>
| hair=Silver, long<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|Mirror}}</ref>
| eyes=
| eyes=
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}}
}}


'''Celeborn''' ([[Sindarin|S]]: "silver-tall", pron. {{IPA|[ˈkeleborn]}}) was a noble [[Elves|Elf]] - a member of the [[Sindar]]<ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> - who wedded  [[Galadriel]] of the [[Noldor]]. After crossing the Blue Mountains at the beginning of the Second Age and living in the realm of [[Eregion]] for a while, he and Galadriel moved to [[Lothlórien]] to become the [[Lord of Lórien|Lord and Lady of Lórien]]. His daughter [[Celebrían]] married [[Elrond]] Half-elven whose daughter [[Arwen]] chose a mortal life to wed [[Aragorn]].
'''Celeborn''' ([[Sindarin|S]]: "silver-tall", pron. {{IPA|[ˈkeleborn]}}) was one of the noblest of the [[Sindar]]<ref name=appb/><ref name=rgeo/> who wedded  [[Galadriel]] of the [[Noldor]]. After crossing the Blue Mountains at the beginning of the Second Age and living in the realm of [[Eregion]] for a while, he founded the realm of [[Imladris]] with [[Elrond]] and with Galadriel, later moved to [[Lothlórien]] to become the [[Lord of Lórien|Lord and Lady of Lórien]]. Their daughter [[Celebrían]] married [[Elrond]] whose daughter [[Arwen]] chose a mortal life to wed [[Aragorn]].


==History==
==History==
===Early life===
===Early life===
Celeborn was a [[Sindar|Sindarin]] prince from [[Doriath]], the grandson of [[Elmo]] (the brother of [[Thingol|Elwe/Thingol]])<ref name="Sil-13">{{S|13}}</ref>  
{{seealso|#Telerin descent}}
Celeborn was a [[Sindar|Sindarin]] prince of [[Doriath]],<ref name="Sil-13">{{S|13}}</ref> being the grandson of [[Elmo]] the brother of [[Thingol|Elwe/Thingol]], and thus he was the grand-nephew of the [[King of Doriath]].<ref name=concerning>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|left|thumb|"Love at First Sight" by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]]]]
In the early [[First Age]], [[Finrod]] and [[Galadriel]] came to Doriath as guests of Thingol. There, Celeborn and Galadriel  met, fell in love and were wedded. Galadriel remained in Doriath with Celeborn after [[Finrod]] went to the [[Caverns of Narog]] to establish the stronghold of [[Nargothrond]].<ref name="Sil-13"/>


{{seealso|#Controversy}}
For the rest of the [[First Age]], Celeborn and Galadriel are not mentioned to have played any significant role in the general course of events of the Age, while their relatives, both Sindarin and Noldorin did. By the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495}} Galadriel passed over [[Blue Mountains|the mountains]].<ref name=mirror>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref>


===First Age===
===Second Age===
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|left|thumb|Līga Kļaviņa - ''Love at First Sight'']]
After the [[War of wrath|fall of Beleriand]], Celeborn and Galadriel came to [[Lindon]] the coastal region west of the Blue Mountains. Celeborn ruled the fief of [[Harlindon]], which was composed mostly of Sindar, under the [[High King of the Noldor]] [[Gil-galad]].<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref>
In the early [[Years of the Sun]] Finrod and [[Galadriel]] came to Doriath as guests of [[Elu Thingol]], the King of Doriath. There Celeborn and Galadriel  met, fell in love and were wedded. Galadriel remained in Doriath with Celeborn after [[Finrod]] went to the [[Caverns of Narog]] to establish the stronghold of [[Nargothrond]]. <ref name="Sil-13"/>


