Have to agree, the elves in the films come over much more sever than the books where they are so full of music and warmth. Thanks for this wonderful story of Elrond
I loved the twins in the books. They didn't show up much, but made a huge impact on me when they did. The just exuded "dangerous" and "badass" and "angry".
The more you think about the characters Tolkien created and the more one delves into the history behind LOTR, the more apparent it is that Tolkien didn't just write four great stories (Hobbit, LOTR trilogy) but he wrote undoubtedly dozens, perhaps hundreds to form this great tapestry.
"The kindest people are not born that way, they are made. They are the souls that have experienced so much at the hands of life, they are the ones who have dug themselves out of the dark, who have fought to turn every loss into a lesson. The kindest people do not just exist - They choose to soften where circumstance has tried to harden them, they choose to believe in goodness, because they have seen firsthand why compassion is so necessary. They have seen firsthand why tenderness is so important in this world." -Bianca Sparacino
I wonder what Elwing and Earendil felt when they learned Elrond had finally come to Valinor, the son they had given up for dead some 6-7 thousand years earlier.
@LOTR RTOL it was such carnage and moving plots that they had no idea they were alive. Which is why they took the silmaril mission and both become venerated as Eärendil becoming a star of sorts with Elwing forever beside him. From that perspective surely they got to watch him grow up ! Beautiful no?
I'm pretty sure Earendil was aware of the fate of his sons. I mean, Numenor was the reward for the men who had fought alongside the Elves and Valar, in a war Earendil himself took part in. There was plenty of exchange between the Elves of Valinor and the men of Numenor, I'm pretty sure SOMEBODY mentioned to Earendil "Hey, your kid is king of the new island in the ocean now!"
I'd like to think that it was Maglors kindness and compassion that Elrond had reflected all the way into his adulthood. His own parents were not exactly good role models so it certainly was not them he was molded by. Elrond is our window to the second son of Feanor and just how much he stood apart from his brothers. One of the last of the great elves of the first age.
Agree they weren't around after age six, but I don't think you should dunk on Earendil and Elwing being "bad role models". It wasn't like they ran off to join the circus or something - They did the best they could given the shit they had to deal with. If it wasn't for Earendil, Morgoth would probably have taken over all of Beleriand, and he literally killed the biggest dragon ever etc etc. And Elwing probably would just have been murdered if she had stayed behind.
Although the fate of men is unknown, I like to believe that Eru Iluvatar would not simply erase the spirits of men, but rather allow them to live on in a different plane of existence, and that his children will be reunited during the second music of the Ainur. I have no evidence of this, but it makes me happy to believe that it is so, and thus in the end, Elrond may regain all that he has lost.
elrond is indeed a legend by himself, having seen his brother live the life of man, and thereafter seeing through 25 of numenor kings, and then followed by 34 kings of Gondor.... right up to fostering aragorn to see it through that he takes up the realm of gondor.... i cant even imagine the number of deaths of man that he knew and grow from baby to old age and death that he had to endure.... i guess all in 2 and half ages
That and he’s one of the only living breathing descendant of Lùthien who didn’t end up having to do crazy things to save the world from some insane thing going on. And a much closer descendant too. He’s truly a bridge connecting all the ages same with Galadriel. She weaved so much together! The house of Fingolfin/Finarfin is really important. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
As I recall Aragorn sais to Bilbo in Rivendell that he was bold to make a poem about Earendil in Elrond's house. I always wondered if he said that because it still hurt Elrond that he was abandoned by his father and mother. Even if it wasn't on purpose because they thought their children were death.At least he saw them again in Valinor. And maybe his wife's soul was healed in Valinor and she was alive again when he went there. But I think Eledan and Elrohir went to The Far West in the end. I think optimistically: Elrond lived in The Far West with his wife, his parents and his two sons forever in peace. He only lost Elros , his brother and Arwen in the end.
In a world of loss, and a world where you feel alone, I think I'd like to be like Elrond. Always kind to those around me even though I'd have lost so many I loved. That may be why we retains his kindness because he knows that although he may live forever, some of those he is kind to may not.
this made me tear up. I love Elrond so much one of my fave characters and he endured so much loss, and what happened to Celebrían hit me the hardest. Even if we don't know what happened to his sons,I hope he was eventually reunited at least with his sons and his wife.
@@kumabear3529 That’s speculation. We're never told which path Elladan and Elrohir chose in the end. Fighting alongside Aragorn isn't an indicator either way. It's also never stated at what point they would even have to make that choice. Elrond and Elros were given the choice when they were still very young (even for human standards). Elladan and Elrohir are nearly 2900 years old by the time of the War of the Ring, so they clearly are immortal elves at this point. Also, the only Elves to choose mortality later on (Luthien and Arwen) do so because they fell in love with mortals. Nothing of the kind is mentioned for Elladan and Elrohir.
Crazy thing is, he has the gift of foresight. So he saw all this coming and still let it happen. How truly sad for him, at least he has his sons and wife to look forward to. Possibly Maglor as well since Maglor is still an elf.
I always believed Elrond was best defined by how he never let his losses change him. He remained very kind, living and noble. After how much he endured I would like to believe being reunited with his love as a just and righteous reward for a life well lived.
Damn, these onions are strong that I’m cooking today... lol. The way you explain these stories are amazing. I’ve known this about Elrond’s life for many years, but just hearing you talk about it, the way you do, just adds more impact to it. Plus the music fits perfectly! I don’t think I’ve dropped 2 comments so quick on someone’s channel before, I usually just move on to the next video lol, but you seriously do some amazing work, my friend! ✌🏼
@@tolkienuntangled anytime! You have yourself another loyal follower! I can see this being a weekly ritual, going through your videos on repeat while at work lol. With all the crap going on in the world right now, thank Eru for Tolkien and making this wonderful, deep, rich universe to get lost in. And for having people like yourself making these awesome videos! Take it easy, mate ✌🏼
Good job David of Many Colours! You made me cry as I walk my dog Samwise Gamgee as I do every night and listen to you and the other Tolkien content creators. Not sure why this one got me so emotional but it did. Thank you for all you do, I appreciate it!
