Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Letter 211

2012-08-21T03:19:18Z

24.1.239.191: /* Summary */

{{letter infobox
| #=211
| to=[[Rhona Beare]]
| date=[[14 October]] [[1958]]
| subject=Languages, [[Gondor]], [[Númenor]]
}}{{Letter|211}}
==Summary==
Covering more than six pages, Tolkien replied to several questions asked by [[Rhona Beare]]. A draft of this letter was included as [[Letter 212]].

* [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] chanted ''O Elbereth Gilthoniel'' in "[[The Choices of Master Samwise]]", whilst the rest of the book used ''[[A Elbereth Gilthoniel]]''. Tolkien admited that it was an error on his part, but can be explained as Sam's mistake, as he did not know [[Sindarin]].
* Miss Beare enquired about the meaning of ''A Elbereth Gilthoniel'' and the other phrase, ''Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima''. Tolkien translated both phrases.
* Despite the earlier enquiries, this was only dubbed "Question 1", and involved [[Glorfindel]]'s horse, [[Asfaloth]]. He was said to have a "bridle and bit", while later in the book, it was mentioned Elves rode without saddle, bridle and bit. Tolkien admitted it was an error, as the chapter was one of the earliest written. He promised to correct "bridle and bit" to "headstall" in later editions.
* Question 2 concerns [[the One Ring]]. If [[Sauron]] had the Ring, how could [[Ar-Pharazôn]] have defeated him? Tolkien explained most of it would be mentioned in the unpublished ''Downfall of Númenor'', and could not yet fully answer it. However, he did tell her that the Ring of Power fed the ''potency'' and ''potentiality'' of a ruler. Without subjects, there was nothing to rule. Ar-Pharazôn had no knowledge of the Ring, so once he had subjects, Sauron's power increased again.
* Question 3 concerns the [[Blue Wizards|two wizards]] of the [[Heren Istarion|order]] that had not been mentioned yet. Tolkien gave a vague answer that he knew little about them.
* Question 4 was about the clothing of Middle-earth, and especially the crown of Gondor. Beare wanted to know whether it was like a classic Gaulish or Viking helmet as portrayed in popular culture. Tolkien instead likened it to the Egyptian pharaohs. Like the Númenorean realms, the [[Arnor|North Kingdom]] had a diadem of Kingship, and the [[Gondor|South Kingdom]] a loft crown.
* Still as part of Question 4, Miss Beare asked what the difference was between ''El'' "Elf" and ''El'' "Star", and whether inhabitants of Middle-earth would have known the difference. Tolkien replied that the two words came from the same root, but that outside of personal names, the difference was distinct as both were shortened forms.
* Also as part of Question 4, Tolkien gave the translation of ''[[Legolas]]'' as "Green foliage".
* Miss Beare asked about the [[Fell beasts|winged steed]] of the [[Witch-king]], and whether it was like a pterodactyl. Tolkien replied that it wasn't, but that it may have been a survivor of older geological eras.
* Question 5 concerned the mention of the "Elder King"; was he [[Ilúvatar|the One]]? Tolkien told her that it was a nickname of [[Manwë]], and most [[Valar]] were addressed by such nicknames. Eru himself did not inhabit any part of Eä.

Tolkien ended the letter saying that he intended to write a mythical story, not some sort of new religion or vision. He had based Middle-earth on the mythical concepts ''Middan-geard'' and ''oikoumenē'', that was, a world in which Men lived as opposed to higher powers. Theologically, it was more a collection of various concepts than an outright allegory of anything.

{{letters}}

Radagast

2012-08-21T03:10:12Z

24.1.239.191: /* Did Radagast fail? */

{{maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Radagast.jpg|250px]]
| name=Radagast
| othernames=[[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]]<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref> Radagast the Brown<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Radagast the Bird-tamer<ref group="note" name="note1">[[Saruman]] gave him this name to mock him.</ref><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Simple<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Fool<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
| coming=
| duty=[[Wizards|Wizard]]
| robes=Brown
| gender=Male
| appearance=An old man clad in earthen brown<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| hair=
}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Aiwendil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
<center>{{Quote|Radagast the Brown! [...] Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him.|[[Saruman]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}</center>

'''Radagast the Brown''', also known as '''Aiwendil''', was one of the [[wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]]. Originally a [[Maiar|maia]] of [[Yavanna]], he had a strong affinity for animals. He dwelt, for a time, at [[Rhosgobel]] on the western eaves of [[Mirkwood]], near the [[Gladden Fields]] on the [[Anduin|Great River]].<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>

==History==
Still concerned for the fate of [[Middle-earth]], [[Manwë]] summoned a council of the [[Valar]]. Here it was decided that they would send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Aulë]] chose [[Saruman|Curumo]], Oromë chose [[Alatar]], and Manwë chose [[Gandalf|Olórin]]. [[Yavanna]] subsequently begged Curumo to take [[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]] with him. In c. {{TA|1000}}, the [[wizards]] arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth. However, it is said that Saruman arrived first and alone, and that Radagast arrived at the same time as Gandalf.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

According to Gandalf, Radagast was never much of a traveller.<ref name="FRCouncil"/> It is know that he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at lest, at [[Rhosgobel]]. This meant that he lived on the western borders of [[Mirkwood]], somewhere between the [[Carrock]] and the [[Old Forest Road]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> It is likely that he became acquainted with the inhabitants of that region. It is clear that he was friends with the [[eagles|great eagles]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/> He also knew and was thought highly of by (the unsociable) [[Beorn]]:<ref name="HQueer">{{H|Queer}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|Yes; not a bad fellow as Wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again|[[Beorn]]<ref name="HQueer"/>}}

