May 24, 2002

About Lorien Questions
Galactus

This is in response to some of the ideas Altariel brought up.

Something that should be recognized about the incident when Galadriel was tempted by the ring and looked “evil” is that this single moment was the biggest and most important in her life. To fill those in who are not “in the know”, also begging the pardon for those who are, Galadriel came to Middle Earth with all the other Noldor during the fight against Morgoth. During that incident, she along with the other Noldor, were placed under the Doom of Mandos. Which essentially can be summed up in saying, the Valar would not help them in their fight, nor would the Noldor be permitted to return once they left the West. Jumping forward several thousand years Galadriel is still under this Doom/Ban, during the time the War of the Ring takes place.
However, a window was left open for her to redeem herself. This window was her being tempted by the ring, along with all it could offer her, and then rejecting it. This is why in the film she says “I have passed the test. I will go into the West and remain Galadriel.” That one moment, those few seconds were the culmination of thousands of years of her life, everything up to that point could be considered merely buildup. What I am trying to say is that although at first glance, the entire effect may have seemed “over the top” or even inappropriate, it was neither. An event of that magnitude needs extraordinary emphasis so that it stands out in your mind, and you do remember it; because frankly, it’s worth remembering.
As for her looking “evil”… I don’t fully agree. Granted, she was certainly creepy, and a lot more so than I remember from the book. However, creepy does not translate to evil. The way I saw her in that moment of temptation is that of power, a power so great that it was terrible and horrifying to look upon. Remember the words she spoke, for they are crucial to not misinterpreting the moment:
“...glorious as the dawn... ...All shall love me and despair...” etc.
She would become the Dark Queen, certainly, and all would love her but the love would not be real. It would be artificial, and evil. Love coming by the way of fear, fear of her power and spectacular glory, is not love at all. This would be Galadriel as the Dark Queen, the light of the world, but an empty light at its root. So although she would have the best of intensions and want to use the ring for good and still be good herself, she would only be able to do evil with its use.

BTW, I loved the movie! Hope this answerd some questions and contributed to the discussion.