Race: Elf (Sindar)
Sex: Male
Faction: Fellowship of the Ring
Alignment: Neutral Good
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Legolas—his name alone conjures images of ethereal beauty and deadly precision. A member of the Fellowship of the Ring, this Elven prince from Mirkwood is more than just a pretty face with an unerring aim.
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| Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Woodland Realm |
But who is Legolas, really? What makes him tick, and more importantly, how powerful is he in the grand tapestry of Middle-earth? We shall delve deep into the lore, dissecting the character from his first appearance in "The Fellowship of the Ring" to his last bow in "The Return of the King."
A Prince of Mirkwood
Legolas is the son of Thranduil, the Elvenking of Mirkwood, a woodland realm in the northeast of Middle-earth. Though his age is never explicitly stated, he is old—centuries, if not millennia, old. This age grants him wisdom, but it's his youthful curiosity that makes him relatable. He's a prince but not haughty; he's wise but not infallible.
The Fellowship and Beyond
[Spoiler Alert] Legolas becomes a key member of the Fellowship of the Ring, a group formed to help Frodo Baggins carry the One Ring to Mount Doom and destroy it. His keen eyes and archery skills make him an invaluable asset. Who could forget the moment in the Battle of Helm's Deep when he takes down an Oliphaunt almost single-handedly? Or his friendly rivalry with Gimli, the stout-hearted Dwarf, as they compete for the highest kill count?
Skills and Abilities
Ah, the pièce de résistance! Legolas is a master archer, his arrows seldom missing their mark. But he's not just a long-range fighter; he's proficient with knives and shows remarkable agility and strength. His Elven lineage grants him enhanced senses and the ability to walk on snow without leaving a trace—skills that prove useful in various situations.
The Enigma
Legolas is often criticized for being too perfect, a character without flaws. But is that really the case? He struggles with the weight of his immortality, the slow decay of the world around him, and the friendships he forms with mortals. "I feel the great age of the world come over me," he says in "The Two Towers," capturing the melancholy that often clouds his thoughts.
The Cinematic Legolas
Peter Jackson's film adaptations add another layer to the character. Played by Orlando Bloom, Legolas performs gravity-defying stunts that have been both praised and criticized. These feats raise questions about the extent of his abilities. Is movie Legolas more powerful than his book counterpart, or do these stunts stretch the character too far from Tolkien's original vision?
Legolas: a character as complex as he is skilled, as enigmatic as he is straightforward. Whether you love him for his archery skills or his deep-seated wisdom, one thing is clear: Legolas is a character worth examining, a blend of ancient wisdom and youthful vigor, a hero for the ages.
Legolas's Raw Power
Legolas is primarily known for his archery skills. His arrows fly true, and he can notch and release them with astonishing speed. In "The Two Towers," during the Battle of Helm's Deep, Legolas' prowess is on full display as he takes down Uruk-hai after Uruk-hai. His Elven lineage grants him enhanced senses, allowing him to see and hear over great distances, a form of "soft" magical ability that nonetheless contributes to his combat effectiveness.
However, it's worth noting that Legolas doesn't possess the kind of magical abilities that scores amazingly in this category. He can't cast spells or control the elements. His raw power lies in his physical abilities, honed to near-perfection through years (or rather, centuries) of training and experience. He's also proficient in close combat, wielding knives with deadly accuracy.
In terms of raw power, if we are to compare Legolas to characters across all fantasy universes, he would likely fall short against those with more overt magical abilities or god-like strength. However, within the context of Middle-earth, he's a force to be reckoned with.
Given these considerations, Legolas has received a 6.5 rating for Raw Power. This is a slight downgrade from the previous rating of 7. The justification for this change is that while Legolas is extraordinarily skilled and possesses heightened senses, he lacks the magical abilities or overwhelming physical strength that some other fantasy characters wield. His power is more specialized, leaning heavily on his archery and agility. While these make him formidable, they don't place him at the top tier of "Raw Power" when compared across all fantasy universes.
So, there you have it—a nuanced look at the raw, untamed power of Legolas Greenleaf. He's not just an archer; he's an Elven prince with abilities honed over centuries. But in a universe teeming with magical behemoths and god-like entities, he holds his own remarkably well, even if he doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of raw power.
Legolas's Tactical Ability
To assess Legolas's "Tactical Ability," we'll focus on his strategic thinking, planning capabilities, and execution in conflict situations. Legolas is not primarily portrayed as a strategist in the Lord of the Rings series; his role is more often that of a skilled combatant. However, he does display tactical acumen in various situations.
