Forlindon

Forlindon, the northern part of Lindon, is the westernmost region of Middle-earth in the Third Age, a remnant of the once-great realm of Beleriand that was broken and drowned in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age. It lies west of the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin) and is bounded to the north and west by the Great Sea. The land is green and quiet, a place where no Men dwell, and it is inhabited solely by Elves, primarily those of the High-elven kindreds, the Noldor and the Sindar, who lingered in Middle-earth after the fall of Morgoth. Forlindon is a land of fading memory and enduring beauty, a sanctuary from the encroaching shadows of the later ages.

Geography and Extent

Forlindon occupies the northern portion of Lindon, stretching from the Gulf of Lune northward to the ice-bay of Forochel. Its eastern border is marked by the Blue Mountains, which run from the Gulf of Lune northward. The land is described as green and quiet, with no settlements of Men, and it is traversed by the Great Road that runs east from the Grey Havens. The southern part of Lindon, Harlindon, lies south of the Gulf of Lune. The Gulf itself is a long firth that cuts deep into the land, with the Grey Havens (Mithlond) situated at its head. The Tower Hills (Emyn Beraid) rise in the east of Lindon, and from their highest tower, the farsighted could descry the white tower of the Haven of the Eldar in Eressëa.

Inhabitants and Rulers

Forlindon is the domain of Círdan the Shipwright, the oldest and wisest of the Elves remaining in Middle-earth, who dwells at the Grey Havens. The High Elves of the Noldor and Sindar live there, including many of the household of Gil-galad, the last High King of the Noldor in exile, who ruled all Lindon before his death in the War of the Last Alliance. After Gil-galad's fall, Círdan became the chief lord of the Elves in Lindon. The land is also home to many of the Silvan Elves who followed the Sindar. The Elves of Forlindon are described as being of the High Kindred, and they are the keepers of the Grey Havens, the only remaining port from which Elven-ships can sail into the Uttermost West.

History and Significance

Forlindon is all that remains of the ancient realm of Beleriand, which was largely destroyed in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age. The Blue Mountains, which once formed the eastern border of Beleriand, now form the eastern border of Lindon. In the Second Age, Lindon was the chief realm of the Elves in Middle-earth, and Gil-galad ruled from there. After the Downfall of Númenor, Elendil and his sons landed in Lindon and were befriended by Gil-galad. The Last Alliance of Elves and Men was formed there. In the Third Age, Forlindon became a place of peace and retreat, where the Elves dwelt in fading glory, awaiting the time when they would depart over the Sea. The Grey Havens, located in Forlindon, are the final point of departure for the Ring-bearers and the Keepers of the Three Rings at the end of the Third Age. The land is a symbol of the passing of the Elves from Middle-earth, a quiet and beautiful realm that is slowly being left behind as the Age of Men begins.