The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 1: MANY MEETINGS
Overview
Frodo awakens in Rivendell, healed by Elrond after a Morgul-blade splinter is removed. Gandalf recounts the Ford of Bruinen and confirms the Ringwraiths’ setback. At a feast, Frodo meets Elrond, Glorfindel, Arwen, and Glóin. In the Hall of Fire, Frodo reunites with Bilbo, resists showing the Ring, and hears Bilbo’s song before a Council is announced for the next day.
Summary
Frodo wakes in Elrond’s house on October 24 and finds Gandalf at his side. Gandalf explains Frodo had begun to fade from the Witch-king’s wound, but Elrond removed a buried splinter the previous night, saving him. Gandalf outlines the Ringwraiths’ nature, the danger of wearing the Ring, and Rivendell’s strength against the Unseen.
Gandalf recounts the Ford: as the Nazgûl closed, Glorfindel and Aragorn prepared fire, Elrond unleashed a flood, and Gandalf added “white horses” to the waves. The Riders’ horses perished, though the Ringwraiths endure. Frodo rests, reassured his friends are safe and a celebration awaits.
That evening Frodo dresses and joins Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, and many Elves at a feast. He beholds Elrond, Glorfindel, and Arwen. Seated beside Glóin, Frodo hears tidings from the North—Beornings hold the passes, Dale prospers under Brand, and Dáin is old and wealthy—while Balin’s fate is uncertain.
In the Hall of Fire, Elrond reveals a surprise: Bilbo. Frodo and Bilbo speak quietly; Bilbo asks to see the Ring, and Frodo briefly perceives him as a grasping creature, then withdraws the Ring and the shadow passes. They turn to Shire news as Aragorn arrives to help Bilbo finish a song.
Bilbo performs a long lay of Eärendil to acclaim. As the singing continues, Frodo glimpses Aragorn beside Arwen, star on his breast, and is pierced by Arwen’s gaze. Later, Frodo and Bilbo retire to quiet talk of fair things, until Sam reminds them of an early Council set for the morning.
Who Appears
- Frodo BagginsRecovers in Rivendell; learns of his healing; reunites with Bilbo; resists showing the Ring; attends feast and songs.
- GandalfReassures Frodo; explains the Nazgûl, the Ford, and Elrond’s flood; hints he was captive; oversees Frodo’s rest.
- ElrondMaster of Rivendell who removes the Morgul-splinter; commands the river; hosts feast and Hall of Fire.
- Bilbo BagginsReunites with Frodo; momentarily tempted to see the Ring; composes and performs the lay of Eärendil.
- Aragorn (Strider)Credited with saving the hobbits; arrives from tidings with Elladan and Elrohir; aids Bilbo’s song; seen beside Arwen.
- Samwise GamgeeKeeps vigil by Frodo; joyfully greets his recovery; later ensures Frodo retires for the Council.
- GlorfindelElf-lord praised for aiding the flight; helps prepare defense at the Ford; honored guest at the feast.
- Arwen UndómielElrond’s daughter; her presence awes Frodo; later seen speaking with Aragorn in the Hall of Fire.
- GlóinDwarf of Thorin’s company; shares northern news of Dale, the Beornings, and Dáin; worried about Balin.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckCelebrates Frodo’s recovery and attends the feast in honor of their arrival.
- Peregrin TookGreets Frodo playfully; attends the feast; lightens the mood despite Gandalf’s cautions.
- Elladan and ElrohirElrond’s sons; return from the Wild with tidings sought by Aragorn.
- LindirElf in the Hall of Fire who praises and teases Bilbo after the song.