Caradhras! The Majestic Snow Mountain Rarely Seen in Middle-earth

Early the next morning, just before the Fellowship of the Ring set out, Elrond delivered a stirring speech. He praised these champions from every race for standing united, fearing no hardship, and swearing to sacrifice their lives to destroy the One Ring—a noble deed that would bring lasting peace and tranquility to Middle-earth!

It had to be said that, as one of Middle-earth's renowned Elven kings, Elrond of Rivendell was among the very best of his age, whether in strength, breadth of mind, or political skill. Though the meeting had spent three full days arguing and could fairly be called a laughable disaster, Elrond did not mention it at all in his speech. Instead, he focused on praising the formation of the Fellowship of the Ring. Although everyone had long grown tired of such speeches, Elrond delivered it with such passion that their blood boiled. Even Legolas, the Elven prince of the Woodland Realm who had lived for over a thousand years, was stirred to excitement, let alone the innocent, simple Hobbits and the straightforward Dwarves. Only Aragorn, the future Human Emperor, was utterly unmoved by Elrond's impassioned address; he had long been accustomed to his future father-in-law's endless array of tricks.

Since this party was called the Fellowship of the Ring, and since Frodo had been the first to state his position before Gandalf and the others rose to answer the call, Frodo naturally became its leader in name and fact. Of course, this was also because he was the bearer of the One Ring. Thus, with helplessness and a trace of fear in his handsome face, the Hobbit struggled onto one of Rivendell's warhorses. Then, following Gandalf's guidance, he chose a road and rode down it first, officially beginning the expedition.

Close behind Frodo came his three Hobbit