How powerful is Elrond?

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[@InDeepGeek]

This is a revised and updated version of a video first published in August 2021.

[@PiscatorLager]

Ah, sounded so familiar to me. Still, well done!

[@markusvlad7217]

Mr. Frodoo....

[@minibro73]

Can you give a quick summary of how your view on the topic changed when you revise older videos like this one ?

[@bbgun061]

The 'magic' in Tolkein's legendarium isn't like the magic in other fantasy stories. In many of those, an aspiring wizard can learn new spells and gain powers he did not previously have. But we don't really see that in Middle Earth. Rather, I think that certain characters have innate supernatural abilities instead of magic. They can learn and hone these abilities, becoming masters of their craft. They can even put their supernatural power into physical objects. But it always starts with them having these innate supernatural abilities based on who they are. The Maiar, the Elves, the Rangers, all have amounts of power equal proportionate to their race. Ordinary men, dwarves, and hobbits don't really have any supernatural power, although they can use 'magic' items. And some of them can resist more powerful beings, like Farmer Maggot telling the ringwaith to be gone.

[@jackdavis855]

Sounds the same to me but still interesting!

[@simonrudduck8726]

Hugo Weaving deserves huge respect for such an iconic performance.

[@CryptidRenfri]

One of the GOATS of acting imo

[@thefattesthagrid]

@@CryptidRenfri Smith and Elrond McBong were such a stark contrast man.

[@brianmessemer2973]

Acknowledgements to Hugo Weaving who embodied Elrond so very convincingly and with great natural authority. The man played Elrond and Smith, two so very opposite characters yet both equally essential pillars to their respective universes. I don't see Smith when I'm watching Elrond, nor visa versa. A very, very great actor indeed. Love the channel and this video, I'd watched the older version more than once. Nice refresh!

[@silmarian]

Don’t forget Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!

[@gojewla]

@@silmarianthat’s always what I see when I watch him as elrond

[@martavdz4972]

Agreed! I´ve never seen the movies, but Elrond in the pictures I see on the internet is one of the few characters that absolutely agree with what I imagined them like in the 1990´s, while reading the books. The others are Gandalf, Saruman, Frodo, Galadriel, Aragorn and Boromir (except the hair colour, Aragorn and Boromir are supposed to have dark hair). Looking at pictures of Weaving as Elrond, I can accept that he´s lived thousands of years and has massive knowledge, is a healer as well as a warrior. And that´s quite an achievement for an actor.

[@EmoBearRights]

Plus he was also in Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

[@rayc321]

V in V for Vendetta as well :)

[@alexiachimciuc3199]

Dodging bullets , multiplying himself, punching concrete and flying.

[@dagradaedelot]

Agent elrond

[@masterofdizzzaster]

He's also bulletproof, like ideas

[@tempodan]

Mr. Bagginson 🕴🏽

[@Matthew10950]

Tell me, what good are elf songs when you don't have the ability...to speak?

[@kleuafflatus]

That's why I thought Hugo weaving an odd choice for Elrond in the beginning. I imagine Elrond to be a wise but powerful man figure, very similar that to gandalf in terms of demeanor but visibly younger. He's a bit too intense if you ask me, especially the scene when he gave the sword to Aragorn. But then of course he is Elrond now, beside a bit too intense, he's perfect

[@fydofire]

All his power couldn't stop me from laughing in cinema when Frodo woke up and looked into Agent Smiths smiling face.

[@renferal5290]

LOL

[@robburkhard9256]

What can we say, it was a good time:)

[@StrangerNoises]

"Misster Underhill. It appears you've been leading two lives..."

[@raymondcoventry1221]

Agent Elrond: Humanity is a disease on Middle-Earth, we Elves are the cure.

[@martinzyka6432]

​@@StrangerNoisesyou made my day with this 😂😂😂

[@DrankenDune]

Maybe Elrond’s “air” powers are used to give the Hidden Valley fair weather? That seems to be how the elves use their magic most frequently. Natural and enhancing things rather than forcing change.

[@jackpowell9276]

I think some element is preservation if i understand it right. Preserving the ancient magic of the world in their small corners, and in some cases enhancing a bit. In the earliest days, the world was far more magical and fantastical throughout.

[@DrankenDune]

Preserving! Yes that’s a better description. But still the ring adds to it. You can feel the magic of Imladris before you reach the city.

