— Ch. 1 · Born At The Mouths Of Sirion —
Elrond.
~5 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
The refuge of the Mouths of Sirion in Beleriand witnessed the birth of Elrond during the First Age. He was the son of the half-elven mariner Eärendil and his wife Elwing. This location served as a sanctuary for many refugees fleeing the wars of the time. Not long after his arrival, the havens were destroyed by the sons of Fëanor. These men captured both Elrond and his brother Elros while their parents feared they would be killed. Instead, Maedhros and Maglor befriended the young brothers. Unlike his brother who chose to be counted among Men, Elrond chose to be counted among the Elves when the choice of kindreds was given to him. When Beleriand was destroyed at the end of the First Age, Elrond went to Lindon with the household of Gil-galad.
Establishing Imladris And The Last Alliance
During the War of the Elves and the dark lord Sauron in the Second Age, King Gil-galad sent Elrond to defend Eregion. Sauron destroyed Eregion and surrounded Elrond's army. The dwarf-king Durin and the elf-king of Lórien, Amroth, attacked Sauron's rearguard. They drove them back to Moria but could not save the fallen city. Elrond retreated north to a secluded valley where he established the refuge of Imladris. This place later became known as Rivendell. He lived there through the Second and Third Ages. Near the end of the Second Age, the Last Alliance of Elves and Men formed an army that departed from Imladris to Mordor. Elrond served as Gil-galad's herald during this great conflict. He witnessed Gil-galad and king Elendil fight the dark lord Sauron for the One Ring. Both kings fell in battle while Elrond stood with them until their final moments. He saw Isildur take the Ring rather than destroy it despite his urging.Guardianship Of Aragorn And The Council
Elrond married Celebrían early in the Third Age. She was the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel. Their union produced three children including the twins Elladan and Elrohir and Arwen Undómiel. Following the fall of Arnor, Elrond harboured the Chieftains of the Dúnedain. When Aragorn's father Arathorn was killed shortly after Aragorn's birth, Elrond raised him in his own household. He became a surrogate father to the young man. Aware of his daughter Arwen's feelings for Aragorn, Elrond would permit their marriage only if Aragorn could unite Arnor and Gondor as High King. In The Hobbit, Elrond gave shelter to Thorin Oakenshield and his company during their quest to retake Erebor from the Dragon Smaug. He befriended the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins who served as the company's burglar. Later he received Bilbo as a permanent guest some 60 years later. Elrond headed the Council of Elrond where it was decided that the One Ring should be destroyed in Mount Doom. He agreed that Frodo Baggins should bear the Ring aided by eight others.