Story [LOTR: Rings of Power] You don't know me, nor do I (Galadriel introspection) angst, drama

Small spoiler alert for LOTR: Rings of Power episodes 1 and 2.

You Don't Know Me, Nor Do I.

It stung when the Man called out her pride as if it were a scar plainly visible on her face. He did not know where she had come from. He did not know where she was going. He did not know that she had given up Valinor. Or that she had lived exponentially longer than the span of his short life. His words stung, nonetheless. What pride? She sought her brother's killer. More than that, she sought to destroy a great evil. Even greater was her desire to restore the peace and tranquility of her ancient homeland here in Middle Earth. No one else would see. No one else would act. She was alone. She would seek Sauron to the end of the world and kill him no matter the cost. In that moment of reflection, clinging to soggy, broken masthead, Galadriel let out a long, heavy sigh.

Ah, pride. Ah, hubris. Obssession, my deceitful bedfellow. Is this man so clever? So prescient?

Who am I without it? (My sword)
Who am I without him? (My brother)
Who am I without it? (My sword)

Friend
Sister
Friend

She regards the man sitting opposite in their small, makeshift raft. But is no longer that man's words that plague her. It is the words of Elrond, her friend. Beloved friend, though still blind to the evil that will wait no longer. She will find Sauron, with or without Elrond, or her king. Pride, perhaps. Duty, for sure. But whom does she truly want to save? Whom does she fight for, if not her king? What will she do when it is over? If it ever ends.

The man, Halbrand, is watching her closely. Why does it unnerve her so? Is it because he is a Man?

"You don't know me," Galadriel said, fixing him with a defiant glare.

"I have known plenty of men and women like you," Halbrand said, without breaking her gaze.

"How dare-"

"How dare I talk to Elfkind that way?" the man said, matter of fact. There was no hint of anger or malice.

"That's not what I meant," she replied, steadily, but with no retreat.

"Even if it was, what is there to do?" he asked. "We are stuck together."

"Indeed, we are. For now."

 

Great thoughts by Galadriel

 

Hi!

How marvelously on-point you have the strength and resolve of Galadriel. You can totally understand her duty/obsession. Sauron has devastated the lives of many and the ravages of conflict and loss have touched her family deeply.

 

Mmmmm, makes me wonder how much exposure to Mankind that Galadriel has had - it seems Halbrand has had more to Elfkind, in contrast? Now I need to look up Galadriel's history to revisit Tolkien's works, thanks for writing this illuminating tale!