[@mikedeck8381]

It was considered to be the most powerful of the elven rings but it wasn't designed to be a weapon of war. It seemed like it was used for healing and preserving knowledge. I suppose Elrond could handle himself in a fight if he needed to.

[@bbgun061]

Magic isn't really a good word for this in Tolkein's legendarium. I prefer to say, innate supernatural abilities.

[@DrankenDune]

@@bbgun061 But they specifically use the word magic in that world? You just have to change your understanding.

[@colindunnigan8621]

Poor Elrond, over 1000 years of fostering Isildur's heirs, and seeing them die, over and over...and that's just one loss the guy endured.

[@dandiehm8414]

The story of Elrond could be a whole movie! And it would be tragic! The ending would go like this - Elrond disembarks from Cirdan's ship on the shores of Aman (or Eressea) and his wife Celebrian greets him with a giant hug, love in her eyes. She then asks "Where is Arwen"? And Elrond will have to tell her that she will NEVER see her daughter again. Elrond got to say his final Goodbyes to Arwen, but Celebrian will never have that chance. When Celebrian and Arwen initially parted, Celebrian looked forward to the day when her whole family could be togetther again in Valinor (or Eressea). Now that will never come to pass. ~ Heartbreaking~

[@johnkeck]

But he gained a son (in-law). lol

[@UPTAUT]

One does what can for family

[@honourabledoctoredwinmoria3126]

​@@johnkeck Who he also doesn't get to see. Most of his life, they were separated and the relationship was somewhat strained, because Elrond wouldn't let Aragorn and Arwen marry until Sauron was defeated and Aragorn was king. So Aragorn was off questing in Gondor, searching for Gollum in the Dead Marshes, visiting Harad and Rhun to further the resistance. He's around for maybe days every few years, and Arwen does not appear to hang around much either. Then they go and get engaged behind Elrond's back, and we have no idea how he feels about it, whether he is annoyed or secretly happy for them. But just when his beloved daughter and adopted son do become the king and queen he knew they could be and gain some tranquility, he has to leave them behind forever.

[@jawstrock2215]

@@dandiehm8414 She could have a chance, if Mandos allows it.

[@samuelvine]

Huh, just thought of this: Galadriel had powers over water, which we of course in her Mirror, but there's another description of her abilities that is often overlooked... when the Aeothaid were riding to the aid of Gondor at one point SHE brought up a mist to hide the army of the future Rhoririm from Sauron's eyes at the nearby Dul Guldor. And Gandalf, had power over fire like you said, but of course also the fire of courage and hearts, he doesn't seem to have to do or say anything for his courage effect to work, it's passive though potent. With Elrond having power over air, what do we see him use the most? His WORDS. The expression of Air is speech. And Elrond's words are always powerful and influential. *One sidenote about the differences in "magic" use between Elrond and Galadriel is that Elrond may not have had as much experience in "active" "magic". Galadriel learned a lot from Melian the Maia on how things worked in the world, training that Elrond may not have had access to, which may be partly why his actions are less showy most of the time. Even the flood at the Bruinen (spelling?) was partly "showy" because of Gandalf's actions not Elrond's. Not saying Elrond couldn't have made the foamy horses in the river, only that he may not have been as skilled in doing at as Gandalf or Galadriel as his magic was focused in other directions. Ok, I'll stop babbling now :D - thanks for the video!!!!

[@dandiehm8414]

Galadriel also used her powers over water in the rivers surrounding Lorien. Nor Orc, (and not even Gollum), got into the Naith.

[@bbgun061]

I think a better term than magic is 'innate supernatural abilities.' As a Maiar, Gandalf was more powerful than Elrond and Galadriel, though their rings boosted them all.

[@bbgun061]

Also I want to add that I like your idea of power over the air being used for words to influence people. Many characters' supernatural abilities overlap with others. Saruman also used words to control people, but he used deceit, whereas Elrond used wisdom.

[@adaslesniak]

It's not babbling. It was a nice read.

[@samuelvine]

@@adaslesniak

[@TheDarkElder]

How powerful was Elrond? Yes, very. One of the very good characters in Tolkien's world, where wisdom and power and merging into a solid guidance to anyone seeking good.

[@SEAZNDragon]

Definitely the power of influence.

[@Static331603]

Something Amazon's Rings of Power doesn't understand. They think being a kickass warrior is the only definition of power.

[@tobiasstange8346]

Thank you very much for that insightful video. Elrond is one of my favorite characters, especially because he is a 'supportive' character, that accomplishes many tasks behind the scenes, indirectly or through guidance.

