Unlike the regions surrounding it, Rivendell appeared to have been sheltered from the darkness out of Angmar. As the Company entered into the valley, they found the biting cold of the harsh winter subsiding the further they descended down the path. When they reached the bottom, there was but a thin sprinkling of snow upon the ground. No trace of ice could be seen within the flowing streams or the majestic waterfalls which fed them.
However, the valley was not wholly untouched by the sorrows of the world beyond. The Elves had noticed that Gelilthor returned with one wounded and many missing. Thus, the songs that greeted them were solemn rather than joyous. While they stabled their horses, the voices around them sang:
O Gil-galad i Edhelchír
dim linnar i thelegain:
Im Belegaer a Hithaeglir
Aran ardh vethed vain a lain.
Gariel maegech Gil-galad,
Thôl palan-gennen, ann-vegil;
A giliath arnoediad
Tann thann dîn be genedril.
Dan io-anann os si gwannant
A mas, ú-bedir ithronath;
An gîl dîn na-dúath di-dhant,
vi Mordor, ennas caeda gwath.
Despite the peace and comfort, Thorneth was suddenly reminded of the urgency of their task and she commented, “To hear of the death of a king is an ill omen, considering the nature of our mission.”
“Dínendír and I can take the wounded to the Hall of Rest,” Imrathien suggested. “Go with Gelilthor to inform Elrond at once, so that your king may be saved.”
Thorneth and Gelilthor hurried off ahead and soon learned that another had sought an audience with the lord of the valley within the Last Homely House. They proceeded inside and found Elrond in his library beside Lady Celebrían. The two were entertaining a guest who seemed wildly out of place. He was an old man with long unkempt hair and beard, dressed in rough brown robes far more fitting in the untamed wilds of Rhudaur than the serene gardens of Rivendell.
As Celebrían spoke with the stranger, Elrond spied the new arrivals and called to them, “Come hither Gelilthor, and introduce your guest to us. Too rare now are the occasions when we receive visitors from the Dúnedain.”
Gelilthor bowed, “Seldom indeed, and it was in the midst of perils that we found this message-bearer of King Arvedui. Thorneth of House Rochanar she is hight, and through many foes has she fought to bring the message of her King.”
“I wish I had come under better circumstances,” Thorneth said. “Angmar has taken Fornost Erain. The armies of Arthedain have failed, and we need your aid, Lord Elrond.”
“That is truly ill news,” replied Elrond. “The might of Rivendell lies in wisdom, not in weapons, but we will provide what support we may.”
“Thank you. King Arvedui will appreciate any-”
Before Thorneth could finish, the old man, who had been observing for a good few moments, stepped up to the Ranger and interjected, “I sense the favour of my matron upon you. You will do, yes, you will be perfect for the errand I require.”
“My apologies,” Thorneth answered, “I am presently undertaking an errand already for my King.”
“Gelilthor said your name was Thorneth?” Lady Celebrían joined in.
“That is correct, my lady.”
“Perhaps it is fate that brings the Eagle-sister and the bearer of the Eagle-shield here when the Great Eagles are in danger,” stated Celebrían.
“Perhaps. We shall need time to rally our warriors in any case,” Elrond added. “Plenty of time for you to assist with the Eagle matter and return in time to join our march to the North Downs.”
“Who is this man you wish me to assist?” inquired Thorneth. “And what is this Eagle matter you speak of?”
“He is known to us as Barandil,” the lady of the valley explained. “His name in the tongue of Númenor is Radagast the Brown, and he is one of the order of wizards. As for the threat to the Eagles, I shall let him explain.”
“Zaudru, a spawn of Ungwetári, has moved into the Misty Mountains with her brood,” Radagast said. “They build huge webs within the mountain passes which threaten all manner of birds, even the Eagles. At least one has been ensnared by them already, many more if we do not act.”
“I have heard tales of your order,” Thorneth remarked. “Can you not defeat this Zaudru yourself?”
“Many stories are exaggerated,” replied Radagast. “I may be able to face Zaudru alone, but her and her entire brood would surely overwhelm me. The beasts of the mountains fear them as well; that is why I have come to Rivendell to seek companions.”
“If even half the rumours I have heard are true, you would be a valuable friend to have. My company will assist you. Would you lend us your aid in return after this task is complete?”
“Oh, I am afraid I am not much of a warrior,” the wizard stated. “But I can offer you better. The Eagles will owe you great thanks if we drive off Zaudru. I shall ask them to repay you, and they can affect the tide of a battle far more than an old man.”
“That seems a fair deal to me,” agreed the Ranger.
The Company stayed in Rivendell for two days and two nights. On the third day, at the urging of Radagast, they begrudgingly left the comfort of the valley to set out for the Misty Mountains. For this journey, they chose to leave behind Caranhelf the mare. The perilous mountain paths were difficult for a horse to traverse, and they would be delving into spider-infested tunnels where a steed could not follow. Leaving her unattended outside those caverns was too risky, so it was best for her to remain within the valley, which she was quite content with.
The wounded Elf from Gelilthor’s party had been healed by Lord Elrond, though he was not yet well enough to travel. With Celebrían’s suggestion, Gelilthor continued with the Company, and the lady of the valley gave to her several rations of lembas for the journey. The Elvish waybread was perfect for their purposes, as they were travelling without steeds to bear any additional burden, and lembas provided more sustenance for its size than any other food.
Thus, the Company departed Rivendell comprising two Men, two Elves, a wolf, and a wizard.
Sindarin translation of 'The Fall of Gil-galad' by Ryszard Derdzinski. Original source found at: https://www.elvish.org/gwaith/gilgalad.htm