So glad you did this video, and an excellent job you did. I have always felt a great sympathy for Elrond and it’s good to see him getting the respect he deserves.
You perfectly described how I felt about Elrond in the movies. Even when I first saw him in the Two Towers (I was 6), I thought he was just an obstacle between a potential couple.
still working my way through but this almost brought a tear to my eye, the movies couldn't do justice to such an amazing character (and what a lovely ending)
I am impressed. You really managed to convey an emotional presence and progression to Elrond. And your descriptions and turns of phrase are very nice. Thank you.
Well put! I've read most of the info before, that was in this video(there was still a good bit I didn't knok)but I have never sat down and put it together quite like you did. Really paint a picture with your words!
Maybe no one will care but I want to share this; My ex wife left me with my 14 years old kid 3 month ago because she did not love me anymore, then today I watch this video and I can't stop feeling empathy for Elrond character at a point that I was not able to hold my tears... Thanks a lot for your videos for me this are more than made up stories, for me this is pure wisdom.
I've always liked the idea that Elrond's sons mirrored the decision he and his brother made. I like to believe that one stayed in Middle Earth and chose a mortal life and one sailed west to Valinor choosing immortality and reuniting with his mother and father. I also want to add that I really like your videos! You do a great job and it's one of things I look forward to after work :)
I think Tolkien imbodies a lot of himself in Elrond, or at least he created a lot of parallels to his own life experiences but I think the message to take away from all this is not doom and gloom, yes there's tragedy and hardship but that's part of life, both Tolkien and Elrond pushed on through and did not let their hardships define them and Elrond's loss of Arwen is for a noble cause unlike Thingol who tried to set Beren up for failure by getting a Silmaril as a dowry, Elrond knows the Elves days in Middle Earth are ending and wants Aragorn to rise up and claim his destiny to ensure the future of men and Middle Earth in the face of enslavement by Sauron and sets the bar high as the price for Aragorn being allowed to wed Arwen to motivate Aragorn more. Elwing actually thought Elros and Elrond died when the Havens of Sirion were stormed by the Sons of Feanor, so her going to Earendil and both of them trying to find Valinor was an act of desperation thinking they had nothing left to lose in Middle Earth, especially if the Valar killed them for doing so, it was as much a punishment for them when they chose to be counted among the Elves to probably only find out later of their sons survival but bring unable to be reunited with them (at least Elros) by being confined to Valinor.
That's quite a few fascinating points you have made there! I really like the parallel to Tolkien himself. Indeed, Elrond's place is a house of learning, of ancient scrolls. Perhaps an ageless Tolkien as an Oxbridge don would be a bit like that side of Elrond.
Faramir is the character Tolkien most associated himself with. Bilbo Baggins is probably Tolkien inserting himself into his own creation. And Beren, son of Barahir, was Tolkien's fictional take on his marriage to Edith: Beren, a lowly man wholly unworthy of the love of Luthien, half Elven half Maia; here Tolkien lowers himself and elevates Edith.
I like to think he loved Maedhros, too, and probably will be reunited with his (and all the rest of that dysfunctional family) eventually. Oh, and while it’s not canonical what relationship he had with Celebrimbor, the whole seeing his corpse desecrated and paraded by Sauron can’t have been a barrel of laughs either.
Thats why he was so persistant with Arwen chosing an immortal life, he already lost his brother forever and didnt want to go through the same thing again with his daughter.
Such a great analysis. Elrond was always my favorite character in the legendarium, because he had a unique personality and a unique insight into all worlds - the Men, the Elves, even the Maia. And he is indeed, above all else, defined by both his kindness and wisdom, which is a rare combinaison in Tolkien's world. By the way, I think you'll really appreciate the work they did on Elrond's character in Rings of Power. Whatever you may think about the series itself, the way they built his character is fantastic and so much closer to that definition of "kind as summer". He also provides incredible insights into how he feels towards Earendil and mortality. The actor did a great job !
I thought that Tolkien had said that elves and mortals would be rejoined at the renewing of Arda, which in Christianity is when "Heavens and Earth shall pass away", They will be destroyed by fire, but, behold a New Heaven and a New Earth shall descend from God's throne, and all shall be made new". So, I always took it as, one day, after what Tolkien called "The Final Battle" there would be a complete renewal and then the elves and men can once more live together. (So, yeah, Elrond Would see Arwen, and Aragorn, Elros, Elwing, and Earendor, etc.)
i know i'm late to this but damn rainbow dave, way to make me cry! i've watched so many of your videos now, they're fantastic. Thank you so much for making them!
This is the best Tolkien content on UA-cam. Thank you Rainbow Dave for being so awesome. I’ve read LotR and The Hobbit multiple times but your videos inspired me to purchase The Silmarillion! Can anyone recommend the next story in the Legendarium I should tackle?
Mortal fathers and daughters are eventually separated, not knowing if they will meet again, why is that less poignant than it is for Elrond and the Eldar?
