It is the great realm of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain
- the jewel-smiths of the elves, most famous of craftsmen since Feanor himself. While its
history would span for less than 1000 years, it would have a lasting impact
on the History of Middle-earth, and in one version of the story, include
a revolt against Galadriel herself. Today on Nerd of the Rings, we
cover the history of Eregion. After the lands of Beleriand fall into
the sea at the end of the First Age, many of the Noldor who both survived and
chose to remain in Middle-earth settle in the newly established realm of Lindon.
Aside from some small islands off the coast, these lands are all that remain of the
former Beleriand. They are led by Gil-galad, now High King of the Noldor after the
death of Turgon in the fall of Gondolin. As the Second Age gets underway, many of the
Teleri - survivors of Doriath and Ossiriand, would make their way east to establish
realms among the Silvan elves. However, we would also see Noldor leave as well. One of the
earliest to leave is Galadriel with her husband Celeborn. She would leave her grand-nephew
Gil-galad’s realm to dwell near Lake Nenuial. Yet, there was another notable citizen of Lindon,
Celebrimbor, the grandson of Feanor - creator of the silmarils and the greatest craftsman to
ever live. After some 700 years in Lindon, Celebrimbor and many other Noldor leave.
They are drawn eastward not by ambition to rule their own land, but by the promise of the
mithril being mined by the Dwarves of Khazad-dum. In 750 SA, these Noldorin elves establish the
realm of Eregion, and begin to build the capital of Ost-in-Edhil, which means “Fortress of the
Eldar”. Ost-in-Edhil lies near the Sirannon River, many miles downstream from the west gate of
Moria. A great friendship forms between the dwarves of Khazad-dum and the elves of Eregion.
They not only live in peace with one another, but they trade freely, with a high road running
from Ost-in-Edhil to the west gate of Moria. Among the elves, Celebrimbor leads a guild of
craftsman called the Gwaith-i-Mirdain. “The People of the Jewel-smiths”. Their work was so marvelous,
it was said to be the greatest since the time of Feanor himself. The Mirdain also worked directly
with the dwarves. It is Celebrimbor himself who helps the dwarf Narvi to build the Doors of Durin.
From mithril, the Mirdain are able to create Ithildin, the substance used to create moon runes,
which reflect the light of the moon and stars. As Tolkien states: “Elves and Dwarves had great
profit from this association: so that Eregion became far stronger, and Khazad-dûm far more
beautiful, than either would have done alone.” But Tolkien goes on to
mention in Unfinished Tales: News of these things came to the ears of
Sauron, and increased the fears that he felt concerning the coming of the Númenóreans
to Lindon and the coasts further south, and their friendship with Gil-galad;
and he heard tell also of Aldarion, son of Tar-Meneldur the King of Númenor,
now become a great ship-builder who brought his vessels to haven far down into the Harad.
Sauron therefore left Eriador alone for a while, and he chose the land of Mordor, as it was
afterwards called, for a stronghold as a counter to the threat of the Númenórean landings
[this is dated c. 1000 in the Tale of Years]. When he felt himself to be secure he sent emissaries
to Eriador, and finally, in about the year 1200 of the Second Age, came himself, wearing
the fairest form that he could contrive. After raising his stronghold of Mordor to
combat the threat of Numenor, Sauron makes his move against the elves of Eriador -
fearing a great alliance of men, elves, and dwarves. After being turned away by Gil-galad
and Elrond in Lindon, he comes to Eregion, where under the guise of Annatar, the Lord of
Gifts, he comes to befriend the elves. Like Gil-galad and Elrond, we are told Galadriel
does not fall for this fair visage of Sauron. This is where things get interesting from
a canon perspective. In Unfinished Tales, we get a version of the text that seems to
imply it may have been Galadriel and Celeborn who actually founded Eregion, presumably leading
them until Annatar’s presence creates a rift. In this version, we find that Galadriel perceived
the dark lord’s stirring in Middle-earth as early as the year 500 SA. This is what leads
her and Celeborn to make their move east - for Galadriel believed this “residue of evil” could
only be fought by an alliance of all its enemies. Here we find that Annatar spends 150-200
years influencing the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, all while returning Galadriel’s scorn with outward
patience and courtesy. Finally between 1350-1400 SA, he moves to expel Galadriel, convincing
Celebrimbor and the Gwaith-i-Mirdain to rebel against the Lord and Lady. And here, we can
resume what is a more clear-cut version of events… Galadriel and her daughter Celebrian leave
through Khazad-dum, coming to the elven realm of Lorinand. Celeborn, who was not fond of
dwarves - no doubt due to their race’s role in the fall of Doriath - stays in Eregion, where
he is largely ignored by Celebrimbor and Annatar. After centuries of Annatar’s tutelage, the
Gwaith-i-Mirdain forge 16 great rings of power. Around 1500 SA, Sauron leaves Eregion,
making his way back to Mordor. Meanwhile, Celebrimbor and his jewel-smiths use their
newfound knowledge to create three more rings without Sauron’s knowledge or involvement.
