Tolkien Acquaintance Post

[Elrond]

Let those interested learn about their "favorite" and "not-so-favorite" Tolkien heroes, heroines, and characters.

Strange as it may seem, I'll start with the "Mouth of Sauron!" He isn't my favorite character. On the contrary, he falls on the wrong side of my favor (not that it bothers him at all!). But his title is nifty! Anyways, Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the one and only Mouth of Sauron

===================================

Mouth of Sauron

Mouth of Sauron - Emissary of Sauron. The Mouth of Sauron was a living Man who spoke on behalf of Sauron. His true name is not known, for not even he remembered it. His rank was Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dur. The Mouth of Sauron was tall and wore black robes and a high black helm and he rode a monstrous-looking horse.

The Mouth of Sauron was of the race of Black Numenoreans - Men of Numenor who were corrupted by Sauron in the Second Age. It is said that the Mouth of Sauron "entered the service of the Dark Tower when it first rose again" (RotK, p. 164), but there is some question as to what this means.

Some say this refers to Sauron's return to Barad-dur in 3320 of the Second Age after the fall of Numenor. This would mean that the Mouth of Sauron was over 3,000 years old at the time of the War of the Ring, and that he had somehow prolonged his life by unnatural means.

Others believe that the Mouth of Sauron was a descendant of the original Black Numenoreans, and that he entered Sauron's service when the Dark Lord rebuilt Barad-dur in 2951 of the Third Age - 68 years before the War of the Ring.

The Mouth of Sauron was cruel and cunning. He learned sorcery from Sauron and he became familiar with the Dark Lord's mind. He rose through the ranks and became one of Sauron's most trusted servants. If Sauron had won the War of the Ring, the Mouth of Sauron would have been given Isengard and from there he would have subjugated Gondor and Rohan as part of Sauron's domain.

On March 25, 3019, the Captains of the West came to the Black Gate, and the Mouth of Sauron came forth to meet them. He laughed and spoke scornfully to Aragorn, yet when Aragorn looked into his eyes, the Mouth of Sauron was afraid. The Mouth of Sauron then showed them three items that had been taken from Frodo Baggins while he was imprisoned in the Tower of Cirith Ungol: Frodo's mithril shirt and his Elven cloak and Sam's sword of Westernesse.

"Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire - nay, do not start! We know it well - here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise: one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel with what little wit is left to you. For Sauron does not love spies, and what his fate shall be depends now on your choice." The Return of the King: "The Black Gate Opens," p. 166

The Mouth of Sauron laughed at the Captains' dismay and he said that the prisoner would endure years of torment unless they surrendered and agreed to Sauron's terms: That all lands east of the Anduin would be Sauron's realm and that Gondor and Rohan would be subject to the rule of Mordor. Gandalf demanded to see Frodo, and the Mouth of Sauron hesistated before refusing. Then Gandalf took the tokens from the Mouth of Sauron and utterly rejected the terms of surrender.

The Mouth of Sauron was amazed and angered, but looking at the faces of the Captains of the West he became terrified, and he fled back through the Black Gate. His minions sounded their horns in a prearranged signal, and Sauron's forces emerged from the Black Gate. The Battle of the Morannon was fought until the Ring was destroyed and Sauron was defeated. It is not known what became of the Mouth of Sauron; he may have perished in the fighting or in the ruin of Mordor, or he may have fled far away.

Names & Etymology: Also called the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dur and the Messenger of Mordor. He was called the Mouth of Sauron because he spoke on Sauron's behalf.

Sources:
The Return of the King: "The Black Gate Opens," p. 164-67

All entries are Copyright © 2003-2009, The Thain's Book - www.tuckborough.net - e-mail: thain at tuckborough.net

======================================

If you want to introduce a Tolkien character, here is a helpful reference: http://www.tuckborough.net/peopleindex.html

[smv1973]

This is the early story of my favorite Evil character. The realm he established (Angmar) is were I got the name for my character's Castle.



The Lord of the Nazgul was Sauron's most dreadful servant. He was once a Man who became corrupted by one of the Nine Rings of Power. He established the realm of Angmar and became known as the Witch-king, and though Angmar was defeated it was foretold that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of man. During the War of the Ring, the Witch-king led the hunt for the Ring-bearer and he commanded the forces at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields where at last he met his doom.

Nothing is known about the Lord of the Nazgul's original identity. It is said that three of the Nine Nazgul were originally great lords of Numenor. The Lord of the Nazgul was probably one of these.*

Sauron had deceived Celebrimbor and the Elven-smiths of Eregion and had taken part in creating the Nine Rings of Power in the 1500's of the Second Age. Then Sauron created the One Ring for himself to rule the others and the Elves realized they had been betrayed. Sauron attacked Eregion in 1697 and seized the Nine Rings.

Sauron gave the Nine Rings to Men, who proved easily corrupted. The Men used the Rings to claim power and wealth for themselves, but over time they became wraiths enslaved by the will of Sauron.

The Nine first appeared in the form of Nazgul around 2251 of the Second Age. The most powerful of them became the Lord of the Nazgul.
In 3434, the Elves and Men of the Last Alliance marched to war against Sauron in Mordor and at last in 3441, Sauron was overthrown and the One Ring was taken by Isildur. The Nazgul vanished into the shadows.

Sauron returned in secret around 1050 of the Third Age and built a stronghold on the edge of Mirkwood at Dol Guldur. Around 1300, the Nazgul reappeared. The Lord of the Nazgul went north to Eriador and established the realm of Angmar on both sides of the Misty Mountains. The Witch-king's stronghold was Carn Dum in the northernmost peak. He gathered a force of evil Men, Orcs, and other creatures.

