An Elven lord and a member of the household of Elrond Half-elven at Rivendell, Glorfindel was one of the few remaining Noldor in Middle-earth during the Third-age. His fair hair, like that of Lady Galadriel, probably denotes his descent, like hers, from the house of Finarfin.

Glorfindel had been Elrond's chief Lieutenant for many years past, and had long ago led the host of Rivendell at the battle of Fornost, where - with the allied forces of Earnur of Gondor and Cirdan of Linon - the hosts of the Witch-king had been destroyed and the power of Angmar broken forever.

During the early part of the War of the Ring Glorfindel escorted Aragorn and the Hobbits on the last part of their journey to safety at the house of Elrond and successfully fought off the Ringwraiths at the ford of Bruinen, allowing Frodo to ride his horse, Asfaloth across the river and so escape to safety.