In The Lord of the Rings, power is not simply quantified in terms of strength or sorcery. J.R.R. Tolkien’s world teaches us that real power derives from wisdom, bravery, influence, or a single, pivotal action. From kings to creepers, warriors to whisperers, these 11 characters are where their special kinds of power dictated the destiny of Middle-earth.
1. Gríma Wormtongue – The Power of Corruption
Not every power is exercised with a sword. Gríma Wormtongue, who was King Théoden’s trusted counselor, employed manipulation to undermine Rohan from within. Whispering deceit under Saruman’s command, he dulled the king’s mind and undermined his will. Although finally unmasked and humiliated, Wormtongue demonstrated how treacherous words are, ending in him slaying Saruman in a fit of bitter revolt.
2. The Army of the Dead – The Unstoppable Force
If raw battlefield prowess is the measure of power, then the Army of the Dead is the ultimate winner. Trapped in a curse, these undead warriors were invulnerable and impenetrable, cutting through foes without meeting any resistance. Their stunning entry at the Battle of Pelennor Fields reversed the fortunes of war, proving that even forgotten corpses can make difference-making allies.
3. Boromir – The Tragic Hero of Gondor
Boromir’s strength and piety were the linchpin of Gondor’s defense. Driven by raw desperation to protect his people, he succumbed to the Ring’s temptation—only to atone seconds later. Wounded mortally, he fought to protect Merry and Pippin, demonstrating that heroism is not about perfection, but about sacrifice.
4. Éowyn – The Shieldmaiden Who Broke Prophecy
Éowyn’s journey is one of rebellion and destiny. Disguised as a man, she rode into battle at Pelennor Fields and faced the Witch-King of Angmar, said to be unkillable by any man. She revealed her true identity during battle, triggered an old prophecy, and killed him with Merry’s help. Her courage redefined what it meant to be a hero.
5. Shelob – The Fear in the Dark
Shelob, the demon-spider of Cirith Ungol, is not just another night beast—she is terror incarnate. With venom that paralyzes and a taste for living flesh, she ruled her dark dominion through brute power. Even after being badly mauled by Samwise Gamgee, her fate remained uncertain, adding to her dark legend.
6. Gimli – The Heart of a Warrior
Gimli, son of Glóin, contributed the power and pride of dwarfkind to the Fellowship. With his axe and a quick mind, he was as daring as he was faithful. But Gimli’s true power lay in unity—his unexpected friendship with Legolas symbolized the healing of ancient rifts between dwarves and elves, a quiet but powerful victory.
7. Legolas – The Swift and Steady Archer
Legolas balanced beauty and deadliness like no other. A skilled archer and quick combatant, he glided with supernatural lightness across forest and battlefield both. Tolkien wrote that he had limitless vitality and tenacity—qualities that saw the Fellowship through its bleakest moments. Legolas combated not only with expertise but with unshakeable passion.
8. Gwaihir and the Giant Eagles – Wings of Salvation
Few moments in the epic compare to the wonder of the Eagles’ dramatic entry. Gwaihir the Windlord and his family embody power with a purpose, descending in the epic’s most desperate moments to turn the tide or rescue major heroes. Their brawn, brains, and timing brought hope from above—literally.
9. Treebeard – The Strength of Ages
As the oldest of the Ents—and possibly the oldest living being in Middle-earth—Treebeard carried the wisdom and strength of millennia. Slow to anger but unstoppable when provoked, he led the Ents to destroy Isengard, proving that even the most ancient and patient beings can become agents of decisive change.
10. Aragorn – The Return of the True King
Aragorn is the face of latent strength—bred in secret, tempered in exile, and intended to lead. In addition to his fighting abilities, he possessed healing hands, wisdom of kings, and the courage to confront Sauron via the Palantír. He commanded loyalty among peoples and kingdoms and emerged as the savior Middle-earth required when all hope had been lost.
11. Gollum – The Unlikely Catalyst
Corrupted by the Ring, Gollum is the least likely agent of change in the tale. His fixation on the Ring caused him to both obstruct and assist Frodo. Ultimately, it was the desperation of Gollum that destroyed the Ring, accidentally succeeding where even Frodo failed. He is evidence that power can emerge from even the darkest areas of a story.
In The Lord of the Rings, power comes in many guises. From otherworldly warriors and wise trees to brave women and tragic heroes, Tolkien’s world teaches us that real power is not always about being in control—it’s about having purpose, heart, timing, and determination. All of these characters, in some way, dictated the destiny of Middle-earth and left a mark that’s continued to inspire readers and audiences ever since.