The True Meaning Behind Galadriel’s Gift to Gimli in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’

The theatrical cut of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ does not even have one of the most poignant scenes from ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Galadriel offers each member of the Fellowship a unique present to help them on their journey once they leave Lothlórien. Gimli’s present, however, is particularly noteworthy; she gives him three strands of her golden hair, a gesture full of significance that goes beyond their direct communication and into the more profound mythology of Tolkien’s universe.

Galadriel gives Gimli the freedom to select his own prize during the gift-giving ceremony. At first, he respectfully declines, stating that it is sufficient to only observe her beauty. He requests a single lock of her hair as a memento.

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 She offers him three instead of one. Gimli’s admiration for Galadriel is all the more remarkable given the long-standing hostility between Elves and Dwarves, which makes this moment noteworthy. His request is a sign of his profound admiration for her kindness, grace, and knowledge rather than a romantic one. Galadriel’s choice to grant his plea represents the reconciliation of their peoples’ long-standing conflict. Gimli views her gift as a priceless heirloom that demonstrates the improved communication between Elves and Dwarves.

The fact that Galadriel had previously been asked for her hair—by Fëanor, the finest Elven artisan of the First Age—makes this occasion even more amazing. Sensing his conceit and desire for power, she turned down his three requests for it, which he made in the hopes of using its beauty in his craft. On the other hand, Gimli’s request is selfless and sincere, which is why she gives him three strands instead of just one. This act demonstrates the stark contrast between pride and humility and explains why Gimli’s modest but sincere request has such a profound historical resonance in Middle-earth.

–Farheen Ali