Council of Elrond

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The name Council of Elrond refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see The Council of Elrond (disambiguation).
Elrond Recalls the Host of Gil-galad, by Michael Kaluta.

The Council of Elrond was a council called and led by Elrond, held on October 25, T.A. 3018 in Rivendell. The main purpose of the council was to discuss what should be done with the One Ring, which had resurfaced shortly before.

History

Attendees

The following people are known to have attended the Council:

Events

At the Council, Gandalf, Elrond and Bilbo told the history of the Ring to all. At hearing the potential of "Isildur's Bane", Boromir opted to use the Ring to defend his native Gondor, and overthrow Sauron, its creator. Gandalf and Elrond were against it, and stated that the Ring was the essence of Sauron, and thus would corrupt and ultimately destroy whoever tried to use it. Eventually Gandalf felt it necessary to employ shock tactics by reciting the Ring-inscription in Black Speech, angering Elrond in the process.

Eventually it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the Crack of Doom in Mount Doom.

It then became necessary to decide who should take responsibility for such a perilous undertaking. Bilbo offered to finish the job he had started, but Gandalf told him he could not take back the Ring due to having possessing it for some time. Eventually Frodo surprised everyone including himself by telling them he would take the Ring. After some thought Elrond agreed. At this point Sam emerged from hiding and demanded to accompany Frodo, and since it was hardly possible to separate them Elrond agreed.

Who would further accompany the "Company of the Ring" was the subject of some debate for the following two months, allthough it was clear that Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli and Legolas would join them. Elrond opted for two more; "Nine walkers" would counter the "Nine Riders". He originally intended to send two of his household, such as Glorfindel, but Gandalf opted to send Merry and Pippin instead, as he deemed friendship and loyalty more important than strength.

Portrayal in adaptations

1955: BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings:

Not much is known, as information only runs up to the chapter Many Meetings, but it can at least be deduced that Glóin was present.

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

Not all of the mentioned people were present. Glorfindel, Glóin, Erestor, Galdor were omitted.

1981: BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings:

The Council of Elrond begins without introduction in the sixth episode. Glóin, Galdor and Erestor are omitted.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

The attendants are described as being "summoned", and in the extended edition of The Two Towers, it is explicitly stated that the Council was called because the Ring was found, and Boromir was ordered to claim it. This is in contrast to the original text, where fate seems to bring them together.
The composition of the Company of the Ring was decided at the council. Sam was not the only one eavesdropping; Merry and Pippin did exactly the same.
In addition to the original members (minus Bilbo), several others are shown. According to the Decipher cards, these are tradesmen from Dale and Lake-town. Figwit is also present.

2002: Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring:

Only Elrond, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Aragorn, Gandalf and Frodo are mentioned, though the other three Hobbits are also present. The first seven are quickly chosen, but as Elrond tells of two great warriors, Merry and Pippin barge in.

References