For the rest of the [[First Age]] Celeborn and Galadriel are not mentioned to have played any significant role in the general course of events of the Age, while their relatives, both Sindarin and Noldorin did. The only thing that can be said for sure, is that the couple survived the [[Wars of Beleriand]], including the [[Second Kinslaying]] by the [[Sons of Feanor]]<ref>{{S|24}}</ref>. They may have escaped to the [[Havens of Sirion|Havens]] or the [[Isle of Balar]].
[[Galadriel]] and Celeborn crossed into [[Eriador]] with many Noldor in their following, together with [[Sindar]] and [[Green-elves]]; and for a while they dwelt in the country about [[Lake Nenuial]] ruling the Eldar in Eriador, including the wandering companies of the native Nandor.<ref name=concerning/> They departed for [[Eregion]] and arrived there by {{SA|750}}.<ref name=concerning/><ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> It was ruled by [[Celebrimbor]], a grandson of Fëanor and distant cousin of Galadriel.  


===Second Age===
It was only sometime between {{SA|1350}} and {{SA|1400|n}}<ref name=concerning/> did [[Galadriel]] cross the [[Hithaeglir]] through [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] and relocated to there with her daughter [[Celebrían]], becoming great among the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]].<ref name=concerning/> Celeborn decided to stay in [[Eregion]] due to his enmity towards the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Dwarves]].<ref name=concerning/> It is said that Celeborn fought in the [[Sack of Eregion]], and he and [[Elrond]] narrowly escaped to a dell, where the latter founded [[Rivendell]].<ref name=concerning/>
After the [[War of wrath|fall of Beleriand]], Celeborn and Galadriel came to [[Lindon]] the coastal region west of the Blue Mountains. Celeborn ruled the fief of [[Harlindon]], which was composed mostly of Sindar, under the [[Gil-galad|High King Gil-galad]].<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref> They eventually came to [[Eregion]] where they dwelt for a time with [[Celebrimbor]] and the jewelsmiths of [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. After Celebrimbor had largely taken over, they made contact with the [[Nandor]] of Lindórinand, across the [[Hithaeglir]]. Not long after they went through [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] to live there, becoming great among its people.  


It is said that Celeborn fought in the [[Sack of Eregion]], and he and [[Elrond]] narrowly escaped to a dell, where the latter founded [[Rivendell]].<ref name="GC"/>  
After the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], Galadriel passed again through [[Moria]] with [[Celebrían]]; she came to [[Imladris]], seeking Celeborn.<ref name=concerning/> There she found him, and there they dwelt together for a long time.<ref name=concerning/>


After the Sack of Eregion, Celeborn and Galadriel came to Lindórinand, the land of [[Silvan Elves]] which was ruled by King [[Amdir]]. When Amdir died in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], his son [[Amroth]] succeeded him.  
Some time later, [[Galadriel]] and Celeborn departed from Imladris and went to the little-inhabited lands between the mouth of the [[Gwathló]] and [[Ethir Anduin]].<ref name=concerning/> There they dwelt in [[Belfalas]], at the place that was afterwards called [[Dol Amroth]]; and their company was swelled by [[Silvan Elves]] from [[Lórinand]].<ref name=concerning/>


===Third Age===
===Third Age===
In early Third Age Amroth was weary of Middle-earth and wished to sail to the [[Valinor|West]]. He departed to [[Edhellond]] and by the year {{TA|1981}}, King Amroth drowned in the Bay of Belfalas. Celeborn and Galadriel took the title [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim|Lord and Lady]] of Lothlórien, the new name for Lindórinand and together they built [[Caras Galadhon]].
[[File:Rowena Morrill - The Swan-Boat of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|"The Swan-Boat of Galadriel" by [[:Category:Images by Rowena Morrill|Rowena Morrill]]]]
After long journeys in [[Rhovanion]], from [[Gondor]] and the borders of [[Mordor]] to [[Thranduil]] in the north, Celeborn and Galadriel passed over the mountains to [[Imladris]], and there dwelt for many years.<ref name="AaN">{{UT|Amroth}}</ref> It was there, in {{TA|109}}<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>, that their daughter [[Celebrían]]<ref group=note>Celebrían's exact date and place of birth are not specified.</ref> wedded [[Elrond]] Half-elven of [[Rivendell]].  