I find it fascinating that Elrond had the chance to take up the high kingship of the Elves of middle earth as not only does fingolfin's blood run in his veins but so does Thingols
Through Celebrian, Arwen, Elledan and Elrohir, Eldarion and the many daughters all have the bloodlines of all these important elves. Galadriel giving them Vanyar, Ñoldor and Teleri/Falmari. Arwen’s also related to Idril too I believe. Which harkens back to her and Tuor and that whole long epic where he too became counted among the Eldar. Amazing stuff. And what’s interesting too which was removed from the movie was the long conversation Arwen had with Frodo in the kings private garden and it ended with her giving Frodo the ElfStone which literally is a physical and powerful magical statement of her giving him a willfully direct free pass without the permission of the Valar to let him go to Valinor in her stead. Which is like her final act as a mighty descendant of Lùthien in her own right in that moment.
I do want to see an Elrond kind as summer on screen. I think we see just a glimpse of it during the council meeting in the Fellowship movie when Sam pops put of the bush saying he will go where Frodo goes. The way Viggo reacts with a smile in his eyes. I can't watch it now without thinking of that kindness of summer
Please do Thranduil also, he is by far my most favourite elf from the movies (well, yes, it may be different with the books, the character is just beautifully played). What was that mention of his of the dragons of the north...?
I always wonder how it might have transferred when Elros tells his brother that he choses a mortal life. Like, how do you tell your brother, your only family member "Look, I choose to be mortal and to die as a man instead of living together with you". It is just heartbreaking.
A good heart will bring more joy into the world. Though they may have suffered they wish to give back peace so that the sorrows they faced may not find others.
This shows one of the reasons why I hate the exchange between Galadriel and Elrond in the Rings of Power where Galadriel says to Elrond that he has not seen what she has seen. Both witnessed a Kinslaying, both participated in wars(though it is Elrond that participated as a warrior), etc. Plus, Elrond lost the very love of his life in Celebrian while it is Galadriel that left Celebrimbor after the destruction of the Rings.
When the circles of the World fall away sundered from the prow of that great Elf-ship, the airs around attain a sweet fragrance as one of cedar or wild roses maybe. Then you sail past that grey but happy isle of Tol Eressëa, whereon lies the Cottage of Lost Play. And then finally, as the last rays of the sun grace the mountains of either side of the Bay of Eldamar and the fleeting shadow of the great stone arch of Alqualondë flitters by you are come at last to the pearly white sands of the shore of the Blessed Realm and when your feet bristle with the cool and yet fresh sweet and saltiness of the little waves lapping the sands on shore in Elvenland you know you are finally home.
I think I'll just choose to focus on the unbridled joy he must have felt knowing that he'd soon be with his wife again. And the thing to TRY to do re: the kids (or at least Arwen) would be to focus on the fact that she would be receiving the Gift of Men, which he could hope would be even more wonderful than his own long term fate.
I deeply appreciate the outstanding series of videos that you have put together....they capture, to my mind, so much of the intent of The Master in the creation of Middle-earth. You emphasize many times that the Fate of the Elves and Men is separated by time...but I choose to think otherwise. You have talked about the conversation between Finrod Felagund and Andreth in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth regarding the fate of Elves and Men, and I think that Finrod had a very interesting take on their respective futures...not nearly as dismal as one would assume by simply saying that Elves and Men would never reunite. I hark back to the words of the Ainulindale, from the Silmarillion itself..."Never since have the Ainur made any music like to this music, though it has been said that a greater still shall be made before Iluvatar by the choirs of the Ainur and the Children of Iluvatar after the end of days..." The Children of Iluvatar include, among others, Elves, Men, and Dwarves...therefore I choose to believe that at the end, Elves and Men and Dwarves (and others) will reunited with the Ainur to sing the song as it should have been sung at the beginning. No, I do not believe that the Children of Iluvatar shall remain separated through all the long ages.
"Kind as Summer" has a whole different meaning in SW Mississippi with typical 98F with 70 - 90% humidity. So, "kind as summer" is what I might say about a balrog. But I agree about Elrond who was such a fantastic character in the book - kind, noble and wise, a true hero who dealt with grievous loss several times in his life. Im sure he missed his brother and was anticipating the same for his daughter and it grieved him although he knew that is what would make her happy. BTW you and your channel are spectacular - you were gifted with the perfect narrator's voice and the coolest accent. Please keep them coming as I've learned a lot listening to your videos. And thank you. That from a 59 y/o lifelong Tolkein fan. I would like nothing more than to be gifted 30 more years of Tolkein Untangled.
Yes, you are right......the Elrond character in the movies LOTR.....is not especially or noticeably soft, kind, or gentle. He is much colder and warrior/king like. No nonsense, kinda stern....... so different than the way his character is written in the books.
I think the "never see them again" is probably wrong. I think in this world at the end of all things when the music is redone and make more perfect then all souls and people will be united in harmony as they should have been the first time.
There is another happy thought though, he is sailing West with both his mother-in-law and cousin (I forget the precise relationship and do not have the time to trace the complicated lineage) in Galadriel. Doubtless there might be reason that they traveled together as both were departing in similar states of sorrow. Celeborn stayed behind as did all of her grandchildren. Thus their traveling together is a companionship of grief and comfort, though perhaps only Gandalf and Cirdan would have truly understood the implications of the moment.
Celeborn did, eventually leave for the Undying Lands. But not until he and Thranduil came together to clean up and divide up Mirkwood (now called Greenleaf) and reestablish the Lothlorian realm in southern Greenleaf several years after the War of the Rings and the downfall of Sauron. Galadriel and Celeborn were reunited. In Jackson's trope, we see Celeborn with Galadriel, Gandalf and Elrond at the Grey Havens. He is standing beside Elrond at the dock. A "see you all later" moment?
