The Council Of Elrond

Howard Shore's composition, 'The Council of Elrond,' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings.' The lyrics, sung in Sindarin, one of Tolkien's Elvish languages, add a layer of authenticity and depth to the scene. The song is performed during the council where representatives of Middle-earth's free peoples gather to decide the fate of the One Ring. The ethereal quality of the music and the Elvish lyrics evoke a sense of ancient wisdom and the weight of the decisions being made.

The lyrics themselves are a poetic invocation. 'O môr henion I dhû' translates to 'From darkness I understand the night,' setting a tone of introspection and solemnity. The mention of 'Ely siriar, êl síla' ('The stars are veiled, the star shines') juxtaposes the hidden and the revealed, perhaps symbolizing the hidden dangers and the hope that still shines through. The repeated phrase 'Ai! Aníron Undómiel' ('Ah! I desire Evenstar') is a reference to Arwen, also known as Undómiel, whose fate is intertwined with the larger struggle against Sauron.

The second stanza continues this theme of light and darkness. 'Tiro! Êl eria e môr' ('Look! A star rises out of the darkness') suggests a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching shadow. 'I 'lîr en êl luitha 'uren' ('The song of the star enchants my heart') speaks to the enchanting power of hope and beauty in dark times. The final line, 'Ai! Aníron Edhelharn' ('Ah! I desire Elfstone'), refers to Aragorn, who is also known as Elessar or Elfstone, highlighting the intertwined destinies of the characters.

Shore's music, combined with these evocative lyrics, creates a powerful atmosphere that underscores the gravity of the council's decisions. The song serves as a reminder of the ancient and mystical elements that permeate Tolkien's world, enriching the narrative with its layers of meaning and emotion.