Following the {{TA|2851}} meeting of the [[White Council]], Saruman began to search the [[Gladden Fields]] for the [[One Ring]].<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Knowing nothing of Saruman's treachery, Radagast aided him with birds and beasts who acted as spies. Radagast did this in good faith for he believed this would help watch and hinder the [[Sauron|Enemy]].<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|''Radagast'' by Angelo Montanini]]Radagast's part in the [[War of the Ring]] was small, albeit important. In {{TA|3018}} on Midsummer, on his way to [[Bree]], Gandalf found Radagast sitting on the side of the [[Greenway]]. Radagast informed Gandalf that Saruman had sent him. He told Gandalf that the [[Nazgûl]] were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of [[the Shire]]. Radagast said that Saruman was willing to help Gandalf but that he had to seek him out at once. Before Radagast rode away, he agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to [[Orthanc]]. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood. Whilst Gandalf was imprisoned by Saruman, he did not believe that Radagast too had fallen. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of [[Gwaihir]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

Following the conclusion of the [[Council of Elrond]], many scouts were sent out from [[Rivendell]] to many different locations. Some passed over the [[Misty Mountains]] and eventually came to [[Rhosgobel]], but they found that Radagast was not there.<ref name="FRSouth">{{FR|South}}</ref>

==Did Radagast fail?==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] feelings on whether or not Radagast, and indeed the two [[Blue Wizards|"Blue Wizards"]], failed changed over time. The [[wizards]] that were sent to [[Middle-earth]] were tasked by the [[Valar]] to help the [[Free Peoples]] defeat [[Sauron]]. There is no question that, through his treachery and fall into evil, [[Saruman]] failed. There is also no question that [[Gandalf]] succeeded. But it was in emphasising this latter point that Tolkien denigrated the role of Radagast and the Blue Wizards.

In his efforts to produce an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'' in [[1954]], Tolkien wrote an essay on the [[Wizards|Istari]]. Therein he explicitly stated that Radagast had failed:
{{Blockquote|Indeed, of all the Istari, one only remained faithful [Gandalf], and he was the last-comer. For Radagast, the fourth, became enamoured of the many beasts and birds that dwelt in [[Middle-earth]], and forsook [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and spent his days among wild creatures.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

He even went as far as suggesting that only Gandalf returned to the [[Valinor|Uttermost West]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

Under these terms, then, Radagast failed. However, not only does Tolkien's criticism of Radagast seem harsh in light of what is revealed in ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien's attitude towards Radagast and the Blue Wizards seems to have changed following the publication of ''[[The Return of the King]]''. In the Istari essay and in [[Letter 211]] Tolkien wrote that he was unsure what happened to the Blue Wizards and speculated that they possibly failed. In a later writing he turned this upside down and noted that they 'must have had very great influence on the history of the Second Age and Third Age in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would ... otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.'<ref name="PM">{{PM|Last}}, p. 385</ref>

According to [[John D. Rateliff]], Tolkien's feeling on Radagast's success or failure must have changed too. He speculates that Radagast had taken the area of and around [[Mirkwood]] under his protection (like the Blue Wizards had taken the east under their protection). He provides more solid evidence when he argues that Radagast and Gandalf were much alike:
*Radagast and Gandalf arrived at the same time in [[Middle-earth]];
*both were friends with the eagles (beings of [[Manwë]] and who would associate with few but the very important);
*both were considered closely linked from the outset - they were 'cousins' in ''The Hobbit''.

Indeed both were quite different creatures from Saruman:
{{Blockquote|His [Sauron's] cynicism ... seemed fully justified in Saruman. Gandalf he did not understand. But certainly he [Sauron] had already become evil, and therefore stupid, enough to imagine that his [Gandalf's] different behaviour [from Saruman's] was due simply to weaker intelligence and lack of firm masterful purpose. He [Gandalf] was only [in Sauron's view] a rather cleverer Radagast - cleverer, because it is more profitable (more productive of power) to become absorbed in the study of people than of animals.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref group="note">The pronouns in square brackets are as interpreted by John D. Rateliff in {{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref><ref>{{MR|Myths}}, p. 397</ref>}}

Rateliff thus concludes that Radagast was much like Gandalf; both were good wizards. But Radagast was weaker and his role overshadowed by Gandalf's achievements.<ref name="HHMedwed">{{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref>

Therefore it is difficult to conclude whether or not Radagast failed. But it is clear that Tolkien had doubts following his criticism of him in the Istari essay and Radagast certainly did not fall into evil. Indeed Radagast is such an elusive character that it is difficult to make any bold conclusions, such as whether or not he returned to [[Valinor]].

Tolkien gave a brief account of a council of the [[Valar]] where they decided to send emissaries to Middle-earth to contest the will of Sauron. Therein it is told 'that each Istar were chosen by each Valar for his innate characteristics'.<ref name="UTIstari"/> This is significant because it suggests [[Yavanna]] chose Aiwendil (Radagast) for his love of wild creatures, and that perhaps he was sent to [[Middle-earth]] by Yavanna to serve this purpose.<ref name="UTIstari"/> If this was Radagast's appointed mission then it would be inappropriate to claim that he failed. However, it is difficult to gauge how far the fulfilment of this task facilitated the downfall of [[Sauron]].