Celeborn and Galadriel had a daughter named [[Celebrían]],<ref group=note>Celebrían's exact date and place of birth are not specified.</ref> who later married [[Elrond]] Half-elven of [[Rivendell]], thus making Celeborn and his wife Galadriel the grandparents of the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] and their younger sister [[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]].
When King [[Amroth]] son of [[Amdír]] perished in {{TA|1981}}, Celeborn and Galadriel took up the rule of Lindórinand jointly, and were called the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]] of Lothlórien, the new name for Lindórinand and together they built [[Caras Galadhon]].
[[File:Rowena Morrill - The Swan-Boat of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|Rowena Morrill - ''The Swan-Boat of Galadriel'']]
In response to the growing threat of [[Dol Guldur]], the [[White Council]] was formed in {{TA|2463}}. Galadriel was on it; it is likely that Celeborn was also a member.  


During the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3019}}, Lórien received the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], composed of various travelers on the [[Quest of the Ring|quest]] to destroy [[the One Ring]]. He offered advice, and boats for the [[Anduin]], speeding them on their way.  
During the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3019}}, Lothlórien received the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], composed of various travellers on the [[Quest of the Ring|quest]] to destroy [[the One Ring]]. He offered advice, and boats for the [[Anduin]], speeding them on their way.  


Celeborn's most significant recorded actions came in the same year (in March 3019), when he repulsed three attacks by [[orcs]] of [[Dol Guldur]]. Celeborn then marshalled his forces to cross the Anduin and [[Fall of Dol Guldur|lay siege to Dol Guldur]]. He captured the fortress, and Galadriel threw down its walls and purified it.
Celeborn's most significant recorded actions came in the same year (in March 3019), when he repulsed three attacks by [[Orcs]] of [[Dol Guldur]]. Celeborn then marshalled his forces to cross the Anduin and [[Fall of Dol Guldur|lay siege to Dol Guldur]]. He captured the fortress, and Galadriel threw down its walls and purified the forest.


===After the War of the Ring===
On [[6 April]], [[Thranduil]] met with Celeborn in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]'', "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the forest was divided. Thranduil received the northern region of the Eryn Lasgalen as far as the Mountains and ruled there into the [[Fourth Age]] and Celeborn ruled the woods south of the [[Narrows]] called [[East Lórien]].<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref>
Celeborn attended the wedding of [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and his granddaughter [[Arwen]], and on the journey to return bade a fond farewell to [[Treebeard]] as well.


{{quote|I do not think we shall meet again."<br>"I do not know, Eldest.|[[Treebeard]] and Celeborn, ''[[Many Partings]]''}}.
===Later History===
{{blockquote|'I do not think we shall meet again.'<br>'I do not know, Eldest.'|[[Treebeard]] and Celeborn, ''[[Many Partings]]''}}


Celeborn returned to Lothlórien, but the power of [[Nenya]] was broken. It no longer was filled with the light and life it had before. Galadriel shortly after passed West with the other [[Ring-bearers]], and Celeborn, weary, moved to Imladris to live with [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], Elrond’s sons. After [[Círdan]]'s departure Celeborn was the last of the [[Wise]] in Middle-earth, they that had seen the struggles of [[Elves|Elvenkind]]. It is not recorded when he sought the [[Grey Havens]] and sailed west, but when he did so he took with him the last memory of the Elder Days in Middle-earth<sup>[[#References|7]]</sup>.
Celeborn attended the wedding of [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and his granddaughter [[Arwen]], and on the journey to return bade a fond farewell to [[Treebeard]] as well.
 