[@enoughothis]

I love the line Elrond speaks to the Nazgul in the third Hobbit movie "You should have stayed dead."

[@gptsiteuser]

Bizzare take

[@thanos7412]

Which was cringe as hell. This happens when you try to embed lines from cheesy 90s movies into high fantasy epic stories

[@suran396]

They also added a bone head 80's movie quote in the 1st Hobbit. Thankfully, I can't recall it precisely.

[@12classics39]

I haven’t seen the Hobbit films - PLEASE don’t tell me he actually says this…..!!!!???? You’re joking, right???!!!!

[@suran396]

@@12classics39 i'm.going to be straight with you. The art.and landscapes are beautiful and there are some wonderful moments, but overall the 3 films are a disappointment. They wove in all kinds of nonsense to drag it out to 3 films and often forgot they weren't producing a comedy. It would have been far better as a stand alone film, or perhaps 2 fulms.and the 3rd one could be a background story.

[@adriannalockhart9639]

My favorite good LotR character. Hugo Weaving did a wonderful job playing him. Thanks so much for the video!

[@MrGrimmNZ]

Elrond is a GOAT. Id say he probably sat things out in the end to oversee that as many elves left middle earth as possible. Making sure the roads were as safe as possible, making sure there was a homely house for them to stay before continuing further. He was being a leader, and one of the last to leave. Great man

[@aqdrobert]

Toriel: Elrond is my favorite GOAT. I shall bake him pie.

[@QuantumHistorian]

A weird thing (though very common in fiction) in LotR is that the rulers of each realm are also the most (or close to the most) powerful / skilled / talented people there. This almost never happens in real life. The king is very rarely also going to be the wisest at giving advice, or the strongest warrior, or the most learnt mage. Or, in a modern setting, it's like if the Prime Minister of a country was also its most genius scientist. You'd expect the ruler to be a manager, hopefully a talented one, but that they're main skill set is in leading and organising rather than their personal ability to resolve plot points.

[@kirkvoelcker5272]

That's why it's fiction. Or am I too disingenuous to know that you are helping yourself to a double portion of irony?

[@Commander_Ray]

well for most of human history that is the case Kings were given the best educations and were trained from birth to rule while peasants and even most lower nobility would not come close to that, as for being the best warrior or Many other things like the wisest that is also seen the first tribes of many cultures were founded because of strong leaders who were the strongest and smartest. as society advanced rulers relied on advisors and champions. as much of the world has democracies the rulers tend to be popular and well spoken because that's how they get the votes to be elected even if they lack great combat skills in the 21st century

[@General12th]

On one hand, Elrond is an elf, so learning wisdom and other skills alongside being a leader for millennia on end would come naturally. On the other hand, everyone else in Rivendell is an elf too, so you'd think at least a few of them would master a craft beyond what Elrond has managed. And maybe they have, but it's not important to the story, so we don't hear about it.

[@Grozhevski]

Yeah but also Gil-galad during his rule chose Elrond as an able assistant. So there may be some amount of meritocracy to this

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

No.. now rulers or those in charge are very very good and something. Being absolutely corrupt and weak. Easily seduced by the world and sin. From greed and narcissistic egomaniacal insanity and power mad to rampant pedophilia, oh yes... Our so-called leaders are quite adept at things... Just nothing good.

[@shaniaduchene8063]

I have watched quite a few of your ASOIAF and Tolkien videos in the last few weeks. Every time you start a video with a question like this, I say “i don’t know, Robert, you tell me” and chuckle to myself. Every time. Never change!

[@Martial-Mat]

That was a lovely closing paragraph. You do have such a lovely way of looking at the world.

[@Wolfeson28]

I remember this being discussed in an earlier video, but think think the "power" we see in LotR in the sense of wisdom or lore comes from a very real sense of being "in tune" with the world. Considering that in-universe, the world was literally sung into existence as the Music of the Ainur, I think the musical analogy is very apt. Individuals who are in tune with that deeper music that underlies the world are more likely to sense the hidden patterns underlying events, have insight into how things may unfold in the future, and perhaps also recognize others who have that strong connection. Valar, maiar, and those with connections to them such as elves and Numenorian humans seem to have an innately stronger connection, but it takes intentional study to truly open one's mind to the music of the world. Elrond, very definitely, exemplifies all of these criteria.

