The Life of Gil-galad, the Last High King | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

Let the debate begin! Is Gil-galad the greatest High King of the Noldor? If not, who is??

[@johannsebastianbach108]

First

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

Gil-Galad is the greatest. Period. The rhymes, the stories, beautiful

[@adithyadevangnair]

First

[@naurielseagle7120]

I think Fingolfin is the best

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

Gil Galad is the greatest high king of the noldor because he seemed more faithful to the valar ( because of cirdan) then turgon who was to arrogant. He was greater then fingon in skill and wisdom. But the only high king who could be greater then he was fingolfin, because he bravely fought morgoth. Finwe and feanor are not great kings. The only reason gil galad is so great is because of cirdan. Cirdan in my opinion was the most faithful of all iluvitars first born.

[@MenoftheWest]

Great video man, Gil-galad is one of the last reminders of the Elder Days! However, I get triggered by the matter of his parentage every time lol.

[@NerdoftheRings]

It's pretty crazy, right? I was like double and triple checking references to try to untangle the web of his family tree. lol. The biggest thing for me is why Finduilas would stay with Orodreth instead of fleeing with her mother and brother to Falas. The only thing I can think of is she may have been engaged to Gwindor already? So she stayed with him?

[@MenoftheWest]

@@NerdoftheRings That’s a great point! I guess Nargothrond was never in much real danger until Túrin came there, so Finduilas probably was not too worried about it, whereas Gil-galad was in line for the throne after Turgon and had to be protected as much as possible. I think you’re on to something with her engagement as well!

[@donweatherwax9318]

@@NerdoftheRings The idea that Finduilas might've been betrothed to Gwindor already is a good point. (Though it makes his unfortunate role in the Arnoediad all the more tragic.)

[@TheMarcHicks]

@@donweatherwax9318 to be fair, Gwindor only fought in that war because he wanted revenge for his brother, Gelmir.

[@donweatherwax9318]

@@TheMarcHicks Oh, aye. I would probably have done the same for my brother.

[@curtisdebacker3587]

I’m curious as to why we accept Christopher Tolkien’s ideas over what people deduced from J R R Tolkien’s works. (Regarding Gil-Galad’s father.) Anyone care to enlighten me?

[@siryoda8145]

Most importantly, perhaps, is that the elder Tolkien-multiple times, orally in public and on writing-named his son his literary heir and executor. He discussed what we called his legendarium more with his son than any other person by far. He explicitly stated this. Beyond that, by reading his letters and what Christopher provides us in HoME, we do clearly see that the elder Tolkien changes his mind about Gil-galad’s parentage. That is all, unfortunately, but if this isn’t enough, then it shouldn’t be enough on a lot of places. For example, my brain hurts from pondering the changes surrounding Galadriel. Or even more crucially, what we should consider about the origination or Orcs-what was explicitly listed as the most vile thing Melkor/Morgoth did, but which Tolkien came to believe shouldn’t have been possible in the way he originally envisioned.

[@blacktimhoward4322]

Any details on why Gil-Galad gave Elrond his ring of power? I mean, my housewarming gift would have been some nice plates or something. Did Gil-Galad not think he would need it himself? Was he afraid of being captured and losing it?

[@likac92009]

He was afraid Sauron was guessing (rightly) that he, as the High King, surely has one of the rings, so he thought the ring would be safe(r) with Elrond, in case he (Gil-Galad) is captured or killed by evil forces.

[@jomesias]

Freaking awesome content! 👍👍👍 I really like this one, and such a great character as well just epic

[@davido1503]

14:09 - 14:44 It's a terrible day for rain.

[@entwistlefromthewho]

Stop saying it wrong! The stress falls as GIL GAL-ad.

[@principledpsychopath8461]

Gil galad is so great that even the great Sam Gamgee knew his name and song .

[@turkeybeard2010]

Samwise the Brave!

[@Dude_1864]

Samwise the strong!

[@assylbekkossov6955]

Samwise the Chad!

[@mrbuster7255]

Samwise the berch

[@notarmchairhistorian7779]

Samwise the Fit!

[@FallenOne669]

I love Gil-Galad's armour and colour scheme. Purple and Gold are so regal.

[@Isaiflamand]

Like Byzantium colors!

[@redcreyes]

Gil Galad to Lakers confirmed.

[@danyalreza8050]

I thought it was gold and blue? It’s weird because it hovers between blue and purple depending on the image. But I do agree that he has such amazing armour, I think generally the elven armour of the Noldor elves during the War of the Last Alliance is the most beautiful and epic, especially with the breastplates and those beautiful helmets.

[@ScooterDoge]

His costume in RoP is so bad. Looks like a straight jacket.

[@TheMarcHicks]

Poor Sauron. Luthien defeats him in the 1st Age, then one of her descendants defeats him again in the 2nd Age, then another two of her descendants defeats him at the close of the 2nd Age. Then yet *another* of Luthien's descendants helps to seal his final defeat at the close of the 3rd Age.

[@natedorney7032]

Luthien Tinuviel was one of the most powerful She-elves in all of Tolkien's middle earth legendarium. In my opinion, she stands up there with Galadriel. Let's not forget about how she also bewitched Morgoth himself so Beren could reclaim not one but two silmarils from his iron crown.

