Nothing is known of Gilphillad’s origin. Indeed, ‘Gilphillad’ is not his real name, merely the name under which he currently lives. He keeps his real name, whatever it is, secret and it’s sound is rarely heard in Middle Earth. Even those few whom he calls friend know little of him. Elrond has been heard to refer to him as ‘Ben-adar’ but precious few other clues exist about him.

He is known as one of the Knights of Dorwinion through his association with King Bladorthin (loosely translates as The Grey One of the Wide Lands), who was a King of the Northmen and ruled Dorwinion during the late Third Age of Middle Earth. Yet again, little is known of how Gilphillad was known to the King or what his involvement was but it is known that he fought for the King during the Long Winter against Easterlings and Southrons and so distinguished himself that the king made him an honorary Knight of his Realm. How, Gilphillad will not say.

What is known is he is an Elf of great age and is a solitary soul, shunning the company of even his own race. That should not, however, stop a passing weary traveller from saying hello. His motto is “A friend is a great thing to have, but a better thing to be” and he’ll happily help, where he can, those who need it most.