There is not much written about the events of this day, but that does not lessen there importance.

Two days prior, Glorfindel left Rivendell with the knowledge that the Hobbits were trying to reach the Last Homely Home and the Black Riders were in pursuit. With it being understood that only the mightiest of the Elves could withstand the Nine for long, it is important to know who Glorfindel really is.

Glorfindel is a mighty Elf-lord of Imladris, and indeed, the leader of the host of Rivendell. As one of the surviving Noldor, his powers would have been likened to Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn themselves. It was Glorfindel who long defended Rivendell and successfully completed the rout of Angmar at the Battle of Fornost during the decline of the Northern Kingdom. That he would be guarding the East Road and warding off the Nine speaks to his noble heritage and his considerable powers.


Artwork: "Narrow Bridge of Stone" by Alan Lee

This is an eventful day in the journey to Rivendell. Strider fears that the Last Bridge will be held by the Nine and the small company will not be able to cross the Mitheithel. Sam and Strider scout the Bridge first and find no evidence of the Enemy. So great is the fear of being overtaken by the Riders on the Road that Strider insists that the Hobbits hide in the bushes alongside until he can search the area around the Bridge.

Here they are able to also take heart when Strider finds a remarkable jewel in the mud on the Bridge. He identifies it as an elf-stone, and as Tolkien and his marvelous Elves never leave anything to chance, it is deemed a sign that they may cross the Bridge in safety...which they do quickly and quietly.

Immediately after their crossing, however, Strider, taking no chances, plunges them headlong in to the dark forest once again, and away from the open Road



Artwork: "Narrow Bridge of Stone" by Alan Lee

Once across the Bridge, the journey of Strider and the Hobbits again becomes long, cold and difficult. Frodo's wound from Weathertop continues to grow worse. Strider is now obviously worried. Their meager supplies are running out and it is still raining and cold. Frodo's dreams are full of visions.

On the morning that the rain finally stops, Strider discovers they have come too far to the north and are in danger of entering the Ettendales...troll-country. They must now try turning southward again. The steep and mountainous terrain proves almost too much for the wounded Frodo, and Strider comforts a worried Sam, telling him that he must not give up hope.

After spending a night on a high ridge, Strider and Merry scout ahead the next morning and now the sun shines brightly, and they are encouraged when Strider catches a glimpse of the Loudwater in the distance. With somewhat lighter hearts and with Frodo once again astride Bill, they make their way towards the Road, for dangerous as it may be, it is their only path to the Ford and the safety of Rivendell.

And, as you must know and feel...the Enemy is moving.



Artwork: "Fellowship Journey" by Alan Lee

A memorable day on a difficult journey. Strider and the Hobbits comes across an old cave that long ago had been inhabited by trolls. They discover the stone-trolls from Bilbo's first adventure and it warms their hearts to know that Gandalf, the Dwarves and Bilbo had past that way. There is song to celebrate...

Troll sat alone on his seat of stone,
And munched and mumbled a bare old bone;
For many a year he had gnawed it near,
For meat was hard to come by.
Done by! Gum by!
In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone,
And meat was hard to come by.

In the evening when the shadows were long, they came back to the Road and followed it as there was no other secluded path for them to take. Tolkien always sets the perfect scene for fear. Long shadows, cold wind, open road, and suddenly the "clippety-clippety-clip" of horses hoofs. But the rider is not Black, and turns out to be none other than Glorfindel of Rivendell, who seeks to aid the travelers. After conferring with Strider, and learning of the attack on Weathertop, it is evident to both Ranger and Elf that the situation is urgent and they must hurry to Rivendell with all speed. Even now their way may be blocked by the Enemy.

On this day too, Gandalf finally reaches Rivendell himself, but ever so close, Frodo and company must still find the way there.

Artwork: "Fellowship Journey" by Alan Lee

On this night one very long week after Weathertop, the Ringwraiths lie in wait for Strider, the hobbits, and Glorfindel at the Ford of Bruinen on the border of Rivendell. While Strider and Merry, Sam, and Pippin brandish flaming brands, and Glorfindel calls on his inherent power as an Elf Lord in both Middle Earth and Valinor, the Elvish horse Asfaloth carries Frodo across the river. The wraiths try to follow, but they are swept away by Elrond's protective waves, augmented by a spell from Gandalf which gives the water the aspect of running ghost horses. The Black Horses die, the Rider's lose the clothes that gave them shape, and they must crawl back to Sauron formless and unmounted.

The story of the Bruinen Ford demonstrates the protective power of Elrond in his sanctuary in Rivendell, and introduces us to the enigmatic question of just how much power certain Elf Lords are able to wield. But what stands out is the simple courage of Frodo, who, facing the wraiths, holds aloft Sting and defies them, crying...

"you shall have neither the Ring nor me."

It is an act of almost unbelievable bravery.


Calendar entry by librislove