The House of Rivendell is made up of a few distinctive wings, in part because of its long building over many centuries. The main body of the house faces west and is set with a high bell-tower. Within is the feasting hall, libraries and many bed chambers. North, across the entrance-hall, lies the Hall of Fire, a tall building in which a fire ceaselessly burns. The east wing is primarily guest accommodation, including the rooms where Bilbo and the Fellowship were housed. These bright rooms overlook the gardens and the river below.

Slightly away from the main house are the great kitchens, sculleries and stores. The kitchen gardens extend west of the house towards the valley walls.

Further afield, near the valley walls and screened from the house by oak and pine are the forges of Rivendell and a smattering of other workshops.

The fine stables of Rivendell shelter in some trees southwest of the entrance.

The Hall of Fire

The Hall of Fire is a large chamber with no windows and little decoration, as the only light is from the central fireplace. The walls are of dark wood and the stone floor laid with many thick carpets, upon which are arrayed cushions and comfortable chairs. The focus is the fire, before which there is a space where minstrels, bards and storytellers come to tell their tales. Here Frodo was reunited with Bilbo, and here the hobbits heard many elven songs as well as Bilbo chanting his newly composed song of Eärendil.

The centuries have made little change here, and the function of this hall remains as Gandalf described it to Frodo. “Except on high days it usually stands empty and quiet, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought. There is always a fire here, all the year round, but there is little other light.”

The Kitchens

The Kitchens of Rivendell are large and well-ordered, with a number of fireplaces and ovens for the preparation of the healthy meals that feed the many residents. There is a large kitchen garden where many vegetables are grown for the table.

The Forge

The Forge is hidden by a number of trees, away from the main buildings. It has a few areas, including a metal forge and sword-smithy, a glass-blowing workshop and a jewel-smithing workshop, where alchemical experiments are also performed. The rustic exterior of the building, designed to blend in with the surrounding woodland, belies the advanced nature of the workshops within, where the finest tools and facilities are available to the smiths.

The Library

The Libraries of Rivendell are twofold. On the ground floor, off the corridor towards the feasting hall, lies the main guest library. Here, on tall hardwood shelves, can be found the common texts and noble reference works that every learned Elf would be acquainted with and consult often. Tables and comfortable chairs are set by for their study.

The upper library is hidden upstairs in the main building. It is generally to all but the most esteemed guests. It is here that some of the more venerable and unique tomes are stored, including some that survived the fall of Eregion. A few tables and chairs are available for study.

The Map Room

The Map Room lies upstairs in the main building. This room is generally open to guests and offers a great array of maps and atlases describing much, if not all, of the known regions of Middle-earth. Some of them, particularly those made by the Elves or transcribed from Númenorean maps, are especially detailed. Others are more vague. Many of the greatest treasures here are held in glass cases and cabinets to preserve them for viewing, including maps of ancient Beleriand. A small, hidden room conceals maps of Númenor and the Blessed Realm for reasons of propriety.

 

‘I thank you indeed, Gildor Inglorion,’ said Frodo bowing. ‘Elen sila lumenn omentilmo, a star shines on the hour of our meeting,’ he added in the high elven-speech.

‘Be careful, friends!’ cried Gildor laughing. ‘Speak no secrets! Here is a scholar in the Ancient Tongue. Bilbo was a good master. Hail, Elf-friend!’ he said, bowing to Frodo.

- Fellowship of the Ring