[@wlam205]

She literally sang a dis track to Saucony boss that knocked him out and helped steal his stolen bling. Dude shoulda known not to mess with that bloodline but hey reach for the stars get burned man.

[@adrianciobanu5856]

Sauron was faked by dog Han by Finrod in original Tinuveil and Beren elf, sauron ithen did not exist is Tevildo. sauron in confront with Fankil in palisor is a pusy that faight against armies minimum 50 times less in numbers , but wasnt able to distroi arnor ho fall only bicose of 2 imbecil of princes, gondor supremacy was distroed by Castamir moria by balrog erebor by dragon and umbarians are castamirs discendants so they faight not for sauron but for Condor Throne this is true and logic legendarium that tolkien fogot to make in general tolkien legendarium about Arda dont have logic first faramir have an disposition more than a week to distroy all briges on Anduine , the briges aren't distroed this shit is not ilogic but oslo stupid , second feanor Best of the Best make palantirs silmarils have a Brother wife from telirian ithen Celeborn îs more logic to bi nephfew of Olwe from Alqualonde bicose Gil galad and Celebrimbor are born in valinor so She was maried in valinor, and dont

[@adrianciobanu5856]

Feanor cant with Celeborn help bild ships but go in war with telerians this ligendarium is more than stupid is absurd.

[@adrianciobanu5856]

@@natedorney7032 Tinuveil is half maia that his defens for Doriath cant bi distroed by Morgoth , galadriel is nobady ithen Dior a quarter maia logic mast by equal with Fingolfin Feanor and Finarfin.

[@durinsbane8005]

Gil-Galad was epic, but Fingolfin took on a Dark Vala 1v1 and suffered only a narrow defeat

[@bignasty4874]

Eh. Feanor was likely the most potent Noldor, before or since. He was told by a Vala that had Iluvitar made him thrice as great as he was, he was doomed to fail. In response to Feanor's oath to destroy Morgoth. So, while Fingolfin laid down some pain on Morgoth, his defeat was hardly narrow.

[@torshavnnewell]

Fingolfin got bodied, but Morgoth got bodied in return and much worse

[@pauljohnagustin4079]

He managed to give a valar a limp Which was no easy feat

[@barbe00brune]

I was never THAT much into the tolkien universe. Yea, Ive read the lotr trilogy and silmarion also but that was all, I thought they were cool but never really went deep into it. I found myself drooling everytime you release a new video. Im overwhelmed by the epicness of the stories and that is all because of you! We feel your love about the lore and the way you narrate the stories is so well done. Its insane how you speak of those stories, its as if they were real. Im sure Tolkien would be proud to see such dedication to his work :)

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much! It was truly a delight to read this comment. I’m so glad that my love of this world comes through in these videos. Thank you so much for watching/subscribing!

[@GodsGrieff]

9:10 This explains a lot about Elrond's respect and hospitality toward dwarves in Hobbit. Great video!

[@Ower8x]

yes they saved his hide in the war for Eregion and then marched with the Last Alliance and fought at Mordor ... and while for the dwarves that would have been history for him it would be living memory ...

[@mayasho5917]

Gil-galad's letter to Numenor would have been so romantic, if not for its dark foreshadowing 🤣 Still, I enjoyed listening to it ❤️

[@tjbfox769]

That was my favorite part of the video. I love this channel!

[@RW77777777]

all of life will soon be extinguished we'd love to have here XOXO GG

[@_semih_]

@@RW77777777 lol

[@lermasaya]

"Gil-galad was an Elven-king. Of him the harpers sadly sing: the last whose realm was fair and free between the Mountains and the Sea." ― The Fall of Gil-galad

[@BioHunter1990]

“His sword was long, his lance was keen. His shining helm afar was seen; the countless stars of heaven's field were mirrored in his silver shield.”

[@timothylong3110]

But long ago he rode away...

[@BioHunter1990]

@@timothylong3110 and where he dwelleth none can say Note: I’m sure it’s “rode away”

[@timothylong3110]

@@BioHunter1990 oops my bad😕

[@BioHunter1990]

@@rafaelfarias4359 "and where he dwelleth none can say" (I had hoped someone would fill the entire third stanza after OP shared the first, and I the second.)

[@briangarrow448]

A message of heroism and refusal to bow before evil- the life of Gil-Galad. ‘It’s better to die while fighting the great Darkness than to suffer under it’s shadow forever.- Brian Garrow

[@erikavalentina4940]

While Christopher Tolkien insisted that Orodreth was the father of Gil Galad, to me, his father was always Fingon. They resemblance each other in valour and even in death (Fingon was beaten to dust after his death, showing how much the Balrogs and orcs hated him for his valor)

[@yipyaplance3983]

Yes, but I think his use of the spear Aeglos makes him more of a Finarfinian because of their mix heritage of Sindarin, and Vanyarin. They prefer Bows, and Spears for the Vanyar.

[@erikavalentina4940]

@@yipyaplance3983 both Fingolfin and Finarfin were sons from Finwe and Indis, so they have the same share of Noldor and Vanyar’s blood. Also he was raised by Cirdan’s people so maybe he got influenced from there. Of course if you prefer orodreth was his father it’s cool. After all, that one is approved by C. Tolkien. But I read Silmarillion long ago and it was stated Fingon was Gil Galad’s father, the idea is kinda stuck in my head 😊

[@BillShockley]

Son of Fingon, no doubt. Orodreth's son became a black jack dealer in Bree🙄

[@j.d.5626]

Agreed the canon is Fingon.