Perhaps the most explicit snapshot of Tolkien's feelings about Radagast can be be found in this quotation:
{{Blockquote|He [Gandalf] differed from Radagast and Saurman in that he never turned aside from his appointed mission ('I was the Enemy of Sauron') and was unsparing of himself. Radagast was fond of beasts and birds, and found them easier to deal with; he did not become proud and domineering, but neglectful and easygoing, and he had very little to do with Elves or Men although obviously resistance to Sauron had to be sought chiefly in their cooperation.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="RC.245">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]] (eds), ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 245</ref>}}

Here it is stated that both Saruman and Radagast turned away from the ultimate task of defeating Sauron. But where Saruman was proud and power-hungry (characteristics which brought about his own ruin), Radagast was neglectful and sought companionship with birds and beasts over co-operation with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Thus Radagast's innate characteristics meant that he could play no more than a small part in the downfall of the Lord of the Rings.

==Characteristics==
{{Blockquote|Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}
Little is known about Radagast apart from certain defining characteristics. Saruman was the chief of the Order of Wizards and Gandalf came next in the order; Radagast meanwhile held much less power and wisdom.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

As one of the [[maiar]] of [[Yavanna]], Radagast had a great interest in the [[kelvar]] and [[olvar]] of [[Middle-earth]] and was a friend to beasts and birds.<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
Gandalf, however, held greater respect from, and knowledge about, birds and beasts than Radagast.<ref name="RC.245"/>

==Etymology==
===Radagast===
In a manuscript written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] in [[1954]], the name ''Radagast'' is said to mean "tender of beasts" in [[Adûnaic]], the language of [[Númenor]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> However, in a later note Tolkien said that the name is in the language of the [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]], and that its meaning is not interpretable.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 4</ref>

As stated by [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]], several theories have appeared concerning the inspiration of the name ''Radagast''.<ref name=RC>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 240-1</ref> One such theory has been proposed by [[Douglas A. Anderson]], who notes the name [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegast_%28god%29 ''Redigast''] in Slavic mythology.<ref>{{HM|AH}}, p. 167</ref>

===Aiwendil===
The name ''Aiwendil'' (pron. {{IPA|[aɪˈwendil]}}) is [[Quenya]] for "lover of birds".<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref> It is perhaps derived from ''[[aiwe]]'' ("(small) bird") and ''ndil'' ("devoted to").<ref name=RC/><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 348, 378 (entries [[AIWĒ-]] and NIL-, NDIL-)</ref>

==Names==
It appears that in [[Valinor]] Radagast was known as "Aiwendil".<ref name="UTIstari"/>

As one of the [[wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]], he was known as "Radagast [[the Brown]]". [[Saruman]], when talking to [[Gandalf]], mocked Radagast by calling him "Radagast the [[Bird-tamer]]", "Radagast [[the Simple]]", and "Radagast [[the Fool]]".<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
From the first drafts of ''The Hobbit'', [[Gandalf|Bladorthin]] identifies Radagast as a fellow wizard and as his 'cousin'. [[John D. Rateliff]] notes that, at this stage in the development of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] [[legendarium]] there was no reason why a wizard could not have a cousin. Rateliff also suggests that it is likely that Tolkien considered explaining Gandalf's absence (following the departure of Thorin and Company from Beorn's house) by saying that he went to visit Radagast (who lived close by) to plan the attack on the [[Sauron|Necromancer]].<ref name="HHMedwed"/>

Early in the process of writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is clear that [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.<ref>{{RS|New}}, p. 379;{{RS|Elrond}}, p. 397</ref> He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.<ref name="TIC1.130-140">{{TI|C1}}, pp. 130-140</ref>

Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',<ref>{{TI|C1}}, p. 131</ref> as he did in ''[[The Hobbit]]'',<ref name="HQueer"/> but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.<ref>{{TI|C2}}, p. 149</ref> In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

Tolkien initially called him "Radagast the Grey", but in pencil he changed this to "Brown" and subsequently Saruman refers to him as "Radagast the Brown".<ref name="TIC1.130-140"/>

When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered handing over Isengard to Radagast.<ref>{{TI|Story}}, p. 212</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Radagast in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=1
|File:Radagast (Mithril LR3).png|[[Mithril Miniatures]]
|File:WiMe-Radagast&Hobbits-1.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Radagast (Decipher).JPG|''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRSBG).jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRO).png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Radagast in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Radagast was entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, [[Gandalf]] goes to [[Isengard]] of his own accord (because he wanted council form [[Saruman]]) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]] by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the [[eagles]].

'''2012-13: [[The Hobbit films|''The Hobbit'' films]]:'''
:Although Radagast is only briefly mentioned in ''The Hobbit'', Radagast will feature in ''The Hobbit'' films and will be played by [[Sylvester McCoy]].<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Donald Gee]] provided the voice of Radagast. He is, however, not the person who sends the [[Eagles|eagle]] to save Gandalf from [[Orthanc]].

