10 Lord Of The Rings Characters Trilogy, Ranked In Order Of Bravest

Lord of the Rings, penned by J.R.R. Tolkien, stands as one of the most epic fantasy stories ever told. Its grand narrative revolves around heroes who courageously confront the dark forces of Mordor to save Middle Earth from the malevolent power of Sauron.

Table of Contents

10. King Theoden – A Journey from Weakness to Sacrifice

Theoden, King of Rohan, initially portrayed a weakened character, manipulated by the treacherous Grima Wormtongue. He hesitated to join the war against Sauron, seeking to avoid conflict by retreating to Helm’s Deep. However, as the beacons were lit, signaling Gondor’s desperate call for aid, Theoden realized that war was inevitable. He mustered the Rohirrim to ride to Gondor’s rescue, putting aside his personal distaste for conflict. Ultimately, he laid down his life to ensure the defeat of Sauron and the preservation of Middle Earth.

9. Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck – A Hobbit’s Unwavering Allegiance

Like most hobbits, Merry cherished life’s simple pleasures such as good food, pipeweed, and ale. Yet, he willingly chose to join the Fellowship on their perilous quest despite the looming dangers. Merry’s bravery didn’t end there; he pledged his allegiance to King Theoden and fought valiantly in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, even against direct orders to remain behind. His courage played a crucial role in distracting the Witch King and enabling Eowyn to deliver the decisive blow.

8. Peregrin “Pippin” Took – A Young Hobbit’s Resilience

As the youngest of the hobbits, Pippin often found himself and the Fellowship in troublesome situations. Despite this, he remained a strong-willed character who never gave up easily. After arriving in Minas Tirith, Pippin offered his service to Denethor, Boromir’s father, as a way of honoring his fallen comrade. During the siege of Minas Tirith, he bravely rescued Faramir, the Steward’s other son, from his despairing father.

7. Faramir – Breaking Free from a Brother’s Shadow

Faramir, overshadowed by his valiant brother Boromir, had to step up when Boromir joined the Fellowship. He took on the responsibility of leading Gondor’s army against Sauron’s forces. Faramir’s courage and loyalty to his father were put to the test when Denethor succumbed to madness after learning of Boromir’s death. Despite knowing his father’s disregard for his life, Faramir embarked on a desperate mission to retake Osgiliath, hoping to win his father’s favor.

6. Boromir – Redemption Through Sacrifice

Boromir, a member of the Fellowship, tragically fell to the temptation of the Ring, believing it could be wielded for good. In a moment of weakness, he attempted to seize the Ring from Frodo, leading to the Fellowship’s disbandment. However, Boromir found redemption when he valiantly defended Merry and Pippin from the attacking Uruk-Hai, sacrificing his life to save them.

5. Eowyn – Defying Expectations and Slaying Darkness

Despite societal expectations that discouraged women from engaging in combat, Eowyn refused to be left behind when the Rohirrim rode to Minas Tirith’s aid. Disguised as a soldier, she rode into battle, seeking her chance to find glory and valor. When the Witch King mortally wounded King Theoden, Eowyn fearlessly stood against the malevolent leader of the Ringwraiths. With Merry’s help, she struck the fatal blow, breaking the Witch King’s curse.

4. Arwen – Love and Sacrifice

Arwen, an elven princess, exemplified bravery through her choice to remain in Middle Earth with Aragorn, forsaking her immortality and committing to a mortal life with him. This decision came with the knowledge that she would experience loneliness and the sorrow of losing her loved ones in the course of time. Despite this, she embraced her destiny with Aragorn, showing tremendous courage in her love and sacrifice.

3. Aragorn – Bearing the Burden of Leadership

Aragorn, the true heir to the throne of Gondor, bore immense responsibility throughout the tale. He assumed leadership after Gandalf’s fall in Moria, guiding the Fellowship and making tough decisions to rescue Merry and Pippin when they were captured. However, Aragorn’s most significant moment of bravery came when he accepted the mantle of Gondor’s king, setting aside his past as a Ranger to lead the realm towards prosperity and peace.

2. Frodo – Carrying the Weight of Middle Earth

As the Ringbearer, the fate of Middle Earth rested solely on Frodo’s shoulders. Despite his reluctance and fear, he courageously agreed to carry the Ring to Mount Doom. Throughout the arduous journey, Frodo faced relentless challenges and the growing influence of the Ring on his mind. Yet, he never wavered, demonstrating unwavering determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

1. Samwise Gamgee – The Unlikely Hero

Among the heroes, the most unlikely yet truly heroic figure is Samwise Gamgee, a simple gardener from the Shire. Sam’s loyalty and unwavering support for Frodo are the true heart of the story. He steadfastly accompanied Frodo throughout their perilous quest, never faltering or turning back, no matter how dire the circumstances. Sam’s genuine, selfless love for Frodo and his undying determination to see the mission through to the end make him the unsung hero whose crucial role ensured Sauron’s ultimate defeat.

In conclusion, Lord of the Rings stands as a timeless tale of heroism and bravery, where characters from diverse backgrounds display extraordinary courage and sacrifice to save Middle Earth from the clutches of darkness. Each hero’s unique journey and unyielding determination contribute to the epic nature of this fantasy masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of readers and viewers alike.