The word ‘home’ means a different thing to everyone, whether it’s a house from the past that is reminiscent of childhood, a country that is dearly missed when out in the world traveling, or whether it resides in the people that are loved, thefamily and friends that always call back to each otherwhenever they are parted. ‘Home’ is one of the most important themes in Tolkien’s books, and is the heart that drives Bilbo Baggins to help the dwarves reclaim their lost kingdom of Erebor. It is the motivation that keeps Sam Gamgee going, getting back up on his feet each time he is knocked down. It is what Frodo finds within his loyal companion, who reminds him of home when he needs it the most. Home is a place of stability when everything around is full of turmoil and doubt.
Tolkien himselflived through an unstable time in the world, where countries were at war with one another and young soldiers were made to leave their families to go off to battle, and often never return home. The thought of the people that he was leaving behind, is what got him through the darkest days. He believed that all people should have a safe haven, a sanctuary where they could run when threatened, a place where they could gain strength and courage before a long battle or journey. Thus, in his works, he created the Last Homely House East of the Sea.
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Those who have read theLord of the Ringsbooks will know that theelves have had a particular longing for the sea, ever since the time before Middle Earth was made. They know that when their time in the world is over and they begin to wane, they must cross back over the sea and head to Valinor,the Undying Lands. Over the years leading up to the War of the Ring in the Third Age, this calling to the waters has been growing ever stronger as the elves' times on Middle Earth diminishes, and the time of Men begins.
The sea is to the West (hence Annie Lennox’s amazing soundtrack title, “Into the West”), and the elves, when it is their time, must travel across the lands to get the gray ships and finally return to their lands of old. The Last Homely House East of the Sea refers to Elrond’s home in Rivendell, which the Easternmost elven settlement in Middle Earth.
In this case, as Tolkien is a British writer, and his worksreflect many elements of British culture, the word ‘homely’ is used to mean comfortable and safe. It reflects the warmness that one would feel when they are at home, rather than simple or ugly as it has come to be used in later years within American culture. There, the ‘Last Homely House’ means the last place of safety and comfort, the last place where the elves can be at peace. When Elrond originally founded Rivendell, it was created as a refuge, a safe place where elves could come from far and wide to replenish both their bodies and souls, as well as their supplies for the long journey ahead. It is strategically placed and hard to find, which is what makes it so sheltered and secure, and it is full of all the comforts that the elves may need. It also opens its doors to everyone, including the gruff dwarves inThe Hobbit.
Rivendell is known for its houses of healing, its great councils, and its celebrations of song and dance that can last for days. It is a house of nourishment and thriving, and is filled with the love and the peace of the old days before the world grew weary at the hands of Sauronthe dark lord. This sense of protection and support is what makes it ‘homely,’ and it is the furthest west settlement for the elves, before they reach the sea, which is what makes it the ‘last.’ It is also sometimes referred to as the Last Homely House West of the Mountains, because it is the last place to stop and supply before traveling on into the much more wild and mountainous lands of Mirkwood, Lake Town, and the Lonely Mountain.
The Last Homely House lies just before the entrance of the Misty Mountains and the dwarven kingdoms (which are definitely not as well known for their hospitality and spiritual healing). It is a gateway to the realms of Gondor and Rohan, where the hardships and the politics of Men come into play. The elves have a particular standard for their homes, and Rivendell is the last example of this before travelers would hit the more rough and uncultivated lands East, over the mountains and beyond.
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