27 December 2024
Exploring Lord of the Rings Enneagram types provides insights into the characters of the LOTR series while also adding one more layer to our understanding of Enneagram categorization.
Legendary heroes from the Lord of the Rings series have endured the test of time, serving as an inspiration to countless readers worldwide. Moreover, their archetypal quality is what makes them universally relatable to this day.
Inspired by their timeless relevance and using the Enneagram as a lens, this article will analyze all the leading Lord of the Rings Enneagram types.
Let’s dive in!
The Lord of the Rings characters are depicted with meticulous attention to detail and a lot of nuance. This means they can serve as very precise illustrations of Enneagram types.
So, without further ado, let’s explore Lord of the Rings Enneagram types!
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Wisdom and knowledge are the keywords that describe Gandalf’s Enneagram type. He is the sorcerer, the spiritual guide, and the silent protector whose knowledge catalyzes crucial changes. His balanced, tactful nature perfectly aligns with the essence of the Type Five.
Much like Albus Dumbledore, Merlin, and other legendary wizards, Gandalf epitomizes the Sage archetype, leading the charge against evil.
Like a true Type Five, he leads by example, encouraging and empowering the Fellowship of the Ring to rise to their potential. Though he keeps his emotions in check and his compassion hidden, his devotion and faith in other people reveal his love for them.
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Leading, heroic roles are not often played by Type 6 Enneagram fictional characters. That’s what makes Frodo Baggins even more special than he already is. Humble and unassuming, deeply loyal to his community and mission despite all the challenges he is put through, he is the epitome of a typical Six.
Metaphorically speaking, Frodo’s Enneagram personality type stands for the common man; he is an atypical hero selected by fate to show how ordinary people can influence history.
Confronted with a monumental task to save his community from evil, Frodo is often overwhelmed with fear yet never compromises his inner sense of morals, showing empathy even to his enemies.
Unlike typical fantasy heroes, Frodo isn’t special because of supernatural powers. In fact, what makes him a hero are his perseverance, resolve, and readiness to carry such a heavy burden—all qualities typical of a Six.
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Surprise, surprise—Gollum, Frodo’s enemy, belongs to the same Enneagram type as Frodo! However, unlike Frodo, who demonstrates all the best qualities of Type Six, Gollum reveals the dark side of this complex Enneagram type, showcasing the typical traits of an unhealthy Six.
Consumed by his fears and obsession with the Ring, Gollum tells the story of corruption, serving as a dark mirror to Frodo’s choices. Never a simple antagonist, he evokes both sympathy and condemnation in the viewer, illustrating the Sixes' dual nature.
Like any unhealthy Six, Gollum disregards his own power at the expense of corrupting himself and instead looks to outside authority—in this case, the Ring—as the ultimate source of security.
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The most poetic Lord of the Rings Enneagram hero, Legolas, is a beautiful example of a healthy Enneagram Type Four, also called the Individualist. His recitals of the elf poetry showcase the artistic side of a typical Individualist, while the way he reads omens into sunsets exemplifies the Four’s unique intuition.
He does, however, also exhibit some type Five characteristics, such as stability, composure, and level-headedness, which suggests that he most likely has an Enneagram wing 5. Being a 4w5 Enneagram type, he possesses a unique blend of imagination, romanticism, and logic.
Moreover, his wise decisions as the warrior showcase the combination of the Four’s emotional depth and the Five's sense of strategy, making him an indispensable member of the Fellowship.
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Despite starting off as a naive and immature character, Pippin develops into a full-fledged hero, distinguished by his resourcefulness and courage, showcasing the growth path of a typical Seven.
Driven by curiosity and love of fun, he embodies the key traits of the Enneagram 7, bringing humor and warmth to the story. Even in the darkest of times, his optimism brings a glimmer of hope.
In addition, though he may appear too adventurous and careless at some moments, he also shows courage and loyalty in the most dangerous situations. Most importantly, Pippin learns from his experiences, demonstrating how a healthy Seven gains self-awareness and matures through acknowledging their mistakes.
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Beautifully exemplifying the Enneagram Type One heroic nature, Aragorn is modest, skilled as a leader, and unwavering in his moral compass. Noble by both his bloodline and his character, Aragorn goes to great lengths to protect Middle-earth and his companionship.
The strength of his leadership comes from his willingness to serve others rather than demand authority, exemplifying Type One’s selfless nature. Moreover, his chronic self-criticism and occasional doubts about his ability to fulfill the task destiny has assigned him are also typical weaknesses of his Enneagram type.
