Upon the shores of the Gulf of Lhûn the Elves built their havens, and named them Mithlond; and there they held many ships, for the harbourage was good. From the Grey Havens the Eldar ever and anon set sail, fleeing from the darkness of the days of Earth; for by the mercy of the Valar the Firstborn could still follow the Straight Road and return, if they would, to their kindred in Eressëa and Valinor beyond the encircling seas.
– The Silmarillion, Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age
Built at the very beginning of the Second Age, Mithlond is the largest Elven settlement west of the Misty Mountains. It is the de-facto capital of the Elven realm of Lindon and is ruled by Círdan the Shipwright, one of the oldest and wisest Elves in Middle-earth.
Its havens have played a vital role throughout the history of the Northern Realms, serving as a wharf for both Númenórean and Gondorian hosts that went on to crush the armies threatening the safety of the peoples of Eriador.
A mighty realm in its own right, the Elves of Lindon have helped fend off the armies of Sauron and the Witch King throughout the Second and Third Age. Lindon’s strength is greatly diminished by the end of the Third Age however, as many of its inhabitants have left Middle-earth for Valinor. The harbours of Mithlond offer passage there and are the chief destination for all Elves that desire to return to their homeland.