Maglor and the elf who was in love with luthien went on to form the grateful dead during their wanderings and some say they still wander on tour to this day
Maglor was the son of Feanor and after the armies of the Valar cast down Morgoth and retrieved the Silmarils, he and his brother Meadhros, driven by the cursed vow they swore with their father in the name of Illuvator, were forced to slay the guards and steal the 2 remaining Silmarils. They were allowed to depart with their treasure, but this final black deed caused them to become unclean and the Silmarils burned them just as they had burned Morgoth. Driven by despair from guilt and agony, Maglor cast himself into the sea and Meadhros threw himself into a volcano thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Silmarils were fated to lie in air (Earendil), land (Meadhros), and water (Maglor).
Yeah, I have always thought Jackson's versions of the elves were more like Vulcans than true depictions of Tolkien's elves. Tolkien's elves embodied so much more than immortality and sorrow. They were light, life and laughter too
I have no problem with Jackson's portrayal of Elrond, since although he is kind he will also know that his daughter's choice will mean that he eventually loses her, just as he lost so many others in his lifetime. As far as I know, Elves are still flawed creatures like the rest of us. If you need proof, just witness the ridiculous conversation between Bilbo and lindir in Rivendell following Bilbo's recitation of his poem about Earendil. Lindir couldn't tell a hobbit from a man. To me, that kind of attitude is preposterous, arrogant and totally unworthy of a race which is meant to be superior. I like to think that the twins left for the West with their Grandfather. In short, elves are not perfect. I can totally see how it would have pained Elrond to allow his daughter to make her choice while remaining essentially kind. To me this just adds complexity to the character.
When you said as kind as summer and no elf in the movies matches that, I believe Haldir had a much needed warmth when Aragorn hugged him. I believe elves had that capacity in the movies but in other respects
Is it really and truly forever though? Tolkien writes that one day the world will be unbroken, remade and a second song, sung by *all* the Children of Eru will create a new universe far more grand and great than the original to which all will then live. And yeah I guess it's highly likely that the second music will not happen for probably several billion years, which in practice would seem an eternity but it's not NEVER.
it is a bittersweet moment indeed with regard to his children, but Elrond is sailing with many of his very good friends in the Fellowship and he will be seeing Celebrian again......Sounds more sweet to me in that respect.....Nowadays.....summer is not so kind....it can scorch....
when you've been alive for ages, past losses reflects within your actions towards the future. We see this when Elrond shows Arwen her future, never settling in a moment; nor understanding loss for lost love and how 'now' has been lost in immortality.
It’s more likely than not that Elladan and Elrohir chose immortality and sailed West. Not only would they want to see their parents again after losing their sister forever, they would NOT want to condemn their parents to losing them too - especially after their mother was forced to leave them so prematurely.
The telling of Elrond story is pretty much just ‘and he was actually happy!’ Followed by
‘BUT NOT FOR LONG!’
Have to agree, the elves in the films come over much more sever than the books where they are so full of music and warmth. Thanks for this wonderful story of Elrond
I loved the twins in the books. They didn't show up much, but made a huge impact on me when they did. The just exuded "dangerous" and "badass" and "angry".
Ok, that ending...the thought of Elrond after losing so much, he returns to Celebrian...I actually teared up. Well done, Rainbow Dave
The more you think about the characters Tolkien created and the more one delves into the history behind LOTR, the more apparent it is that Tolkien didn't just write four great stories (Hobbit, LOTR trilogy) but he wrote undoubtedly dozens, perhaps hundreds to form this great tapestry.
Very well said!
his tales and essays outside middle earth are required reading too, Leaf by niggle is probably my favourite,
@@stevepilley🤨
"The kindest people are not born that way, they are made. They are the souls that have experienced so much at the hands of life, they are the ones who have dug themselves out of the dark, who have fought to turn every loss into a lesson. The kindest people do not just exist - They choose to soften where circumstance has tried to harden them, they choose to believe in goodness, because they have seen firsthand why compassion is so necessary. They have seen firsthand why tenderness is so important in this world."
-Bianca Sparacino
I wonder what Elwing and Earendil felt when they learned Elrond had finally come to Valinor, the son they had given up for dead some 6-7 thousand years earlier.
@LOTR RTOL it was such carnage and moving plots that they had no idea they were alive. Which is why they took the silmaril mission and both become venerated as Eärendil becoming a star of sorts with Elwing forever beside him. From that perspective surely they got to watch him grow up ! Beautiful no?
I'm pretty sure Earendil was aware of the fate of his sons. I mean, Numenor was the reward for the men who had fought alongside the Elves and Valar, in a war Earendil himself took part in. There was plenty of exchange between the Elves of Valinor and the men of Numenor, I'm pretty sure SOMEBODY mentioned to Earendil "Hey, your kid is king of the new island in the ocean now!"
@@Makkaru112 I love this idea that Elrond's parents were literally watching over him.
I'd like to think that it was Maglors kindness and compassion that Elrond had reflected all the way into his adulthood. His own parents were not exactly good role models so it certainly was not them he was molded by. Elrond is our window to the second son of Feanor and just how much he stood apart from his brothers. One of the last of the great elves of the first age.
yeah, galadriel, cirdan, elrond, celeborn, thranduil och glorfindel.
Agree they weren't around after age six, but I don't think you should dunk on Earendil and Elwing being "bad role models". It wasn't like they ran off to join the circus or something - They did the best they could given the shit they had to deal with. If it wasn't for Earendil, Morgoth would probably have taken over all of Beleriand, and he literally killed the biggest dragon ever etc etc. And Elwing probably would just have been murdered if she had stayed behind.
Elrond is truly my favorite Elf of all time, I'm in tears right now.
Of all of Tolkien characters, his kindness and always trying to do the right thing, makes Elrond such a sympathetic character.