[@SSAXEL]

this is certainly true for Tom Bombadil. There's no one more powerful, and no one more in tune with the natural world

[@pamelah6431]

In ROTK at Aragorn's coronation, when the banner is moved aside and Arwen emerges, Hugo's "my baby is all growed up" expression sparks the water works for me every time.

[@LKMNOP]

His baby was a grown woman for god sakes. He always treated her as an adult. That was a disgusting 1950s type of line. "My baby", indeed...

[@pamelah6431]

@@LKMNOP what exactly is your problem? 🙄

[@waynepurcell6058]

@@pamelah6431 Well Arwen was well over 2500 years old so I think the poster is (rightfully) assuming that while Elrond obviously loves his daughter, he also would have gotten over the "my baby" stage of fatherhood like 2400+ years prior. Especially since Arwen traveled and lived extended periods of time with her G-ma Galadriel, who had SEVERAL thousand years of mature wisdom and knowledge to pass on to her granddaughter.

[@theun4giv3n]

Another great video. Thanks. Worth mentioning too that he was an excellent warrior given all the battles he survived.

[@Limubi1]

I think the interesting (potential) manifestation of Elrond's ring as the Ring of Air is his role as Loremaster. Often, the element of Air is associated with study, rational thought, analysis, and language. While we don't see Elrond's command of on element at any point in the same way that we do with the other two Elven Ring bearers, his fame as being a font of knowledge is great. I wonder if Vilya helps him with his ability to accrue and hold onto knowledge, and dispense it as wisdom when it is needed?

[@Tar-Elenion]

"The chief power (of all the rings alike) was the prevention or slowing of decay (i.e. 'change' viewed as a regrettable thing), the preservation of what is desired or loved, or its semblance - this is more or less an Elvish motive. But also they enhanced the natural powers of a possessor - thus approaching 'magic', a motive easily corruptible into evil, a lust for domination." Letter 131 Oh, and Elrond commanded the Bruinen.

[@jawstrock2215]

@@Tar-ElenionHim "commanding" the Bruinen is more that he had access and control of it's source, more then him just, ordering the river to do things. He just did the same thing the Ent did on Isenguard, block the water flow, accumulate it into a dam, then released it when required. It's why Frodo was able to cross the river on well horse. The water level had lowered quite a bit.

[@Tar-Elenion]

@@jawstrock2215 Can you provide a quote from Tolkien where he describes that Elrond had a dam built on the river and used that to control the river? What is written in LotR is: "‘Who made the flood?’ asked Frodo. *‘Elrond commanded it,’* answered Gandalf. *‘The river of this valley is under his power,* and *it will rise in anger when he has great need* to bar the Ford. As soon as the captain of the Ringwraiths rode into the water *the flood was released."* Many Meetings Frodo is crossing at a ford.

[@jawstrock2215]

@@Tar-Elenion Well, I don't think it's written per say, more that it doesn't require it to be magic in the sense we know it as. Maybe it's just an interpretation, but it feels more like figure of speech here then anything. The only actual magic we see are done by Maiars(Mostly Gandalf) or Galadriel, who studied under one. Elf "magic" is more about deep understanding of the world, (reading minds, conversing with trees, expert craftsmans, songs that affect the mind, etc.)

[@Tar-Elenion]

@@jawstrock2215 I see. So you are just adding what you want, over what Tolkien wrote.

[@juankovacs6033]

Is somewhat wholesome to think how Elrond fostered and cared about his grand grand grand grand grand nephews... Until he married his daughter to one of them 😂

[@dandiehm8414]

Well - Aragor was descended about 6000 years from Elros!

[@General12th]

​@@dandiehm8414Which would be a millennia more distant than Egyptian Pharaoh Iry-hor and anybody alive today, for reference.

[@typacsk]

Arwen: "You know who's looking fine tonight? Estel." Legolas: "Okay, you did not just say that." Arwen: "What? He's a good kisser." Legolas: "He's your cousin." Arwen: "Wait, what?! ...DAD!"

[@martavdz4972]

Yeah, the famous composer Antonín Dvořák married the daughter of his teacher, and if I imagine that his teacher had been here since the times of Ancient Mesopotamia, his daughter since the Ancient Greece, and Dvořák had been his thousandth pupil or thereabouts... Now I think of it, I hugely respect Arwen for not thinking Aragorn was just an inexperienced baby.

[@Veylon]

@@typacsk Elrond: "It's true. He's your first cousin, sixty-two times removed."

