The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 8: FAREWELL TO LÓRIEN
Overview
The Fellowship chooses to leave Lothlórien by boat, deferring the decision of crossing west to Minas Tirith or east toward Mordor. Celeborn and Galadriel equip and counsel them, and Galadriel bestows parting gifts, notably the Elfstone to Aragorn and the phial to Frodo. They bid a sorrowful farewell as Galadriel sings, and set out down the Anduin.
Summary
Summoned to Celeborn’s chamber, the Fellowship confirms they will continue the Quest. Celeborn warns that beyond Lórien the Anduin will shape their choices: the safer west bank leads toward Minas Tirith, while the Quest’s straight road lies on the darker eastern shore. He offers boats to delay the decision. That night, most prefer Minas Tirith, but Frodo stays silent and Aragorn is torn; Boromir declares his duty lies west and betrays a troubling interest in not “throwing away” something, which Frodo senses refers to the Ring.
At dawn Elves bring provisions and gear: lembas waybread to be used sparingly and elven cloaks that aid concealment. Haldir arrives to guide them south, noting unrest in the mountains. Reaching the hythe between Silverlode and Anduin, the Elves prepare three grey boats and hithlain ropes. The Company practices handling the light craft and arranges their crews.
Galadriel and Celeborn approach in a swan-shaped ship and host a parting feast. Celeborn describes the river’s course, warning of Rauros, the fens of Nindalf, the Entwash, Rohan, Fangorn, and the grim lands beyond Emyn Muil. He advises anyone bound for Minas Tirith to leave the river above Rauros. Boromir treats Fangorn’s tales as legend; Celeborn cautions not to scorn old lore.
Galadriel offers a farewell cup and gifts. She gives Aragorn a sheath for Andúril and the Elfstone, naming him Elessar. Boromir receives a golden belt; Merry and Pippin silver belts; Legolas a Galadhrim bow and arrows; Sam a box of blessed earth for his garden. At Gimli’s courteous request she grants three strands of her hair and foretells that gold will not rule him. To Frodo she gives a crystal phial bearing the light of Eärendil’s star for dark places.
The Elves launch the boats. The Fellowship drift away as Galadriel stands alone on the shore and sings a lament in ancient Elvish. The light and comfort of Lórien vanish behind a river bend. Grief weighs on them—Gimli mourns most—and they turn to the road ahead, paddling south along a silent, bleak Anduin into a cold, starless night.
Who Appears
- GaladrielLady of Lórien; hosts the parting feast, bestows gifts, sings farewell, and strengthens the Fellowship’s resolve.
- AragornTorn between aiding Minas Tirith and guarding Frodo; receives the sheath and Elfstone, named Elessar.
- Frodo BagginsRing-bearer; remains silent on the route; receives Galadriel’s phial for light in dark places.
- CelebornLord of Lórien; outlines river perils, provides boats, ropes, and counsel for routes and hazards.
- BoromirAdvocates the western road to Minas Tirith; shows troubling interest suggesting the Ring’s use; receives a golden belt.
- GimliDwarf moved by Galadriel; requests and receives three hairs; grieves the parting; shares a boat with Legolas.
- LegolasElven archer; adept with boats; receives a Galadhrim bow; comforts Gimli during the farewell.
- Samwise GamgeeWary of boats; delights in ropecraft; receives a box of blessed earth for future gardening.
- HaldirElf guide; returns from the Northern Fences and leads the Company to the river-hythe.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckRides with Boromir; receives a silver belt; earlier boasts of Brandywine boating.
- Peregrin TookRides with Boromir; receives a silver belt; marvels at the Elvish cloaks.