Although the fate of men is unknown, I like to believe that Eru Iluvatar would not simply erase the spirits of men, but rather allow them to live on in a different plane of existence, and that his children will be reunited during the second music of the Ainur. I have no evidence of this, but it makes me happy to believe that it is so, and thus in the end, Elrond may regain all that he has lost.
This really gives you a far greater appreciation of Elrond's character.
elrond is indeed a legend by himself, having seen his brother live the life of man, and thereafter seeing through 25 of numenor kings, and then followed by 34 kings of Gondor.... right up to fostering aragorn to see it through that he takes up the realm of gondor.... i cant even imagine the number of deaths of man that he knew and grow from baby to old age and death that he had to endure.... i guess all in 2 and half ages
That and he’s one of the only living breathing descendant of Lùthien who didn’t end up having to do crazy things to save the world from some insane thing going on. And a much closer descendant too. He’s truly a bridge connecting all the ages same with Galadriel. She weaved so much together! The house of Fingolfin/Finarfin is really important. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
As I recall Aragorn sais to Bilbo in Rivendell that he was bold to make a poem about Earendil in Elrond's house. I always wondered if he said that because it still hurt Elrond that he was abandoned by his father and mother. Even if it wasn't on purpose because they thought their children were death.At least he saw them again in Valinor. And maybe his wife's soul was healed in Valinor and she was alive again when he went there.
But I think Eledan and Elrohir went to The Far West in the end.
I think optimistically: Elrond lived in The Far West with his wife, his parents and his two sons forever in peace. He only lost Elros , his brother and Arwen in the end.
Yes. I would finish the story that way too.!
And he’d get to meet Melian and she’d be able to see Lùthien through his eyes. Truly beautiful if I must say, don’t you think?
@@Makkaru112 indeed beautiful. And Dior :(
@Carmen Claudia. Both Elrond sons chose the mortal life
@@kumabear3529 I’d love to receive a link to any place Tolkien wrote that. Be it in an essay or letter of his.
In a world of loss, and a world where you feel alone, I think I'd like to be like Elrond. Always kind to those around me even though I'd have lost so many I loved. That may be why we retains his kindness because he knows that although he may live forever, some of those he is kind to may not.
This video literally brought me to tears. Yours is the best Tolkien related channel there is. Thank you Dave, stay awesome!
Bro I'm crying too, you aren't alone. Need some tissues? I have plenty to spare
The wedding of Elrond & Celebrian would have been epic. Never though of that idea before this vid. Thanks Rainbow Dave
The only real glimmer of that Elven kindness that we see in the films is Galadriel's sweet smile at Gimli's parting words to her.
this made me tear up. I love Elrond so much one of my fave characters and he endured so much loss, and what happened to Celebrían hit me the hardest. Even if we don't know what happened to his sons,I hope he was eventually reunited at least with his sons and his wife.
Yes,it made me tear up too. It's very sad.
His sons chose the mortal life, like their sister Arwen. They fought along side Aragorn in the war against Sauron.
@@kumabear3529 That’s speculation. We're never told which path Elladan and Elrohir chose in the end. Fighting alongside Aragorn isn't an indicator either way.
It's also never stated at what point they would even have to make that choice.
Elrond and Elros were given the choice when they were still very young (even for human standards).
Elladan and Elrohir are nearly 2900 years old by the time of the War of the Ring, so they clearly are immortal elves at this point.
Also, the only Elves to choose mortality later on (Luthien and Arwen) do so because they fell in love with mortals. Nothing of the kind is mentioned for Elladan and Elrohir.
Crazy thing is, he has the gift of foresight. So he saw all this coming and still let it happen. How truly sad for him, at least he has his sons and wife to look forward to. Possibly Maglor as well since Maglor is still an elf.
Very good point!
all the elves that died in nirnaetn aernodiad, do you think they too was blessed with life by Mandos?
I always believed Elrond was best defined by how he never let his losses change him. He remained very kind, living and noble. After how much he endured I would like to believe being reunited with his love as a just and righteous reward for a life well lived.
My heart sank at 7:40, that totally recontextualizes why he didn't want Arwen to become mortal and wow that's heartbreaking
[Edit: AND AGAIN AT 13:25]
Damn, these onions are strong that I’m cooking today... lol. The way you explain these stories are amazing. I’ve known this about Elrond’s life for many years, but just hearing you talk about it, the way you do, just adds more impact to it. Plus the music fits perfectly! I don’t think I’ve dropped 2 comments so quick on someone’s channel before, I usually just move on to the next video lol, but you seriously do some amazing work, my friend! ✌🏼
Thanks! I really appreciate your lovely feedback.
@@tolkienuntangled anytime! You have yourself another loyal follower! I can see this being a weekly ritual, going through your videos on repeat while at work lol. With all the crap going on in the world right now, thank Eru for Tolkien and making this wonderful, deep, rich universe to get lost in. And for having people like yourself making these awesome videos! Take it easy, mate ✌🏼
@@EubyDubstep Cheers!
@@tolkienuntangled ✌🏼😊
Good job David of Many Colours! You made me cry as I walk my dog Samwise Gamgee as I do every night and listen to you and the other Tolkien content creators. Not sure why this one got me so emotional but it did. Thank you for all you do, I appreciate it!
Came from Reddit. Really like your insight and summary. Prose rather than bullet pointing events by year.
It works well because Tolkien wrote prose as well which is why it sinks so deep into our hearts. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So glad you did this video, and an excellent job you did. I have always felt a great sympathy for Elrond and it’s good to see him getting the respect he deserves.
You perfectly described how I felt about Elrond in the movies. Even when I first saw him in the Two Towers (I was 6), I thought he was just an obstacle between a potential couple.
