Elrond

History and context

As children, Elrond and Elros are taken during the attack by the sons of Fëanor on the survivors at the Mouths of Sirion. Their later choices divide their destinies: Elros becomes the first king of Númenor and accepts mortality, while Elrond remains among the Elves. During the Second Age Elrond establishes Imladris, known in the Common Speech as Rivendell, as a refuge during the war against Sauron. By the time of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings it is a centre of healing, counsel and historical memory. Elrond bears Vilya, one of the Three Rings, and hosts the council that determines the Ring’s destruction.

Literary context and distinctions

Elrond’s relationship to Aragorn connects the surviving northern Dúnedain with their ancient history. Aragorn is raised in Rivendell under the name Estel. Arwen’s later choice to marry him brings the question of mortality into Elrond’s own household. In the novel Elrond does not travel to the Rohirrim’s encampment to deliver Andúril; that arrangement belongs to the film adaptation. His eventual departure from the Grey Havens ends an extraordinarily long period of stewardship rather than restoring all that he has lost.

Primary references

• The Silmarillion, “Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath” and “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age”.
• The Fellowship of the Ring, “Many Meetings” and “The Council of Elrond”.
• The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, “The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen”.