The Youngest Elf, Man, Hobbit or Other Character in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Movies and Books
The Youngest Character in Lord of the Rings and Hobbit: An Investigation of Elf, Man, and Hobbit Minors
When discussing the rich and diverse cast of characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, one might wonder about the youngest characters in these expansive works. The question often arises regarding which of these iconic figures falls into that category, be it a young Elf, man, or Hobbit. This article will explore the contenders and provide insights based on the books and movies.
Young Elves in LOTR and Hobbit
Elves, with their timeless nature, typically seem older than the average human or Hobbit. However, it's crucial to look at both the textual narratives and visual interpretations. In Tolkien's original works, the elves are immortal in spirit, but they age much more slowly than humans. This means that the youngest elf character would still be quite young in human terms but not the truly young characters we might be interested in.
Galadriel and Others
Notable elves like Galadriel are depicted as being of great age, likely over 5,000 years old. Yet, many more youthful elves appear in the works, such as Lindir, possibly the youngest elf among the names mentioned in The Lord of the Rings. He serves as a messenger and is described as rather young and vibrant, yet still considered a relatively ancient being.
Young Humans in Lord of the Rings and Hobbit
Humans are a more diverse population, and the concept of youthful characters is more applicable in this regard. In The Hobbit, for example, many young humans are central to the storyline. However, the texts and visuals often depict them as older than their human counterparts in the modern era.
Young Human Contenders
One of the younger human characters in The Hobbit is Bergil, the son of Béro degrade Berlegant. Bergil is described as around 10 years old and is portrayed in the Minas Tirith scenes in the film as being quite young compared to the other characters. However, it's important to note the differing portrayals of age in the movies versus the books.
The Baby Gollum Ate
A particularly intriguing and disturbing candidate for the youngest character is the unnamed baby that Gollum steals from a cradle and gobbles up. This scene appears in the book but does not have a direct visual interpretation in the films. This character, if considered, would be incredibly young, far younger even than a typical Hobbit. However, due to its importance and the sensational nature, this unnamed baby has garnered significant attention in discussions regarding the youngest characters in Tolkien’s works.
The Official Youngest Character
While the baby Gollum ate is a contender, the character that most readers and viewers have agreed on as the youngest is Bergil. This young Hobbit is depicted as being just 10 years old in the Minas Tirith scenes of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. His portrayal in both the book and the film is markedly different from other youthful Hobbits like Merry and Pippin, making him a standout candidate for the title of the youngest character.
Finding the True Youngest Character
As with all literary analyses, there is room for debate. However, based on textual evidence, visual portrayals, and reader consensus, Bergil seems to hold the title of the youngest character in the LotR and Hobbit movies and books. The baby Gollum ate is a poignant example of youthful characters in Tolkien's world but is not directly depicted in visual media.
Conclusion
While the quest for the youngest character in the rich world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is a fascinating one, it often brings to light the diverse and often youthful side of Tolkien's creations. Whether it’s an Elf serving as a youthful messenger, a young Hobbit like Bergil, or even the tragic fate of the unnamed baby Gollum ate, these characters serve as a testament to the depth and complexity of Tolkien's creation.
Ultimately, the youngest character in these works speaks to the enduring appeal of youthful optimism and the potential for greatness no matter one's age. In the grand tapestry of Middle-earth, the youngest figures embody the purest hopes and promises of youth.