Celeborn returned to Lothlórien, but the power of [[Nenya]] was broken. It no longer was filled with the light and life it had before. It is believed that Celeborn also relocated to Rivendell to reside with [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]], and a few [[Noldor]] after the departure of [[Galadriel]], having also grown weary of [[East Lórien]].<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=great>{{App|Great}}</ref>
 
Early in the [[Fourth Age]], he sought the [[Grey Havens]] and sailed west aboard [[Last Ship]] with [[Cirdan the Shipwright]], but when he did so, he took with him the last memory of the [[Elder Days]] in Middle-earth.<ref name=prologue/>


==Character==
==Character==
What can be gleaned of his personality is that he was quick-thinking and swift to act, one of the wisest elves of Middle-earth in the Third Age. He was a warrior too, leading his followers into battle against [[Dol Guldur]] and other menaces.  
What can be gleaned of his personality is that he was quick-thinking and swift to act, one of the wisest elves of Middle-earth in the Third Age. He was a warrior too, leading his followers into battle against [[Dol Guldur]] and other menaces.  


==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
According to an alternate history of Celeborn and Galadriel in [[Unfinished Tales]], Celeborn was a [[Teler]] of noble rank in [[Alqualondë]], born '''[[Teleporno]]''', grandson of [[Olwë]], King of the [[Falmari]].<ref name="GC">{{UT|6}}</ref><ref name="Shib">{{PM|Shibboleth}}</ref>
Up to the time when ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' was published, there had been no mention of Celeborn in the previously written legendarium. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] later attempted multiple times to fix upon the story behind such an important elf. He remains a fairly unsubstantial character in the legendarium, for despite his profound effect upon the doings of the Elder Days, there is very little direct information on him as a person.
 
[[Galadriel|Artanis]], Olwë's granddaughter and a [[Noldor]]in princess of great beauty, often spent long visits to Alqualondë and her mother’s kin. During this time the two fell in love, and Teleporno gave her the romantic epithet ''[[Alatáriel]]'', meaning "Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland".<ref name="Shib"/> Teleporno's name gained an additional [[Quenya]] form, '''[[Telporno]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[telˈporno]}}).


Later, Teleporno and Artanis helped to defend Alqualondë from the Noldor during the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|First Kinslaying]]. Nevertheless, Artanis’s heart was fired by the stories of [[Fëanor]] of the open lands across the [[Belegaer|sea]]. She urged Teleporno to take a ship eastward to [[Endor]], and he gave in. In doing so the two fell under the [[Ban of the Valar]].
In his first writings (which make up the bulk of the matter of Celeborn) and the works published during Tolkien's lifetime, the elf-lord is portrayed as a kinsman of Thingol and one of the Sindar,<ref name=appb>{{App|B1}}</ref><ref name=rgeo>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> and met Galadriel when she came with the Noldor into exile. In a brief, speculative paper written by Tolkien included in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', Celeborn is made Thingol's grandnephew, by the King’s brother [[Elmo]], who is also linked to Círdan. Elmo appears nowhere else in the Legendarium.


In [[Beleriand]], Teleporno and Artanis were greeted by [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], High King of the [[Sindar]] and Lord of [[Doriath]]. Teleporno eventually [[Sindarin]]ized his name to Celeborn; Artanis Sindarinized the epithet Celeborn had given her, and Alatáriel became Galadriel.
===Telerin descent===
According to an alternate history of Celeborn and Galadriel in [[Unfinished Tales]], Celeborn was a [[Teler]] of noble rank in [[Alqualondë]], born '''[[Teleporno]]''',<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, pp. 347, 364 (note 46)</ref> grandson of [[Olwë]], prince of [[Alqualondë]] (thus he was a kinsman of the [[Thingol]] in [[Beleriand]]).<ref name="GC">{{UT|6}}</ref>


==Controversy==
[[Galadriel|Artanis]], Olwë's granddaughter and a [[Noldor]]in princess of great beauty, often spent long visits to Alqualondë and her mother’s kin. During this time the two fell in love, and Teleporno gave her the romantic epithet ''[[Alatáriel]]'', meaning "Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland".<ref name="Shib">{{PM|Shibboleth}}</ref> Teleporno's name gained an additional [[Quenya]] form, '''[[Telporno]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[telˈporno]}}).
Up to the time when ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' was published, there had been no mention of Celeborn in the previously written legendarium. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] later attempted multiple times to fix upon the story behind such an important elf. He remains a fairly unsubstantial character in the legendarium, for despite his profound effect upon the doings of the Elder Days, there is very little direct information on him as a person.