[@erikavalentina4940]

@Stellvia Hoenheim I don’t get it either why he must change the already perfect Gil Galad parental lineage. After all, we all know that most Noldor who dwell in middle earth were coming from house of Fingolfin. House of Finarfin become ruler to Noldor in Tirion. If C. Tolkien didn’t make this unnecessary changed, the line will be perfect. It is make sense to the next ruler in line will be Elrond who is Turgon’s grandson. But since he suddenly changed Gil Galad belong to house of Finarfin, it’s all messed up.

[@lizzies4964]

As much as I love the Last Alliance scene in the movies, I'd love to see it done again in the Amazon series (if they plan on getting that far) because it would be awesome to see Gil Galad and Elendil take on Sauron and defeat him.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Totally agree!!

[@jumper55ful]

@@NerdoftheRings i just hope the series is good enough maybe later they could do a first age hell i would love to a see a battle of the dragons especially the big guy!

[@moromann1]

I don’t think we’ll see the war of the last alliance. The series will probably focus on the Numenoreans and their settling of middle earth. That’s a thousand years before the war of the last alliance, and I can’t imagine the series having such a long time frame. Would be way too much for casual fans to follow.

[@maxmichaeler5420]

@@moromann1 Sadly they're perfectly capable of just crunching the whole timeline together to fit all the events into the span of a few season. Something like Vikings did with viking history

[@oldfrend]

@@maxmichaeler5420 they're spending a billion dollars to make this show, and their agreement with the tolkien estate says they must make at least 5 seasons, so they have no reason to rush this.

[@jordanbachmann7002]

Fascinating to think Gil Galad is the first and only King of Noldor that never saw Valinor

[@Starbat88]

The depth of this lore never ceases to amaze me. And it's wonderful that we have so much beautiful artwork to accompany it.

[@virtualcircle285]

I would have loved to see this duel in the movie. The concept art is crazy.

[@edwardness7497]

he had an actor portray him, not sure if there was a deleted scene, or he was just used as a background character, or it was just in extended reading, I saw him in a weapons of middle earth book...

[@iveriendawnlight9081]

They shot the scene of Gil-galad's death but it never got featured in the movie. At least we have this hilarious reenactment of the scene by Mark Ferguson (Gil-galad) and Craig Parker (Haldir): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqurmYWPic6FgM0

[@LordVader1094]

@@iveriendawnlight9081 I wish at least the deleted scene had been released

[@jmsimplysuperior.7367]

You will at the end of rings of power.

[@KororaPenguin]

@@jmsimplysuperior.7367 Or at least some ill-staged travesty.

[@melmothmelmoth]

Terrible casting of such a legend in the Rings of Power.

[@Syaska]

3,521 years? Now we know what Queen Elizabeth is aiming for.

[@Ryansghost]

She missed. Eru save the king.

[@FallenOne669]

I hope Gil-Galad is a central character in the Amazon show. He lives throughout the entirety of the Second Age and would be a good reference point for viewers.

[@NerdoftheRings]

I personally expect Elrond to be more of a "main" character, but any Tolkien adaptation needs a great ensemble, and I expect Gil-galad to factor heavily in the show!

[@FallenOne669]

@@NerdoftheRings That makes sense. Elrond would be like Jon Snow, while Gil-Galad would take the role of Tywin.

[@ElDuderinoh]

@@FallenOne669 yea or we could not compare it with GOT and make it it’s own thing as should be.

[@FallenOne669]

@@ElDuderinoh I agree. I'm merely saying the 'positions' those characters might take in the story. If you want to stick to Lord of the Rings, Gil-Galad would likely be similar to Gandalf the White while Elrond would be either Aragorn or Faramir.

[@FallenOne669]

@Exar kun The dark side cosmic entity 1: What makes you say that? 2: So long as they remain true to his character, why does that matter?

[@robday2859]

The Fall of Gil-galad..... 3 stanzas of awesomeness greater than many completed books and sagas by other authors. Tolkien was truly a genius.

[@ravishah2255]

Timeline is screwed up by Amazon series here. Celebrimbor is killed before 11th king of Numenor comes and fights the Sauron with one ring forged. But, in series, Numenor has 24th king practically dead and Sauron hasn't even approached celebrimbor to start making the rings.

[@maxmercer1931]

How the hell were Gil-Galad and Elendil able to defeat Sauron while Sauron wore the One Ring in Mordor?

[@NerdoftheRings]

Double High King power. 💪

[@maxmercer1931]

@@NerdoftheRings it seems like a story Tolkien would have eventually fleshed out, if he had lived longer

[@lordbillaire9638]

Remember it was Elrond, Isildur, Gil-Galad and Elendil vs Sauron.

[@garytwinem5275]

It's always the same, when you get to the final boss in a computer rpg, your characters are so op the battle is a doddle. Look at Alduin in Skyrim 🙂

[@brohanfromrohan5771]

You ask that, but we all know. Mordor was winning. Sauron had killed both Gil-galad and Elendil. He was on the verge of killing Isildur too had he not cut the ring from his hand. It was pure luck.