I really love how you tell the stories. Your voice gives every picture so much life.
still working my way through but this almost brought a tear to my eye, the movies couldn't do justice to such an amazing character (and what a lovely ending)
The characters and the story are already beautiful enough, and then you add the emotion in this man's voice and I'm all tears.
I am impressed. You really managed to convey an emotional presence and progression to Elrond. And your descriptions and turns of phrase are very nice. Thank you.
Well put! I've read most of the info before, that was in this video(there was still a good bit I didn't knok)but I have never sat down and put it together quite like you did. Really paint a picture with your words!
Your story-telling artistry is positively captivating.
Maybe no one will care but I want to share this; My ex wife left me with my 14 years old kid 3 month ago because she did not love me anymore, then today I watch this video and I can't stop feeling empathy for Elrond character at a point that I was not able to hold my tears... Thanks a lot for your videos for me this are more than made up stories, for me this is pure wisdom.
I hope things get better soon.
I've always liked the idea that Elrond's sons mirrored the decision he and his brother made. I like to believe that one stayed in Middle Earth and chose a mortal life and one sailed west to Valinor choosing immortality and reuniting with his mother and father. I also want to add that I really like your videos! You do a great job and it's one of things I look forward to after work :)
I think Tolkien imbodies a lot of himself in Elrond, or at least he created a lot of parallels to his own life experiences but I think the message to take away from all this is not doom and gloom, yes there's tragedy and hardship but that's part of life, both Tolkien and Elrond pushed on through and did not let their hardships define them and Elrond's loss of Arwen is for a noble cause unlike Thingol who tried to set Beren up for failure by getting a Silmaril as a dowry, Elrond knows the Elves days in Middle Earth are ending and wants Aragorn to rise up and claim his destiny to ensure the future of men and Middle Earth in the face of enslavement by Sauron and sets the bar high as the price for Aragorn being allowed to wed Arwen to motivate Aragorn more. Elwing actually thought Elros and Elrond died when the Havens of Sirion were stormed by the Sons of Feanor, so her going to Earendil and both of them trying to find Valinor was an act of desperation thinking they had nothing left to lose in Middle Earth, especially if the Valar killed them for doing so, it was as much a punishment for them when they chose to be counted among the Elves to probably only find out later of their sons survival but bring unable to be reunited with them (at least Elros) by being confined to Valinor.
That's quite a few fascinating points you have made there! I really like the parallel to Tolkien himself. Indeed, Elrond's place is a house of learning, of ancient scrolls. Perhaps an ageless Tolkien as an Oxbridge don would be a bit like that side of Elrond.
Faramir is the character Tolkien most associated himself with. Bilbo Baggins is probably Tolkien inserting himself into his own creation. And Beren, son of Barahir, was Tolkien's fictional take on his marriage to Edith: Beren, a lowly man wholly unworthy of the love of Luthien, half Elven half Maia; here Tolkien lowers himself and elevates Edith.
I legit cried, this was so fricking sad. :'( Really good, though, I love your channel!
This was just beautiful, thank you for making this!
I like to think he loved Maedhros, too, and probably will be reunited with his (and all the rest of that dysfunctional family) eventually. Oh, and while it’s not canonical what relationship he had with Celebrimbor, the whole seeing his corpse desecrated and paraded by Sauron can’t have been a barrel of laughs either.
Exactly but Sauron also held Gil Galad up by the face and incinerated him to ash for all free peoples Man and Elf alike. Scary times no?
I laughed at the bit where you said reunited with his dysfunctional family 😂 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Been on a binge on your videos! I used to read Tolkein all the time in my early teens and your videos have made me go over those books again!
This was a beautiful story. Thank you dave!
He also reunites with Earendil and Elwing after losing them as a young child six thousand years ago. I think that's quite significant too.
I’m finally caught up with your videos, absolutely love them so far! Thank you, looking forward to the ones to come!
Thats why he was so persistant with Arwen chosing an immortal life, he already lost his brother forever and didnt want to go through the same thing again with his daughter.
Such a great analysis. Elrond was always my favorite character in the legendarium, because he had a unique personality and a unique insight into all worlds - the Men, the Elves, even the Maia. And he is indeed, above all else, defined by both his kindness and wisdom, which is a rare combinaison in Tolkien's world. By the way, I think you'll really appreciate the work they did on Elrond's character in Rings of Power. Whatever you may think about the series itself, the way they built his character is fantastic and so much closer to that definition of "kind as summer". He also provides incredible insights into how he feels towards Earendil and mortality. The actor did a great job !
so, this video made me cried a little.
Wow the enthusiasm with which you narrate these is 5 star!
After 2 years, I had to come back to this video. It is one of my favorite.
I thought that Tolkien had said that elves and mortals would be rejoined at the renewing of Arda, which in Christianity is when "Heavens and Earth shall pass away", They will be destroyed by fire, but, behold a New Heaven and a New Earth shall descend from God's throne, and all shall be made new". So, I always took it as, one day, after what Tolkien called "The Final Battle" there would be a complete renewal and then the elves and men can once more live together. (So, yeah, Elrond Would see Arwen, and Aragorn, Elros, Elwing, and Earendor, etc.)
Came here to say this. Thanks for pointing that out.
no words of how good you do this.
thanks from the buttom of my heart ❤
i know i'm late to this but damn rainbow dave, way to make me cry! i've watched so many of your videos now, they're fantastic. Thank you so much for making them!
This is the best Tolkien content on UA-cam. Thank you Rainbow Dave for being so awesome. I’ve read LotR and The Hobbit multiple times but your videos inspired me to purchase The Silmarillion! Can anyone recommend the next story in the Legendarium I should tackle?
