Elven Rings

[Mithadan]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wight
Posts: 235</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
During my long overdue re-read of LoTR, I was struck by the vividness of JRRT's description of Lorien, particularly of the quality of light and colors in that elven enclave. Lorien's nature is attributed to the power of Galadriel, and, though not stated expressly, her Ring. The elven Rings were designed and used to delay decay and to heal; one might say to preserve the elvishness of the lands where the Bearers lived. JRRT's description of Lorien appears to be intended to evoke a vision of the First Age when the world was young (see the debate of Gimli and Eomer re: Arwen representing the evening and Galadriel representing the morning). To me, JRRT's vivid description of Lorien reminds me of sunlight on green grass or shining through green leaves in the springtime.

To get to the point, the vividness of JRRT's description of Lothlorien under the power of Galadriel and her Ring is entirely unlike his description of Rivendell, even though Elrond also wielded an elven Ring there. Unlike Lorien, Rivendell does not seem to evoke the same feel of elvishness. Entering Rivendell is not like stepping back into the First Age while Lorien seems like a different world or a different time. Any ideas why?

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>