[@thomasdavies2701]

No wonder why Elrond is such a master strategist and incredible character having a mentor/friend like this guy

[@tonybaker1268]

I was just reading his letter to Aldarion's father in *Aldarion and Erendis* in the Unfinished Tales.

[@NerdoftheRings]

It's a pretty great letter, laying out the threat of Sauron. And so well written!

[@tonybaker1268]

@@NerdoftheRings one of the many reasons the Unfinished Tales are so good

[@elvatoz]

Erendis... The Nemenorean Karen 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@alexp3462]

@@elvatoz Erendis is a great character! I love that whole story, made Numenor sound like a real place rather than just a list of kings and legends.

[@AlexanderTheBloodraven]

I will never forgive Amazon for how they utterly ruined this character.

[@enricogiannini7455]

A great one that’s for sure but Finglofin challenged and wounded a Valar. And not just a Valar but the mightiest Melkor. He’s the greatest for me.

[@NOIDEAIWILLJUSTUSEHAILEYIGUESS]

Gil Galad and Elendil: make plans for 3 years. Anarion and Gondor: Fighting for their lives to hold off Sauron’s forces while the alliance prepares for war.

[@AaronOrtiz]

but their plans were successful, so I think it was not s bad strategy

[@NOIDEAIWILLJUSTUSEHAILEYIGUESS]

I'm just surprised Gondor was able to survive holding off Sauron's forces by themselves. Their Casualties must've been massive.

[@tylerellis9097]

@@NOIDEAIWILLJUSTUSEHAILEYIGUESS This is Pure Numenorean Gondor so I’m not surprised.

[@chrismoorhouse3065]

This sort of RL issue is well represented in the lore. It DOES takes years to arm, supply, and organize a force like this. Consider: the host sent from Minas Morgul to the Battle of the Pellenor Fields was a "small" ready-reaction force, loosed because Sauron was "forced" to act by Aragorn's appearance. The main army assembling on the Gorgoroth Plateau was not ready to march out, and had to all appearances been mustering for years before being hastily advanced to the Towers of the Teeth.

[@NOIDEAIWILLJUSTUSEHAILEYIGUESS]

The main thing that has me wondering is how Anarion managed to organize such a successful defense despite the war starting with Gondor being surprised by the sudden assault on Minas Ithil. Sauron had been in Mordor since 3320 and his attack on Minas Ithil was in 3429, which gives him more than a century to prepare his war plans, and he likely also had the 9 Nazgul. Anarion must've pulled off Cesaerean feats to have been able to hold Osgiliath, let alone join the alliance after assumably retaking Minas Ithil.

[@derGlasdrache]

I just realized that we maybe know more stanzas of "The fall of Gil-galad" because it shares a recurring line with the inscription of the One Ring ("In Mordor where the shadows are"). Both could be part of the same song and a larger story.

[@meganofsherwood3665]

That is a fantastic thought!

[@PDBisht]

Gil-galad being galadrial's grand-newphew, i find this odd. In the show galadrial is quite young compared to gil-galad. I know elves don't age like mans but still odd.🤷

[@alexanderwheeler5328]

I honestly don't listen to changes made by Christopher. Yes the stories were originally for him but his father made them. I trust J.R.R. word above anyone else's on the topic of his world

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

Can we get a redo on Rings of Power? The second age story is far to great to be butchered the way it’s being told now, and Gil-galad deserves better than to be an arrogant king that does nothing.. Also, I can’t believe ROP folded all the separate kingdoms of elves into a single kingdom under Gil-galad. Tolkien created a vast and rich world and this show chose to compress everything in both time and space. Such a shame.

[@scatterthewinds3126]

they're going to butcher this guy in the amazon show.

[@Sunavagun341]

They are non binary Gil galad

[@haroldgōdwinessunu]

​@@Sunavagun341 Please, be joking.

[@TS-lw5nv]

Great video. This shows just how poor the lore is in the rings of power. None of this character development is in the show. Not even close.

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

In my opinion Finrod and gil galad were the greatest of finarfins line!

[@NerdoftheRings]

They're both pretty awesome for sure!

[@Enerdhil]

Not Fingolfin?

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

@@Enerdhil nope. He was not as great as Gil Galad in mind but in strength he was greater then Gil Galad.

[@muhammadmudassarbilal7986]

@@Enerdhil fingolfin was finarfin's brother. Fingolfin was no doubt the strongest among Eldar, but I think Gil-galad surpassed others in strategy, wisdom, and rule. Turgon, Finrod, Fingon, Fingolfin all were great in their times but Gil-galad learnt from their failures and experiences, and in this way had more edge in upcoming battles against Sauron.

[@Enerdhil]

@@lordheklsmosh9490 A I agree.

[@AllAhabNoMoby]

I will always think of Gil-Galad as the son of Fingon.

[@dsnascimento]

It makes way more sense. The grandson of Fingolfing dying like his granpa, fighting the dark lord. Nice pic BTW. Taxation is theft!

[@xxxFingonxxx]

Like grandpa, like father , like son

[@AllAhabNoMoby]

@@dsnascimento Yes it is!

[@AllAhabNoMoby]

@@xxxFingonxxx Yep!