The Witch-king had chosen to establish his realm in the north because while Gondor remained strong in the south, the North-kingdom of Arnor was in disarray. Arnor had been divided into Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur in 861 and there was dissension among the three kingdoms. The Witch-king took advantage of this disunity to further his own plans of conquest.

Rhudaur was the first to fall under the Witch-king's power. There were few Dunedain remaining in Rhudaur and an evil lord of the Hill-men in league with the Witch-king seized power. In 1356, King Argeleb I of Arthedain claimed rule of all of Arnor. Rhudaur objected and waged war on Arthedain and King Argeleb was killed in battle.

In 1409, the Witch-king sent forth a great host from Angmar. Cardolan was overrun and ravaged, though some of the Dunedain took refuge in the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest and continued to resist. The Dunedain of Rhudaur were utterly defeated and evil Men who practiced sorcery and were subjects of the Witch-king occupied the land.

The Witch-king's forces surrounded Weathertop. The Tower of Amon Sul was destroyed, but the Dunedain managed to rescue the palantir. King Arveleg I of Arthedain was slain and the Dunedain were defeated and retreated to Fornost. Arveleg's young son Araphor prevented the Witch-king from taking Fornost. He was helped by a force of Elves from Lindon led by Cirdan, and Elrond also brought Elves from Rivendelland Lothlorien. The Witch-king's plan to conquer all of Arnor was halted.

The remnants of the Dunedain in Cardolan perished during the Great Plague of 1636. The Witch-king then sent evil spirits from Angmar and Rhudaur to occupy the mounds of the Barrow-downs and these spirits became known as the Barrow-wights.

By 1974, the Witch-king had risen to power again. In the winter, he sent a force to invade Arthedain and he captured Fornost. King Arvedui sent word to Gondor for aid and resisted for a time in the North Downs, but at last he was forced to retreat and later perished at sea. Arvedui's sons and the remainder of the Dunedain retreated across the River Lune.

The Witch-king took the throne in Fornost and filled the city with his evil minions. In 1975, a force from Gondor led by Earnur arrived to challenge him. With Earnur came horsemen from the Vales of the Anduin and princes of Rhovanion. Cirdan summoned a force of Elves from Lindon to join them, and Glorfindel led a company from Rivendell. It is said that the Hobbits of the Shire sent a company of archers as well.

The Witch-king rode out to meet his enemies clad in black robes and a black mask and mounted on a black horse. There was a great battle on the plain between the North Downs and Lake Evendim. The forces of Angmar were defeated and the Witch-king tried to retreat to Carn Dum but he was pursued by Earnur and his cavalry. The Witch-king was filled with hatred for Earnur and rode to confront him. Earnur tried to stand his ground but his horse fled in terror and the Witch-king laughed. Then Glorfindel approached and the Witch-king vanished into the shadows. Glorfindel counselled Earnur not to pursue him, saying:

The realm of Angmar was ended and all the Orcs and Men of the Witch-king's forces were killed or driven from Eriador. The Witch-king returned to Mordor in 1980 and he gathered the other eight Nazgul to him. There they began to prepare for Sauron's return.
In 2000, the Nazgul besieged Minas Ithil and in 2002 they captured it and claimed it as their stronghold. It was renamed Minas Morgul, the Tower of Black Sorcery. The Witch-king became the Lord of Morgul and his second-in-command was Khamul. The palantir called the Ithil-stone was claimed by the Nazgul and was later given to Sauron.

Earnur became King of Gondor in 2043. The Witch-king challenged his adversary to single-combat, mocking him for his failure to stand and fight at the Battle of Fornost. Mardil, the Steward of Gondor, convinced Earnur to refuse the Witch-king, but seven years later the challenge was renewed and Earnur accepted. He rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul and they were never seen again. Earnur was believed to have died in torment in Minas Morgul. He left no heir, and it was from that time that the Stewards began to rule Gondor in absence of a King.

The Watchful Peace began in 2063 after Sauron went into hiding when Gandalf the Grey came to Dol Guldur. The Nazgul remained quiet in Minas Morgul during this time, but they continued to build the forces of Mordor including a race of black Uruks of great strength.

[texlaw1992]

I read all the books eons ago except the Silmarillion. Since I used to name all my magic-using characters Gandalf or Merlin, I'll have to go with Gandalf as my favorite Middle Earther.

[Elrond]

I read all the books eons ago except the Silmarillion. Since I used to name all my magic-using characters Gandalf or Merlin, I'll have to go with Gandalf as my favorite Middle Earther.

Here are some of Gandalf's titles and names:

Gandalf the Grey:
Gandalf means "staff Elf." This name was given to him by Men in reference to the staff he carried and the mistaken belief that he was one of the Elves. The word gandr means "staff" especially one used for magic. (Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 399)

The name Gandalf appears in the Old Norse poem Voluspa as well as in the Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson.

The Wizards had colors associated their names. When Gandalf first came to Middle-earth, his color was grey and he wore grey robes.


Gandalf the White:
When Gandalf was sent back to Middle-earth after his fight with the Balrog, he was clad in white. He replaced the traitorous Saruman -- who had forsaken white for robes of many colors -- as the head of the order of Wizards.