[@alinaanto]

I love the more subtle approach to power displayed throughout all of Tolkien work I love how deep and thoughtfully written a character Elrond is! I really like how you gave credit to the artists at the end of the video! Great video, thank you for posting!

[@Agreus93]

I Love Lord Elrond even if he didn't seek or want any tittles. The book Elrond was so different from movies Elrond, book Elrond was "kind as summer" even if he had such a painful life: They parents became sky entities when he was a child, was a hostage in his childhood, he not only had separated ways (until the end of times!) of his beloved twin brother but to his treasured daughter as well and on top of that, he lost her wife for a very long time and her damage was even impossible for him to cure. I rejoice myself thinking when he cross the sea and reunited with his wife in the undying lands. Thanks IDG!

[@dandiehm8414]

True! - but I can't help but to imagine one powerfully poignent scene. Elrond disembarks from Cirdan's ship on the shores of Aman (or Eressea) and his wife Celebrian greets him with a giant hug, love in her eyes. She then asks "Where is Arwen"? And Elrond will have to tell her that she will NEVER see her daughter again. Elrond got to say his final Goodbyes to Arwen, but Celebrian will never have that chance. When Celebrian and Arwen initially parted, Celebrian looked forward to the day when her whole family could be togetther again in Valinor (or Eressea). Now that will never come to pass. ~ Heartbreaking~

[@LKMNOP]

I always thought that he was so low key has to be boring in the movie. Got no feeling of fire or strength from him. And elrond had to have a lot of strength to survive all this time and to keep rivendale a safe haven.

[@haydwilljones]

@ InDeepGeek thanks for your videos of tolkien's work i enjoy them and learn a bit to, please keep up with them as they are very enjoyable and informative, again you have my thanks.

[@Debba521]

Well done, thanks! I always found it puzzling why Elrond wasn't a King, especially after the demise of Gilgalad. He was the grandson of a King. But maybe that was a role too specific, and he wanted to keep things more general. As the Lord Elrond, he could be all things to all Elves, and even other peoples. Also a bit strange that Frodo never called him out on his ring of power, or Gandalf's for that matter. He could perceive Galadriel's. But maybe she allowed that for her own purpose. I just can't imagine how sad it was for him to walk down the ages without his twin, who chose mortality. Can't blame him for being so aggrieved by Arwen's choice. I think he and Galadriel were the greatest Elves in the history of Middle Earth. They stayed there, engaged the whole long while, fighting the good fight. Never wavering. A true heir of Beren and Luthien.

[@dolam]

I have always wondered that as well. I finally just assumed that it was because the high elves were no longer a dominant race and they did not have large enough numbers to require a high king. Having a king like Gilgalad hearkened back to the time where they had magnificent cities and entire realms. I think it just wasn’t needed anymore. Maybe, Elrond wanted to be all things to all people and being a high king was just a little too lofty for what he felt the Noldor needed.

[@claytonhaag6931]

Great video Robert! I absolutely love the lore of Elrond. He is a key player in many many ways

[@vortexgen1]

Those that do not seek power, are those that wield it best

[@stephenbenner4353]

Before The Lord of The Rings was published, C S Lewis Mentioned Imladris and Numinor in That Hideous Strength, the third book in his space trilogy. There’s a note at the end of the book to the effect that if you want to know more about Numinor, keep an eye out for a future release by his friend J R R Tolkein

[@martavdz4972]

Greetings from Czechia, you have a new fan! The first upload I get to witness is about my favourite character! ❤ I´ve always had a crush on Elrond, even as a teenager in the 1990´s. It fascinated me how his role is hard to define, but we have no problem accepting it, as if it was deep inside us, like an archetype. And yet, I know no archetype like that. He´s full of paradoxes. Removed far away, yet in the centre of things. Calm and wise, yet a fierce warrior. Living at a fixed place and very much connected to it, yet his hand is in half of all the things that happen. A crucial advisor to politicians with millennia of learning, yet running a house of simple hospitality. He´s like... as if twenty good men put together had thousands of years to grow in wisdom and humility and various fields of study. His character showcases what it means when elves live in Arda for a very long time and use that time for the very best purposes. Thank you for laying out his complexity and greatness! 👍

[@meganofsherwood3665]

Beautifully said!!

[@martavdz4972]

@@meganofsherwood3665 Thank you! 🙂

[@shokmusic_AC]

Excellent video! Elrond could have truly laid claim to the title of High King but chose not to. This says much about his character.