[@anonymouspersonskissnowboa6678]

Lmao both beta wuss anyway rofl. Lmao one cried to the valar like when challenged by feanor to a duel. Beta wuss like morgoth who had to wait for feanor to be outstation to steal his jewels and had to send a whole army to stop him and only defeated him by ambushing him from behind.

[@vainor797]

I thought Gil-galads father was Fingon 😂 no idea where I got that from Edit : Nvm I typed this before he explained it Great video tho 👍

[@appletree3895]

Galadriel being the main character in the show was so stupid. IMO it should have revolved around Gil-galad and Elendil up until their final moments taking on Sauron.

[@TurinStark5]

I wouldn't say Elendil - perhaps in the last 3 seasons. The first 2 seasons should focus on Gil Galad with Aldarion (S1) (the first real friendship after Elros with the Elves) and then later Tar Minastir who defeated Sauron together with the Elves (S2)

[@CancerMage]

Thank you for making this. Gil-Galad is my favorite Tolkien character, and now I can show people why.

[@lordbillaire9638]

Ever since I read the name Gil-Galad in The Lord of the Rings books when I was just a child, his character fascinated me. He has the best sounding name by far out of all the elves. Maybe his name was inspired by Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk from the sumerians folklore.

[@Enerdhil]

I learned who he was from my wife, who plays the online game Fate Grand Order. lol

[@robfisher3790]

I've never read any of Tolkien's sagas, but your telling of these characters really makes it seem like a whole other world. Truly remarkable job. Thank you for this and all that you have done.

[@alexp3462]

Really hope they don't skip over the War of the Elves and go straight to Ar-Pharazon/Downfall/Last Alliance, we need to see Gil-Galad being awesome for several seasons to make the final confrontation properly EPIC.

[@natedorney7032]

The show on Amazon is set during the Second Age... So that means we'll be getting a bunch of the most important events of that age: the founding of numenor, the forging of the rings, the war of the elves and sauron, Ar-Pharazon and the Downfall to name just a few of them. I would like to see more on the Last Alliance than just the brief prologue at the beginning of Fellowship Of The Ring personally. Just the way elrond spoke of the host gathered in the books was enough to make a whole series on. "It recalled the great hosts of the elder days... So fair was that assemblage".

[@Ower8x]

@@natedorney7032 Unfortunately the timeline has been so twisted and the existing lore disregarded that that is just impossible ...

[@talesoftheeldar8688]

In my opinion, Gil Galad is not part of the house of Finarfin! If he were the son of Orodreth , who is part of the house of Finarfin then after his death the High Kingship would move to Galadriel. The reason why, after Fingon's death, the High Kingship came to Turgon, is because of a rule of generation. The High Kingship could not reach the forth generation (Gil Galad) until the first generation (Fingolfin) , the second (Fingon, Turgon,Finrod,Galadriel...) and the third( Orodreth) were dead. If he had been in Finarfin's house then the Kingship would not have come to him, because the second generation (Galadriel) was not dead. These are the arguments I use to explain why I think Gil Galad is part of Fingolfin's house.

[@Enerdhil]

Totally agree.💯%

[@farthest_star]

Women are excluded from the line among the Noldor though. If women could inherit than the kingship should have passed to Galadriel after Turgon because she remained the eldest of the House of Finwë in ME. Or to Idril (she was born in Valinor and she is much older) but it went straight to Gil-Galad. The High King in Exile is the eldest male descended from either Fingolfin or Finarfin. The line should have looked like this: Fingolfin -> Fingon -> Turgon or Finrod (they both were born in YT 1300) -> Angrod -> Aegnor -> Orodreth -> Gil-Galad , who became the King because he was the only person alive descended through the male line from Finwë. (Actually him being from House of Finarfin makes a lot more narrative sense considering that for the longest time he was the son of Finrod Felagund)

[@leonardofaber5823]

​@@farthest_star precisely.

[@therealelderking5830]

@@farthest_star technically if women were allowed then Fingolfin’s sister Lalwen would get the crown after his death.

[@farthest_star]

@@therealelderking5830 True! But we have no information on when/if she died

[@aronmakan]

I don't understand why Sauron had to come forth from Bara-Dur he could have simple stayed in his fortress and waited.

[@Hakudan2]

Gil-galad is so important, I would be baffled if he isn't in the Amazon prime show

[@Cloofinder]

"I watched Gil-Galad die on the foots of OrodRuin, burnt to death by the heat of Sauron." - Calibrimbor (Shadow of mordor)

[@hanb1000]

Excellent and well made! Your voice is so much suited to these mini docues that they're a joy to watch and listen to. Keep it up!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Aeglos, the Spear of the King was not destroyed. It remains hidden in Middle Earth after the second age.

[@Enerdhil]

Maybe Cirdan inherited Aeglos along with Narya.

[@shadowofchaos8932]

@@Enerdhil unfortunately it was lost after Gil Galad fell in battle in Mordor.

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

Yes Gil-Galad! Just finished the Silmarillion a few days ago so this is a topic of interest, along with me kind of curious about Beorn and why there’s such little information about him. 😁💙

[@NerdoftheRings]

Beorn is just one of those mysterious creatures. It can be maddening at times, but the fact that there is some mystery in Middle-earth is kind of cool and makes it feel more real. :)

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

@@NerdoftheRings it really does in a way. Thanks so much for the clarity on that!

