The Journey of the Elven Rings in the Last Alliance

Introduction to the Elven Rings

In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the Elven Rings of Power were forged in the Second Age by Celebrimbor, with the help of Sauron's corruption. Among the three main rings, Narya, Nenya, and Vilya, were given to Elrond, Círdan, and Gil-Galad, respectively. This article explores the specific events surrounding the distribution and use of these rings during the conflicts, with a focus on the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

The Forging and Distribution of the Rings

According to Tolkien's works, in 1590 of the Second Age, Celebrimbor began the forging of the Elven Rings in Eregion. By 1600, the rings were completed, and Celebrimbor intended to give them to Círdan, Gil-Galad, and Galadriel. The specific timeline for the distribution of these rings is somewhat debated across different sources:

1. Celebrimbor states that he gave the rings to Gil-Galad, and then Gil-Galad distributed them to Círdan, Elrond, and Galadriel around 1693.

The First War of the Last Alliance

The First War of the Last Alliance occurred from 1693 to 1700. During this period:

Sauron attacked and destroyed Eregion, capturing and killing Celebrimbor. Galadriel and Celeborn barely escaped, fleeing to King Amdír’s realm of Lothlórien.

The text does not explicitly state whether Galadriel and Celeborn joined Gil-Galad’s host in the war or stayed in Lothlórien. If they did join, they would have become part of the army that rushed rashly to Dagorlad, suffering a heavy defeat.

The Second War of the Last Alliance

The Second War of the Last Alliance took place from 3429 to 3441. Specifically:

Círdan, having taken Narya with him to the war, only parted with it when the Istari (Wizards) arrived. Gil-Galad had his ring during the first war but gave it to Elrond after the defeat of Sauron and the establishment of Imladris (Rivendell). BOTH Círdan AND Elrond marched alongside Gil-Galad in the second war, witnessing his final victory over Sauron during their great duel.

The Final Outcomes

After the final battle, the outcomes of the rings were as follows:

Nenya: Although the exact location of this ring is unknown, it is believed to have remained in Lothlórien, as Galadriel, Celeborn, and their descendants guarded it. Narya: Círdan kept it until he gave it to Gandalf the Grey. Vilya: Gil-Galad gave it to Elrond, who continued to wear it in Rivendell.

Conclusion

The Elven Rings played crucial roles in the Last Alliance against Sauron, as they served as tools for protection and preservation rather than direct combat. Their distribution and usage highlight the strategic and symbolic nature of these powerful artifacts in Tolkien's legendarium.