"'Yes, I am white now," said Gandalf. "Indeed I am Saruman, one might almost say, Saruman as he should have been."
The Two Towers: "The White Rider," p. 98


Olórin:
Olorin was the name by which Gandalf was known as a Maia spirit in Aman. It is High-Elven from olor or olos meaning "vision, phantasy, construction of the mind." (Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 396-97)


Grey Messenger
When Gandalf arrived in Middle-earth he was referred to as the Grey Messenger because he was a messenger of the Valar and was clad in grey.
Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 389-90


Mithrandir:
Mithrandir was the name given to Gandalf by the Elves. It means "Grey Wanderer" or "Grey Pilgrim" and refers to his color and his travels across Middle-earth.


Grey Pilgrim:
Grey Pilgrim was the Common Speech equivalent of Mithrandir (see above). The people of Gondor referred to him by both names.

"It was these records that brought the Grey Pilgrim to us. I first saw him when I was a child, and he has been twice or thrice since then."
"The Grey Pilgrim?" said Frodo. "Had he a name?"
"Mithrandir we called him in elf-fashion," said Faramir, "and he was content. Many are my names in many countries, he said. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkun to the Dwarves; Olorin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incanus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not."
The Two Towers: "The Window on the West," p. 278-79


Grey Wanderer:
Grey Wanderer was another Common Speech translation of Mithrandir used in Gondor. (RotK, p. 100)


Tharkûn:
Tharkun was the name by which Gandalf was known among the Dwarves. It was said to mean "staff man." (Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 397)


Incánus:
Gandalf was called Incanus by the peoples of the South. The origin of this name is not certain. A note in the Thain's Book indicates that it was a Quenya adaptation of a Haradrim word meaning "North spy." However, Incanus may have been a purely Quenya name given to him by the Men of Gondor meaning "mind ruler." The word in or id means "mind"; kan means "ruler" and cáno or cánu means "ruler, governor, chieftain." (Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 399-400)

The word incánus in Latin means "grey-haired."


Gandalf Greyhame:
Gandalf was called this by Eomer of Rohan:

"Gandalf!" Eomer exclaimed. "Gandalf Greyhame is known in the Mark: but his name, I warn you, is no longer a password to the king's favour. He has been a guest in the land many times in the memory of men, coming as he will, after a season, or after many years. He is ever the herald of strange events: a bringer of evil, some now say."
The Two Towers: "The Riders of Rohan," p. 37

Greyhame means "greycoat" from the Old English grég or graég meaning "grey" and hama meaning "covering, garment." This is a reference to Gandalf's grey robes. ("Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings," entry for Greyhame)


The White Rider:
Gandalf was first called the White Rider by Aragorn in contrast to Sauron's Black Riders.

"Do I not say truly, Gandalf," said Aragorn at last, "that you could go whithersoever you wished quicker than I? And this I also say: you are our captain and our banner. The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him. We will go where he leads."
The Two Towers: "The White Rider," p. 104


Gandalf Stormcrow:
King Theoden of Rohan called him Gandalf Stormcrow while under the spell of Grima Wormtongue.

"You have ever been a herald of woe. Troubles follow you like crows, and ever the oftener the worse ... Here you come again! And with you come evils worse than before, as might be expected. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that."
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," p. 117


Láthspell:
Grima Wormtongue called Gandalf Lathspell, meaning "ill news" in Old English from láð meaning "hateful, evil" and spell meaning "story."

"Lathspell I name you, Ill-news; and ill news is an ill guest they say."
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," p. 117


Grey Fool:
Gandalf was referred to as the Grey Fool by Denethor, Steward of Gondor.

"Follow whom you will, even the Grey Fool, though his hope has failed. Here I stay."
The Return of the King: "The Siege of Gondor," p. 97


Here's Gandalf's storied Biography (http://www.tuckborough.net/gandalf.html)

[Elrond]

Elrond was one of the wisest and most powerful Elves in Middle-earth during the Second and Third Ages. He fought to oppose Sauron, and it was at a Council held by Elrond that the decision was made to destroy the One Ring and bring about the Dark Lord's downfall. Elrond the Half-elven had chosen to live the immortal life of the Elves and he left Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, but he left behind his beloved daughter Arwen, who had made her own choice.

Elrond and his twin brother Elros were born 58 years before the end of the First Age. There is no definitive chronology of the First Age, but according to one version of "The Tale of Years" in The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels, Elrond and Elros were born in the year 532 and the First Age ended in 590. Other chronologies differ.

The father of Elrond and Elros was Earendil the Mariner and their mother was Elwing. Earendil was Half-elven: his mother Idril was an Elf and his father Tuor was a Man. Elwing's mother Nimloth was an Elf and her father Dior was the son of Beren – a Man – and Luthien – the daughter of an Elf and a Maia. Thus Elrond and Elros were descended from both Elves and Men and were counted among the Half-elven, or Peredhil.

Elrond and Elros were born in Middle-earth. Their family lived near the mouths of the river Sirion on the southwestern coast of Beleriand. While Earendil was away at Sea, the sons of Feanor attacked the Havens of Sirion seeking the Silmaril that Elwing had in her possession. Elrond and Elros were taken captive. Feanor's son Maglor took pity on them and spared their lives. It is said he cherished the two children and fostered them for a time, though according to another story the twins were left by their captors in a cave behind a waterfall where they were later found safe and sound.

Elwing escaped with the Silmaril and found Earendil's ship. They despaired at the loss of their children, and they did not return to Middle-earth. Together they sailed to the Undying Lands and Earendil sought the help of the Valar in the war against Morgoth. At the end of the First Age, the Host of the Valar defeated Morgoth in the War of Wrath.

