is a cozy yet awe inspiring place, as the elf Elrond uses one of the three elven magic rings to create what Gandalf refers to as “the last homely house east of the sea.” Rivendell is very much hidden from all eyes except for the ones in which Elrond allows to see, much like all of the other hidden realms discussed here Men, Dwarves, and Hobbits must be invited and shown the way into Rivendell. “In all the days of the Third Age, after the fall of Gil-galad, Master Elrond abode in Imladris, and he gathered there many Elves, and other folk of wisdom and power from among all the kindreds of Middle-earth, and he preserved through many lives of Men the memory of all that had beenanywhere else, Bilbo Baggins comes to be inspired and write his stories and poetry in his later years, and Gandalf is constantly coming to seek Elronds council on many matters. The council of the ring is held there, where all of the races of Middle-earth decide what to do with it and King Elessar is fostered there, who will later become arguable the most learned king of men ever. If Lothlorien is the creation of the physical west, then Rivendell is the creation of the knowledge of the west in Middle-earth.

We saved the best for last! The last of the hidden realms of Middle-earth is not hidden by intention, nor is it hidden because of its vast importance for the forces of good and light. At least that