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

@Pangea06 I understand now, thanks so much

[@JMFlightAdventures]

You should do a video all on the artwork of middle earth. It can sometimes be difficult to visualize things while reading the books, but the artwork shared on this channel always brings me to middle earth!

[@angelotalee8818]

And in the Rings of Power show he's a ruler who does nothing but sing a song 😂

[@rings-cn1yn]

I would be glad to be corrected, but I think you're mispronouncing Gil-Galad. Sam's poem about Gil-Galad in Book 1 of Fellowship is written in iambic tetrameter. It should be read like this: gil GAL ad WAS an EL ven KING of HIM the HARPers SADly SING the LAST whose REALM was FAIR and FREE beTWEEN the MOUNtains AND the SEA You pronounce it by putting the emphasis on the first syllable but Samwise Gamgee pronounces it gil GAL ad. I don't think you're saying it right. I would gladly receive greater insight.

[@Enerdhil]

Exactly. Everyone says GIL-galad. I am sure you are correct, according to the guides I have read.

[@carlosagredano2587]

Truly one of your best videos, thank you for keeping the good work!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! :)

[@juhavauhkonen1461]

When I watch these youtube videos about stories of Tolkien especially this video I become sad always because how far rings of power fall from these stories. Just because people who made it had no heart.

[@marionbaggins]

Will we see more of Gil-Galad in the series?!!! Hopefully...Well he is a major player within the second age!!!

[@northrendicecrown631]

Well to be fair at the greatest battle the world has ever seen was the war of wrath that defeated Melkor

[@TheMarcHicks]

Over 1600 years after his defeat in Eriador. Man, Sauron takes that whole "revenge is a dish best served cold" thing to heart!

[@papasy3748]

for all his shapeshifting and triangulating, his patience, his boundless patience, is what strikes me the most.

[@dododimitrov9657]

This would be epic Tv series if done right. The story of second age and is amazing.

[@RonW4684]

If done right. Season 1: approx SA500 - a shadow is growing in Middle-earth, the Numenorians return to Middle-earth. Season 2: approx SA 1200 - Annatar appears to the elves. The Numenorians have settled Middle-earth and begin exploiting the forests. Season 3: approx SA1700 - Forging of the Rings of Power. The War of Elves and Sauron Season 4: approx SA2200 - War of Numenor and Sauron. Numenor's colonization of Middle-earth. Darkening of Numenor. Season 5: approx SA3400 - War against the Valar. Sinking of Numenor. Founding of the Kingdoms in Exile. War of the Last Alliance.

[@rangerofthenorth1970]

Great video, Matt...I will always respect Gil Galad, but Fingolfin IS and ALWAYS will be the ONE TRUE High king of the Noldor!!!!!! ....but dont get me wrong Gil Galad is also cool....

[@highspeedchase2486]

I agree with you! Fingolfin all day!

[@janakipejov3667]

For some reason, this comment reeks of 2000's internet era 🤣

[@micahwendell]

I know in Tolkien's latest version Gil-Galad was made the son of Orodreth who in turn was made the son of Angrod. I still like the version given to us in The Silmarillion better. Making him the son of Fingon the eldest son of Fingolfin. I like this idea better than him being from the younger House of Finarfin.

[@pumpernickelplace]

I'm still looking forward to see how ROP unfolds ~~ however after the first two episodes the Gil-galad character definitely feels like a weak-point so far. The look and acting just stuck out as sub-par compared to the other main characters.

[@michaelmcdonald5154]

This was an epic telling of the life of the great Gil-Galad. I am now curious about Haldir. He was given little screen time in both Fellowship and Two towers, in both films near pivotal moments. Would be nice if there was enough info for a Haldir segment.

[@quaffdowngin]

You truly have a gift. Gil-Galad has always been a renowned King of the Noldor, but the information provided by Tolkien about him is slight. The way you pull all of the references and brief mentionings together from a vast array of sources gives a full body to his tale, and allows one to understand the absolute greatness of this elf of Middle Earth. I always understood Gil-Galad to be great, but I did not realize the magnitude until you pulled it all together. Once again, I was in tears at the culmination of one of your studies. Thank you (again)!

[@ladyamon7974]

You sir, make me feel as of I'm living the adventure with these characters and your voice is so soothing. Thank you from the depths of my heart for making these exceptional videos! ❤ from KC.

[@MaynardKeenanX]

A bit sad he was the Iast high king ... everybody shouId be aIIowed to smoke

[@CheeseburgerRandy17]

This deserves the most likes

[@fathanaqwiya7398]

All this majestic and epic lore just for rings of power to turn him into a less insane and paranoid denethor…

[@veevee199x]

One of the best characters in the Legendarium.

[@pmg83]

Really loved your wording at the end "longest serving" not "longest reigning", that defines & captures the very essence of High Kings of Noldor in Middle Earth, each & everyone of them gave their lives defending their people against the greatest evil. It could be a four part story in its own right - Fingolfin, Fingon, Turgon and Gil-galad.

[@likac92009]

You forgot the first High King, Maedhros.

[@Relixification]

They didn't die 'defending' their people, they died 'fighting' for their people. Remember, the vow for Finrod is what got the Elves to fight the darkness, that's why the First Age is so epic in comparison to 2nd and 3rd, it wasn't the Darkness that was attacking the light, it was the armies of the Noldor attempting to destroy the last bastion of Morgoth.