The Vala Manwe decreed that Earendil and Elwing, as well as Elrond and Elros and their descendants, should have the choice whether to be counted among Elves or Men. Earendil and Elwing chose to be counted among the Elves, and they remained in the Undying Lands. Earendil sailed the heavens in his ship with the Silmaril bound to his brow, and the light of the Star of High Hope brought comfort to the peoples of Middle-earth.

Elrond and Elros faced the same choice as their parents. Elros chose the fate of Men and was thus mortal. He became the first King of Numenor, and from him were descended the Kings of Numenor and of Gondor and Arnor, including Aragorn, King Elessar. Elros lived 500 years and died in the year 442 of the Second Age.

Elrond chose the fate of the Elves. He was immortal and could choose to sail across the Sea to the Undying Lands, but Elrond decided to remain in Middle-earth with the High King Gil-galad. They dwelled in Lindon, a land west of the Blue Mountains that had once been part of Beleriand before the land was ruined in the War of Wrath.

Morgoth's servant Sauron survived the War of Wrath, and around 1200 of the Second Age he went among the Elves in a fair disguise and tried to win them over. Gil-galad and Elrond did not recognize him, but they did not trust him and they refused him admittance to Lindon.

Despite the warnings of Gil-galad and Elrond, Sauron was accepted among the Elven-smiths of Eregion, and under his instruction they began forging the Rings of Power around 1500. Around the year 1600, Sauron forged the One Ring to rule the others, and Celebrimbor the master smith realized they had been deceived. He hid the Three Rings of the Elves from Sauron, entrusting Vilya, the Ring of Air, to Gil-galad.

Sauron declared war on the Elves and attacked Eregion in 1695. Elrond led a force to stop him, but they arrived too late and Sauron's forces were too great. Eregion was destroyed and Celebrimbor was slain. Elrond gathered the survivors and retreated to the north, where he established the refuge of Rivendell in 1697. Sauron's forces overran Eriador, but he was unable to conquer Rivendell or Lindon. In 1700, a fleet arrived from Numenor and Sauron's forces were driven out of Eriador.

In 1701, the Elves held a Council and decided that Rivendell would be their stronghold in eastern Eriador. Elrond was appointed Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador. Gil-galad may have given Vilya to Elrond at this time, or he may have done so later during the War of the Last Alliance.

The Last Alliance of Elves and Men was formed in 3430 of the Second Age to confront the growing threat of Sauron. In 3431, the forces of Gil-galad and Elendil gathered at Rivendell and from there they marched to Mordor. Elrond was Gil-galad's herald and acted as his commander on the battlefield.

Elrond fought in the Battle of Dagorlad in 3434 and throughout the Siege of Barad-dur. He was on the slopes of Mount Doom in 3441 when Sauron was overthrown by Gil-galad and Elendil, who both died in the struggle. Elendil's son Isildur took the One Ring from Sauron, and Elrond and Cirdancounseled him to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. But Isildur refused and kept the Ring for himself.

Isildur was slain by Orcs in the Gladden Fields, but his youngest son Valandil had remained in Rivendell. During the Third Age, Elrond continued to give aid and refuge to the Heirs of Isildur, who were related to him by descent from his brother Elros. Elrond knew that one day a descendant of Isildur would play a crucial role in the fate of Middle-earth.

Elrond was a master of wisdom, and at Rivendell he sought to preserve the lore and history of the Elves and of Middle-earth. He wrote a number of books himself, and he welcomed Elves and other visitors into his home for learning and counsel and refuge. Elrond was strong and powerful, and he was also kind. In appearance, he seemed ageless and his face was fair and he had dark hair and grey eyes.

In the year 109 of the Third Age, Elrond married Celebrian, the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn. Their twin sons Elladan and Elrohir were born in 130, and their daughter Arwen was born in 241. Elrond's children faced the same decision that he had over whether to be counted among Elves or Men, but they were able to delay their choice for a long while.

Around 1300, the Lord of the Nazgul came to Eriador and established the realm of Angmar. At one point, Rivendell was besieged by forces aligned with Angmar. In 1409, the forces of Angmar attacked the three kingdoms of the Dunedain. Elrond brought help from Rivendell and Lothlorien and they joined forces with Cirdan from the Grey Havens to help the Dunedain. The Lord of the Nazgul was finally driven from Eriador after the Battle of Fornost in 1975, to which a force from Rivendell had been led by Glorfindel.

The Dunedain became a scattered, wandering people. Elrond fostered the sons of the Chieftains of the Dunedain at Rivendell in their youth and he kept safe the heirlooms of the House of Isildur: the Sceptre of Annuminas, the Elendilmir, the Ring of Barahir, and the shards of Narsil.

In 2463, the White Council was formed in response to the threat of an evil power that had occupied Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. Elrond was a member of the White Council along with Galadriel, Cirdan, Gandalf the Grey, and Saruman the White – who became the leader of the Council.

In 2509, Elrond's wife Celebrian was captured by Orcs in the Redhorn Gate while she was journeying to Lothlorien. She received a poisoned wound and was tormented by the Orcs before her sons Elladan and Elrohir found her and rescued her. Elrond was able to heal her physical wounds, but Celebrian remained troubled by her memories and fear and she could no longer find joy in Middle-earth. She left Middle-earth in 2510 and sailed over the Sea to the Undying Lands.

