LotR -- Book 2 - Chapter 07 - The Mirror of Galadriel

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

Saucie, I think the apology would be regarded as common courtesy in any setting once the wrong was exposed, and it would not occur to Celeborn to neglect it whether he cared about the fellowship's opinion or no.

A fair point. But the manner of his apology, and the general manner in which he addresses the Fellowship suggests to me that he is showing more here than bare courtesy.

Originally Posted by Imladris

Isn't his wisdom shown in his apology?

Yes, to a degree. But I question whether the "wisest of all" would have spoken the words requiring the apology in the first place. In the wisdom stakes, Galadriel trumps him by recognising the rashness of his words. And I can't imagine Elrond speaking so rashly (OK, he is Half-Elven, but you get the point). He is undoubtedly wise, but the wisest?

Ultimately, my point boils down to the fact that, as I see it, Celeborn's deeds do not match the description that we are given of his character, and he appears (to me) the weaker for it.