[@pmg83]

@@likac92009 Maybe , maybe not. Even if he was High King, at least 80% of elves never recognized him as such or even knew about it.

[@likac92009]

@@pmg83 Even if he was? He literally abdicated to give the crown to Fingolfin (to unite Noldor). How can you give your title to someone else if you don't have it in the first place? Also, 80% of what? Fëanor's fraction was HUGE. They fought Battle Under the Stars alone and obliterated Morgoth's army. Percentage of followers was probably 60/40 Fingolfin/Fëanor. I have a feeling you haven't read The Silmarillion thoroughly.

[@pmg83]

​@@likac92009 Feanor's faction was really small compared to Fingolfin's , read about crossing of grinding ice. And they all remembered burning of ships

[@ninsuhnrey]

1:36 Finduilas would have opted to stay with her father since she was betrothed to Gwindor, and then later fell in love with Túrin.

[@Mr100Rupees]

Cool vid 👌

[@tjbfox769]

Damn. I had no idea that both Gil-Galad and Elendil actually put up a fight and defeated Sauron. I cannot wait to see that happen on screen if Amazon does things right. In Jackson's prologue in the Fellowship movie, he made Isildur out to be the one who defeated him. Sauron just clubs Elendil and Gil-Galad isn't even mentioned. Bummer. I guess I get not including every character who was present at the Battle of the Last Alliance but I feel like by cutting so many characters, the weight of the achievement makes Sauron look weak and Isildur look godly. It's a more watered down/simple take but I'm not a fan. I love the movies but yet again it just goes to show that the books will always be better. Cheers! Love this channel so much!

[@tweetzone86]

Gil-galad was there- you can see him cut down an orc with his spear in the prologue right before Elendil holds up his sword and Galadriel's voice-over says, "Victory was near" :) They had to cut his death from the films because Sauron lit him up like a torch and it slapped an R-rating on it due to that. They didn't have time to go back and fix it- pickups, etc were already done and the film was ready to go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5uUZGyaepynfKs He is at the 2:34 mark in the video clip in the link I posted in this reply :) You're welcome :)

[@natedorney7032]

Gil-Galad was slain in single combat with Sauron during the war of the last alliance at the battle of mount doom in the movies. In the books, following sauron's destruction of the royal body guards of both the high King of the elves and of the king of the numenordan exiles - Gil Galad fought the dark lord and was incinerated by the intensity of Sauron's hatred and malice. Seeing his friend and allie die at the hands of the dark lord in such a way filled Elendil with fury and charged at him which led to him getting struck by the mace wielded by sauron. It was Isildur, son of Elendil who delivered the blow which cut the one ring from Sauron's hand. "I shall have this as wereguild for my brother and father though I buy it with great pain" as was written in the scroll of Isildur read by Gandalf in the archives of Minas Tirith, City of Gondor.

[@tjbfox769]

@@tweetzone86 Oh cool thanks!

[@tjbfox769]

@@natedorney7032 Thanks for filling me in. I appreciate it. 😊

[@anatoldenevers237]

@@natedorney7032 Was it single combat? I had the impression that Gil-Galad and Elendil fought Sauron together.

[@prodromosalexiou7846]

I was waiting the video only to write a comment that I want to see Gil galad's life and travels

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha! Glad I could throw a curveball into your plans today! :)

[@Enerdhil]

@@NerdoftheRings Was that a curveball? I thought it was a slider.🤪

[@johanlindgren5801]

love these though I am still missing Fäanor. Peace and much love too you :D

[@nilxargay6341]

Personally, I prefer the theory of him being son of Fingon, as this is much more important than Orodreth.

[@jonasb104]

I actually prefer the version of Gil-Galad as Orodreths son for the exact opposite reason. Orodreth is generally portrayed as a character of weak will, almost overthrown by Celegorm and Curufin in Nargothrond and later being influenced to bad ends by Turin. But exactly that message, that greatness doesn't have to come down from other greatness that came before is so great to me. His father may've been a weak king and his mother just a simple Sindar maid, but nonetheless Gil-Galad turns all of that heritage around and can keep up with figures like Fingon and Finrod. Just because of himself, not because of inherited strenght and great legacy.

[@erikagray9883]

Who are the ten orcs who disliked this video?

[@archivesofarda986]

Gil Galad was an elven king Of him the harpers sadly sing The last who's realm was fair and free Between the mountains and the sea...

[@tomclancy9574]

His sword was long his lance was keen a shining helm afar was seen the countless stars of heavens field were mirror in his silver shield...

[@marcushendriksen8415]

Your pronunciation of Gil-galad is so satisfying! I've noticed that other youtubers tend to pronounce the "galad" part as "gallid", but your way is the way I pronounced it in my head as a kid

[@kahmall87]

Greetings from Brazil. I wanted to thank you for the great content and say that the way you guide the storytelling is amazing. Keep doing

[@cerberus6654]

Ahh, to be an Elf in Middle Earth! So many exciting things to look forward to! Being slain by a Balrog, slain by a troll, slain by orcs, slain by a warg, slain by a dragon, slain by an Uruk, slain or seriously injured by a Mumakil, or being captured and taken off to Mordor to be turned into fell meat sausages - after really disgusting things are done to your beautiful white body. Valinor is so boring by comparison.