The White Council met again in 2851. Gandalf had visited Dol Guldur and discovered that the evil presence was Sauron, and he urged the White Council to attack him. But Saruman told the Council that he believed the One Ring had been washed down to the Sea, where it could not be recovered, and that without it Sauron could not regain his strength. The Council agreed to continue to wait and watch for the time being, but Elrond had misgivings.

"Nonetheless I forebode that the One will yet be found, and then war will arise again, and in that war this Age will be ended. Indeed in a second darkness it will end, unless some strange chance deliver us that my eyes cannot see."
The Silmarillion: "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age," p. 301

In 2933, Elrond took Aragorn into his home after the two-year-old boy's father was killed by Orcs. Aragorn was the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain, but Elrond did not tell him of his heritage at first and called him Estel, meaning "Hope." Elrond came to love Aragorn like his own son.

[Elrond]

Elrond was visited by Gandalf and a company of thirteen Dwarves and one Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins in June of 2941. Elrond identified the swords that Gandalf and Thorin had found as Glamdring and Orcrist, and he also discovered secret moon-letters on their map of the Lonely Mountain that told of a way to find the hidden door.

Later that year, the White Council met and decided to attack Dol Guldur. Sauron was driven out, but unbeknownst to the Council, he returned to Mordor the next year. Sauron openly declared himself in 2951. The White Council learned that Sauron was seeking the One Ring, but Saruman lied and assured them that he had determined that the Ring was in fact at the bottom of the Sea where Sauron would never find it.

When Aragorn turned 20, Elrond revealed to him that he was Isildur's heir. He was pleased that Aragorn had grown strong and noble and saw that in time he would become greater still. Elrond gave Aragorn the shards of Narsil and the Ring of Barahir, but he kept the Sceptre of Annuminas, which was the chief mark of royalty of the North-kingdom, because Aragorn was not yet ready to become King.

Elrond's daughter Arwen was visiting her father at the time, and when Aragorn saw her he fell in love with her. Elrond realized this, and he was troubled because he knew that if Arwen married Aragorn she would have to choose the fate of Men and give up her immortality, and thus in the end Elrond would be parted from his daughter forever.

"But there will be no choice before Arwen, my beloved, unless you, Aragorn, Arathorn's son, come between us and bring one of us, you or me, to a bitter parting beyond the end of the world. You do not know yet what you desire of me."
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 340

Aragorn and Arwen became betrothed in 2980. When Elrond heard the news, he was grieved, and he spoke to Aragorn about the matter for the last time.

"My son, years come when hope will fade, and beyond them little is clear to me. And now a shadow lies between us. Maybe, it has been appointed so, that by my loss the kingship of Men may be restored. Therefore, though I love you, I say to you: Arwen Undómiel shall not diminish her life's grace for less cause. She shall not be the bride of any Man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor. To me then even our victory can bring only sorrow and parting - but to you hope of joy for a while. For a while. Alas, my son! I fear that to Arwen the Doom of Men may seem hard at the ending."
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 342

Bilbo came to live at Rivendell as a guest of Elrond in 3002, and in 3009 Elrond summoned Arwen to return home from Lothlorien. The dangers east of the Misty Mountains were increasing as Sauron's power grew.

On October 8, 3018, word came to Rivendell from Gildor Inglorion that Frodo Baggins was headed there followed by the Nazgul. Glorfindel was sent out to find him the next day. Frodo was pursued to the Ford of Bruinen on October 20, and Elrond caused the waters of the river to rise against the Nazgul and they were swept away by the floodwaters. Their horses were killed and their forms were lost and they returned to Mordor empty and shapeless.

Frodo had been seriously wounded by the Lord of the Nazgul. Elrond tended him day and night until at last on the night of October 23 he found a sliver of the Morgul-knife in Frodo's shoulder, working its way to his heart. Elrond removed it and Frodo awoke the next day. That evening Elrond brought Frodo to see Bilbo in the Hall of Fire.

On October 25, the Council of Elrond was held. Among those in attendance were Frodo and Bilbo, Aragorn, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Elrond's chief counsellor Erestor, Galdor from the Grey Havens, Gloin and Gimli from the Lonely Mountain, Legolas of Mirkwood, and Boromir of Gondor. Elrond said that though he had not summoned them, it was preordained that those gathered at the Council should decide the fate of the One Ring that Frodo bore.

When Boromir suggested that they use the Ring against Sauron, Elrond refused to take it himself because he knew that the Ring would corrupt anyone who tried to wield it. Elrond said it was clear to him that the Ring must be cast into the fires of Mount Doom, even though he believed that when the One Ring was destroyed, the Three Rings of the Elves would lose their power and all that they had wrought would fade. Frodo volunteered to undertake the quest.

Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. "If I understand aright all that I have heard," he said, "I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?

"But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right; and though all the mighty elf-friends of old, Hador, and Hurin, and Turin, and Beren himself were assembled together your seat should be among them."
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," p. 284

Elrond chose nine companions to accompany Frodo on his quest. The first he named was Sam Gamgee, Frodo's faithful servant who had snuck into the Council without being invited. He selected others to represent each of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth: Gimli for the Dwarves, Legolas for the Elves, and Aragorn and Boromir for the Men. Gandalf also went, and the Wizard suggested that Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took be allowed to come as well. Elrond had intended to send the two younger Hobbits back to the Shire, which he feared was in danger, but he agreed with Gandalf in the end. The Fellowship left Rivendell on December 25, 3018.