In his first writings (which make up the bulk of the matter of Celeborn)and the works published during Tolkien's lifetime, the elf-lord is portrayed as a kinsman of Thingol and one of the Sindar,<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref><ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> and met Galadriel when she came with the Noldor into exile. This was the approach chosen by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and [[Guy Gavriel Kay]] for ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. In a brief, speculative paper written by Tolkien included in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', Celeborn is made Thingol’s grandnephew, by the King’s brother [[Elmo]].  Elmo, also linked to Círdan, appears nowhere else in the legendarium.
Later, Teleporno and Artanis helped to defend Alqualondë from the Noldor during the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|First Kinslaying]]. Nevertheless, Artanis’s heart was fired by the stories of [[Fëanor]] of the open lands across the [[Belegaer|sea]]. She urged Teleporno to take a ship eastward to [[Endor]], and he gave in. In doing so the two fell under the [[Ban of the Valar]].


A Sindarin origin as Elmo's grandson has been the most widely accepted one of all, but Celeborn as a Telerin prince seems a late development. It's unknown whether Tolkien would have revised the story or would have felt bound by published writings.
In Beleriand, Teleporno and Artanis were greeted by [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], [[King of Doriath]]. Teleporno eventually "[[Sindarization|Sindarized]]" his name to Celeborn; Artanis Sindarinized the epithet Celeborn had given her, and Alatáriel became Galadriel.


In Tolkien's last writings Celeborn is a [[Falmari]]n Elf from Valinor, then named Teleporno in [[Telerin]].<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, pp. 347, 364 (note 46)</ref> The name Teleporno was then "[[Sindarization|Sindarized]]" as Celeborn. In this account Celeborn is stated to have been a grandson of the Telerin king Olwë, so that he still was a kinsman of the Sindarin king Thingol.<ref name="GC"/>
====Controversy====
Celeborn as a Telerin prince seems a late development. This altered origin was not adopted into the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', primarily because it contradicted published [[canon]], and was not incorporated in Tolkien's drafts of the earlier parts, and therefore would have necessitated a major rewrite by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and [[Guy Gavriel Kay]] to account for a separate departure of Galadriel.  


This altered origin was not adopted into the published Silmarillion, primarily because it contradicted canon and was not incorporated in Tolkien's drafts of the earlier parts, and therefore would have necessitated a major rewrite by C. Tolkien and Kay to account for a separate departure of Galadriel.
{{blockquote|On the other hand, the making of Celeborn into a Telerin Elf of Aman contradicts not only statements in The Silmarillion, but also those cited already from The Road Goes Ever On and Appendix B to The Lord of the Rings”|[[Christopher Tolkien]], "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]"}}


''“On the other hand, the making of Celeborn into a Telerin Elf of Aman contradicts not only statements in The Silmarillion, but also those cited already from The Road Goes Ever On and Appendix B to The Lord of the Rings”'' <sub>- [[Christopher Tolkien]], [[Unfinished Tales]]</sub>
It's unknown whether Tolkien would have revised the story or would have felt bound by published writings.


A further problem was that this descent would have made the couple first or second cousin (assuming that he was still to be considered closely related to Thingol), and Elves never married close kin.
His Telerin ancestry would have made the couple first or second cousin. In the [[Morgoth's Ring]] it is stated that the first cousins might marry, but seldom did so, or desired to do so.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>
 
However, in the [[Morgoth's Ring]] it is stated that the first cousins might marry, but seldom did so, or desired to do so.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Celeborn 2.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Celeborn 2.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Celeborn.jpg|Celeborn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}
}}
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'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Celeborn can be found alongside Galadriel on a main talan in [[Caras Galadhon]]. He is involved in various storylines, including negotiations with the Dwarves of the Iron Hill Garrison and organization of a military assault against [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Mirkwood]].
:Celeborn can be found alongside Galadriel on a main talan in [[Caras Galadhon]]. He is involved in various storylines, including negotiations with the Dwarves of the Iron Hill Garrison and organization of a military assault against [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Mirkwood]].
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Celeborn|Images of Celeborn]]


