Lothlórien

Lothlórien ('Lórien of the Blossom') is a kingdom of Silvan Elves on the eastern side of the Misty Mountains.

Summary

The Realm of Lothlórien is the greatest of the Elven realms remaining in Middle Earth, and some say, the most beautiful. In Lothlórien grow the only mallorn-trees east of the sea.

The Elves who dwell in Lothlórien are known as the Galadhrim.

Climate and ecology

Lothlórien is a unique ecological region, in that its beauty it is protected by Nenya, the ring of Galadriel. It is the only place in Middle Earth where mallorn-trees grow.

The Silverlode runs through Lothlórien to the Anduin.

Architecture

The Galadhrim live in houses on the ground, and in flets high up in the trees.

Infrastructure

Elven infrastructure can be difficult to recognize, as it is often incorporated into the natural terrain. Thin dirt paths connect scattered Elven settlements, and the Galadhrim have likely subtlety altered their surroundings over the centuries to suite their needs.

Government and military

Lothlórien is ruled by the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.

The marchwardens of Lothlórien protect the borders of Lórien, and they maintain a network of flets at the eaves of the forest to serve as guardposts.

Economy

The Elven economy, such as it is, is mostly agricultural. Due to the nature of Elven lifestyles, however, it is hardly recognizable to human eyes.

Lothlórien does not conduct trade with its neighbours, and therefore effectively functions as a closed economy.

Culture and daily life

The Galadhrim entertain themselves with song, dance and stories of the Elder Days.

Further reading

Tolkien Gateway