===Games===
'''1987-: ''[[Mithril Miniatures]]'':'''
:Radagast has been issued in a couple of different versions: figure LR3 "Radagast the Brown" is seen with a cat and an owl;<ref>[http://www.mithril.ie/races/index_wizards.html Mithril wizards Miniatures] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref> an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.<ref>[http://www.twilighttangents.com/minis_lotr_mith.htm Lord of the Rings (Mithril)] at [http://www.twilighttangents.com/index.html TwilightTangents.com] (accessed 8 October 2011; cf. [http://www.twilighttangents.com/images/art/radagast01.jpg Radgast (image)])</ref> There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.<ref>[http://mithril.ie/Fellowship/ms539_radagast.html 32mm Fellowship Figures - MS539 Radagast Mounted] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Radagast is a non-playable character in this game.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:The hero figure [[:File:SBG - Radagast.jpeg|Radagast the Brown]], is a user of subtle magics,in contrast to the more overt kinds used by Gandalf and Saruman. However, he has some unique powers nonetheless.<ref>[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod1060255 Radagast the Brown] at [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/home.jsp Games-Workshop-com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''2011-2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:A Decipher card was made by [[Weta Workshop|Weta]], with Weta's John Harding posing as Radagast.<ref>{{webcite|author=Kathy McCracken|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080906171452/http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072204lotrwetacasting.html|articlename=The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": Casting and Costuming|dated=22-July-2004|website=[http://archive.org/ Internet Archive: Wayback Machine]|accessed=30-June-2012}}</ref>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Radagast can be found encamped in the [[Lone-lands]], north along the Great Road. He is friendly to the local people, the [[Eglain]], and helps the to combat the rise of evil in the swamps of Agamaur.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/NPC:Radagast_the_Brown NPC: Radagast the Brown] at [http://my.lotro.com/home/ My.Lotro.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The characters [[Eradan]], [[Farin]] and [[Andriel]] travel to Mirkwood in search of Radagast and arrive just in time to rescue him from a giant spider. He thanks them for the rescue and provides them with information about the Dragon Urgost.<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/the-game/allies Allies] at [http://www.warinthenorth.com/ WarintheNorth.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Radagast|Images of Radagast]]

{{References|n}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Radagast]]
[[fa:راداگاست]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]

Elrond

2012-08-21T03:03:06Z

24.1.239.191:

{{Countdown}}
{{half-elf infobox
| image=[[File:Hugo Weaving Elrond.jpg|250px]]
| name=Elrond
| othernames=Elrond ''Peredhel'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "[[Half-elven]]") Master Elrond
| titles=Lord of [[Rivendell|Imladris]]
| position=Ring-bearer of [[Vilya]] Vice-regent and herald to [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Celeborn">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| realm=[[Lindon]] [[Rivendell]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]<ref name="Languages">{{App|Elves}}</ref>
| birth={{FA|532}}
| birthlocation=[[Havens of Sirion]]
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=House of Eärendil
| heritage=[[Half-elven]] father and mother
| parentage=[[Eärendil]], father [[Elwing]], mother [[Maglor]], foster father
| siblings=[[Elros]]
| spouse=[[Celebrían]]
| children=[[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]] [[Arwen]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="meetings"/>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="meetings"/>
| clothing=Grey mantle<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Silver circlet<ref name="meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Elrond.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{Quote|He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="H3">{{H|3}}</ref>}}</center>
'''Elrond''' (b. {{FA|532}}) was the Lord of [[Rivendell]] and keeper of the great elven ring [[Vilya]].

==Appearance==
Elrond is described to seem ageless, resembling neither old nor young, however one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable both like an old king, a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime.

As common with other Elves, he was dark-haired, while his eyes were grey shining like starlight. He could be seen wearing a circlet of silver.<ref name="FRMeetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref><ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

==History==
===First Age===
Elrond was born at the [[Havens of Sirion]] late in the [[First Age]]. His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren]] (a [[Men|Man]]) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Luthien), a Maia, and all three houses of the [[Edain]] ([[House of Hador|Hador]], [[House of Haleth|Haleth]] and [[House of Bëor|Bëor]]). Elrond had a twin brother, [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].
[[File:Tuuliky - Little Half-elf.jpg|thumb|left|Maglor raises Elrond]]
When the [[Sons of Fëanor]] attacked the Havens of Sirion, Elwing was taken by [[Ulmo]]. The twins were carried off, but later found near a waterfall and they were named as such; Elrond was discovered in a cave. Taken captive by Maglor, they were subsequently raised by him. Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice whether to be counted among the kindred of Elves or of Men. Elrond chose to belong to the [[Firstborn]], while Elros chose to become mortal. Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and loremaster.

===Second Age===
When [[Sauron]] (disguised in his fair form as [[Annatar]]) came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age, Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. They were correct, as proven in the later [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Elrond led Elves from [[Lindon]] in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]]. With them, and and other Elves who fled the destruction of [[Eregion]], he established Imladris in {{SA|1697}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>
[[File:Prologue Elves.jpeg|thumb|Elrond next to Gil-galad in battle.]]
Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the [[Battle of Dagorlad|last battle]] of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. At the conclusion of that battle, when [[Isildur]] cut [[the One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad.

It has been argued that following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title. Indeed, after the Second Age ended, there were very few Noldor left in Middle-earth for there to be a king over them.

===Third Age===
Following Isildur's death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur's son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance.

In {{TA|109}}, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in {{TA|130|n}}, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in {{TA|241|n}}.

During the late reign of [[Arveleg I]], [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by [[Angmar]] into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

Elrond along with others of the [[Wise]] were joined by the [[Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] who was sent by the Valar from the West. As they decided, Gandalf invaded [[Dol Guldur]]. The Necromancer withdrew and the [[Watchful Peace]] begun. In {{TA|2463}} the Wise formed the [[White Council]] with the Wizard [[Saruman]] as its head.
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur]]
Elrond would be separated by his wife when taken by [[Orcs]]; their sons rescued her but Elrond was unable to heal her. She had to leave for the [[West]] in {{TA|2510|n}}.

