Lagoran was born in Imladris after Sauron was driven back from Eriador. His mother and father had met in Eregion shortly before the realm's destruction and had fallen in love. They managed to join with Elrond's host and escaped with him northwards.

Though born in the Valley, most of Lagoran earlier life consisted of travelling between Lindon, where his father's kin dwelt, and Lothlórien, his mother's home. He grew to love the woodlands and wild country, taking special delight in the autumn season. As the Second Age came to its closing days, Lagoran was part of Gil-galad's army and fought in Dagorlad and took part in the long siege of Barad-dûr, where many of his kin fell.

With Sauron's defeat the way to the East was opened, and Lagoran, taking leave of his family, journeyed far into Rhûn, seeing and hearing all manner of strange things. But the Enemy was not gone, and as the land grew unfriendly Lagoran was forced to forsake his course. He turned West, and came to Lórien and spent great many years there. But when news came to the Golden Wood of the worsening situation in Eriador, Lagoran decided to go and do his part in the fight against Angmar. There he fought side by side with his father defending the Havens and watched him fall, not long before the force of Gondor made landfall and drove the Witch-king back North. His mother was griefstruck upon hearing the news and retreated to Lórien, only to flee Middle-earth as Durin's Bane awoke under the mountains.

Now left without family and having lost most of his friends, Lagoran returned to Imladris, learning music and dabbling in poetry. However, he could not resist his nature, and went North and South west of the Misty Mountains.