Rivendells

Rivendells is a term used in fantasy contexts to refer to multiple settlements or places named after the Elven valley Rivendell from J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium. In Tolkien’s writings, Rivendell (Imladris) is a single hidden valley inhabited by Elrond and serving as a sanctuary, library, and meeting place for travelers and councillors. The plural form Rivendells appears mainly in derivative works, games, and fan fiction, where authors create several elven havens that evoke the aesthetics and functions of Tolkien’s Rivendell.

In such uses, Rivendells are typically depicted as remote, forested locales with refined architecture, terraces, and lush surroundings. They are portrayed as centers of culture, lore, and hospitality where travelers can rest, learn, and seek counsel. Similar to the original, these fictional Rivendells often emphasize harmony with nature, scholarly traditions, and a welcoming stance toward outsiders, though the specifics can vary widely between different works or game systems.

Rivendells commonly serve narrative or gameplay roles as safe refuges, waypoints, or hubs for characters. They may house libraries, archives, or councils that influence plot developments or world-building. The concept allows creators to explore elven aesthetics and diplomacy outside the canonical setting, while maintaining a recognizable link to the mood and themes associated with Tolkien’s Rivendell.

See also: Rivendell, Imladris, Elven havens, Middle-earth geography, fantasy settlements.