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Robert could write and narrate the drying of paint and I’d listen in fascination. The sublime nuance of his performance is masterful.

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

👍👍 Gandalf, Elrond and Aragon. Three pivotal characters, for sure.

[@manso306]

Ok but the real question is How powerful is Hugo Weaving?

[@chrisfxi1216]

Thank you so much for all your videos man. They really are a pleasure to listen to

[@babsbybend]

I read "The Hobbit" back in the 1960's, read TLoTR, Silmarillion, some of the Lost Tales, and still cannot wrap my mind around Elrond having a red silk handkerchief to loan to Bilbo. And did Bilbo return it? Or was he always mooching off him?

[@meganofsherwood3665]

... I completely forgot about that, ans now I'm curious 😂

[@CleverGirlAAH]

I really like seeing the maps and distributions!! It helps illustrate things so much more clearly! Keep going in that direction, man, it really works!

[@LordRunolfrUlfsson]

(5:27) It's what we would call "soft power" today. You don't easily see it, but it's influence is potent. (6:05) Arguably the greatest power of the Great Rings is the power to preserve things. Rivendell and Lorien stand strong against the power of Sauron (without the One Ring) because they resist change. With the One Ring, the power of the other Great Rings would belong to Sauron, and anything made with their power would belong to him. With the One Ring destroyed, the power that kept them safe and unchanging ceased to be.

[@kotadawndragon]

Elrond is my favorite elven character in Tolkien's works. He's just awesome. I do wonder if one of Vilya's powers is clairvoyance. In lots of other fantasy works, the power of air tends toward information gathering, i.e., the wind telling the user things and other such.

[@lepeixe22]

Well it sure explains telepathy, as if the wind is carrying his words across middle-earth

[@Mathemagical55]

The flooding of the Ford of Bruinen is powered by Vilya in the same way Galadriel uses Nenya to protect Lothlorien. Since the location of the Three could not be discussed, Gandalf had to fudge slightly and say that Elrond commanded it.

[@wanderhillen2435]

Elrond is the personification of "the pen is mightier than the sword" in LOTR.

[@flawedperspective]

It is interesting to compare and contrast the Tolkien's concept of Power comparing Elrond vs. Sauron but also what we today view as power (a.k.a. money and control over others).

[@joesphomalley4263]

This was phenomenal.

[@drkcrstl]

Beautiful video as always

[@violator7964]

Elrond to Sauron: “You might think that I have something personal against you. You’re right.”

[@dave70a]

I love all videos from In Deep Geek!

[@Jett125]

What a great video. Ive always liked elrond but he may be one of my favourites now

[@Rorschachqp]

Elrond's strength is varying all throughout the all of the books. When he was young, he was growing into his full power and knowledge, a journey many people who have high power potential, then for a while he is who he is, then he is ever declining until he leaves Middle Earth.

[@4mithrandir]

If I remember correctly, Tolkien once wrote that Elrond represents the ancient wisdom of the Elves. And it can be said that wisdom is a great power against the malice of Sauron.

[@bielribeiro6622]

A true hero and friend to all free folk.

[@LibertarianLeninistRants]

Wait what? Elrond is Aragorn's great-great-great-...-great-uncle? I never looked that deep into LotR lore to notice that

[@Tar-Elenion]

Yep, something like 65 greats in there.

[@LibertarianLeninistRants]

@@Tar-Elenion still family, especially if you are basically immortal like Elrond and remember everyone

[@TheMarcHicks]

Yep, both descended from Earendil the Mariner.

[@langlest]

The casting for Elrond was perfect in LOTR but absolutely terrible in Rings of Power

[@Tar-Míriel]

Robert Aramayo is excellent. We are only 1 season in. Give it time

[@faustomadebr]

​@@Tar-MírielROP is wrong in its very root. Good cast or not, the text is totally wrong.

[@Tar-Míriel]

@@faustomadebr you're wrong in your very root.

[@faustomadebr]

@@Tar-Míriel Oh! Yeah. Specially about mithril.

[@dolam]

There are so many great characters that we know so little about: Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Prince Imrahil, Rhadagast, Thranduil, Durin’s Bane, Treebeard, and more! Did I miss anyone? lol.

[@sakemp3480]

Considering his pop is in the air with a simaril, the air ring makes sense

[@btswt101]

“Why Mr. Frodo? Why? Why do you persist?” is my favorite quote from the trilogy.

[@katiedid1851]

Picking up Silmarillion next. Elrod is one of my favorite characters in the books. He is so understated- and yet effective.

