Grey Havens

The Grey Havens, known also as Mithlond, was an Elvish port city on the Gulf of Lune in the Elven realm of Lindon in Middle-earth.
== Description ==
Because of its cultural and spiritual importance to the Elves, the Grey Havens in time became the primary Elven settlement west of the Misty Mountains prior to the establishment of Eregion and, later, Rivendell. Even after the death of Gil-galad and as the Elves dwindled in numbers by the year, the Grey Havens remained a focal point of the history in the northern part of Middle-earth.
Despite being a major port, the Grey Havens had sparse population, like Rivendell and northeastern Mirkwood.
== History ==
=== Second Age ===
The Grey Havens was founded at the beginning of the Second Age by the surviving Elves of the realm of Beleriand, those who chose to remain on Middle-earth after the wars against Morgoth.
It was frequently visited from the west by the Númenoreans. On SA 1700, Tar-Minastir sent great fleets from Númenor to the Havens in assistance in the war against Sauron.
It was also one of the main sources for the Elven fleet of ships that sailed back and forth between Middle Earth and Eldamar in Aman.
=== Third Age ===
In TA 1000, the Istari arrived in Middle-earth, and it was here where Círdan gave Narya, the Elven Ring of Fire, to Gandalf.
During the War of the Ring, Galdor of the Havens was among the members of the Council of Elrond.
After the defeat of Sauron and the coronation of Aragorn II Elessar, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond left for Valinor from the Grey Havens. The Ring-bearers Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins accompanied them to Valinor. Years later, Samwise Gamgee did likewise, himself being a Ring-bearer (although briefly).
== Fate ==
The Grey Havens still existed into the Fourth Age under Círdan, but its population declined as did the Elven presence in Middle-earth. It is unclear just what the Fate of the Elves of Middle-earth was in the early Fourth Age and how long Círdan or his remaining folk dwelled at the Havens and continued to build the great ships that carried the Elves to the Blessed Realm.