In {{TA|2851}} the White Council met to decide on whether to act on Gandalf's discovery of the identity of the [[Necromancer]] as Sauron, but [[Saruman]] dissuaded the others.

In {{TA|2933}}, Elrond took [[Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, and had Arwen live in [[Lorien]] with her Grandmother.

Elrond named Aragon ''[[Estel]]'' ("Hope") and concealing his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the [[Ring of Barahir]] and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of Gondor and Arnor. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.

In {{TA|2941}} Elrond welcomed [[Thorin and Company]] into his home, the [[Last Homely House]] before the wild, in [[Rivendell]]. On midsummer eve - the night before the [[Dwarves]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and [[Gandalf]] continued on their journey eastward - Elrond examined the the swords which they had found in the trolls' cave. He read the runes and revealed that [[Thorin|Thorin's]] sword was called [[Orcrist]], the "Goblin-cleaver", and that Gandalf sword was named [[Glamdring]], the "Foe-hammer". He told them that they were [[Elves|Elven]] swords from the ancient city of [[Gondolin]], long ago destroyed. He then looked at [[Thrór's Map]] and found that there were [[moon-letters]]. From the moon of that midsummer eve he could read the words, 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast'; and 'stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole'. This information proved vital for Bilbo and the Dwarves to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]] through its secret entrance.<ref name="H3"/>

During that same year, the [[White Council]] assailed [[Dol Guldur]] and rid [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Upon Bilbo and Gandalf's return to Rivendell, Elrond and the grey wizard discussed this and the events of the Lonely Mountain. They both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

The White Council last met in {{TA|2953}}, when Gandalf expressed his concerns that the One Ring was Bilbo's ring found in the [[Goblin-town]]. Saruman quieted him, insisting that the Ring has been swept out to sea.

====The War of the Ring====
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first left the Shire with the One Ring, it was always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counselled him to do so. Elrond healed Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then hosted the feast that was held when Frodo recovered.

Elrond presided at the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrated what he knew of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identified Aragorn as the [[Heir of Isildur]], and when Frodo ultimately volunteered to carry the Ring, Elrond affirmed that decision as correct. Elrond also appeared to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], accepting [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dúnedain]] Rangers who rode to Rohan to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advised Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[The Last Debate|Last Debate]], Elrohir supported Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice. Following the [[War of the Ring]], Elrond escorted Arwen to Minas Tirith for her marriage to Aragorn, and parted from her in great sorrow.

Elrond was one of the Elves who took the [[White Ship]] to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo and the other [[Ringbearer]]s. The Third Age's end is marked by Elrond’s departure.

==Inspiration==
Elrond was created for ''[[The Hobbit]]''. Subsequently he became the only character to appear in all three of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

In the chapter ''[[A Short Rest]]'' of ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he “was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.” Note that in this description he is not identified as an elf himself, as Tolkien had not at this stage decided that Elrond of Rivendell was the same person as Elrond the son of Eärendil.

==Etymology==
The name '''Elrond''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelrond]}}) has been translated as "Star-dome",<ref name="SoF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]"</ref> and "Vault of Heaven"<ref name="Etym">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', "[[The Etymologies]]", page 384</ref> recalling the glory of [[Menegroth]] though at an earlier stage, it was supposed to mean "Elf of the Cave". His Quenya name was most likely '''Elerondo'''<ref>[[Petri Tikka]], "[http://www.geocities.com/petristikka/elvish/PE17.html Quenya words in Parma Eldalambaron 17]"</ref>, isolated from the patronymic ''Elerondiel'', "[[Arwen|daughter of Elrond]]".<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Gilson]] (ed.), "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (June 2007), page 56</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | CEL |y| GAL | | EAR |y| ELW |CEL=[[Celeborn]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | CBR |y| ELR | | | | ELS |ELR='''ELROND'''|CBR=[[Celebrían]]|ELS=[[Elros]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | ERH | | ELL | | ARW |~| ARA |ERH=[[Elrohir]]|ELL=[[Elladan]]|ARW=[[Arwen]]|ARA=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Elrond in Adaptations
|width=200
|height=150
|lines=3
|File:Elrond from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]''
|File:Elrond from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''
|File:Elrond.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''
|File:Elrond in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|'''Elrond''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond appears in Rivendell, crowned with a ring of stars. He feeds the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]], and identifies [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. He needs little time to identify the latter.He is shown with a beard, although Tolkien clearly states [[elves]] do not have beards. His voice was provided by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond, voiced by [[André Morell]], appears at the Council of Elrond. He sits on a raised chair, and narrates the scene. Not until the Ring is brought forward does he take an active part.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond appears roughly the same as in the first of [[Rankin/Bass]]' films. The premise of the film, a minstrel of Gondor who tells the tale of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers, and the Ring of Doom" at the birthday of Bilbo, allows Elrond to be a member of the audience. Because Ritchard had passed away, Rankin/Bass regular [[Paul Frees]] took over.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Elrond, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], first appears in the prologue as a commander of the army of Gil-galad in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking [[Isildur]] into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. [[Círdan]] is omitted.

:As in the book, Elrond heals Frodo's wound from Weathertop. Elrond then has a conversation with Gandalf, discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the film, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of Men, and gives the first hints about Aragorn's real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

:Elrond gains two additional scenes in the Extended Edition of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming king. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing Fellowship.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Though he had no scenes in the book, Elrond appears mainly in conversations with [[Arwen]], whose role is also greatly expanded. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to [[Valinor]]. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a telepathic communication with [[Galadriel]] discussing the [[War of the Ring|war]] that is about to start. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim|Men]] there, since when [[Haldir (elf of Lórien)|Haldir]] arrives at Helm's Deep he says that he brings "word from Elrond of Rivendell".