[@dandiehm8414]

The Silmarillion is WONDERFUL. Not an easy read at first but such a treasure trove of lore and motivations. It was truly the Professor's life's work.

[@omgblastbeatslol]

Wow man, I conflated this video's title with the one next to it in my recs and actually thought for a second that IDG made a video called "How powerful is Gary Busey?" Could you please make that video anyway?

[@7ItalianStallion]

Another excellent narration. Great upload your view on lotr are great!

[@fightronin3753]

Awesome video!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

[@ronmil7010]

Very very well narrated. Thank you.

[@arkdeniz]

Hugo Weaving threaded all through this video and not a single sighting of Robert Aramayo’s portrayal. IDG Robert is trying to say something, I think.

[@martavdz4972]

I was curious, so I looked at Robert Aramayo´s pictures as Elrond and nearly threw up. That isn´t Elrond, not by a long shot.

[@Tar-Míriel]

​@martavdz4972 maybe watch the show. He's great as Elrond.

[@jamesgrieve8435]

This was awesome, thank you for such a great video

[@dandiehm8414]

Nice video as always Robert. But at 7:56, you read the sentence "I think that this task is appointed for you Frodo, and that if you do not find a way, no one will" with the emphasis on the word "You" (many others do this as well). I have always read that line with the key word being APPOINTED (not "you"). Elrond is saying, if he has heard aright everything that was presented, that Frodo was CHOSEN to be the Ring Bearer, and not by Elrond, Gandalf, or even Frodo himself. It goes back to Elrond's comment earlier in the Council (paraphrasing here) "Strangers from strange lands being called to the council. Called I say, but I did not summon you". The hand of Iluvatar was clearly present here, and it was He who chose Frodo.

[@BeyerEfendi]

They absolutely nailed his casting, though. Hugo Weaving was the perfect Elf-human combo, authoritative and almost gruff at times but graceful and elegant all the same.

[@TheInfamousHoreldo]

He has... okay you were getting there lol Good video. Obviously much of the first 6 minutes is also supported by his foresight. So ring, foresight, healing, long life, elvish grace and many leadership qualities among much else. Absolutely a boss and also an outstanding warrior. Wiser than other notable elves, like Thranduil (legodaddy) !

[@awesomehpt8938]

Very. But not enough apparently to get Isildur to drop the ring into mount doom.

[@KorriTimigan]

In fairness, NOBODY was powerful enough to do that

[@Japangf2345]

Does anyone know how the good guys even knew that was how to destroy it? Did Sauron brag about that being the only way how would anyone know that? Did if have to be destroyed there or could u just find any volcano ? I need answers

[@TheMarcHicks]

Even Elrond himself would have failed to throw the Ring into Mount Doom if he'd been the one to pick it up. Heck; even Sauron couldn't have thrown the Ring into Mount Doom, even if he'd wanted to.

[@Nala15-Artist]

@@Japangf2345 Logic. What makes a thing must be able to unmake it.

[@ThommyofThenn]

Isildur kinda stonewalled him with that "No." How the heck do you carry on a discussion like that?!

[@billmiller4972]

One has to keep in mind that Tolkien was not fond of magical trickery but about managing to get things falling in place at the right time.

[@taidee]

Elrond being a magnificent being who is part of all, cares about them all, has duty of care and he carries it with honor.

[@omarbinno4390]

Awesome way to end it. Keep up the great work!

[@Lee_H9]

Regarding Elrond's power over air and influencing others - in it's most base definition, Speech is expressing thoughts and feelings over the medium of air.

[@logangodofcandy]

We talk of the brothers elrond and elross that chose to be either human or elf. We seldom hear of the third brother, Elroy, who chose to be a bootlegger and play legendary melodies in banjo, as his glorious mullet flows in the breeze.

[@lotro1986]

Elrond McBong has immense powers

[@jeremy1860]

I'm sure it'd warm Tolkien's heart to know that his stories are just as beloved now as they were when he was still around 😊

[@katherine.benson4489]

I love this stuff. Thanks.

[@InglouriousBradsterd]

I want to live in Rivendell.

[@truthseeker6532]

WOW!!!!! Incredible points and I am glad I watched this video!!!! Realization of these things were there but, never gathered up the situations from the books nor, the movies when it was all ......right there. His character was over shadowed too much for me to realize THE MASSIVE FACTOR HE WAS AS TO WHY, GOOD ALWAYS HAD A CHANCE TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!

