The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Founded II 1697; maintained at least into the first centuries of the Fourth Age
Location
A hidden valley beneath the western Misty Mountains in Eriador
Origins
Founded by Elrond
Race
Pronunciation
imla'dris1
Meaning
'Ravine valley'2
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 July 2014
  • Updates planned: 1

Imladris

The haven of Elrond

Map of Imladris

The Elvish name for Elrond's refuge in the western glens of the Misty Mountains, known to Men as Rivendell.


Notes

1

At least, according the conventional rules of Elvish pronunciation, the stress should be on the penult (that is, the last-but-one syllable). However, examples of its use in poetry seems to imply an alternative stress pattern, as 'i'mladris'. It is possible that both pronunciations were valid, with stress changing when the word was used in certain poetic situations in order to fit the needs of the metre.

2

Imlad is the Elvish word for a valley or dell, especially one with steep sides and a flat bottom, and ris in this context means 'cleft' or 'ravine', though it comes from a root-word meaning 'cut', referring to the deep, narrow nature of the valley. Tolkien uses the more picturesque old word 'riven' in his English translation of the name, 'Rivendell'.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 July 2014
  • Updates planned: 1

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