J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings remains an iconic pillar of fantasy literature, yet nestled within its grand narrative lie several underrated characters waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Released in three volumes from 1954 to 1955, this epic tale introduced readers to the memorable Fellowship of the Ring. The protagonists quickly became archetypal figures in high fantasy, significantly influencing countless storytellers and inspiring franchises like Dungeons & Dragons, which draw heavily from Tolkien’s universe. However, many of the story’s pivotal characters still receive inadequate recognition among fans, book clubs, and film adaptations.
While Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptations of Tolkien’s work broadened its global appeal, transforming The Lord of the Rings from a niche interest to a widespread cultural phenomenon, some characters were either altered or omitted entirely. Notably, numerous key figures did not make their way onto the silver screen, resulting in a lack of awareness regarding their true significance.
10 Glorfindel
Standout Moments: The Fellowship of the Ring
Glorfindel shines as one of The Lord of the Rings’ most compelling characters, yet he was notably absent in the film adaptations. Originally conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien as an Elf hero on par with legends such as Aragorn and Legolas, his exclusion from the movies was a significant oversight. Instead, Arwen was given his role, as Peter Jackson aimed to develop her character as Aragorn’s love interest, ultimately overshadowing Glorfindel’s impactful narrative.
In Tolkien’s work, Glorfindel heroically intervenes to rescue Frodo at the Ford of Bruinen, driving off the Nazgûl—a feat that was depicted in the book but reassigned to Arwen in the film. Remarkably, Glorfindel had previously fought valiantly in the First Age, perishing in a battle against a Balrog during the Sack of Gondolin, and was among the few Elves to be resurrected. This backstory showcases not only his valor but also the depths of his character, affirming his status as an underrated hero in Middle-earth.
9 They graze
Standout Moments: The Silmarillion
Ungoliant stands as a formidable antagonist within The Lord of the Rings lore, yet her character is often overshadowed. As a primordial being birthed in darkness, she spawned Shelob, a notorious villain in her own right. Ungoliant’s origins suggest she may have been a Maiar or a creature of ancient stature, which adds layers to her already complex persona.
In The Silmarillion, Ungoliant comes perilously close to vanquishing Morgoth in single combat. This character transformation into a giant spider reflects her capacity for shape-shifting, a trait commonly attributed to Maiar. Ungoliant was instrumental in the destruction of the Two Trees, a monumental event in Middle-earth’s history, illustrating the vast power she wielded. Her tumultuous interactions with Morgoth further highlight her significance as an underappreciated figure in the overarching narrative.
8 Samwise Gamgee
Standout Moments: The Lord of the Rings
Samwise Gamgee is a quintessential hero in The Lord of the Rings, yet he often finds himself overshadowed by Frodo and Aragorn. Within the pages of Tolkien’s work, Sam exhibits deep loyalty and unyielding courage, arguably embodying the essence of a true hero. His unwavering resolve, even when believing Frodo to be lost, demonstrates his steadfast nature—an element often diminished in Jackson’s portrayal.
Sean Astin’s portrayal of Sam in the films effectively captures his heart and determination, illustrating the character’s core traits. Although his on-screen presence included moments where he strayed from Frodo, this choice served to build poignant character arcs. Sam’s design resembled the archetypal soldier dedicated to serving his commander, a poignant nod to Tolkien’s wartime inspirations, thereby solidifying him as one of the narrative’s unsung champions.
7 Pippin Took
Standout Moments: The Return of the King
Pippin Took, often seen as a comedic figure, possesses far greater depth in Tolkien’s narrative. While his contributions to the films by Peter Jackson were commendable, they only partially captured Pippin’s essence as a character. His portrayal in The Lord of the Rings provided audiences with moments of humor and levity, but also profound bravery and wisdom that was less apparent on screen.
Notably, Pippin’s allegiance to Denethor was richly developed in the text, providing a compelling portrayal of a character who, despite being underestimated, displayed remarkable courage and loyalty. His poignant song to Denethor, although a cinematic addition, became an iconic representation of his character’s emotional journey—highlighting his often unrecognized heroism.
