Description
Also known by the name Mithlond, the Grey Havens was an Elvish port city located on the Gulf of Lune in Lindon. The Grey Havens held a lot of spiritual and cultural significance for the Elves and eventually became the major settlement towards the west of the Misty Mountains before the establishment of Eregion. Even when Gil-galad died, as the Elves multiplied that year, the Grey Havens continued to remain the center point in the history of Middle Earth. Though it was the main port, it was sparsely populated just like northeastern Mirkwood and Rivendell [1].
History
Founded by the Elves of the reign of Beleriand during the early Second Age, the Grey Havens were used by the Elves that survived on Middle Earth after the battle against Morgoth. It had frequent visits by the Numenoreans in the west. In Second Age 600, a Numenorean ship led by Captain Veantur had landed in Mithlond which was the first-ever they had come to Middle Earth. In 1700 of the Second Age, huge fleets from Numenor came to the Havens to assist in the battle against Sauron. It was a major path that ships of the Elves used to sail between Eldamar in Aman and Middle Earth.
In about 1000 of the Third Age, the Wizards or Istari had arrived at the Grey Havens in Middle Earth. At this place, Cirdan gave the Ring of Fire, Narya to Gandalf. In Third Age 1975, the Prince of Gondor led a Gondorian fleet to the Havens to support Arthedain against Angmar. This fleet was so huge that the whole of Grey Havens as well as Harlond and Forlond had filled with ships. In the 3018, Galdor of the Havens was sent by Cirdan to Rivendell and he became the representative at the Council of Elrond. When Sauron was defeated and King Aragorn got the crown in the War of the Ring, Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf left Middle Earth and went towards Valinor from the Grey Havens. They were accompanied by Ring Bearers Frodo Baggins and Bilbo Baggins and they were permitted to take the straight road. After several years, Samwise Gamgee, being a ring-bearer, sailed towards the West from Grey Havens.
Cirdan and Celeborn sailed in the last ship that sailed before the Fourth Age 120 as suggested by the words of Aragorn. He said Arwen might sail into the West and there was a reason this was impossible. There was no ship left to carry him. This conversation took place in 120 F.A. which means the last ship has sailed before that.
In about 1000 of the Third Age, the Wizards or Istari had arrived at the Grey Havens in Middle Earth. At this place, Cirdan gave the Ring of Fire, Narya to Gandalf. In Third Age 1975, the Prince of Gondor led a Gondorian fleet to the Havens to support Arthedain against Angmar. This fleet was so huge that the whole of Grey Havens as well as Harlond and Forlond had filled with ships. In the 3018, Galdor of the Havens was sent by Cirdan to Rivendell and he became the representative at the Council of Elrond. When Sauron was defeated and King Aragorn got the crown in the War of the Ring, Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf left Middle Earth and went towards Valinor from the Grey Havens. They were accompanied by Ring Bearers Frodo Baggins and Bilbo Baggins and they were permitted to take the straight road. After several years, Samwise Gamgee, being a ring-bearer, sailed towards the West from Grey Havens.
Cirdan and Celeborn sailed in the last ship that sailed before the Fourth Age 120 as suggested by the words of Aragorn. He said Arwen might sail into the West and there was a reason this was impossible. There was no ship left to carry him. This conversation took place in 120 F.A. which means the last ship has sailed before that.
Fate
It is believed that the Grey Havens even existed in the Fourth Age under the reign of Cirdan but the population reduced to a great extent due to the declining presence of the Elves in Middle Earth. It is not clear what the fate of the Elves in the Fourth Age was and how long Cirdan and others remained at the Grey Havens, building ships carrying the Elves from Middle Earth to the Blessed Realms [2]
Etymology
Grey Havens is the meaning of the term ‘Mithlond’ in Sindarin coming from ‘Mith’ (grey) and ‘lond’ (harbor).
Adaptations
Film
The Grey Havens can be seen appearing in the adaptation of ‘The Return of the King’. This port city can be seen based on a big natural bay and different in design from Lothlorien and Rivendell though being quite Elvish. Hobbits like Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf, and others come to the city and find the elves. Galadriel, Elrond, and Celeborn bid them farewell and board the ship. The adaptation shows their departure from Middle Earth.
Video Games
The game ‘The Lord of the Rings – The Battle for Middle Earth II’ describes the Grey Havens as a battleground for the Goblins and the Elves. The Good campaign portrays the Elven army defeating the Goblins with the help of Dwarves. This marks the end of any future attack from the Goblins. In the Evil Campaign, the Goblin King and his army destroy Mithlond forever.
References
Categories:
Elven Cities
Harbours
Lindon
