Matěj Čadil

I have finished the line art for my illustration of Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire from Chapter 6 of The Hobbit. So many things happen in this scene at once. I also loved writing the names of the characters in runes.
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Which details caught your attention the most.?
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ack to illustrating chapters from The Hobbit! I got a little stuck with them, but it's high time to get back to it. Let's draw fifteen birds on five fir trees!
(Well, they weren't all fir trees, but the goblins obviously didn't care).⁠

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

17 January - The Fellowship of the Ring are led through Lothlórien and reach Cerin Amroth. 🌳⁠
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"I feel as if I was inside a song." Sam’s words perfectly capture the essence of Lothlórien.
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This scene has always been one of my favourites in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you think of my depiction?

🌟 I also create hand‑embellished prints of this piece, where I add metallic highlights by hand to bring out the glow of the star and runes, check them out if you are interested: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1352...

On this day in Middle-earth 📅 On 13 January the Fellowship of the Ring reach the West-gate of Moria.⁠
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The Doors of Durin are among the most iconic images in Tolkien’s world and I really enjoyed drawing them opening
"Absurdly simple, like most riddles when you see the answer."

Winter in the Shire (2022) ❄️

#tolkien #tolkienart #theshire

Winter Hobbit Door (2023). ❄️ A hobbit hole door in a beautiful snowy winter, decorated for Yule. 🎄

Yes, and it is followed by Gimli's song that reveals more of the glorious history of the dwarf kingdom.
Thanks for sharing my art. 🙂

Visions of Middle-earth | Matěj Čadil | Substack Exploring Tolkien’s world through art. Click to read Visions of Middle-earth, by Matěj Čadil, a Substack publication. Launched 14 days ago.

I’ve started a Substack: Visions of Middle‑earth. A home for my longer dives into Tolkien’s world: the research behind my art, the symbolism, and the curious questions that arise when you look too closely at the texts.
You’re welcome to read and subscribe:

👉 matejcadil.substack.com 👈

And the Gaffer's warning did come true in a way. Sam did land in trouble far greater than he could imagine. Yet we are all grateful for that. 😀

My new illustration: Seeds of Learning

"Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters – meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it. ‘Elves and Dragons’ I says to him. ‘Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you. Don’t go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you’ll land in trouble too big for you,’"

Before the Stones of Orthanc and Minas Tirith, another palantír lay hidden in Middle‑earth: the Elendil Stone of Elostirion. Unlike the others, it gazed westward, revealing visions of the Undying Lands. Until Círdan placed it aboard Elrond’s ship at the end of the Third Age.

#tolkienart

Do you remember this moment from the Lord of the Rings when Gandalf "risks a little real light" and the Fellowship suddenly becomes aware of the vastness and forgotten beauty of Khazad-dûm?
I really enjoyed depicting the vast hall in the background. I think the white-on-black works well for it.

The Forbidden Pool (2022). A dangerous spot to go fishing, although Gollum seems to be enjoying it. But someone may be watching him... 👀⁠
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Henneth Annûn has always been one of favourite locations in the Lord of the Rings.
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Does my illustration look similar to how you imagined this place?⁠

"Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters – meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it."
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Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?

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Thank you!

I also create hand‑embellished prints of this piece, where I add metallic highlights by hand to bring out the glow of the star and runes, if you are interested:
matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1352...

The Doors of Durin are among the most iconic images in Tolkien’s world. There are many illustrations where they are shown closed, but I wanted to capture a different moment: when the riddle is solved and the doors open.

Thank you!

How do you imagine the Crown of Gondor? 👑
In the book it is described beautifully, a jewelled silver helm with pearl wings. But it's difficult to actually depict. No wonder there are few illustrations and the film depicted it totally differently.⁠

So, obviously, I had to try it myself. 😁

I approached them a little differently and used different techniques. Which one do you like better? ☺️

A little comparison of my two illustrations, which capture scenes just moments apart from Chapter 5 of the Hobbit: "There is a Shadow by the Door" and "Buttons on the Doorstep".

I drew Night in Mirkwood originally in 2022 with light ink on dark paper. And I think with all the glowing eyes, twisted trees, and black bats it is quite fitting to share today.🙂
Prints are available if you’d like to bring a little Mirkwood mystery to your walls: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1396...

This scene from The Hobbit has haunted me for years: Thorin & Company try to kindle some comfort in the uncanny night. But the fire only draws out the hidden life of Mirkwood. Tolkien’s description is vivid, unsettling, and strangely beautiful. I wanted to capture that eerie tension.

Ever wondered what it feels like to light a fire in the heart of Mirkwood? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️

Riddles in the Dark – finished illustration | Matěj Čadil Get more from Matěj Čadil on Patreon

If you’d like to see close-ups, read about my inspiration, or learn why I included certain things, I’ve shared all the details in a Patreon post: www.patreon.com/posts/riddle...
Your support helps me keep creating these lore-rich illustrations. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💛