The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 7: THE MIRROR OF GALADRIEL
Overview
The Fellowship enters Caras Galadhon, meets Celeborn and Galadriel, and recounts Gandalf’s fall. Galadriel tests their hearts and later shows Sam and Frodo visions in her Mirror, including Sauron’s Eye. She reveals her ring Nenya. Frodo offers her the One Ring; Galadriel refuses, choosing to diminish. Departure is fixed for morning.
Summary
Guided by Haldir, the Fellowship enters Caras Galadhon and ascends to meet Celeborn and Galadriel. Aragorn reports their road over Caradhras and through Moria, recounting Balin’s tomb, the Balrog, and Gandalf’s fall. Celeborn laments and briefly blames their choice; Galadriel defends Gandalf and reconciles Celeborn with Gimli, kindling new goodwill.
Galadriel warns that the Quest stands upon a knife-edge and silently tests each companion’s heart. That night they rest in peace. Days of healing follow, with laments for Mithrandir. Legolas often goes among the Galadhrim, drawing Gimli with him, while the Company’s grief for Gandalf deepens. Frodo composes a halting elegy; Sam adds memories of fireworks.
At twilight, Galadriel leads Frodo and Sam to her Mirror. Sam first sees shifting visions: Frodo in peril, his own searching, and then the Shire despoiled—trees felled, the Mill replaced, the Gaffer dispossessed—driving him to a momentary resolve to run home. Galadriel counsels that the Mirror shows possibilities, not certain fates; Sam chooses to remain with Frodo.
Frodo looks and witnesses varied scenes: a white-clad figure with a staff, Bilbo at work, distant seas and cities, banners, and ships. Suddenly the Eye of Sauron fills the Mirror, seeking him; the Ring drags at him until Galadriel bids him stand back. She reveals she perceives Sauron’s probing and shows Nenya, her Elven Ring, explaining the peril: if Frodo fails, Lórien is exposed; if he succeeds, Elven power will fade.
Moved, Frodo offers Galadriel the One Ring. She imagines the terrible allure of dominion, then rejects it, declaring she will diminish and go into the West. With the choice made, she sets departure for morning. Frodo asks about seeing other Rings; Galadriel warns against using the One and affirms that only his grown sight revealed her Ring. Sam wishes she would take the One to right wrongs; she answers that such power would not stop at justice. They return, resolved for the road.
Who Appears
- GaladrielLady of Lothlórien; tests the Fellowship, reveals Nenya, shows visions in her Mirror, rejects Frodo’s offered Ring, sets departure.
- Frodo BagginsRing-bearer; recounts loss, views the Mirror’s visions including the Eye; offers Galadriel the One Ring; prepares to depart.
- Samwise GamgeeSees Shire’s possible ruin in the Mirror, nearly turns back, but chooses to continue with Frodo; longs for simple justice.
- CelebornLord of Lothlórien; grieves Gandalf, briefly reproaches the path through Moria, reconciles with Gimli, offers aid.
- AragornRecounts the Fellowship’s road and Gandalf’s fall; defends Galadriel’s honor; rests and readies for departure.
- GimliNames Durin’s Bane; moved by Galadriel’s words; praises her, bridging Dwarf–Elf goodwill; accompanies Legolas in Lórien.
- LegolasIdentifies the Balrog; grieves in silence; spends time with Galadhrim and builds friendship with Gimli.
- BoromirResists Galadriel’s testing yet voices suspicion; withholds what he was offered; presses Frodo with questions.
- HaldirLeads the Fellowship into Caras Galadhon and to the Lord and Lady; returns north to strengthen the watch.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckFeels Galadriel’s test offering a tempting alternative; rests and reflects among the Elves.
- Peregrin TookJests about Sam’s blush, shares the Company’s rest and mourning in Lothlórien.