With his parents both minstrels, Gilithlin's path was clear from the beginning. His whole life was defined by music and joy as he grew up in the Greenwood and later dwelled in Lothlorien for a while, with his parents.

On a trip to Imladris, when he had just reached his majority and his parents were eager to take up travelling again, they were ambushed by orcs on the road and Gilitlhin's parents were slain. He only survived because his father had thrown him into the greenery at the first sign of danger. Unable to move, unable to comprehend what was happening, he had watched the horror unfold before him.

Found by a patrol and brought to Imladris, the young Elf found a place that might allow him to heal. He is struggling to find his place among the minstrels of Imladris, as he seems to have lost some of his skill for music together with his joy. However, he found a patient and kind, yet stern tutor in Lindir. When asked, he introduced himself as Glaerorn, a combination of the names of his parents.