These three rings are completed around 1590 SA, and just 10 years later, Sauron forges
his One Ring in the Fires of Mount Doom, made to bring all other
ringbearers under his sway. However, the moment Sauron puts on his master
ring, he and his treachery become known to the elves bearing the Three. Celebrimbor,
who was not corrupted in heart or faith, but had merely accepted Sauron as what he posed to
be, immediately revolts against Sauron. He travels to Lorinand, seeking once again the counsel of
Galadriel. Galadriel in turn says the rings should be hidden, never used, and dispersed far from
Eregion where Sauron would believe them to be. Thus, Celebrimbor gives to Galadriel Nenya,
the Ring of Water, which she would keep for all her remaining days in Middle-earth. Vilya
and Narya are sent to Gil-galad in Lindon, with the Ring of Air being kept by the king,
and the Ring of Fire kept by Cirdan the Shipwright. Upon learning of Celebrimbor’s
defiance, Sauron discards his fair visage, taking on the form of cruelty and power he would
use to drive his armies in war. In 1695 SA, he leads his host out of Mordor, marching north
to Eregion. This attack would have come sooner, were it not for the two blue wizards, who
worked against him in the east and south, thus his recruitment in these lands
did not go as smoothly as he hoped. Still, he would come to Eregion with
great force as Gil-galad sends Elrond to reinforce their fellow elves. Celeborn
leads an initial sortie out of Eregion, driving back the vanguard of Sauron’s host.
Celeborn would then combine forces with Elrond as the latter arrives. However,
Sauron’s main host would come - driving them back and surrounding Eregion, cutting
Celeborn and Elrond off from Ost-in-Edhil. The capital would fall in 1697 SA. Celebrimbor
makes a valiant last stand on the very steps of the House of the Mirdain. He is taken captive
and tortured by Sauron, leading the dark lord to take possession of the 16 rings. However,
Celebrimbor would tell nothing of the Three, which Sauron coveted above all others.
Celebrimbor dies from his torment, and his body is shot with orc arrows.
Sauron then has his body placed upon a pole and used as a banner as they
turn toward the host of Elrond. Elrond’s forces would have been destroyed,
were it not for the Dwarves of Khazad-dum, who attack Sauron’s rear, diverting his
attention and allowing Elrond, Celeborn, and the survivors of Eregion to escape
north, where they would establish Rivendell. The Doors of Durin are closed, and the host of
Sauron would destroy Ost-in-Edhil and ravage not only Eregion, but much of Eriador over
the coming years. While the War of the Elves and Sauron would rage on, the realm of Eregion
would be no more, dying along with its lord. Despite its demise in 1697 SA, the
effects of this elven realm would be felt to the very latest days of the
Third Age. Not only in the Rings of Power and their role over the centuries, but
in the land itself. Over 4,700 years later, The Fellowship of the Ring would pass through
the former lands of Eregion on their Quest. Now widely known as Hollin, we see the very
land speaks of the elves who once dwelt there… The Fellowship travels for many miles on the
now broken and decayed road that once led from Ost-in-Edhil to the very Doors of Moria. A stark
reminder of these great realms that once were, the friendship that thrived between them, and
the evil that befell at the hands of Sauron. As always, I want to say a huge
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