For instance, during the Battle of Helm's Deep in "The Two Towers," Legolas takes a high vantage point on the wall, allowing him to pick off Uruk-hai invaders from a distance. This shows an understanding of positioning and the tactical advantage it can provide. He also adapts to changing circumstances, switching from his bow to his knives when enemies get too close, demonstrating a quick tactical mind.
However, Legolas often defers to others, like Aragorn or Gandalf, for overall strategy. He's a team player, fitting into the plans of others rather than dictating the strategy himself. This isn't necessarily a limitation but does indicate that his tactical ability is often exercised within the framework set by others.
When compared to other fantasy characters renowned for their tactical genius, Legolas doesn't quite measure up. These characters are often central to the planning and execution of complex strategies, whereas Legolas is more of a complementary piece in larger plans.
Given these considerations, Legolas's Tactical Ability is rated at a 6.5. While Legolas shows tactical sense in combat situations, he doesn't exhibit the level of strategic planning and leadership that some other fantasy characters do. His tactical contributions are valuable but usually confined to the immediate context of his exceptional combat skills, rather than overarching strategy.
So, while Legolas may not be the master tactician of fantasy lore, he is far from inept. His tactical contributions, though often overshadowed by his raw combat skills, are nonetheless crucial in the heat of battle.
Legolas's Influence
To evaluate Legolas's influence, we'll focus on his ability to sway others through charisma, leadership, manipulation, or other means. Legolas is a character who commands respect, both for his royal lineage and his combat prowess. However, his influence is often subtle rather than overt.
In the Fellowship, Legolas is not the leader; that role falls to Aragorn. However, his calm demeanor and wisdom often serve to balance the group's dynamics. He forms a deep friendship with Gimli, a Dwarf, overcoming the historical enmity between their races. This friendship itself is a testament to his persuasive abilities, as he helps to change Gimli's initial prejudices. "Here is one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have looked the last upon that which was fairest," Gimli says of Galadriel in "The Fellowship of the Ring." Legolas replies, "Alas, for Gimli son of Glóin." This exchange marks a turning point in their relationship, with Legolas showing a level of understanding and empathy that influences Gimli's own views.
However, Legolas doesn't often take on a role of leadership or persuasion on a larger scale. He doesn't lead armies or manipulate political outcomes. His influence is more personal, affecting those around him in smaller, yet meaningful ways.
Compared to other fantasy characters known for their influence, Legolas's influence is more limited in scope. Given these considerations, Legolas receive a rating of 6 for influence. This is a slight downgrade from the previous rating of 6.5. The reason for this change is that while Legolas exerts a significant personal influence, especially within the Fellowship, he doesn't display the kind of large-scale leadership or persuasive power that some other fantasy characters do.
In summary, Legolas's influence is deeply felt but narrowly focused. He may not lead armies or change the course of nations, but within his circle, his influence is both subtle and profound.
Legolas's Resilience
Legolas is a character who, throughout the series, demonstrates a high level of physical and emotional resilience. His Elven lineage grants him a robust constitution, enabling him to endure long journeys and battles with minimal signs of fatigue or injury. For example, during the Fellowship's trek through the Mines of Moria and subsequent escape, Legolas remains largely unscathed and ready for the next challenge.
Emotionally, Legolas also shows resilience. He forms deep bonds with members of the Fellowship, particularly Gimli and Aragorn, and the loss or suffering of his companions affects him. Yet, he continues to press on, fulfilling his duties and responsibilities. His ability to maintain focus and commitment, even in the face of emotional hardship, is a testament to his resilience. "There is a fell voice on the air," he says in "The Two Towers," sensing the approach of the Nazgûl. Despite the dread these creatures instill, Legolas remains steadfast, ready to face the danger.
However, it's worth noting that Legolas rarely faces the kind of life-or-death injuries or setbacks that some other fantasy characters do. Given these considerations, Legolas's Resilience rating is at an 8. He shows both physical and emotional resilience, but the nature of his character and the challenges he faces do not push him to the absolute limits of this trait. Therefore, while he is highly resilient, especially in the context of the Lord of the Rings series, he doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of resilience when compared to all fantasy characters across all universes.
In summary, Legolas's resilience is one of his defining traits, allowing him to navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of his journey with grace and fortitude.
Legolas's Versatility
To evaluate Legolas's "Versatility," we'll focus on the range of his skills and abilities, and how well he can adapt to different situations or challenges. Legolas is a character who displays a wide array of skills throughout the Lord of the Rings series. He is most renowned for his archery, but he is also proficient in close-quarters combat, often wielding knives with deadly accuracy. His Elven lineage grants him enhanced senses, allowing him to see and hear over great distances, which can be advantageous in various scenarios.