{{references|notes}}
{{references|notes}}
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|Appendices]] [[Appendix A|A]] and [[Appendix B|B]]
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings Prologue|Prologue]]''
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]

Revision as of 20:49, 15 June 2020

"I shan't call it the end, till we've cleared up the mess." — Sam
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This article is about the Lord of Lórien. For the the Tree, see Celeborn (White Tree).
Celeborn
Sinda
Ebe Kastein - Celeborn.jpg
"Celeborn" by Ebe Kastein
Biographical Information
Other namesTeleporno (T)
TitlesLord of the Galadhrim, Lord of Lórien, The Wise
LocationDoriath, Harlindon, Eregion, Eriador, Belfalas, Imladris, Lothlórien, East Lórien
LanguageSindarin, Westron, and Silvan Elvish
BirthUncertain, see below
RuleT.A. 1981 - early Fourth Age
Sailed westEarly Fourth Age[1][2]
Grey Havens
Family
HouseA member of the royal house of Doriath
ParentageGaladhon
SiblingsGalathil
SpouseGaladriel
ChildrenCelebrían
Physical Description
GenderMale
Height6 feet 4 inches (193cm)[note 1]
Hair colorSilver, long[3]
GalleryImages of Celeborn

Celeborn (S: "silver-tall", pron. [ˈkeleborn]) was one of the noblest of the Sindar[4][5] — who wedded Galadriel of the Noldor. After crossing the Blue Mountains at the beginning of the Second Age and living in the realm of Eregion for a while, he founded the realm of Imladris with Elrond and with Galadriel, later moved to Lothlórien to become the Lord and Lady of Lórien. Their daughter Celebrían married Elrond whose daughter Arwen chose a mortal life to wed Aragorn.

History

Early life

See also: #Telerin descent

Celeborn was a Sindarin prince of Doriath,[6] being the grandson of Elmo the brother of Elwe/Thingol, and thus he was the grand-nephew of the King of Doriath.[7]

"Love at First Sight" by Līga Kļaviņa

In the early First Age, Finrod and Galadriel came to Doriath as guests of Thingol. There, Celeborn and Galadriel met, fell in love and were wedded. Galadriel remained in Doriath with Celeborn after Finrod went to the Caverns of Narog to establish the stronghold of Nargothrond.[6]

For the rest of the First Age, Celeborn and Galadriel are not mentioned to have played any significant role in the general course of events of the Age, while their relatives, both Sindarin and Noldorin did. By the Fall of Nargothrond in F.A. 495 Galadriel passed over the mountains.[8]

Second Age

After the fall of Beleriand, Celeborn and Galadriel came to Lindon the coastal region west of the Blue Mountains. Celeborn ruled the fief of Harlindon, which was composed mostly of Sindar, under the High King of the Noldor Gil-galad.[9]

Galadriel and Celeborn crossed into Eriador with many Noldor in their following, together with Sindar and Green-elves; and for a while they dwelt in the country about Lake Nenuial ruling the Eldar in Eriador, including the wandering companies of the native Nandor.[7] They departed for Eregion and arrived there by S.A. 750.[7][10] It was ruled by Celebrimbor, a grandson of Fëanor and distant cousin of Galadriel.

