Henneth Annun Reseach Center

Things of Middle-earth

Elven-cloaks

Type: Artifacts

Other Names:
Elvish robes
the grey cloaks of Lórien

Description:

Cleverly-woven camouflage garments woven by the Galadhrim and given to the Fellowship by Galadriel.
For each [of the Company] they had provided a hood and cloak, made according to his size, of the light but warm silken stuff that the Galadhrim wove. It was hard to say of what colour they were: grey with the hue of twilight under the trees they seemed to be; and yet if they were moved, or set in another light, they were green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk-silver as water under the stars. Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

'Are these magic cloaks?' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

'I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves. 'They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land. They are Elvish robes certainly, if that is what you mean. Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lórien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make. Yet they are garments, not armour, and they will not turn shaft or blade. But they should serve you well: they are light to wear, and warm enough or cool enough at need. And you will find them a great aid in keeping out of the sight of unfriendly eyes, whether you walk among the stones or the trees. You are indeed high in the favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people.'

The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 8, Farewell to Lórien

Frodo and Sam... went back to ordinary attire, except that when there was need they both wore long grey cloaks, finely woven and clasped at the throat with beautiful brooches....

The Return of the King, LoTR Book 6, Ch 9, The Grey Havens

Contributors: Elena Tiriel 26Dec04, 6Sep07

Related Library Entries

Things Search

   

Full Text Search