Elrond

Elrond (Sindarin: "Star-dome") Half-elf, Lord of Rivendell, was a mighty Elf-ruler of old who dwelt in Middle-earth from the First Age to the beginning of the Fourth Age. He was the father of Elladan and Elrohir and Arwen Undómiel, the eventual wife of Aragorn II Elessar.

Biography

Elrond Half-elf was the son of Eärendil and Elwing, and great-grandson of Lúthien. He was born in the refuge of the Havens of Sirion in Beleriand late in the First Age, soon before its sack by the Sons of Fëanor. Elrond and his twin brother Elros were captured and raised by Maglor, a son of Fëanor. Though at first there was no great love between them, eventually Maglor took pity on them and cherished them, and eventually grew to love them. By the end of the First Age and the War of Wrath, the Sons of Fëanor were again working alone, suggesting that by this time, Elrond and Elros had left their nominal captivity and traveled to Lindon.

Etymology

Elrond is a Sindarin name that means "Star-dome" or "Elf of the cave", from el ("Elf" or "star", interchangeably) and rond ("cave, vault").

Character

Elrond was a skillful warrior in battle and had commanded various Elven armies, including the Last Alliance. He was just as effective at leadership and gave much wise counsel. He also had the gift of foresight, through which he could view lands and events far away from Rivendell. He was also adept at healing others, though whether through medical knowledge or magic isn't known. The latter may be more probable in that Elrond managed to cure a Morgul wound, something which is almost invariably fatal due to its association with dark sorcery. While it is unknown just how powerful Elrond was compared to other Elf Lords, he certainly held vast potential, being descended from the angelic Maia Melian and being the wielder of the ring of power Vilya. A notable demonstration included Elrond summoning a great flood on the River Bruinen to sweep away the Nazgûl. Elrond was also familiar with ósanwe, the skill of entering others' minds. After the destruction of the One Ring Elrond communicated mentally with Galadriel and Gandalf on their return journey from Minas Tirith.

Elrond was one of the most incorruptible of leaders of Middle-earth. Aragorn speculated that among the few capable of completely resisting Saruman's power of speech were Elrond, Galadriel and Gandalf. Elrond also rejected and opposed Sauron when the latter offered partnership with the Elves.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Elrond is a central character of Amazon Studios' series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, in which he is portrayed by Robert Aramayo. Having been born toward the end of the First Age, Elrond is approximately 1,500 years old in the setting of the series.

Elrond, the Herald of High King Gil-galad, is first seen in a verdant glade, writing a speech for the king. Informed that his friend Galadriel has returned to Lindon from her expedition to Forodwaith, Elrond quickly goes to meet her. Though elated to see her, Elrond soon informs her that Gil-galad does not approve of her recklessness in seeking to continue the search for Sauron, and warns her not to press any further. Thereafter Gil-galad chooses to overlook her perceived insolence and honor her along with her companions in an ornate ceremony for their heroism, and even gifting them with the opportunity to return across the sea to Valinor. Elrond speaks to Galadriel afterwards and learns of her intention to refuse this offer, and counsels her to reconsider, and expresses his belief that the Enemy is gone. Galadriel does heed his counsel to take the ship to Valinor, though she changes her mind at the last moment.

Gil-galad soon afterwards tasks Elrond with a new mission: to work with the Elven-smith Celebrimbor on a new pursuit of great importance. Elrond accompanies Celebrimbor back to Ost-in-Edhil, the capital of Eregion. There, Celebrimbor shows Elrond his grandfather Fëanor's hammer, and after reminiscing about the significance of Fëanor's work, declares his intention to create something of rivaling significance. This, he explains, will require a new forge, the likes of which the Elves have not the skill to make. Elrond opines that the Dwarves could create such a forge, and volunteers to journey to Khazad-dûm to attempt an alliance, on account of his friendship with its prince, Durin IV.

Celebrimbor goes with Elrond to the Dwarf-city's West-gate, where the two are denied entry. Elrond alone gains entrance by resorting to challenging Durin through the rite of Sigin-tarâg: a test of endurance undergone by breaking rocks with a hammer. Durin wins, and gruffly attempts to escort Elrond out, at which point Elrond learns that the Dwarf's hostility is based out of Elrond's neglect to visit for the span of twenty years. Elrond convinces Durin to let him apologize to the Dwarf's family, and he meets Durin's wife Disa, who insists he stay for dinner. Through Disa' intercession, Durin makes amends with Elrond and listens to the proposal he brings on Celebrimbor's behalf. The proposal is agreed to by the elder Durin, and soon construction on the great forge has begun.

Elrond returns to Ost-in-Edhil and converses with Celebrimbor, who comments that Durin IV seems to be avoiding him. Elrond shares the sentiment, and returns to Khazad-dûm, where he inquires of Disa as to Durin's whereabouts, only to be told the prince is mining quartz. Elrond suspects a ruse, and soon overhears Durin remarking to his wife on a secret excavation underneath the Mirrormere. Elrond discovers the entrance to the old mine and enters, where he is soon discovered by Durin, who is aggravated to be found out. Elrond mollifies the Dwarf, and in exchange for a solemn oath of secrecy, is told the true nature of what is being mined. Durin reveals a small fragment of a new ore discovered by Disa, one that far surpasses other metals in strength and beauty. Elrond translates the description made by Durin into Sindarin, giving the metal its common name: mithril. Just then, a cave-in occurs, trapping four dwarf-miners. While waiting for news of the rescue operation, Elrond witnesses a somber song performed by Disa; a plea to the rocks to release the miners. Durin soon bears news that they have been rescued, though Durin III has shut down all mithril mining, greatly angering the prince. Elrond gently offers council to his friend, advising him to treasure the time he has left with his father, and invites him to return with him to Lindon at the behest of Gil-galad.