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:In the final installemnt of Jackson's film series, Elrond's first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying, Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the shards of Narsil re-forged, then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding, and he finally sails to Valinor with the Ringbearers.

'''2012-3: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
:[[Hugo Weaving]] will reprise his role as Elrond.<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The part of Elrond is voiced by [[Garard Green]].<ref name="RT1674">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1674, [[9 December|December 9]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is voiced by [[John Pullen]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Hugh Dickson]] provided the voice of Elrond in this radio series. He appears only in the episode containing the [[Council of Elrond]], and appears unintroduced. Dickson showcases great trouble with pronouncing Elvish, and especially diphtongs. Gimli is the son of "[[Glóin son of Gróin|Gloo-in]]", who fought the dragon "[[Smaug|Sma-oog]]". Legolas is the son of "[[Thranduil|Thrandoo-uhl]]".

===Games===
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Like his predecessor Hugh Dickson, [[Jim Piddock]] shows incredible difficulty with diphtongs. "Glau-win" and "Thrandool" dislike eachother, so too their sons.

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In a short cutscene between the levels "Roast Mutton" and "Over Hill and Under Hill", Elrond is briefly mentioned. An artful image on a manuscript can be seen, while the [[Tom Kane|narrator]] explains Elrond examined the map and the swords.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In an alternative, northern War of the Ring, Rivendell is the main base of operations for Glóin and Glorfindel. As such, Elrond is the source of missions and advice, and serves as the narrator throughout the game (Hugo Weaving reprises the role). Elrond is a playable character during the assault on [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Elrond is a non-playable character and came be found in the library of the Last Homely House in Rivendell. During the Elven Prologue set hundreds of years before the War of the Ring he participates in a battle in the refuge of Edhellion, in northern [[Ered Luin]]. Elrond is heavily involved in the game original storyline and the characters are frequently bidden to return to him after uncovering troubling sings of the Enemy or achieving notable victories.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Hugo Weaving once again reprises the role, serving as the narrator for both Good and Evil campaigns.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Early in the game Elrond sends his sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], to scout [[Fornost]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Inner Wards''</ref> He later interacts with main characters in Rivendell, guiding them on their path of defeating Argandaur.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Elrond|Images of Elrond]]
*[[Twins]]

{{References}}

[[Category:House of Eärendil]]
[[Category:House of Dior]]
[[Category:House of Elrond| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Elrond]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/semi-elfes/elrond]]
[[fi:Elrond]]

Elrond

2012-08-21T03:00:44Z

24.1.239.191: /* Games */

{{Countdown}}
{{half-elf infobox
| image=[[File:Hugo Weaving Elrond.jpg|250px]]
| name=Elrond
| othernames=Elrond ''Peredhel'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "[[Half-elven]]") Master Elrond
| titles=Lord of [[Rivendell|Imladris]]
| position=Ring-bearer of [[Vilya]] Vice-regent and herald to [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Celeborn">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| realm=[[Lindon]] [[Rivendell]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]<ref name="Languages">{{App|Elves}}</ref>
| birth={{FA|532}}
| birthlocation=[[Havens of Sirion]]
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=House of Eärendil
| heritage=[[Half-elven]] father and mother
| parentage=[[Eärendil]], father [[Elwing]], mother [[Maglor]], foster father
| siblings=[[Elros]]
| spouse=[[Celebrían]]
| children=[[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]] [[Arwen]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="meetings"/>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="meetings"/>
| clothing=Grey mantle<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Silver circlet<ref name="meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Elrond.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{Quote|He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizards, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="H3">{{H|3}}</ref>}}</center>
'''Elrond''' (b. {{FA|532}}) was the Lord of [[Rivendell]] and keeper of the great elven ring [[Vilya]].

==Appearance==
Elrond is described to seem ageless, resembling neither old nor young, however one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable both like an old king, a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime.

As common with other Elves, he was dark-haired, while his eyes were grey shining like starlight. He could be seen wearing a circlet of silver.<ref name="FRMeetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref><ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

==History==
===First Age===
Elrond was born at the [[Havens of Sirion]] late in the [[First Age]]. His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren]] (a [[Men|Man]]) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Luthien), a Maia, and all three houses of the [[Edain]] ([[House of Hador|Hador]], [[House of Haleth|Haleth]] and [[House of Bëor|Bëor]]). Elrond had a twin brother, [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].
[[File:Tuuliky - Little Half-elf.jpg|thumb|left|Maglor raises Elrond]]
When the [[Sons of Fëanor]] attacked the Havens of Sirion, Elwing was taken by [[Ulmo]]. The twins were carried off, but later found near a waterfall and they were named as such; Elrond was discovered in a cave. Taken captive by Maglor, they were subsequently raised by him. Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice whether to be counted among the kindred of Elves or of Men. Elrond chose to belong to the [[Firstborn]], while Elros chose to become mortal. Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and loremaster.

===Second Age===
When [[Sauron]] (disguised in his fair form as [[Annatar]]) came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age, Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. They were correct, as proven in the later [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Elrond led Elves from [[Lindon]] in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]]. With them, and and other Elves who fled the destruction of [[Eregion]], he established Imladris in {{SA|1697}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>
[[File:Prologue Elves.jpeg|thumb|Elrond next to Gil-galad in battle.]]
Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the [[Battle of Dagorlad|last battle]] of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. At the conclusion of that battle, when [[Isildur]] cut [[the One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad.