Mortal fathers and daughters are eventually separated, not knowing if they will meet again, why is that less poignant than it is for Elrond and the Eldar?
I find it fascinating that Elrond had the chance to take up the high kingship of the Elves of middle earth as not only does fingolfin's blood run in his veins but so does Thingols
The kingship of the Noldor in exile
@@goodputin4324 no all Sindar as well
His children definitely have the blood of ALL the important bloodlines of men and elves. Reuniting them all.
Through Celebrian, Arwen, Elledan and Elrohir, Eldarion and the many daughters all have the bloodlines of all these important elves. Galadriel giving them Vanyar, Ñoldor and Teleri/Falmari. Arwen’s also related to Idril too I believe. Which harkens back to her and Tuor and that whole long epic where he too became counted among the Eldar. Amazing stuff. And what’s interesting too which was removed from the movie was the long conversation Arwen had with Frodo in the kings private garden and it ended with her giving Frodo the ElfStone which literally is a physical and powerful magical statement of her giving him a willfully direct free pass without the permission of the Valar to let him go to Valinor in her stead. Which is like her final act as a mighty descendant of Lùthien in her own right in that moment.
2 videos in a week??? i must be dreaming! hahahaha i love your content men!!!
Thanks! I'm trying to be ambitious and post two videos a week for a little while. I guess we'll soon see how sustainable that is 😄
@@tolkienuntangled I hope it turns out fine
I do want to see an Elrond kind as summer on screen. I think we see just a glimpse of it during the council meeting in the Fellowship movie when Sam pops put of the bush saying he will go where Frodo goes. The way Viggo reacts with a smile in his eyes. I can't watch it now without thinking of that kindness of summer
While Rings of Power may not get everything right, I think it's portraying Elrond's kindness quite well so far.
I can’t believe Maglor went to get some Pipe Weed and never came back
This was done so well! Thank you
🙂🙏👍
Wow. What a great video. So glad I recently found your channel. When I have tears in my eyes, I know I’m in good company.
I love the way you explain these things. Right when I think I can't find any more meaning in these books.........
Please do Thranduil also, he is by far my most favourite elf from the movies (well, yes, it may be different with the books, the character is just beautifully played). What was that mention of his of the dragons of the north...?
I've already done a video on Thranduil. You can check it out here 🙂 ua-cam.com/video/M8QLAaiV7LM/v-deo.html
@@tolkienuntangled It would indeed feel like a strange ommission otherwise. Thanks, will check it out (had not yet time to see your entire playlist).
I always wonder how it might have transferred when Elros tells his brother that he choses a mortal life. Like, how do you tell your brother, your only family member "Look, I choose to be mortal and to die as a man instead of living together with you".
It is just heartbreaking.
A good heart will bring more joy into the world. Though they may have suffered they wish to give back peace so that the sorrows they faced may not find others.
This shows one of the reasons why I hate the exchange between Galadriel and Elrond in the Rings of Power where Galadriel says to Elrond that he has not seen what she has seen. Both witnessed a Kinslaying, both participated in wars(though it is Elrond that participated as a warrior), etc. Plus, Elrond lost the very love of his life in Celebrian while it is Galadriel that left Celebrimbor after the destruction of the Rings.
When the circles of the World fall away sundered from the prow of that great Elf-ship, the airs around attain a sweet fragrance as one of cedar or wild roses maybe. Then you sail past that grey but happy isle of Tol Eressëa, whereon lies the Cottage of Lost Play. And then finally, as the last rays of the sun grace the mountains of either side of the Bay of Eldamar and the fleeting shadow of the great stone arch of Alqualondë flitters by you are come at last to the pearly white sands of the shore of the Blessed Realm and when your feet bristle with the cool and yet fresh sweet and saltiness of the little waves lapping the sands on shore in Elvenland you know you are finally home.
Maglor! A son of Feanor raised Elrond! How interesting
They will be reunited anyway, when de dagor dagolath comes and all the children of Iluvatar sing with him the second song of creation.
Wow.. 🥺😭 Poor Elrond.. Thank you for this. 🙏
I think I'll just choose to focus on the unbridled joy he must have felt knowing that he'd soon be with his wife again. And the thing to TRY to do re: the kids (or at least Arwen) would be to focus on the fact that she would be receiving the Gift of Men, which he could hope would be even more wonderful than his own long term fate.
I deeply appreciate the outstanding series of videos that you have put together....they capture, to my mind, so much of the intent of The Master in the creation of Middle-earth. You emphasize many times that the Fate of the Elves and Men is separated by time...but I choose to think otherwise. You have talked about the conversation between Finrod Felagund and Andreth in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth regarding the fate of Elves and Men, and I think that Finrod had a very interesting take on their respective futures...not nearly as dismal as one would assume by simply saying that Elves and Men would never reunite. I hark back to the words of the Ainulindale, from the Silmarillion itself..."Never since have the Ainur made any music like to this music, though it has been said that a greater still shall be made before Iluvatar by the choirs of the Ainur and the Children of Iluvatar after the end of days..." The Children of Iluvatar include, among others, Elves, Men, and Dwarves...therefore I choose to believe that at the end, Elves and Men and Dwarves (and others) will reunited with the Ainur to sing the song as it should have been sung at the beginning. No, I do not believe that the Children of Iluvatar shall remain separated through all the long ages.
This is a really good point! Thanks for making it. It reframes the tragedy of Elrond gives it a more hopeful ending. Thanks!
