Of Galadriel in Middle-earth

Galadriel discerned an evil arising in Middle-earth; "...she perceived that there was an evil controlling purpose abroad in the world, and that it seemed to proceed from a source further to the East, beyond Eriador and the Misty Mountains" (p. 235, Unfinished Tales). This source of evil was Sauron himself, chief lieutenant of Morgoth, though Galadriel did not know his identity yet. Give Galadriel's wisdom and foresight she and Celeborn moved and settled eastwards. They settled in Eregion near the Dwarves of Khazad-dum (Moria). I love the fact that Galadriel recognizes danger and moves closer toward it. What a courageous act. I hope that when I encounter difficult (possibly dangerous) situations I do not simply shrink back in acts of self-preservation.

"Celeborn had no liking for Dwarves of any race...and never forgave them for their part in the destruction of Doriath..." (p. 235, Unfinished Tales) which was his home. However, the Dwarves of Khazad-dum had never taken part in the downfall of Doriath and were dismayed by it. Yet Galadriel perceived that "...Middle-earth could not be saved from the 'residue of evil' that Morgoth had left behind him save by a union of all peoples who were in their way and in their measure opposed to him" (p. 235, Unfinished Tales). She, like a great general, realized the Dwarves potential in battle as a force to counter the Orcs. She also had more sympathy and empathy for the Dwarves since they were the Children of Aulë . She had been pupiled by Aulë in Valinor before her return to Middle-earth.

Both the Elves and Dwarves prospered by this close proximity. Chiefly this was because of Celebrimbor who was a great Elvish craftsman. He entered into a close friendship with the Dwarves, particularly one by the name of Narvi, and together they made many crafts, "...so that Eregion became far stronger, and Khazad-dum far more beautiful, than either would have done alone" (p. 236, Unfinished Tales).

I am enjoying the character arc of Galadriel; as I read through the ancient histories of the First Age and see events unfold in the Second Age I am realizing what an important role she plays. Yes, Tolkien does not have many female characters and perhaps Galadriel doesn't appear much but it's apparent that she is one of the most important characters in Middle-earth. 

Middle-earth timeline: Second Age, circa 700-750

Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 234-236