River · Dale and Erebor
River Running
Celduin
The River Running, carrying trade from Erebor south toward the Sea of Rhun
- Appears in
- The Hobbit
- Region
- Dale and Erebor
The River Running starts at the Front Gate on the Lonely Mountain's southern face, runs south past Dale and into the Long Lake, then leaves the lake's southern end and swings southeast across open plain. It takes in the Carnen, the Redwater from the Iron Hills, and continues toward the Sea of Rhun.
On the map it is the main line of movement in the northeast. Lake-town's barrels and the goods of Dale went down it, and the wine of Dorwinion came up it to the Elvenking's cellars. Bilbo floated the dwarves down the Forest River into this system and never once got dry.
In The Lord of the Rings the same waterway points the other way. Sauron's Easterling allies came up from the south and east along its line to attack Dale and Erebor in TA 3019.
Events at this place
-
TA 2770 · The Hobbit
Girion's heirs escape down the river
When Smaug destroyed Dale, the wife and child of Girion, lord of the city, escaped down the River Running. Bard of Lake-town was descended from them.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the River Running go?
From Erebor south through Dale and the Long Lake, then southeast to meet the Carnen and on toward the Sea of Rhun.
What is the Elvish name for the River Running?
Celduin. Both names are used on maps of the northeast.