10 Awesome Characters from The Lord of the Rings the Movies Forgot

The Lord of the Rings films may be great, but they regrettably left out a few important characters due to time constraints, either eliminating them altogether or giving their roles to others.  Here are ten of my favorite.  Spoilers ahead!

Tom Bombadil

A mysterious creature who lives in the Old Forest untroubled by outside woes, Tom Bombadil seems to be all-powerful–but only within his own borders.

Goldberry

Goldberry is just as mysterious as her husband, Tom Bombadil.  She seems to be some sort of river spirit, but, other than that, readers know little about her.

Beregond

The faithful Gondorian who risks everything for the captain he loves is one of my favorite characters!  In him, Tolkien gives us an illustration of a man who chooses to do the right thing even when it conflicts with his orders.

The Barrow-Wight

Yes, the Barrow-wight is evil, but…also kind of cool?  He’s a glimpse of ancient history and great deeds lying just at the borders of the Shire.

Fredegar Bolger

Though he stays behind when the other Hobbits set forth for Rivendell, he risks his life in the attempt to make Frodo’s enemies believe he has not left the Shire.  Later “Fatty” Bolger is arrested for leading a band of rebels against Sharkey.

Gildor

The first Elf Frodo and Sam meet after leaving the Shire, Gildor provides a pivotal role in their quest by (grudgingly) giving them some advice and by sending word ahead of them of their journey.

Glorfindel

I’ll never get over the fact that the movies removed Glordindel, an Elf lord of mighty power, to replace him with Arwen.  The movies made Elrond overprotective of his daughter; there is no way movie-Elrond would let her ride around with Black Riders on the hunt!

Tom cotton

He plays an important part in the Scouring of the Shire and the Battle of Bywater in 1420.  We know that his family rose to prominence due to their part in the battle.

Prince Imrahil

The prince of Dol Amroth brings his knights to the defense of Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring and later acts as the ruler of the city while Faramir recovers.  His daughter later marries Eomer.

Ioreth

The healer-woman indirectly saves the lives of Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry by remembering an old rhyme about the healing hands of the king.  She also provides a bit of comic relief due to her unruly tongue.

Bonus: Lobelia Sackville-Baggins

Everyone loves to hate the Sackville-Bagginses, but Lobelia gains the admiration of the Shire by boldly shaking her umbrella at Sharkey’s men.  And, upon her death, she leaves her money to be used for the Hobbits made homeless by her son’s actions.

Which characters from the book would you have liked to see in the films?