Lothlórien
| Lothlórien | |
|---|---|
| J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium location | |
"The Forest of Lothlórien in Spring" by J.R.R. Tolkien, c. 1940, when he was writing about Lothlórien. The Fellowship however visited Lothlórien in winter. | |
| In-universe information | |
| Other names | Lórien Lórinand Laurelindórenan the Golden Wood the Hidden Land Dwimordene |
| Type | realm of the Elves |
| Ruled by | Amdír, Amroth (Second Age), Celeborn and Galadriel (Second and Third Ages) |
| Locations | Caras Galadhon, Cerin Amroth, Naith or Angle, the river Nimrodel, the river Silverlode |
| Geography | western Wilderland |
| Lifespan | Founded in Second Age; abandoned in Fourth Age. |
| Capital | Caras Galadhon |
In J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, Lothlórien or Lórien is the fairest realm of the Elves remaining in Middle-earth during the Third Age. It is ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn from their city of tree houses at Caras Galadhon. The wood-elves of the realm are called Galadhrim.
The realm, a broad woodland between the Misty Mountains and the River Anduin, is the Elven centre of resistance against the Dark Lord Sauron in The Lord of the Rings. Galadriel had one of the Three Elf-Rings, and used it to keep Sauron from seeing into Lothlórien. The Company of the Ring spent some time in Lothlórien after passing through Moria. Galadriel prepared them for their quest with individual gifts.
Scholars have noted that Lothlórien represents variously an Earthly Paradise; an Elfland where time is different, reflecting the traditions of European folklore; and a land of light striving biblically with the darkness of evil.