In February of 3019, Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir went south to join Aragorn. Elrond sent word to Aragorn reminding him of an ancient prophecy concerning the Paths of the Dead, and Aragorn took that dark road to prevent the Corsairs from attacking Minas Tirith. The sons of Elrond accompanied him and fought at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

When Gandalf proposed that they march to the Black Gate to give Frodo time to fulfill his quest, Elrond's sons said that their father had given this same counsel. Elladan and Elrohir went with the Host of the West and fought in the Battle of the Morannon on March 25, 3019, until the Ring was destroyed and the realm of Sauron fell.

Aragorn was crowned King on May 1, and Elrond was thus prepared to allow Arwen to marry him as he had promised. Elrond and Arwen set out that same day from Rivendell and they arrived in Minas Tirith on Mid-year's Eve. Elrond presented Aragorn with the Sceptre of Annuminas signifying the Kingship of Arnor and he gave his daughter's hand to Aragorn. Aragorn and Arwen were married on Mid-year's Day.

After the funeral of King Theoden in Rohan, Elrond and Arwen went up into the hills near Edoras. There they said their final farewells to one another, for they would never see each other again. Elrond would leave Middle-earth with the Elves to live in the Undying Lands, but Arwen had chosen the fate of Men and would remain in Middle-earth until she died. The choice of Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir is not known, but they remained in Middle-earth for some time into the Fourth Age.

Elrond returned to Rivendell with Gandalf and the Hobbits. When Frodo set out for home, Elrond blessed him. Elrond perceived that Frodo had been deeply wounded and would not be able to rest in Middle-earth. He told Frodo to look for him in the woods in autumn.

On September 22, 3021, Elrond met Frodo in the Woody End in the Shire and the Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings set out for the Grey Havens. Elrond had lived in Middle-earth for 6,520 years and the time had come for him depart. On September 29, Elrond set sail across the Sea to the Undying Lands, where he was reunited with his wife Celebrian.

More details on Elrond (http://www.tuckborough.net/elrond.html)...

[Young Ned]

Very thorough coverage of Elrond's life! Have a rep for that. :cool:

One request: I find these much easier to read when you don't put the entire post in italics. Large blocks of italics are harder to read in general, according to the typography experts, so you might want to bear that in mind for future installments.

[Elrond]

Very thorough coverage of Elrond's life! Have a rep for that. :cool:

One request: I find these much easier to read when you don't put the entire post in italics. Large blocks of italics are harder to read in general, according to the typography experts, so you might want to bear that in mind for future installments.

Thanks for the comment, Young Ned. I've changed the font to regular. And I hope that the info and their source help Tolkien fans learn more about their favorite characters :) .

[Doolipalally]

Thanks for the comment, Young Ned. I've changed the font to regular. And I hope that the info and their source help Tolkien fans learn more about their favorite characters :) .

Nice posts. I was interested in the details about Elladan and Elrohir, who I tend to forget about.

[thingirl]

I don't really remember much about anything except the general plot line. I was only 8 and not really paying attention when dad read them out loud.

[cddanforth]

I read all the books eons ago except the Silmarillion. Since I used to name all my magic-using characters Gandalf or Merlin, I'll have to go with Gandalf as my favorite Middle Earther.

Silmarillion is DEFINATELY worth reading if you're interested in the history. You'll find out much more about the elves and Gandalf etc.

As far as favorite charachter...don't think I could pick just one, but one of the most bad ass imo is definately Ungoliant. Also from Silmarillion who we have to thank for spawning Shelob.

[cddanforth]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ungoliant

[Elrond]

Nazgul: Khamûl the Easterling

Names & Etymology:
Also called the Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling, and the Second Chief. He is commonly referred to as Khamul the Easterling.

Biography:
Second-in-command of the Nazgul. Khamul is the only one of the Nazgul whose original name is known. He was once an Easterling - a Man from Rhun in the far east of Middle-earth. Khamul was given one of the Nine Rings by Sauron and he was enslaved to Sauron's will and became one of the Wraiths known as the Nazgul. The Nine first appeared as Nazgul around the year 2251 of the Second Age.

Khamul was one of the most powerful Nazgul, second only to the Lord of the Nazgul. He was readily able to sense the presence of the One Ring, although in daylight he became confused and his power was diminished.

In the year 2951 of the Third Age, Sauron sent Khamul as his lieutenant to command the stronghold of Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. One or two of the other Nazgul were sent with Khamul.

In March of 3018, Aragorn brought Gollum to Mirkwood to be held captive by the Elvenking Thranduil. Khamul's spies later learned of this and Khamul sent word to Sauron around late April. On June 20, Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked the Elves. Khamul may have directed the attack. Gollum escaped from captivity, but he managed to elude the Orcs as well.

That same day, the Lord of the Nazgul began the hunt for the One Ring and the land of the Hobbits known as the Shire. On July 22, Khamul met the Lord of the Nazgul in the Field of Celebrant. Khamul reported Gollum's escape and said that there were no Hobbits living in the Vales of the Anduin. The Nazgul continued searching and eventually made their way to Isengard and were directed north to Eriador.

On September 23, Khamul and three or four other Nazgul entered the Shire after defeating the Rangers at Sarn Ford.* Khamul went to Hobbiton seeking someone named Baggins. He spoke to Gaffer Gamgee, who pointed him in the direction of Buckland.

Khamul pursued Frodo Baggins and his companions down the Stock Road. He came close to catching Frodo during the day of September 24 but the Hobbits hid from him and Khamul was hesistant and uncertain in the daylight. At twilight, Khamul became more aware of the Ring and he approached Frodo in the Woody End but fled as a company of Elves led by Gildor Inglorion arrived. The presence of the Elves interfered with Khamul's ability to sense the Ring.

