1. Legolas' blonde locks might not have been consistent with the books

Although Legolas in the Lord of the Rings film Saga, portrayed by Orlando Bloom, came to be known for his long blonde locks, LOTR fanatics recognize that Tolkien might have actually not intended for him to look this way. Although Greenleaf's father is depicted by Tolkien as having “golden” hair, it is never outwardly written that Legolas is blonde as well.

2. Aragorn was one small twist of fate away from a different depiction

The powerhouse role of Aragorn, played by actor Viggo Mortensen, was actually offered to Nicholas Cage first. Cage allegedly turned down the role due to “family commitments”. The role was also offered to notoriously selective Daniel Day Lewis, who is said to have turned down the role on multiple offers.

3. Tolkien's daughter speculates that her father's description of “the dead marshes” may have actually been a reference to his experiences in WWI

The Dead Marshes are depicted in the LOTR, The Two Towers, as a stretch of dreary and dismal swampland that served as a previous battle ground. “Dreary and wearisome. Cold, clammy winter still held sway in this forsaken country. The only green was the scum of livid weed on the dark greasy surfaces of the sullen waters. Dead grasses and rotting reeds loomed up in the mists like ragged shadows of long forgotten summers.” -The Two Towers. Tolkien's daughter believes that this description refers to what her father might have seen during his combat as a soldier in WWI.

4. Two of the franchise's main character's never filmed together

If you've read the books or seen any of the movies, you're well aware of the closely written relationship between Frodo (played by Elijah Wood), and Gandalf (Ewen Mckellen). And although they share several scenes together througout the saga, the two actors never actually filmed a scene together in person.

5. Every actor in the film wore a wig (except for one)

Ever notice the plethora and amount of hair in the Lord of the Rings saga? Well it might behoove you to know that every actor in the film wore a wig, aside from Peter Jackson's son who was said to have “perfect hobbit hair”. In addition to the wigs worn, some actors (Ewen McKellen), also wore other artificial props such as fake eyebrows and noses.

6. Christoper Lee is the only character to have met Tolkien

Tolkien, who passed in 1973, sold his movie rights to the saga years before the films were released. Christopher Lee who portrays Saruman in the films, bumped into Tolkien in a pub by happenstance and was just as in awe of him as you might imagine.

7. Sam is considered the chief hero of the books by Tolkien

In the books, Sam Gamgee is often depicted as over weight and dim-witted. All the same, he still manages to defeat a host of mythological creatures while battling the elements of Middle Earth throughout the saga. Sam original purpose in the series is to serve as a comic relief character, however his role eventually evolves into a much more complex and heroic character.

8. Tolkien typed the whole trilogy with two fingers

The Hobbit, and the actual Lord of the Rings trilogy utilized over 11 created languages, as well as mythical creatures, historical wars, and elaborate back storys. It's no wonder the Lord of the Rings trilogy is an astounding 1,200 pages long and took 14 years to write. Oh yeah, and it was typed with only Tolkien's two fingers.

 

9. John Rhys-Davies (Gimli, the dwarf) is the tallest of the Fellowship actors

Although his name and character imply a smaller stature, Gimli, portrayed by John Rhys-Davies, was actually the tallest of the Fellowship actors. Coming in at over 6 ft, Gimli is said to have surpassed all of the other actors in height.

10. Many of the cast members took up surfing in between filming

Because the Lord of the rings films were shot in New Zealand consecutively, the cast was together a large chunk of the time. Members of the cast, including Viggo Mortensen, took up surfing in between shooting to pass the time, despite explicit directions to avoid all activities that could lead to injury. Mortensen who fell off his board and subsequently a black eye, lied to the production team and blamed his injury on a tumble down the stairs.