[@fingolfinvalinor9200]

If you are noble enough, you definitely would be slain by a Balrog or Dragon :D I mean it is their destiny

[@cerberus6654]

@@fingolfinvalinor9200 True. But I think of all the Elves killed by slipping and falling off a flet in Lorien, or by being kicked in the head by a horse, choking on a fish bone or something as mundane as that. Like a botched abortion!

[@TheSophiesVids]

This was so beautiful! The music pairing with the story was perfection 🤩🤩

[@0farmerjohn0]

We don't know the full details. I hope we don't see Queen Gil-galad in Amazon.

[@howdareyouexist]

nah, instead galadriel will just be the one to accomplish his feats

[@Name.is2]

I hate what they did to him in the series, making him seems very unwise.

[@centurymemes1208]

you haven’t seen the entirely of the season to justify your claim

[@wzx6x6z6w]

@@centurymemes1208 only 3 episodes left, I doubt we'll see more scenes featuring him, it's all gonna be Galadriel taking care of the orcs and Adar, calling it.

[@centurymemes1208]

@@wzx6x6z6w 4 seasons left actually. im more excited after episode 5 days ago 🤩

[@vergil8833]

It's a shame he's always depicted with dark hair, since he is really more unique amongst the Noldor with his fair hair from the line of Finarfin.

[@scotes25]

I have an adjective for this video: magnificent.

[@TheMarcHicks]

Your videos, & the videos of In Deep Geek, Men of the West & The Broken Sword, are all telling me that I need to read Unfinished Tales. I thought I knew a lot about Tolkein's world, having read The Silmarillion, The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings countless times. Yet these videos are exposing serious gaps in my knowledge 😉.

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Awesome video great job!

[@carolynmu9334]

Do a video on what if Durin's bane was 🚫 killed by Gandalf! Do the theory video!

[@siddhantsingh1400]

_Gil-Galad was an Elven-King_ _Of him, the harpers sadly sing_ _The Last whose realm was fair and free_ _Between the mountains and the sea.._ _His Sword was long, His Lance was keen_ _His shining Helm afar was seen_ _The countless stars of Heaven's field_ _Were mirrored in his Silver Shield.._ _But long ago he rode away_ _And where he dwelleth, none can say_ _For into darkness fell his Star_ _In Mordor where the Shadows are_

[@veevee199x]

Oh my Eru. This song makes me sad. Very heartbreaking. But I love this so much, I downloaded it on my phone and play at night to help me sleep.

[@klaus_poppe]

Gil Galad serving Onion Ring salad

[@OldPaladin]

Very good job. It's good to see this kind of work before Amazon ruins Middle-Earth lore with that series that corrupts everything Tolkien has written and believed in.

[@Lormenkal64]

cringe

[@viktorbauer5054]

Gil-galad bukása (Magyar) Tünde-király volt Gil-galad, országa széles és szabad a Tenger és a Hegy között: de Gil-galad elköltözött. A, lant még zengi hős nevét, sisakját, kardját, seregét, ezüstpajzsát, mely csillogott, akár a fényes csillagok. De ennek sok-sok éve már elvágtatott a hős király. A fény kihunyt, nem ünnepel: Mordor sötétje nyelte el. (Réz Ádám Ford.)

[@mayasho5917]

FINALLY!! Been waiting for Gil-galad to be covered! Thank you!! ❤️

[@NerdoftheRings]

I can't wait to see him in the Amazon show! It's a shame we didn't get to see more of him in the PJ films!

[@miguellorenzo3726]

To me, Gil-galad is the son of Fingon. As was published in the Silmarillion. As others have stated, the house of Finarfin became rulers of Tirion. It makes more sense that the house of Fingolfin continued their rule in Middle-earth. He was too young when Fingon was slain, which explains why Turgon became the next high King. He was also much older and wiser. Also, we all think of Gil-galad as having black/dark brown hair, like the rest of the house of Fingolfin. The house of Finarfin are mostly blonde. I wonder if in any book the appearance of Gil-galad is described. Anyone? Also, etymologically, Ereinion is closer to Fingon than to Orodreth. Also, the house of Finarfin (except for Galadriel and Finrod Felagund) are such pushovers. (lol) It makes more sense that he be the son of Fingon.

[@josephgregory308]

Also, this video reminds me that Morgoth nearly succeeded prior to the War of Wrath. Sauron came pretty close to conquering the West too prior to the arrival of Tar Minastir. Sauron also controls Rhun, Khand, and Harad during this time. Had Tar Minastir tarried Sauron might have been able to consolidate Lindon and prepare to rebuff Numenor. Absolutely insane.

[@richardtodorov]

This video is superior to Rings of Power

[@ofgondor5312]

His story is so amazing that it could easily be one of Amazon’s “potential spin offs” of the LOTR on Prime show, assuming the show will be centered around Numenor, Sauron, Galadriel and the Rings but image a spin off show that takes place at the same time as the prime show but from Gil-Galad’s POV. As always, amazing video! Feel free to make a video explaining his family tree lol. Or of Beleg XD. Hope your child is healthy dude! #FreeMorgoth