The imagined monologues in these sonnets both take place in Rivendell. And, hence, the picture above, which is actually J. R. R. Tolkien’s own version in pen and ink and watercolor. I should say watercolour. It is definitely very stylized, but I like it. Oh, “Iluvatar” is from The Silmarillion, a book detailing the early history of Middle Earth. It is the name of God.
Addendum
Elbereth is one of the names of Varda who is spouse of one of the Valar, or spirits through whom Iluvatar creaes and upholds the world. She functions as analogue to the Virgin Mary and is revered by the Elves.
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Gandalf to Bilbo as the Fellowship Leaves
My dear Bilbo, you know it must be so;
The burden has moved on. It came to you
For one purpose alone, for him to go,
Full-knowing of the Dark he must walk through,
To give it up into the Cracks of Doom.
For you it was a treasure far too great.
And taken once again it would consume
You from within. And even now it waits,
Subdued within these holy walls, to rise
Again and chain the neck on which it hangs,
And drag it to the Dark where its lord lies.
Your task must be to wait, not hear the clang
Of swords, but help to bear the pangs of fear,
To plead the Grace of Elbereth be near.
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Elrond to Bilbo as They Leave for the Grey Havens
Dear, faithful tenant of my homely house,
Who melds the joys of Shire and Elven-home,
The time has come. The secret power aroused
Through you was raised ever to be cast down.
But its failing also begins the end
Of all things, foul or fair, wrought by the Rings
Of Power. This home I made to blend
The Good of Middle Earth with holy things
Must also pass. So, Ringfinder, now come
And taste the Joy for which we long have ached.
The homely joys we leave, as such, are done,
But, I perceive, Iluvatar shall take
Up each reflected image of His face
And make anew a joyous, homely place.
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