Written by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman

Later! ~ Baby Girl

Legolas Greenleaf

    Legolas was the prince of Mirkwood. His father was Thranduil, but his mother’s name is unknown. His birth date is also unknown, but his age is estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.
    He is first mentioned in the Lord of the Rings at the council of Elrond. He was sent as a messenger by Thranduil to tell that Smeagol (Gollum) had escaped from Mirkwood. Legolas volunteered to join the Fellowship and its quest after Frodo stepped forth; while before, the other council-members were arguing. (A great mutual dislike between Elves and Dwarves played a role.)
    When the Fellowship departed from Rivendell, they faced many hardships. One was the journey over Caradrhas to get to Moria, and as the others fought to get through the snow, Legolas was able to walk nimbly above it. While in the Mines of Moria, they had to battle goblins and Orcs, a cave troll, and the Watcher in the Water. In these battles, Legolas proved to be not only a skilled archer, but also skilled in fighting with Elven long knives.
    After Gandalf’s fall, the Fellowship continued on, now led by Aragorn. When they came to the borders of Lorien, they were not allowed to enter, until after much arguing. It was agreed upon that the entire Fellowship, not just Gimli, would be led blindfolded through to Lothlorien. Though Legolas wished to see the forest, he eventually allowed himself to be blindfolded. Before leaving Lothlorien, Galadriel gave Legolas a bow of the Galadrim and told him to beware of the Sea, or his heart would no longer rest in the forests.
    They then continued to the Great River, where they fought many Urak-Hai. The Fellowship separated: Frodo and Sam going on to Mordor, Merry and Pippin were captured, and Boromir died. Legolas chose to go with Aragorn and Gimli to rescue Merry and Pippin.
    The three of them continued to Edoras, where they were told by Eomer that the Hobbits were likely dead. The trio set out toward Fangorn, a forest that Legolas longed to see. They didn’t find the Hobbits, but met Gandalf, now brought back to finish his task. They went with Gandalf to Rohan. It was here that Legolas witnessed Gandalf release King Theoden of Saruman’s hold on his mind. When it was decided to evacuate to Helm’s Deep, Legolas went too. He fought in the Battle of Helm’s Deep.
    Legolas still travelled with Aragorn and Gimli to Gondor, and on through the Paths of the Dead. They sailed with Aragorn and the Army of the Dead to Minas Tirith, where they fought in the Battle of Pelennor Fields. After that great battle, Legolas went with Aragorn to the Black Gate of Mordor to give Frodo a chance to destroy the Ring.
    After the destruction of the One Ring, Legolas and other members of the Fellowship remained in Minas Tirith for some time. Legolas and Gimli had become good friends during this quest. When they left Minas Tirith, each kept their promise: Legolas went with Gimli to see the Glittering Caves, so Gimli went with Legolas to see Fangorn.
   As Galadriel had said, Legolas fell in love with the Sea. In the year 1541 of the Fourth Age, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien. It is said that Gimli sailed with him down the Anduin River and over the sea. In Middle Earth, the passing of this ship marked the end of the Fellowship of the Ring.
   

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