The Elvish realm of Lindon is an important location inThe Rings of Power,butit doesn’t appear until the very end ofThe Lord of the Rings— and those less acquainted with Middle-earth’s history may be wondering why.J.R.R. Tolkien’s booksreveal that Gil-galad established Lindon early in the Second Age, andthe High King of the Elvesalready reigns over the kingdom whenThe Rings of Powerbegins. Many of the scenes between the Elvish leaders take place in Lindon, while others are set in Eregion, the equally important Elvish kingdom where Celebrimbor resides.
Although theElves fear for their future in Middle-earthduringThe Rings of Power,their kingdoms appear to be thriving throughout the Amazon series. This may leave viewers wondering whythe Elves inThe Lord of the Ringsare seen primarily in Rivendell and Lothlórienrather than in Lindon. There’s an explanation for this, and as one might guess, it has to do with the destruction and tragedy that unfold throughoutTolkien’s Second Age.
Lindon Is Partially Destroyed By The Time The Lord Of The Rings Begins
It Still Exists But Isn’t As Powerful Or As Populated In The Third Age
Lindon still exists during the Third Age of Middle-earth, but it isn’t as powerful or as populated as it once was. By the timeThe Lord of the Ringsopens, the Elvish stronghold is diminished. This is for several reasons, and they stem from Sauron’s rise to power. The most obvious reason Lindon’s importance changes so drastically is that Gil-galad perishes at the hands of Sauron, leaving the Elves without a High King. Círdan takes over following the War of the Last Alliance, but the number of Elves that perish in the fight against Sauron decreases the realm’s numbers.
Many Elves also leave for the Undying Lands after the war against Sauron unfolds, further diminishing their population and influence in Middle-earth.
Many Elves also leave for the Undying Lands after the war against Sauron unfolds, further diminishing their population and influence in Middle-earth. Of course, asThe Lord of the Ringsshows, plenty of Elves also remain, including Elrond and Galadriel. But they take up residence in two other strongholds, asLindon is partially destroyed after the war andthe Fall of Númenor. It fares better than Eregion, however, which is fully eradicated by Sauron’s forces.
Lindon & Eregion Are Effectively Replaced By Rivendell & Lothlórien After The Second Age
These Kingdoms Become Places Of Refuge For The Elves Under Elrond & Galadriel
Given the destruction of Eregion and the reduction of Lindon during the Second Age,Rivendell and Lothlórien effectively replace them during the Third Age. This is why these Elvish settlements appear inThe Lord of the Ringsinstead of the kingdoms seen inThe Rings of Power.Elves who previously resided in Lindon and Eregion migrate to these spots, including Elrond and Galadriel. Elrond leads the Elves of Rivendell, while Galadriel becomes the Lady of Lothlórien. Lindon is still there, but it’s hardly seen during Frodo’s journey.
In fact,The Lord of the Ringsdoesn’t show Lindon until the very end— and even then, it’s not referenced by name. The Grey Havens, which is part of Lindon, is where the Elves depart from Middle-earth on their journey to Valinor. It’s also where Frodo bids farewell to Middle-earth inThe Return of the King.The Rings of Powerwill set the stage for all this, showing what becomes of Lindon during Sauron’s first rise to power.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
