Ford of Bruinen

The ford lies east of the Trollshaws, in the last stretch of road before Rivendell, where the Bruinen runs swift and stony out of the mountains. It is the gateway to Elrond's valley, and Elrond holds power over the water itself: the river answers him, and any assault that comes up the road has to cross it first.

On 20 October TA 3018 Frodo, two weeks after the Morgul wound, was put on Glorfindel's horse Asfaloth and sent ahead at a gallop. All nine Riders came out of the trees after him. Frodo reached the eastern bank, turned, and refused their command to come back.

Then the flood came down. Elrond had loosed the river, and Gandalf added white horses to the crest of the wave. The three Riders in the water were swept away and the rest were driven in after them by Glorfindel and Aragorn coming up with fire. The Nazgûl lost their horses and gear and had to return to Mordor, which is why they do not trouble the Fellowship for months.

Events at this place

1. TA 3018, October 20 · The Lord of the Rings

   The Flight to the Ford

   On 20 October Frodo outran the Nine to the eastern bank, and the river rose at Elrond's command and swept the Riders away.

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