In the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien’s literature and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, as well as in many other fantasy realms, Elves are often characterized by their long, lush locks. This feature adds to their ethereal elegance and gives the impression that they are older than they appear at first glance. In recent times, a stir was caused online when the Amazon Prime series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power depicted Elven characters like Elrond and Arondir with shorter hair. Interestingly, there’s one Elf from Tolkien’s mythos who might have looked more fitting with a short hairstyle: Glorfindel.
In the eternal lands, Glorfindel was born, yet most of his early life unfolded within the secretive Elven city of Gondolin, nestled in the northern part of Middle-earth during the First Age, as recounted in The Silmarillion. As a significant figure, Glorfindel headed the House of the Golden Flower. Given his house’s golden theme, he possessed long, radiant blonde hair. In the Elvish language of Sindarin, his name signified “Golden Hair.” Even when fully armored and wearing a golden helmet, his hair cascaded out. Though this might have made for an impressive sight on the battlefield, Glorfindel would eventually come to rue his hairstyle choices. In many ways, Glorfindel’s story shared parallels with Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, but unlike the esteemed Grey Wizard, it was Glorfindel’s hair that ultimately proved his undoing.
Glorfindel Dueled a Balrog to Defend the People of Gondolin
510 years into the First Age, the malevolent Dark Lord Morgoth launched an assault on the elven city of Gondolin, amassing a colossal horde consisting of Orcs, wolves, Balrogs, and dragons. Despite the city being filled with formidable Elven warriors, they were no match for such an immense force. However, foreseeing potential danger, the princess of Gondolin, Idril, had already initiated the construction of a hidden tunnel that led to the nearby mountains. As it turned out, the city couldn’t be saved, and the remaining inhabitants escaped through this covert passageway. Glorfindel was one of the escapees, but they faced perils even in their desperate bid for safety via this secret pathway.
In order to navigate through Cirith Thoronath, a precarious cliff-edge passage, Glorfindel and his Elven companions found themselves up against a formidable challenge. Despite Morgoth being unaware of the existence of a secret tunnel, he had strategically positioned minions around Gondolin, making Cirith Thoronath heavily guarded by a Balrog and a horde of Orcs. The account from “Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin” in The Silmarillion offers a brief glimpse into the subsequent fight: “Many songs have been sung about Glorfindel’s duel with the Balrog atop a rocky pinnacle in that high place, and both plunged to their doom in the abyss.” A more extensive description can be found in The Fall of Gondolin, which compiles some of Tolkien’s earlier drafts of the story. Although certain aspects from these older versions conflict with both The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings, they generally align with Tolkien’s later established canon, such as an explanation for why Glorfindel’s uncovered hair was a risky choice.
Glorfindel and the Balrog Met Their Ends At the Same Time
In The Fall of Gondolin, Tolkien wrote,
In a bold move, Glorfindel charged towards [the Balrog], and his shimmering armor stood out under the moonlight. He attacked the monstrous creature so forcefully that it jumped onto a massive stone, with Glorfindel following close behind. The fierce battle took place high above the people, visible to many, yet over before Glorfindel’s companions could reach him in time.
In the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings”, Glorfindel successfully severed one of the Balrog’s arms, causing it to drop its fiery whip. However, using its other hand, the Balrog grabbed hold of Glorfindel and attempted to squeeze him to death. With no room for a full sword swing, Glorfindel drew a knife instead and stabbed the Balrog in the abdomen. The beast recoiled from this wound and tumbled off the cliff’s edge. But as it fell, the Balrog clung to Glorfindel’s golden hair with its remaining hand, dragging him along to his demise. In this battle, if not for his long locks, Glorfindel would have escaped death at the hands of the Balrog.
As a devoted cinephile immersed in Middle-earth lore, I must share an intriguing parallel between Glorfindel and Gandalf: they both defied death by returning to life. Although Glorfindel was a valiant warrior and noble spirit, his existence transcended the Second Age. He chose to reside among Elrond’s people in the Enchanted Realm of Rivendell. In J.R.R Tolkien’s masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings,” Glorfindel emerged as Frodo’s guardian after he sustained a Morgul-wound on Weathertop. Even death could not shorten his luxurious locks, as described in “Flight to the Ford” from “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Miraculously, he managed to evade a second demise during the War of the Ring and likely journeyed to the Undying Lands with his Elven brethren at its conclusion.
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2025-06-02 01:51