Unveiling the Secret Lives of the Fellowship Before Their Epic Quest to Destroy the One Ring

Highlights

The members of the Fellowship in The Lord of the Rings experienced death and hardship on their journeys, shaping them into heroic figures.

Prior to the War of the Ring, every member, namely Aragorn, Boromir, Frodo, Samwise, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf, possessed individual and distinct life experiences and backgrounds. Notably, Aragorn's past was intricate, involving his upbringing under Elrond's care in Rivendell and his eventual prominence as a renowned ranger. Frodo, on the other hand, led a rather unremarkable life until he inherited the One Ring.

The lives of the fellowship members in The Lord Of The Rings are marked by turmoil, with each enduring death and hardship on their journeys. These experiences shaped them into the courageous heroes they became after their triumph in the War of the Ring. While much is known about their lives during and after this period, many are surprisingly unaware of their pre-adventure backgrounds.

Given that the fellowship is composed of individuals from different races in Middle Earth, it is evident that they all had distinct upbringings prior to the ring's conflict. Even the Men in the group, Aragorn and Boromir, had vastly different lives due to their unique circumstances. There is a wealth of information for fans of The Lord Of The Rings to discover about each member of the fellowship, and fortunately, their lives before the renowned film trilogy began are far from being a mystery.

What Were The Men's Lives Like Before The War Of The Ring?

Aragorn, a central figure in The Lord Of The Rings, possesses an elaborate and intricate backstory that predates the events of the film trilogy. As an infant, Aragorn was left fatherless, but fortunately, Elrond in Rivendell took him under his care. Due to the complexity of his lineage, Aragorn's royal heritage remained a secret, even from himself, for a significant period of time in order to ensure his safety during his upbringing. Known as Estel during this time, he received his education primarily from the Elves. As Aragorn grew up, he developed strong feelings for Arwen, who had been absent during his formative years.

Upon discovering his true identity, Aragorn embarked on a journey into the world of Men and swiftly rose to become a formidable leader. During this phase, he honed his skills as a ranger and actively participated in battles throughout Middle Earth, supporting his fellow Men. He also made regular visits to Rivendell to spend time with Arwen and deepen their romantic bond. While it may not come as a surprise, it is worth noting that Aragorn developed a close friendship with Gandalf during this period. Thanks to his notable exploits, Aragorn had already gained significant renown as a ranger across Middle Earth.

While he may not have garnered the same level of adoration as other members, Boromir still held significant importance within the fellowship. Prior to embarking on the journey, Boromir had already established himself as a formidable warrior, often fighting alongside his brother. One notable achievement from his time in the realm was his unwavering commitment to defending Osgiliath during times of war. The true measure of his prowess was demonstrated when he valiantly held a bridge amidst the chaos, emerging as one of the few survivors. Undoubtedly, it was his remarkable feats, coupled with his noble lineage, that rendered him a perfect fit as a member of the esteemed fellowship.

What Were The Hobbits' Lives Like Before The War Of The Ring?

Frodo's early life was relatively ordinary, considering the nature of Hobbits. However, tragedy struck him at a young age when his parents died in a boating accident. Following their demise, Frodo was taken under the wing of Bilbo Baggins, who became both his caregiver and mentor. Under Bilbo's guidance, Frodo acquired valuable skills and knowledge, including the ability to speak Elvish. Bilbo's vast experience and wisdom greatly influenced Frodo during this period.

Both Merry and Pippin, Frodo's close friends and also his cousins, had a somewhat mysterious past before their journey. Although not the main focus of the story, it is clear that the mischievous duo had a typical upbringing as boys. They were known for their pranks, such as stealing crops and causing mild chaos, but never with any malicious intent.

Samwise Gamgee, on the other hand, came from a relatively large family but had a normal life for a Hobbit. Although he worked as a simple gardener and appreciated a peaceful existence, Sam had a profound curiosity about the world around him. This curiosity, which was nurtured by Bilbo Baggins, drew him closer to Frodo Baggins. Despite his adventurous spirit, Sam had never entertained the thought of leaving The Shire.

What Were The Others' Lives Like Before The War Of The Ring?

The character Legolas from the realm of elves holds an intriguing background, as there is very limited information available about him prior to the council's discussion concerning the fate of the One Ring in Rivendell. This, of course, only holds true if one refers to the original works as the source of knowledge, as Legolas' role has been altered to some extent in modern adaptations, particularly in The Hobbit trilogy. Regardless of whether or not this variation should be considered canon, it is evident that Legolas initially harbored the traditional prejudices towards dwarves, which made him dislike Gimli upon first meeting.

Gimli, as a descendant of Durin The Deathless, was practically destined to hold significance. It may interest many fans of The Hobbit to know that Gimli could have been included in the journey undertaken by his kinsmen alongside Bilbo, had he not been deemed too young at the time. Not much information is available regarding Gimli's life prior to the quest to destroy the One Ring, yet it is apparent that he always yearned for excitement and adventurous undertakings. The ruler of the Lonely Mountain held enough trust and proximity to send Gimli to Rivendell to commence their journey.

Compared to the other members of the fellowship, Gandalf possesses an ancient and historic backstory. As a Maiar, he is a mythical being with a lengthy history of employing his magic to assist the people of Middle Earth. His purpose was to oppose Sauron by empowering the various races of Middle Earth, leading him into contact with all of them and even embarking on an adventure with Bilbo. You can stream The Lord Of The Rings on Amazon Prime Video.