6 Merry Brandybuck
Standout Moments: The Return of the King
Merry Brandybuck is frequently overlooked in discussions of heroes in The Lord of the Rings, yet his character offers unique insights into bravery and nobility. Though portrayed with humor in the films, Merry’s heroism is illuminated in the books, where he emerges as a complex character capable of profound wisdom and courage.
On the battlefield alongside Éowyn, Merry’s slaying of the Witch-king of Angmar showcased his transformation from a lighthearted Hobbit to a formidable warrior. His loyalty and keen judgment of character shone through his relationships with Théoden, revealing a depth of personality that enhances his status as an underrated hero.
5 Tom Bombadil
Standout Moments: The Fellowship of the Ring
Among Tolkien’s most enigmatic creations, Tom Bombadil remains a character shrouded in mystery. While his exclusion from Peter Jackson’s films may have preserved some of that mystery, it also left him underappreciated within the broader narrative. Recently introduced in Amazon Prime Video’s The Rings of Power, Bombadil’s role sparked a mix of delight and confusion among fans, underscoring the fascinating but often overlooked corners of Tolkien’s universe.
4 Morgoth
Standout Moments: The Silmarillion
While Sauron is often heralded as the primary villain of The Lord of the Rings, the true architect of darkness is Morgoth. As the foreboding character from The Silmarillion, Morgoth’s narrative predates Sauron’s, marking him as the premier adversary. His infamy lies in seeking god-like power, ultimately failing to claim the Flame Imperishable, demonstrating his overwhelming hubris and malice.
Morgoth’s influence on Sauron is paramount; much of Sauron’s malevolence was seeded in Morgoth’s teachings. Capturing the destructive essence of evil, Morgoth represents a complex villain, whose depth remains overlooked by many fans unfamiliar with his full history. This renders him a profound yet underrated character in the tapestry of Tolkien’s lore.
3 Denethor
Standout Moments: The Return of the King
In Tolkien’s works, Denethor is a complex character steeped in tragedy and nobility. However, the films render him more as a villainous figure, overshadowing his inherent strengths and virtues. Though Peter Jackson’s interpretations highlighted his flaws, they fail to fully capture the notion that he was a capable leader and a troubled father.
Denethor’s nuanced character provided a depth that made him a significant figure, illustrating the intricate balancing act of leadership in dire times. In the books, his struggles and ultimate fall held greater emotional weight, which the adaptations tended to overshadow, rendering his character far less heroic than originally intended.
2 Theoden
Standout Moments: The Two Towers
Théoden emerges as a quintessential hero whose significance is often minimized in adaptations. While Jackson’s films undoubtedly explored his character, they reframed much of his journey, favoring other characters like Aragorn and Gandalf. This shift led to a portrayal of Théoden that felt less impactful than intended within Tolkien’s original tapestry.
In the novels, Théoden’s transformation from a troubled leader to a figure of valor adds richness to his character. The movies, while visually stunning, missed moments of his courageous evolution, instead attributing significant lines and character growth to Aragorn. This lack of faithful adaptation diminishes Théoden’s heroic narrative, leaving many audiences unaware of his true significance.
1 Faramir
Standout Moments: The Fellowship of the Ring
Faramir, the younger brother of Boromir, is arguably one of the most underrated characters in The Lord of the Rings. While he played a significant role in the narrative, his valor and virtue often remain in the shadows. Faramir’s portrayal in the films, where he is depicted as less than honorable initially, obscures the profound wisdom and strength he possesses in Tolkien’s texts.
Unlike his brother, who succumbed to the allure of power, Faramir is characterized by his nobility and restraint. He recognizes the value of peace over aggression and stands as a beacon of moral clarity amid the chaos, truly deserving of the respect and admiration that often eludes him in discussions surrounding the saga. This nuance cements his rightful place among the epic’s greatest heroes, showcasing the depth of Tolkien’s world.
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