Khamul continued his pursuit the next day - September 25 - and the Hobbits saw him on a ridge above them and later heard his cry as he summoned another Nazgul. Khamul then went to Bamfurlong, the home of Farmer Maggot, and offered the farmer gold in exchange for news of Baggins, but Maggot refused. That evening Khamul saw the Hobbits crossing the Brandywine River using the Bucklebury Ferry, but he was unable to pursue them across the deep moving water and the river interfered with his ability to sense the Ring.

Khamul summoned the other Nazgul who had dispersed across the Shire. The five Nazgul assembled on the morning of September 26. One Nazgul was ordered to watch the Brandywine Bridge, while two others were sent along the Great East Road to report to the Witch-king.

Khamul and another Nazgul secretly entered Buckland through the North-gate. Khamul did not want to attract attention so they searched for Frodo slowly and stealthily.

On September 28, Khamul found the house at Crickhollow where Frodo had stayed. Khamul kept watch on the house and sent his companion to bring back the Nazgul who had been left guarding the Brandywine Bridge. The three assembled at Crickhollow on the night of September 29.

Khamul led an attack on the house at Crickhollow in the early hours of September 30. Frodo was long gone, but his friend Fatty Bolger had remained behind. Fatty fled and raised the alarm. The three Nazgul rode to the North-gate past the guards and out of Buckland. They rendezvoused with the Witch-king on September 30.

On the night of October 3-4, the Nazgul attacked Gandalf on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped with four Nazgul in pursuit, but Khamul and the Witch-king remained behind with three others to keep watch for the Ring-bearer.

Frodo arrived at Weathertop on October 6, and the five Nazgul tried to capture him. The Witch-king stabbed Frodo with a Morgul-knife, but Frodo invoked the name of Elbereth - one of the Valar whom the Nazgul feared - and Aragorn advanced on them with flaming brands. The Nazgul retreated, expecting Frodo to become a Wraith as a result of his wound and fall under their power.

On October 11, Khamul and two other Nazgul encountered Glorfindel on the Last Bridge. Glorfindel was one of the High Elves who had lived in the Undying Lands and had power in the Unseen world. Khamul and the other Nazgul fled from him.

The Nine Nazgul pursued Frodo to the Ford of Bruinen on October 20. Khamul followed the Witch-king into the river despite his dislike of water, but the Nazgul were washed away in a flood created by Elrond. They returned to Mordor and assumed new forms and were mounted on flying steeds called Fell Beasts.

Nothing further is known about Khamul's individual actions during the War of the Ring. The Nazgul took part in the siege of Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where the Lord of the Nazgul perished on March 15, 3019. Khamul most likely became the leader of the Nazgul at that time.

At the Battle of the Morannon on March 25, the Nazgul flew above the battlefield. When Frodo claimed the Ring at Mount Doom, Sauron summoned the Nazgul to seize him. They raced to the mountain, but Gollum fell into the Cracks of Doom with the Ring. Mount Doom erupted and the Nazgul were engulfed in flames and were destroyed.

*Note:
According to "The Tale of Years" in Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings, four Nazgul entered the Shire while the other five pursued the Rangers eastward. Gandalf also stated that four Nazgul entered the Shire at the Council of Elrond (FotR, p. 277). However, in The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion there is a much more detailed account of the Nazgul's movements prepared by Tolkien which says five Nazgul including Khamul entered the Shire while the other four including the Witch-king went eastward.

Source: Khamul (http://www.tuckborough.net/otherbeings.html#Khamul)

[Young Ned]

Nicely done, again. As someone who's mainly read The Hobbit and LoTR (and The Silmarillion, once, a long time ago so I remember very little of it), I always marvel at the details people have managed to winkle out of the other Middle Earth works. Have a rep. :)

And a belated thanks on the italics issue, as I see I hadn't thanked you for that previously.

[Elrond]

Thank you for the compliment and the appreciation. Like you, I marvel at the details collected on the source site. And having just finished another reading of the Hobbit and LotR, I don't recall the name Khamul. So, it was new to me; and I learned something new through the post.

[Elrond]

Elrond (http://www.tuckborough.net/elrond.html) founded Rivendell in the year 1697 of the Second Age after Sauron (http://www.tuckborough.net/sauron.html) destroyed the realm of Eregion (http://www.tuckborough.net/lands.html#Eregion), where the Rings of Power had been forged. Two years later in 1699, Sauron's forces invaded Eriador. Rivendell was besieged but Sauron was unable to conquer it. At last in 1701, Sauron was driven out of Eriador.

That year a Council was held at Rivendell attended by Gil-galad (http://www.tuckborough.net/gil-galad.html), Elrond, Galadriel (http://www.tuckborough.net/galadriel.html) and others. It was decided that Rivendell would be the stronghold of the Elves in eastern Eriador. Elrond was the bearer of Vilya (http://www.tuckborough.net/objects.html#Vilya), one of the Three Rings of the Elves (http://www.tuckborough.net/objects.html#3Rings), and he used the power of his Ring to maintain the beauty and safety of Rivendell.

At the end of the Second Age in 3431, the armies of the Last Alliance under the command of Gil-galad and Elendil (http://www.tuckborough.net/elendil.html) gathered at Rivendell. No greater host was ever again assembled in Middle-earth. From Rivendell they marched to Mordor (http://www.tuckborough.net/mordor.html) and fought the War of the Last Alliance (http://www.tuckborough.net/battles.html#Last-Alliance) which ended in Sauron's temporary defeat.