"Kind as Summer" has a whole different meaning in SW Mississippi with typical 98F with 70 - 90% humidity. So, "kind as summer" is what I might say about a balrog. But I agree about Elrond who was such a fantastic character in the book - kind, noble and wise, a true hero who dealt with grievous loss several times in his life. Im sure he missed his brother and was anticipating the same for his daughter and it grieved him although he knew that is what would make her happy. BTW you and your channel are spectacular - you were gifted with the perfect narrator's voice and the coolest accent. Please keep them coming as I've learned a lot listening to your videos. And thank you. That from a 59 y/o lifelong Tolkein fan. I would like nothing more than to be gifted 30 more years of Tolkein Untangled.
Thanks! I'm really glad you're enjoying the channel.
This was incredible
Yes, you are right......the Elrond character in the movies LOTR.....is not especially or noticeably soft, kind, or gentle. He is much colder and warrior/king like. No nonsense, kinda stern....... so different than the way his character is written in the books.
Dude this was amazing somewhat sad but he will see mostly all of the people sad about his mom dad and the brother though for sure
I think the "never see them again" is probably wrong. I think in this world at the end of all things when the music is redone and make more perfect then all souls and people will be united in harmony as they should have been the first time.
There is another happy thought though, he is sailing West with both his mother-in-law and cousin (I forget the precise relationship and do not have the time to trace the complicated lineage) in Galadriel. Doubtless there might be reason that they traveled together as both were departing in similar states of sorrow. Celeborn stayed behind as did all of her grandchildren. Thus their traveling together is a companionship of grief and comfort, though perhaps only Gandalf and Cirdan would have truly understood the implications of the moment.
Celeborn is the son or grandson of Elmo, Elwe youngest brother
Celeborn did, eventually leave for the Undying Lands. But not until he and Thranduil came together to clean up and divide up Mirkwood (now called Greenleaf) and reestablish the Lothlorian realm in southern Greenleaf several years after the War of the Rings and the downfall of Sauron. Galadriel and Celeborn were reunited. In Jackson's trope, we see Celeborn with Galadriel, Gandalf and Elrond at the Grey Havens. He is standing beside Elrond at the dock. A "see you all later" moment?
I kept expecting Elrond to suddenly put on sunglasses and call Frodo mr. Anderson! 😅😅😅
To be completely cheeky - summer also does include such delights as mosquitoes and smothering heat.
your channel gives me new degrees of perspective - thankyou !
awesome content, lovely voice! best wishes :)
Maglor and the elf who was in love with luthien went on to form the grateful dead during their wanderings and some say they still wander on tour to this day
This is great content and I appreciate your efforts in creating it.
Nice work dude
Your videos are really god, nice job, I enjoy them all.
He faced the pain of loss several times but stayed strong in middle earth until the day he sailed away to Valinor.
thank you sir for your great effort, just a simple observation i found here:
you have a better music in the background than that RINGS OF POWER show
Maglor was the son of Feanor and after the armies of the Valar cast down Morgoth and retrieved the Silmarils, he and his brother Meadhros, driven by the cursed vow they swore with their father in the name of Illuvator, were forced to slay the guards and steal the 2 remaining Silmarils. They were allowed to depart with their treasure, but this final black deed caused them to become unclean and the Silmarils burned them just as they had burned Morgoth.
Driven by despair from guilt and agony, Maglor cast himself into the sea and Meadhros threw himself into a volcano thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Silmarils were fated to lie in air (Earendil), land (Meadhros), and water (Maglor).
Yeah, I have always thought Jackson's versions of the elves were more like Vulcans than true depictions of Tolkien's elves. Tolkien's elves embodied so much more than immortality and sorrow. They were light, life and laughter too
I have no problem with Jackson's portrayal of Elrond, since although he is kind he will also know that his daughter's choice will mean that he eventually loses her, just as he lost so many others in his lifetime. As far as I know, Elves are still flawed creatures like the rest of us. If you need proof, just witness the ridiculous conversation between Bilbo and lindir in Rivendell following Bilbo's recitation of his poem about Earendil. Lindir couldn't tell a hobbit from a man. To me, that kind of attitude is preposterous, arrogant and totally unworthy of a race which is meant to be superior. I like to think that the twins left for the West with their Grandfather. In short, elves are not perfect. I can totally see how it would have pained Elrond to allow his daughter to make her choice while remaining essentially kind. To me this just adds complexity to the character.
When you said as kind as summer and no elf in the movies matches that, I believe Haldir had a much needed warmth when Aragorn hugged him. I believe elves had that capacity in the movies but in other respects
Is it really and truly forever though? Tolkien writes that one day the world will be unbroken, remade and a second song, sung by *all* the Children of Eru will create a new universe far more grand and great than the original to which all will then live. And yeah I guess it's highly likely that the second music will not happen for probably several billion years, which in practice would seem an eternity but it's not NEVER.
This story made me tear up. 😢
His brother, Elros became the king of Numenor, when he gave up his immortality.
I've never forgotten that description of Elrond since i first read The Hobbit as a kid in 1979.
it is a bittersweet moment indeed with regard to his children, but Elrond is sailing with many of his very good friends in the Fellowship and he will be seeing Celebrian again......Sounds more sweet to me in that respect.....Nowadays.....summer is not so kind....it can scorch....
thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou someone finally said this 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love your channel!!! Please don’t ever give up Lol
when you've been alive for ages, past losses reflects within your actions towards the future. We see this when Elrond shows Arwen her future, never settling in a moment; nor understanding loss for lost love and how 'now' has been lost in immortality.
It’s more likely than not that Elladan and Elrohir chose immortality and sailed West. Not only would they want to see their parents again after losing their sister forever, they would NOT want to condemn their parents to losing them too - especially after their mother was forced to leave them so prematurely.
Or, according to apocrypha, "I have seen my share".