It has been argued that following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title. Indeed, after the Second Age ended, there were very few Noldor left in Middle-earth for there to be a king over them.

===Third Age===
Following Isildur's death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur's son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance.

In {{TA|109}}, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in {{TA|130|n}}, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in {{TA|241|n}}.

During the late reign of [[Arveleg I]], [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by [[Angmar]] into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

Elrond along with others of the [[Wise]] were joined by the [[Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] who was sent by the Valar from the West. As they decided, Gandalf invaded [[Dol Guldur]]. The Necromancer withdrew and the [[Watchful Peace]] begun. In {{TA|2463}} the Wise formed the [[White Council]] with the Wizard [[Saruman]] as its head.
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur]]
Elrond would be separated by his wife when taken by [[Orcs]]; their sons rescued her but Elrond was unable to heal her. She had to leave for the [[West]] in {{TA|2510|n}}.

In {{TA|2851}} the White Council met to decide on whether to act on Gandalf's discovery of the identity of the [[Necromancer]] as Sauron, but [[Saruman]] dissuaded the others.

In {{TA|2933}}, Elrond took [[Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, and had Arwen live in [[Lorien]] with her Grandmother.

Elrond named Aragon ''[[Estel]]'' ("Hope") and concealing his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the [[Ring of Barahir]] and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of Gondor and Arnor. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.

In {{TA|2941}} Elrond welcomed [[Thorin and Company]] into his home, the [[Last Homely House]] before the wild, in [[Rivendell]]. On midsummer eve - the night before the [[Dwarves]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and [[Gandalf]] continued on their journey eastward - Elrond examined the the swords which they had found in the trolls' cave. He read the runes and revealed that [[Thorin|Thorin's]] sword was called [[Orcrist]], the "Goblin-cleaver", and that Gandalf sword was named [[Glamdring]], the "Foe-hammer". He told them that they were [[Elves|Elven]] swords from the ancient city of [[Gondolin]], long ago destroyed. He then looked at [[Thrór's Map]] and found that there were [[moon-letters]]. From the moon of that midsummer eve he could read the words, 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast'; and 'stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole'. This information proved vital for Bilbo and the Dwarves to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]] through its secret entrance.<ref name="H3"/>

During that same year, the [[White Council]] assailed [[Dol Guldur]] and rid [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Upon Bilbo and Gandalf's return to Rivendell, Elrond and the grey wizard discussed this and the events of the Lonely Mountain. They both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

The White Council last met in {{TA|2953}}, when Gandalf expressed his concerns that the One Ring was Bilbo's ring found in the [[Goblin-town]]. Saruman quieted him, insisting that the Ring has been swept out to sea.

====The War of the Ring====
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first left the Shire with the One Ring, it was always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counselled him to do so. Elrond healed Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then hosted the feast that was held when Frodo recovered.

Elrond presided at the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrated what he knew of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identified Aragorn as the [[Heir of Isildur]], and when Frodo ultimately volunteered to carry the Ring, Elrond affirmed that decision as correct. Elrond also appeared to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], accepting [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dúnedain]] Rangers who rode to Rohan to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advised Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[The Last Debate|Last Debate]], Elrohir supported Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice. Following the [[War of the Ring]], Elrond escorted Arwen to Minas Tirith for her marriage to Aragorn, and parted from her in great sorrow.

Elrond was one of the Elves who took the [[White Ship]] to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo and the other [[Ringbearer]]s. The Third Age's end is marked by Elrond’s departure.

==Inspiration==
Elrond was created for ''[[The Hobbit]]''. Subsequently he became the only character to appear in all three of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

In the chapter ''[[A Short Rest]]'' of ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he “was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.” Note that in this description he is not identified as an elf himself, as Tolkien had not at this stage decided that Elrond of Rivendell was the same person as Elrond the son of Eärendil.

==Etymology==
The name '''Elrond''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelrond]}}) has been translated as "Star-dome",<ref name="SoF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]"</ref> and "Vault of Heaven"<ref name="Etym">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', "[[The Etymologies]]", page 384</ref> recalling the glory of [[Menegroth]] though at an earlier stage, it was supposed to mean "Elf of the Cave". His Quenya name was most likely '''Elerondo'''<ref>[[Petri Tikka]], "[http://www.geocities.com/petristikka/elvish/PE17.html Quenya words in Parma Eldalambaron 17]"</ref>, isolated from the patronymic ''Elerondiel'', "[[Arwen|daughter of Elrond]]".<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Gilson]] (ed.), "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (June 2007), page 56</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | CEL |y| GAL | | EAR |y| ELW |CEL=[[Celeborn]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | CBR |y| ELR | | | | ELS |ELR='''ELROND'''|CBR=[[Celebrían]]|ELS=[[Elros]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | ERH | | ELL | | ARW |~| ARA |ERH=[[Elrohir]]|ELL=[[Elladan]]|ARW=[[Arwen]]|ARA=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Elrond in Adaptations
|width=200
|height=150
|lines=3
|File:Elrond from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]''
|File:Elrond from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''
|File:Elrond.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''
|File:Elrond in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|'''Elrond''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond appears in Rivendell, crowned with a ring of stars. He feeds the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]], and identifies [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. He needs little time to identify the latter.He is shown with a beard, although Tolkien clearly states [[elves]] do not have beards. His voice was provided by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond, voiced by [[André Morell]], appears at the Council of Elrond. He sits on a raised chair, and narrates the scene. Not until the Ring is brought forward does he take an active part.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Elrond appears roughly the same as in the first of [[Rankin/Bass]]' films. The premise of the film, a minstrel of Gondor who tells the tale of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers, and the Ring of Doom" at the birthday of Bilbo, allows Elrond to be a member of the audience. Because Ritchard had passed away, Rankin/Bass regular [[Paul Frees]] took over.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Elrond, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], first appears in the prologue as a commander of the army of Gil-galad in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking [[Isildur]] into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. [[Círdan]] is omitted.