Isildur (http://www.tuckborough.net/isildur.html) was slain after the war, but his line was preserved in Rivendell where his wife and his youngest son Valandil (http://www.tuckborough.net/dunedain.html#Valandil) remained safe. When the North-kingdom ended and the line of Isildur was continued by the Chieftains of the Dunedain (http://www.tuckborough.net/groups.html#Chieftain-Dunedain), the sons of the Chieftains were fostered at Rivendell in their youth. Elrond also had in his keeping the emblems of the House of Isildur: the Sceptre of Annuminas (http://www.tuckborough.net/objects.html#Sceptre), the Elendilmir (http://www.tuckborough.net/objects.html#Elendilmir), the Ring of Barahir (http://www.tuckborough.net/objects.html#Ring of Barahir), and the shards of Narsil (http://www.tuckborough.net/swords.html#Anduril).

Around 1300, the Lord of the Nazgul (http://www.tuckborough.net/witchking.html) came to Eriador and established the realm of Angmar (http://www.tuckborough.net/lands.html#Angmar). At one point, Rivendell was besieged by forces aligned with Angmar. In 1409, the forces of Angmar attacked the three kingdoms of the Dunedain. Elrond brought help from Rivendell and Lothlorien (http://www.tuckborough.net/lothlorien.html) and they joined forces with Cirdan from the Grey Havens (http://www.tuckborough.net/towns.html#Grey-Havens) to help the Dunedain. The Lord of the Nazgul was finally driven from Eriador after the Battle of Fornost (http://www.tuckborough.net/battles.html#Fornost) in 1975, to which a force from Rivendell was led by Glorfindel (http://www.tuckborough.net/elves.html#Glorfindel).

In 2933, when Aragorn (http://www.tuckborough.net/aragorn.html) became the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain at the age of two, Elrond accepted the boy as a foster son. Aragorn lived at Rivendell until he was twenty. Though he went on many journeys, Aragorn often returned to Rivendell.

Gandalf (http://www.tuckborough.net/gandalf.html) came to Rivendell in 2941 with Bilbo Baggins (http://www.tuckborough.net/bilbo.html) and the Dwarves of Thorin (http://www.tuckborough.net/thorin.html) & Company. There they had a short rest before continuing on their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain (http://www.tuckborough.net/mountains.html#Lonely) from Smaug the Dragon. One of the reasons Gandalf had encouraged the quest was that he feared that Smaug might be used as a tool by Sauron to wreak havoc in the north and allow Sauron to attack Rivendell and Lothlorien (http://www.tuckborough.net/lothlorien.html).

Bilbo settled in Rivendell in 3002. He lived there until 3021 and he wrote a history of the First Age called Translations from the Elvish (http://www.tuckborough.net/books.html#Translations from the Elvish) using the lore preserved at Rivendell.

Frodo Baggins (http://www.tuckborough.net/frodo.html) headed for Rivendell when he left the Shire (http://www.tuckborough.net/shire.html) with the One Ring in September of 3018. He was pursued by the Nazgul (http://www.tuckborough.net/nazgul.html) and at the Ford of Bruinen on October 20, Elrond caused the waters of the river to rise and the Nazgul were swept away.

On October 25, the Council of Elrond was held at Rivendell to determine what should be done with the Ring. In attendance were several people who had come to Rivendell with news and for counsel including Legolas (http://www.tuckborough.net/legolas.html) of Mirkwood (http://www.tuckborough.net/mirkwood.html), Gloin (http://www.tuckborough.net/dwarves.html#Gloin) and Gimli (http://www.tuckborough.net/gimli.html) of the Lonely Mountain, and Boromir (http://www.tuckborough.net/boromir.html) of Gondor (http://www.tuckborough.net/gondor.html), who had learned in a dream that the shards of Narsil were in Rivendell. Frodo volunteered to take the Ring to Mordor and destroy it, and a Fellowship of eight companions was chosen to accompany him. Narsil was reforged by the Elvish smiths of Rivendell and Aragorn renamed it Anduril (http://www.tuckborough.net/swords.html#Anduril). The Fellowship left Rivendell on December 25.

After Sauron's defeat, Elrond decided it was time for him to leave Middle-earth. In September of 3021, he left Rivendell accompanied by Bilbo and sailed into the West from the Grey Havens (http://www.tuckborough.net/towns.html#Grey-Havens).

During the Fourth Age (http://www.tuckborough.net/times.html#Fourth-Age), Merry Brandybuck (http://www.tuckborough.net/merry.html) visited Rivendell from time to time and gathered information that was used to compile The Tale of Years (http://www.tuckborough.net/books.html#Tale of Years). Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir remained in Rivendell for a while and their grandfather Celeborn (http://www.tuckborough.net/celeborn.html) came to dwell there with them. Celeborn eventually left Middle-earth. It is not known whether Elladan and Elrohir did so as well. One source (App. A of LotR, p. 343) implies that Rivendell was deserted by the time of Aragorn's death in 120 of the Fourth Age.

Source: Rivendell (http://www.tuckborough.net/rivendell.html)

[Elrond]

On the 73rd anniversary of the publication of "The Hobbit," here is one for old Bilbo ...... Who is Bilbo Baggins? (http://www.tuckborough.net/bilbo.html)

[Oldschool]

Who is Bilbo Baggins..........................?

Watcha talkin' 'bout Elrond?

I find that illogical. After all even Spock knows that He lives in a hobbit-hole and everybody knows him. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PHdQX04) :cool: