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Textual Images of Rivendell (from JRR Tolkien)

"But in the meantime what course am I to take?" said Frodo

"Towards danger; but not too rashly, nor too straight," answered the wizard [Gandalf]. "If you want my advice, make for Rivendell. That journey should not prove too perilous, though the Road is less easy than it was, and it will grow worse as the year fails."

"Rivendell!" said Frodo. "Very good: I will go east, and I will make for Rivendell. I will take Sam to visit the elves; he will be delighted." He spoke lightly; but his heart was moved suddenly with a desire to see the house of Elrond Halfelven, and breathe the air of that deep valley where many of the Fair Folk still dwelt in peace.

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book I, Chapter III Three is Company, pg. 79.

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Frodo was now safe in the Last Homely House east of the Sea. That house was, as Bilbo had long ago reported, "a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all." Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear and sadness.

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pg. 241

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"It's a big house this, and very peculiar," said Sam. "Always a bit more to discover, and no knowing what you'll find round a corner. And Elves, sir! Elves here, and Elves there! Some like kings, terrible and splendid; and some as merry as children. And the music and the singing--not that I have had the time or the heart for much listening since we got here. But I'm getting to know some of the ways of the place."

. . .

Sam led him along several passages and down many steps and out into a high garden above the steep bank of the river. He found his friends sitting in a porch on the side of the house looking east. Shadows had fallen in the valley below, but there was still a light on the faces of the mountains far above. The air was warm. The sound of running and falling water was loud, and the evening was filled with a faint scent of trees and flowers, as if summer still lingered in Elrond's gardens.

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pp. 241-242

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"But it feels impossible, somehow, to feel gloomy or depressed in this place. I feel I could sing, If I knew the right song for the occasion," said Pippin.

"I feel like singing myself," laughed Frodo. "Though at the moment I feel more like eating and drinking!"

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pg. 242

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The face of Elrond was ageless, neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey as a clear evening, and in them was a light like the light of stars. Venerable he seemed as a king crowned with many winters, and yet hale as a tired warrior in the fullness of his strength. He was the Lord of Rivendell and mighty among both Elves and Men.

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pg. 245

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Elrond and Arwen rose and went down the hall, and the company followed them in due order. The doors were thrown open, and they went across a wide passage and through other doors, and came into a further hall. In it were no tables, but a bright fire was burning in a great hearth between the carven pillars upon either side.

Frodo found himself walking with Gandalf. "This is the Hall of Fire," said the wizard. "Here you will hear many songs and tales--if you can keep awake. But except on high days it usually stands empty and quite, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought. There is always a fire here, all the year round, but there is little other light."

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pg. 246

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"And of course, I make up a few songs," said Bilbo. "They sing them occasionally: just to please me, I think; for, of course, they aren't really good enough for Rivendell. And I listen and I think. Time doesn't seem to pass here: it just is. A remarkable place altogether."

The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter I Many Meetings, pg. 247

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At last one evening they came over the high moors, suddenly as to travellers it always seemed, to the brink of the deep valley of Rivendell and saw far below the lamps shining in Elrond's house. And they went down and crossed the bridge and came to the doors, and all the house was filled with light and song for joy at Elrond's homecoming.

First of all, before they had eaten or washed or even shed their cloaks, the hobbits went in search of Bilbo. They found him all alone in his little room. It was littered with papers and pens and pencils; but Bilbo was sitting in a chair before a small bright fire. He looked very old, but peaceful, and sleepy.

....

"The fire's very cosy here, and the food's very good, and there are Elves when you want them," said Bilbo. "What more could one want?

The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet."

The Return of the King, Book VI, Chapter VI Many Partings, pp. 1022-1024.

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Sunlight dances through the leaves
Soft winds stir the sighing trees
Lying in the warm grass
Feel the sun upon your face
Elven songs and endless nights
Sweet wine and soft relaxing lights
Time will never touch you
Here in this enchanted place

You feel there's something calling you
You're wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark lord cannot go
Peace of mind and sanctuary by loud water's flow

I've traveled now for many miles
It feels so good to see the smiles of
Friends who never left your mind
When you were far away
From the golden light of coming dawn
Till the twilight where the sun is gone
We treasure every season
And every passing day

We feel the coming of a new day
Darkness gives way to light a new way
Stop here for a while until the world,
The world calls you away
Yet you know I've had the feeling
Standing with my senses reeling
This is the place to grow old 'til
I reach my final day.

RUSH, Rivendell, written by Geddy Lee and Neil Peart

Other Sources for Tolkien Images

• Edoras Tolkien Art-Gallery

• FTP Link to Tolkien images at SUNET (Swedish University Network)

• A good number of images, including my Alan Lee title photo, can be purchased from and seen at Artists UK.

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