:As in the book, Elrond heals Frodo's wound from Weathertop. Elrond then has a conversation with Gandalf, discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the film, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of Men, and gives the first hints about Aragorn's real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

:Elrond gains two additional scenes in the Extended Edition of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming king. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing Fellowship.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Though he had no scenes in the book, Elrond appears mainly in conversations with [[Arwen]], whose role is also greatly expanded. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to [[Valinor]]. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a telepathic communication with [[Galadriel]] discussing the [[War of the Ring|war]] that is about to start. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim|Men]] there, since when [[Haldir (elf of Lórien)|Haldir]] arrives at Helm's Deep he says that he brings "word from Elrond of Rivendell".

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:In the final installemnt of Jackson's film series, Elrond's first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying, Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the shards of Narsil re-forged, then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding, and he finally sails to Valinor with the Ringbearers.

'''2012-3: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
:[[Hugo Weaving]] will reprise his role as Elrond.<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The part of Elrond is voiced by [[Garard Green]].<ref name="RT1674">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1674, [[9 December|December 9]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is voiced by [[John Pullen]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Hugh Dickson]] provided the voice of Elrond in this radio series. He appears only in the episode containing the [[Council of Elrond]], and appears unintroduced. Dickson showcases great trouble with pronouncing Elvish, and especially diphtongs. Gimli is the son of "[[Glóin son of Gróin|Gloo-in]]", who fought the dragon "[[Smaug|Sma-oog]]". Legolas is the son of "[[Thranduil|Thrandoo-uhl]]".

===Games===
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Like his predecessor Hugh Dickson, [[Jim Piddock]] shows incredible difficulty with diphtongs. "Glau-win" and "Thrandool" dislike eachother, so too their sons.

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In a short cutscene between the levels "Roast Mutton" and "Over Hill and Under Hill", Elrond is briefly mentioned. An artful image on a manuscript can be seen, while the [[Tom Kane|narrator]] explains Elrond examined the map and the swords.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In an alternative, northern War of the Ring, Rivendell is the main base of operations for Glóin and Glorfindel. As such, Elrond is the source of missions and advice, and serves as the narrator throughout the game (Hugo Weaving reprises the role). Elrond is a playable character during the assault on [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Elrond is a non-playable character and came be found in the library of the Last Homely House in Rivendell. During the Elven Prologue set hundreds of years before the War of the Ring he participates in a battle in the refuge of Edhellion, in northern [[Ered Luin]]. Elrond is heavily involved in the game original storyline and the characters are frequently bidden to return to him after uncovering troubling sings of the Enemy or achieving notable victories.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Hugo Weaving once again reprises the role, serving as the narrator for both Good and Evil campaigns.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Early in the game Elrond sends his sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], to scout [[Fornost]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Inner Wards''</ref> He later interacts with main characters in Rivendell, guiding them on their path of defeating Argandaur.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Elrond|Images of Elrond]]
*[[Twins]]

{{References}}

[[Category:House of Eärendil]]
[[Category:House of Dior]]
[[Category:House of Elrond| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Elrond]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/semi-elfes/elrond]]
[[fi:Elrond]]

Three Hunters

2012-02-18T11:46:14Z

24.1.239.191:

[[File:Grant Gould - LOTR.jpg|thumb|150px|Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli by [[Grant Gould]].]]
The "'''Three Hunters'''" was the remnant of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]—[[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]]—as they tracked the [[Uruk-Hai]] that had captured [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Peregrin Took]] at [[Amon Hen]].

The Three Hunters descended [[Emyn Muil]] and entered [[Rohan]]; with Aragorn's tracking skills, they successfully followed the right track and even found Pippin's [[Elven brooch]], which had been dropped for for them to find it. The hunting continued for three days.

They soon encountered [[Éomer]] and his [[éored]] who had slaughtered the Orc-band earlier and were on the way back to [[Edoras]]. Éomer demanded their names and business, and fighting almost broke out between Gimli and Éomer when Aragorn sprang between them, told Éomer his true name, and showed him his sword, [[Andúril]]. Éomer now listened to their story of their journey and learned about the losses of [[Gandalf]], [[Boromir]], and the two young hobbits. Although he was counteracting the law of Rohan, he lent them two horses— [[Hasufel]] and [[Arod]]—and asked them to prove his trust by bringing them back to Edoras.

With their horses, they followed Éomer's instructions and reached the outskirts of [[Fangorn Forest]], where they met [[Gandalf]] the White with whom they rode to Edoras; eventually they reunited with the Hobbits in [[Isengard]] after the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].

[[Category: Characters]]

Bag End (soundtrack)

2012-02-17T18:13:31Z

24.1.239.191: /* Lyrics */

'''Bag End''' is the title of the third song from [[The Fellowship of the Ring Complete Recordings]].

==Lyrics==
<poem>
[0:04 - 0:38]
(humming)
Down from the door where it began.
(humming)
And I must follow, if I can,

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
</poem>

[[Category:The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring The Complete Recordings]]