Rivendell, or Imladris in Sindarin, was the name of an Elven settlement in Eastern Eriador and the valley containing it. Founded by Elrond Half-elven, it was first a stronghold and refuge in the Elves' first war with Sauron in the Second Age, but in the Third Age became a renowned, peaceful haven for wayward Elves, Rangers of the North, and other travelers.

From that time, it was called by some the Last Homely House in the east of the civilized lands of Eriador, or the First Homely House west of the wild lands of Rhovanion over the Misty Mountains.

Location

The peaceful, sheltered valley of Rivendell was located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the river Bruinen, well hidden amongst the moorlands and foothills of the Misty Mountains. One of the main approaches to Rivendell passed through the nearby Ford of Bruinen.

History

Rivendell was established amid the War of the Elves and Sauron by Elrond, son of Eärendil. In SA 1697, the realm of Eregion was laid waste by Sauron and Elrond was sent from Lindon with an Elven host to aid in the Elves of Eregion in resisting him. However, Elrond arrived too late and was forced, along with the refugees of Eregion, to retreat northward to Rivendell or Imladris, a valley in which they built a stronghold and refuge that assumed the same name. Sauron then found and besieged this valley, but withdrew upon the arrival of the Númenóreans.