In terms of adaptability, Legolas shows an ability to adjust to different environments and challenges. For example, during the Fellowship's journey through the Mines of Moria, a setting not particularly conducive to archery, he switches to his knives for close combat. "A plague on Dwarves and their stiff necks," he remarks, expressing his discomfort in the subterranean environment but adapting nonetheless.
His versatility is also evident in his interactions with other characters. He forms a deep friendship with Gimli, a Dwarf, overcoming the historical animosity between their races. This shows a social versatility, an ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, which complements his combat skills.
However, when compared to other fantasy characters who possess a broader range of magical abilities or specialized skills, Legolas's versatility might seem somewhat limited. Given these considerations, Legolas's Versatility rating is maintained at an 8. He is highly versatile within the context of his world, capable of adapting to different combat scenarios and social situations. However, he doesn't possess the kind of wide-ranging magical abilities that some other fantasy characters do, which limits his versatility when compared across all fantasy universes.
In summary, Legolas is a highly versatile character, both in combat and in social dynamics. His range of skills and his adaptability make him a valuable asset in a variety of situations, confirming his high rating in this category.
Legolas's Alignment
Legolas is undoubtedly committed to doing good. His actions throughout the Lord of the Rings series are aimed at promoting the well-being of others and defeating evil. He joins the Fellowship of the Ring to destroy the One Ring, thereby eliminating a great evil threatening Middle-earth. His motivations are altruistic, and he consistently seeks to protect both his friends and innocent lives. This firmly places him on the "Good" end of the moral axis.
While he does have a sense of duty and responsibility, especially being a prince of Mirkwood, he also shows a willingness to adapt and make decisions based on the situation at hand rather than strictly adhering to laws or codes. For example, he forms a close friendship with Gimli, a Dwarf, despite the historical tension between their races. This suggests a more flexible, situational approach to ethics and social norms, which aligns more closely with a "Neutral" stance on the law-chaos axis.
Therefore, taking into account this more nuanced understanding of his character, Legolas can be more accurately described as "Neutral Good." He is committed to doing good and is flexible in his approach, willing to adapt to the needs of the situation rather than rigidly adhering to laws or social structures. This alignment captures the essence of Legolas, reflecting both his moral integrity and his adaptable, pragmatic approach to challenges.
In summary, Legolas's actions and motivations throughout the series point to an alignment of "Neutral Good." He is driven by a desire to do good in the world, but his approach is characterized by a flexibility and adaptability that sets him apart from strictly lawful characters. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Legolas Arena Art
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| Legolas visits Ossirian in the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj |
Legolas's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #30 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#9 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#9 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Legolas and Position Across Planes of Existence
In the grand tapestry of fantasy characters across multiple universes, Legolas Greenleaf stands as a compelling figure of both skill and moral integrity. His ratings across various categories—Raw Power, Tactical Ability, Influence, Resilience, and Versatility—paint a picture of a well-rounded character who excels in many areas but doesn't quite reach the pinnacle in any single one.
Starting with Raw Power, Legolas was rated at 6.5, a slight downgrade from the original 7. While his archery skills and physical abilities are exceptional, especially within the context of Middle-earth, he lacks the overt magical powers or god-like strength that characters from other universes might possess.
In Tactical Ability, Legolas scored a 6.5. He shows a keen understanding of combat scenarios and adapts well to different situations. However, he often operates within the strategic frameworks set by others, like Aragorn or Gandalf, rather than being the mastermind of grand strategies.
For Influence, Legolas was rated at 6, a slight decrease from the original 6.5. He has a significant personal influence, especially within the Fellowship, but doesn't display the kind of large-scale leadership or persuasive power that some other fantasy characters do. His influence is deeply felt but narrowly focused.
In Resilience, Legolas maintained his original rating of 8. He shows both physical and emotional resilience, but the nature of his character and the challenges he faces do not push him to the absolute limits of this trait. His resilience is one of his defining traits, allowing him to navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of his journey with grace and fortitude.
Finally, in Versatility, Legolas also maintained his original rating of 8. He is highly versatile within the context of his world, capable of adapting to different combat scenarios and social situations. However, he doesn't possess the kind of wide-ranging magical abilities that some other fantasy characters do, which limits his versatility when compared across all fantasy universes.
Taking all these factors into account, the overall rating for Legolas stands at a 7, down from the original 7.2. While he is a formidable character in many respects, he doesn't quite reach the upper echelons of power or influence when compared to characters from other fantasy universes. His strengths are often balanced by limitations, either in the scope of his abilities or the context in which they are applied. Therefore, the rating of 7 is a fair representation of Legolas's standing across the planes of fantasy existence. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
