It is the morning of October the 25th, 3018 of the Third Age, and a single clear bell rings out in Rivendell signalling the call to the Council of Elrond. There will be much to hear and decide today. Join us as we begin Book II, Chapter 2 of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The Council Of Elrond

The morning after the great feast and his reunion with Bilbo in the Hall of Fire, Frodo woke early and refreshed in the house of Elrond. He took a walk on the terraces above the flowing Bruinen, enjoying the sun rise above the mountains with Sam by his side. At a turn in the path they came upon Gandalf and Bilbo deep in talk.

‘Hullo! Good morning!’ said Bilbo. ‘Feel ready for the great council?’
‘I feel ready for anything,’ answered Frodo.‘But most of all I should like to go walking today and explore the valley.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, p. 239

Walking and exploring would have to wait until later. Gandalf tells him that he and Bilbo are needed at the council of Elrond. Presently the call came; the council was about to begin.

The Troubled Dwarves Of The Lonely Mountain

Glóin was first to address Elrond and the council. He came because the hearts of the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain were troubled. Balin had gone away to Moria with Ori, Óin and many others and, apart from a few initial good reports, had not been heard from for nigh on thirty years. Then a year ago a messenger came, not from Moria, but from Mordor.

The Lord Sauron the Great, so he said, wished for our friendship. Rings he would give for it, such as he gave of old. And he asked urgently concerning hobbits, of what kind they were, and where they dwelt.

Ibid. p. 241

This is the very reason Glóin is in Rivendell. He was sent by Dáin to warn Bilbo that he is sought by the Enemy, and to seek the advice of Elrond of how to answer the threat and shadow of Mordor.

The Ring!

Elrond tells Glóin that he has done well to come to Rivendell. The dwarves do not stand alone. Their troubles are echoed by the free-peoples of Middle-earth – all the western world.

The Ring! What shall we do with the Ring, the least of rings, the trifle that Sauron fancies? That is the doom that we must deem.

Ibid.

All those present at the council were called for this very purpose. Yet, Elrond is clear that he did not call them. Nor did they assemble by chance. Believe rather, he said, that it has been so ordered that they attend. This is providence. Another proof that Ilúvatar is involved. God is involved. Another reflection of the Professor’s Christian faith in The Lord of the Rings.

Music:

• Broken Pledge / Shoemaker’s Daughter from the album Jig of Life by Broceliande

Additional Resources:

• The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, by Robert Foster
• Christianity in Lord of the Rings, by Peter Kreeft
• The Fellowship of the Ring Audiobook read by Rob Inglis

What stood out to you in The Council Of Elrond? Let us know in the comments below.

On The Secret Fire Podcast we travel chapter-by-chapter and book-by-book through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth viewing it through Christian lenses. We invite you to join us each week as we continue the adventure on the Arkenstone server in Lord Of The Rings Online.

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