Nevertheless, despite his insecurities, Aragorn emerges as a master of strategy and diplomacy whose wisdom shines in his ability to bring out the best in others and make tough decisions with grace and dignity.
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With his courage, resilience, daring spirit, and bold sense of humor, Gimli is one of the most beloved Lord of the Rings Enneagram heroes. His sense of pride, unshakable resolution in the face of danger, and extraordinary battleship skills are all the hallmarks of a typical Enneagram Eight.
Though he can be reckless and overbearing, Gimli is fiercely loyal to the Fellowship, standing by their side as the pillar of strength. He understands that following the rules will not always get you where you need to go, so he doesn’t hesitate to take risks and make controversial decisions, showcasing Eight’s determination to win.
In addition, he also displays the Eight’s blunt and playful side through his friendly rivalry with Legolas.
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While she isn’t as present as other Lord of the Rings Enneagram heroes, Arwen plays a crucial role in keeping the spirit of togetherness within the Fellowship. Above all, she personifies the virtues of love, hope, and sacrifice that are necessary for good to triumph, reflecting the essence of the Enneagram Type Nine.
Her graceful spirit, genuine compassion, and kindness are all characteristics that Enneagram Type Nine is known for, and her ethereal beauty reflects all of these qualities. Moreover, she is a perfect example of a highly evolved Nine, whose grounding presence and quiet strength demonstrate the power of true love.
Willingly giving up immortality to devote herself to her relationship with Aragorn, Arwen symbolizes the union of different worlds and the sacrifices love sometimes imposes on us.
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Galadriel is one of the most layered Lord of the Rings Enneagram characters, embodying a high-functioning Type Eight. She holds great power as one of the oldest elves in Middle-earth and is the keeper of Nenya, the Ring of Water.
While faced with numerous temptations, she remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding Lothlórien's beauty, Fellowship, and values, exemplifying the resilience and determination of a mature, healthy Eight.
Moreover, she remains graceful, strong, and devoted to her mission while also showing genuine compassion for others, which is also something only a highly functioning Eight is capable of. By drawing on her countless years of experience, she has finally achieved the power that every Eight desires: complete autonomy.
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Without any doubt, Samwise Gamgee's Enneagram type is Two. His selfless concern for the happiness of those around him is a hallmark of the Enneagram Two personality type. He is a generous, nurturing, intuitive, and deeply empathetic character who grows through his relationships with others, reflecting Twos' focus on connections.
Despite his humble beginnings, Samwise Gamgee becomes one of the central figures in The Lord of the Rings, following Frodo on his journey to destroy the ring. Moreover, he draws his strength from his friendship with Frodo, displaying admirable loyalty, consistency, and courage in the toughest times, motivated by a humble desire to be a good friend.
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One of Boromir's defining characteristics is the typical Enneagram Three moral dilemma he experiences as he struggles with the temptations presented by the Ring's power. As he struggles with his ambitions and morals, he exemplifies how corruptible even the most admirable people can be when they give in to the temptations of power.
Nevertheless, Boromir’s personal journey also shows that redemption is possible through selfless action and repentance. Sacrificing his life to defend Merry and Pippin, Boromir regains his honor yet loses his life in the process, thus becoming one of the most tragic LOTR heroes.
Illustrating the fallibility of human nature, Boromir is also one of Tolkien’s most relatable characters.
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Characterized by a sharp mind and loyalty, Merry shows traits of both Type Six and Seven, embodying the 7w6 subtype. Though playful, witty, and adventurous like a typical Seven, he is also steadfast in his commitment to the Fellowship, reflecting the stabilizing effect of the Enneagram wing 6.
While he possesses the analytical mind and attention to detail of a Six, he never lets his worries get the better of him and instead displays the humor and carefree attitude of a Seven. Moreover, his optimism and charm often light up the most tense situations, making him a source of comfort to his friends.
Are you humble and devoted like Frodo, powerful and graceful like Galadriel, or noble and courageous like Aragorn? Take our free Enneagram test to find out which Lord of the Rings Enneagram matches your personality type, and explore how you can grow to become the hero of your own journey!
The vivid Lord of the Rings Enneagram types can serve as a great inspiration for you to start your own journey of self-discovery and embrace your inner hero.
Tolkien’s magnificent story about the never-ending battle between good and evil and the temptation that comes with power highlights the significance of every man. It also teaches us how ordinary people can become heroes by adhering to values that are eternally altruistic.
Finally, it is safe to say that by combining Enneagram wisdom with Tolkien's imagination through inspiring Lord of the Rings Enneagram types, we gain a deeper understanding of both.
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