Rivendell

Related Terms: Elrond, Council of Elrond

Also called Imladris, The Last Homely House, The House of Elrond, Karningul (Westron). It meant 'Deep Dale of the Cleft'.

Rivendell was founded in 1697 of the Second Age as a refuge from Sauron's war in Eriador by Elrond. It lasted well into the Fourth Age, and was situated in the foothills of the Misty Mountains between the rivers Mitheithel (Hoarwell) and Bruinen (Loudwater). Elrond maintained the Last Homely House as a refuge for all elves and folk of goodwill, including many of the remaining Noldor.

The House of Elrond lay beside a stream amid pine-scented air of a deep valley guarded on both sides by the Bruinen’s chief tributary and the Bruinen itself. There was a ford crossing one of the rivers which gave entrance into Imladris, and the ford was under Elrond’s control.

The refuge was governed by Elrond until he passed over the Sea at the end of the Third Age. Vilya, one of the Three Elven Rings, helped Elrond keep the beauty of Rivendell undiminished.

It was a refuge for the weary and the oppressed, and a treasure-trove of lore and good counsel. Many elves lived there, along with others of great wisdom and power. The White Council met there, and it was in Rivendell that the Council of Elrond was held, and the fate of the One Ring decided.

Noldor were still present at Imladris well into the Fourth Age.