[@karibou6308]

Elrond mostly serve as a first hand witness to many important events. He is the memory and heart of Middle Earth.

[@martystrasinger3801]

There’s a line somewhere when Aragorn and the hobbits reach Rivendale about the air being unusually clear, which one has to assume alludes to Elronds ring.

[@JimNZ]

Hugo Weaving became Elrond. Even though he was already so recognisable with Smith but .. can you imagine someone else as Elrond now?

[@TechBearSeattle]

Vilya, the Ring of Air, controlled time itself. That is what preserved Rivendell through millennia, and that is why Elrond was considered wise: he could see the general shape of the future, or at least patterns in the past and present that, with careful study, let him infer what was to come. That may also be where his healing talent came from, as he could review past treatments and maybe even experiment with the probabilities of various courses to see what one had the best chance of success.

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

8:35 About Rivendell and Kingship. There were not many Noldor left to lead, though I believe Elrond chose to lead all, not just this small group. And Rivendell is not just for any travellers, but literally a refuge and a safekeep.

[@dbf1dware]

Thank you so much for highlighting Elrond. My favorite LOTR characters have always been: Aragorn, Elrond, then his sons Elladan and Elrohir. Geek alert: you have no idea how many Rangers I've run in my DnD life.

[@Onager28]

Mr Baggins, welcome back. We missed you.

[@howardroark7726]

Elrond's role in the 3rd Age reminds me a bit of the wisdom and intellect of Turing as well as the moral leadership of Churchill.

[@dlsamson]

Wisdom is understanding the limits of knowledge & power

[@jacktribble5253]

Quite well done and well said. I would call that power, shaping a world.

[@deeayenn]

The more I study Middle Earth the less I seem to understand it. Thank you for constantly providing me (us) with the information from across the ages & helping me form a clear picture of events, time lines & people.

[@dandiehm8414]

That's odd - the more I study it the more I understand it. But I agree that all fo these videos are excellent sources and are done so well.

[@graey24601]

Elrond was one of the best people in Middle Earth, and that is saying something indeed.

[@JieTie]

I'm very gratefull you didn't use a single frame from the rings of power.

[@user-by9lg6tu2z]

Elrond chose to live forever, Elros chose to have facial hair.

[@user-sd7ri9fy4i]

Nice work dude thanks

[@gerardoangel6]

Elrond was great in Rings of Power, I loved his friendship with Durin

[@savageboosterstudios]

The few frames of Elrond's sons in War in the North🔥

[@Nonchalant321]

How could “The Rings of Power” blow it so bad, with such an easy foundation for them to off of

[@sharonbeautyforgooddotnet]

It would be so interesting to hear your take on the brothers’ choices, why Elros chose mortality, in particular.

[@Gounen]

I start to begin to understand Colbert's knowledge...

[@MIchaelArlowe]

0:48 I’m perfectly capable of buying a refrigerator by myself but it will still be a joint decision with my wife, because it’s her home too.

[@rkgaustin9043]

Ioreth: The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known. Gandalf: I wish Elrond was here instead. Aragorn: Dude, WTF I'm like right here.

[@kdubs83]

I love that line in the books. ❤ The first one obviously. 🤣

[@etienneporras7252]

While Tolkien himself claimed that his legendarium was an attempt to "learn the story of Earendil", I find it very telling that the only character to be directly present in all three published novels (Silmarillion, Hobbit, LotR), is Elrond.

[@etienneporras7252]

In a way, Elrond is the Aslan of Middle-Earth.

[@dandiehm8414]

And Sauron - he just didn't have any lines in The Hobbit.

[@etienneporras7252]

@@dandiehm8414 I don't actually think Sauron makes a physical appearance in the Hobbit though. He's mentioned, and everyone knows to avoid him, but he himself does not enter the narrative.

[@dandiehm8414]

@@etienneporras7252 True - but he hardly makes a PHYSICAL appearance in LOTR.

[@etienneporras7252]

​@@dandiehm8414 Which is kinda my point. Elrond DOES have a "physical" presense as a narrative character in all three published works. (However briefly in the Silmarillion).

[@shawn6669]

The thing I always think of, which I'm pretty sure most people don't because he never claimed the title, but whether he claims it or not, he IS the last High King of the Noldor by right of birth and by being the heir of Gil-Galad.

[@donnybrasco6321]

Have you done one of these deep dives for Beorn and Bombadil?