List of Middle-earth Elves - H

H

• Haldir

Haldir was an Elf of Lothlórien, probably a Silvan Elf: a marchwarden who guarded the forest's northern borders. When the Fellowship of the Ring arrived in Lórien, he became their guide to Caras Galadhon. He and his companions are described as wearing grey hooded cloaks and live on platforms in the trees.

Haldir was seen with his brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, when the fellowship entered Lórien. They are little discussed by Tolkien in the book and much less, if at all in the movie.

Haldir was one of the few Elves of Lórien who could speak Westron (unlike both of his brothers).

As Haldir led the Fellowship inside Lothlórien, law required him to blindfold Gimli the Dwarf until the company was brought before Galadriel and Celeborn. Haldir and other Silvan Elves still bore grudges against Dwarves as a result of long-past events involving King Thingol, and treated Gimli as a potential foe. Aragorn, in his wisdom, suggested that all of the Fellowship, including Legolas the Elf, be blindfolded as well. Haldir successfully led the Fellowship so that they did not even stub their toes. After the company leaves Lothlórien, Tolkien never mentions him again.

In Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, he is played by Craig Parker and has a somewhat larger role, not only leading the fellowship through Lothlórien, but leading a company of elves to the battle of Helm's Deep, eventually dying in the battle. He takes the place of the Tolkien's ranger Halbarad, who originally reinforces Helm's Deep and dies in similar circumstances.

In the video game The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II, Haldir is depicted as an Elven hero comparable to others such as Glorfindel. In the good version of the story mode, he travels north and aids in the destruction of Gorkil the goblin king's fortress alongside Glorfindel and Glóin. In the evil mode, he is slain while defending Galadriel and Lórien from attack, causing the possible fall of Helm's Deep as his death would mean he would not lead a company of elves to defend the fortress.