 Originally the narration at the prologue was to be spoken by  Elijah Wood (qv), but it was felt that the information imparted  had little bearing on the character of Frodo. Ian McKellen (qv)  also recorded a narration but once again it was felt that Gandalf  wasnt the right character to speak it. They eventually settled on  Cate Blanchett (qv) as Galadriel, as it emphasizes the  timelessness of the elves.