It was only sometime between S.A. 1350 and 1400[7] did Galadriel cross the Hithaeglir through Khazad-dûm and relocated to there with her daughter Celebrían, becoming great among the Wood-elves.[7] Celeborn decided to stay in Eregion due to his enmity towards the Dwarves.[7] It is said that Celeborn fought in the Sack of Eregion, and he and Elrond narrowly escaped to a dell, where the latter founded Rivendell.[7]

After the War of the Elves and Sauron, Galadriel passed again through Moria with Celebrían; she came to Imladris, seeking Celeborn.[7] There she found him, and there they dwelt together for a long time.[7]

Some time later, Galadriel and Celeborn departed from Imladris and went to the little-inhabited lands between the mouth of the Gwathló and Ethir Anduin.[7] There they dwelt in Belfalas, at the place that was afterwards called Dol Amroth; and their company was swelled by Silvan Elves from Lórinand.[7]

Third Age

"The Swan-Boat of Galadriel" by Rowena Morrill

After long journeys in Rhovanion, from Gondor and the borders of Mordor to Thranduil in the north, Celeborn and Galadriel passed over the mountains to Imladris, and there dwelt for many years.[11] It was there, in T.A. 109[12], that their daughter Celebrían[note 2] wedded Elrond Half-elven of Rivendell.

When King Amroth son of Amdír perished in T.A. 1981, Celeborn and Galadriel took up the rule of Lindórinand jointly, and were called the Lord and Lady of Galadhrim of Lothlórien, the new name for Lindórinand and together they built Caras Galadhon.

During the War of the Ring in T.A. 3019, Lothlórien received the Fellowship of the Ring, composed of various travellers on the quest to destroy the One Ring. He offered advice, and boats for the Anduin, speeding them on their way.

Celeborn's most significant recorded actions came in the same year (in March 3019), when he repulsed three attacks by Orcs of Dol Guldur. Celeborn then marshalled his forces to cross the Anduin and lay siege to Dol Guldur. He captured the fortress, and Galadriel threw down its walls and purified the forest.

On 6 April, Thranduil met with Celeborn in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it Eryn Lasgalen, "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the forest was divided. Thranduil received the northern region of the Eryn Lasgalen as far as the Mountains and ruled there into the Fourth Age and Celeborn ruled the woods south of the Narrows called East Lórien.[13]

Later History

'I do not think we shall meet again.'
'I do not know, Eldest.'
Treebeard and Celeborn, Many Partings

Celeborn attended the wedding of King Elessar and his granddaughter Arwen, and on the journey to return bade a fond farewell to Treebeard as well.

Celeborn returned to Lothlórien, but the power of Nenya was broken. It no longer was filled with the light and life it had before. It is believed that Celeborn also relocated to Rivendell to reside with Elladan, Elrohir, and a few Noldor after the departure of Galadriel, having also grown weary of East Lórien.[14][15]

Early in the Fourth Age, he sought the Grey Havens and sailed west aboard Last Ship with Cirdan the Shipwright, but when he did so, he took with him the last memory of the Elder Days in Middle-earth.[14]

Character

What can be gleaned of his personality is that he was quick-thinking and swift to act, one of the wisest elves of Middle-earth in the Third Age. He was a warrior too, leading his followers into battle against Dol Guldur and other menaces.

Other versions of the legendarium

Up to the time when The Lord of the Rings was published, there had been no mention of Celeborn in the previously written legendarium. Tolkien later attempted multiple times to fix upon the story behind such an important elf. He remains a fairly unsubstantial character in the legendarium, for despite his profound effect upon the doings of the Elder Days, there is very little direct information on him as a person.

In his first writings (which make up the bulk of the matter of Celeborn) and the works published during Tolkien's lifetime, the elf-lord is portrayed as a kinsman of Thingol and one of the Sindar,[4][5] and met Galadriel when she came with the Noldor into exile. In a brief, speculative paper written by Tolkien included in Unfinished Tales, Celeborn is made Thingol's grandnephew, by the King’s brother Elmo, who is also linked to Círdan. Elmo appears nowhere else in the Legendarium.

Telerin descent

According to an alternate history of Celeborn and Galadriel in Unfinished Tales, Celeborn was a Teler of noble rank in Alqualondë, born Teleporno,[16] grandson of Olwë, prince of Alqualondë (thus he was a kinsman of the Thingol in Beleriand).[17]

Artanis, Olwë's granddaughter and a Noldorin princess of great beauty, often spent long visits to Alqualondë and her mother’s kin. During this time the two fell in love, and Teleporno gave her the romantic epithet Alatáriel, meaning "Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland".[18] Teleporno's name gained an additional Quenya form, Telporno (pron. [telˈporno]).

