This week Amazon released their first image for the upcoming “Lord of the Rings” series. In what I assume they hope will fill the hole “Game of Thrones” left in its wake, the new series is promising to be epic in scale and (hopefully) continue the stories of J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle Earth, as well as re-invigorate the property for fans (I saw all three films when they debuted in theaters) that were left disappointed by “The Hobbit” prequels.
In celebration, I listed my five favorite characters from the Peter Jackson “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
If you have your own choices, feel free to let me know in the comments!
Treebeard, the Ent
Treebeard is one of the last remnants of the wilderness of Middle Earth before it was consumed by war and greed. As a character, he and his kind are good natured and merciful entities that have to step up and fight, or else the entire world will be taken over by Sauron. Treebeard is a charming and interesting being that offers immense wisdom, as well as some excellent heroics in the climax of “The Two Towers.”
King Théoden
King Theoden is a noble and heroic ruler who manages to break free from his hold from Sarumon and Grima Wormtongue, and steps up to help Gandalf and Aragorn help save Middle Earth. Theoden also helps to create the heroic Arwen who, while initially dismissed for being a woman, inherits most of her father’s courage and leaps in to battle, risking life and limb for their kingdom.
Samwise Gamgee
Hobbit Samwise Gamgee manages to become a true underdog hero in the film series, first aiding Frodo on his quest, and eventually having to do so much more. Along with helping to fight off monstrous menaces, and the ring’s influence, he also has to fend off Gollum’s manipulation. In the end, he also helps Frodo come to the realization that destroying the ring is best for Middle Earth, and he perseveres.
Aragorn II
Aragorn is at first a shady individual who manages to fulfill an immense fate within the narrative and mythology of “Lord of the Rings.” Along with helping to destroy the one remaining ring, he also proves to be noble, trustworthy, heroic, self-sacrificing, and true to his word. This is especially true in “Return of the King” when he keeps his oath to the Dead Men of Dunharrow and allows them to finally rest in peace after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields is won and Minas Tirith is saved,.
Legolas
Legolas was without a doubt my favorite character of the original film series as he managed to grab some of the best moments in battle, while also playing well off of Gimli. I wish he hadn’t been tainted with “The Hobbit” movies, but thankfully taken within the original series, he’s a marvelous hero and valiant warrior. Not only are the Sindarin elves the most interesting creatures of this world, but Legolas is a brilliant archer who almost never misses. I became a huge fan once I saw him help fend off the Orc army in “Fellowship of the Rings” and he earns his place throughout the movie series beautifully.