Later, Teleporno and Artanis helped to defend Alqualondë from the Noldor during the First Kinslaying. Nevertheless, Artanis’s heart was fired by the stories of Fëanor of the open lands across the sea. She urged Teleporno to take a ship eastward to Endor, and he gave in. In doing so the two fell under the Ban of the Valar.

In Beleriand, Teleporno and Artanis were greeted by Elu Thingol, King of Doriath. Teleporno eventually "Sindarized" his name to Celeborn; Artanis Sindarinized the epithet Celeborn had given her, and Alatáriel became Galadriel.

Controversy

Celeborn as a Telerin prince seems a late development. This altered origin was not adopted into the published Silmarillion, primarily because it contradicted published canon, and was not incorporated in Tolkien's drafts of the earlier parts, and therefore would have necessitated a major rewrite by Christopher Tolkien and Guy Gavriel Kay to account for a separate departure of Galadriel.

On the other hand, the making of Celeborn into a Telerin Elf of Aman contradicts not only statements in The Silmarillion, but also those cited already from The Road Goes Ever On and Appendix B to The Lord of the Rings”
Christopher Tolkien, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"

It's unknown whether Tolkien would have revised the story or would have felt bound by published writings.

His Telerin ancestry would have made the couple first or second cousin. In the Morgoth's Ring it is stated that the first cousins might marry, but seldom did so, or desired to do so.[19]

Etymology

Celeborn is a Sindarin name, consisting of celeb ("silver") + a derivative of ornā ("tall"). Teleporno, his original Telerin name, has an identical meaning. The name Teleporno was "Sindarized" as Celeborn: Telerin telpe ("silver") (Quenya tyelpe) was transformed to Sindarin celeb.[20]

He was given the epithet "the Wise" by Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings.

Portrayal in adaptations

Celeborn in adaptations

1978: The Lord of the Rings:

Celeborn only has a brief, role and speaks only one line. He appeared beside Galadriel for a brief shot.

1981: The Lord of the Rings

Celeborn was voiced by Simon Cadell. Unusually, virtually the whole dialogue Celeborn speaks in the book is utilised in the radio adaptation.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Celeborn is played by Marton Csokas. The role was extremely small in the theatrical version, but expanded slightly in the Extended Edition of The Fellowship of the Ring. In that version, he participates in giving gifts to the Fellowship as they are leaving Lórien. Notably, he gives Aragorn a dagger and warns him of the dangers the Fellowship will face while sailing down the Anduin.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Celeborn makes a brief appearance in Lothlorien.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Celeborn leaves for Valinor with Galadriel and the other Ringbearers, rather than remaining behind as in the book.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Celeborn only appears during the "Evil" campaign, when is he is slain by the Forces of Sauron.

2007-: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Celeborn can be found alongside Galadriel on a main talan in Caras Galadhon. He is involved in various storylines, including negotiations with the Dwarves of the Iron Hill Garrison and organization of a military assault against Dol Guldur in Mirkwood.

Notes

  1. In the chapter "The Mirror of Galadriel", the heights of Galadriel and Celeborn are described: "Very tall they were, and the Lady no less tall than the Lord". Galadriel's height of 6'4 comes from "Appendix: Númenórean Linear Measures" to "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields" in Unfinished Tales.
  2. Celebrían's exact date and place of birth are not specified.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Mirror of Galadriel"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Notes and Translations", in The Road Goes Ever On (J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann)
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Mirror of Galadriel"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Of Dwarves and Men"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Notes and Translations", in The Road Goes Ever On (J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann)
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Amroth and Nimrodel"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: The Tale of Years (Chronology of the Westlands)
  14. 14.0 14.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", pp. 347, 364 (note 46)
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix E: The Names of Celeborn and Galadriel"