Matěj Čadil
@matejcadil.bsky.social
Tolkien-inspired artist 🇨🇿 Illustrator of Middle-earth & beyond
📜 Bringing Tolkien’s words to life in art
🏔 Inspired by wild hills, ancient halls & forgotten roads
✨ Exploring beauty, myth & light in dark places
My shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MatejCadil
📜 Bringing Tolkien’s words to life in art
🏔 Inspired by wild hills, ancient halls & forgotten roads
✨ Exploring beauty, myth & light in dark places
My shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MatejCadil
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
#tolkienart
November 21, 2025 at 3:08 PM
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
#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.
I really enjoyed depicting the vast hall in the background. I think the white-on-black works well for it.
November 20, 2025 at 2:48 PM
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.
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... 👀
Henneth Annûn has always been one of favourite locations in the Lord of the Rings.
Does my illustration look similar to how you imagined this place?
Henneth Annûn has always been one of favourite locations in the Lord of the Rings.
Does my illustration look similar to how you imagined this place?
November 15, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The Forbidden Pool (2022). A dangerous spot to go fishing, although Gollum seems to be enjoying it. But someone may be watching him... 👀
Henneth Annûn has always been one of favourite locations in the Lord of the Rings.
Does my illustration look similar to how you imagined this place?
Henneth Annûn has always been one of favourite locations in the Lord of the Rings.
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."
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
November 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM
"Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters – meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it."
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
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.
November 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
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.
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. 😁
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. 😁
November 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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. 😁
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? ☺️
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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".
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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".
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.
October 31, 2025 at 7:37 PM
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? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️
October 31, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Ever wondered what it feels like to light a fire in the heart of Mirkwood? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️
At its heart is the encounter between Bilbo and Gollum, set on the shore of the underground lake. Around the central scene, I’ve woven ten circular vignettes, each depicting one of the riddles from the chapter.
October 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
At its heart is the encounter between Bilbo and Gollum, set on the shore of the underground lake. Around the central scene, I’ve woven ten circular vignettes, each depicting one of the riddles from the chapter.
After months of sketching, planning, and layering colour, I’m thrilled to share my finished illustration for Chapter 5 of The Hobbit – “Riddles in the Dark”.
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
October 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
After months of sketching, planning, and layering colour, I’m thrilled to share my finished illustration for Chapter 5 of The Hobbit – “Riddles in the Dark”.
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
I used ink alone for the dark interior of the cave, but added colour to highlight the contrast: the glint of brass and the sunlit valley with the promise of air and freedom.
I am quite happy with how this turned out, I really like the contrast in it. What do you think?
I am quite happy with how this turned out, I really like the contrast in it. What do you think?
October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
I used ink alone for the dark interior of the cave, but added colour to highlight the contrast: the glint of brass and the sunlit valley with the promise of air and freedom.
I am quite happy with how this turned out, I really like the contrast in it. What do you think?
I am quite happy with how this turned out, I really like the contrast in it. What do you think?
Today’s piece (for Inktober 2025 Day 22 prompt "Button") is a moment from The Hobbit, just after Bilbo’s escape from the goblin tunnels. On the rocky doorstep lie the remnants of his struggle: the shiny brass buttons that burst off as he squeezed through the door.
October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Today’s piece (for Inktober 2025 Day 22 prompt "Button") is a moment from The Hobbit, just after Bilbo’s escape from the goblin tunnels. On the rocky doorstep lie the remnants of his struggle: the shiny brass buttons that burst off as he squeezed through the door.
There’s something deeply haunting about this moment. That lonely flicker of hope in the frozen desolation of the North. For a brief instant, rescue seems within reach. Yet the story ends in tragedy, as the ship is later crushed by the ice and lost beneath the waves, along with Arvedui.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 PM
There’s something deeply haunting about this moment. That lonely flicker of hope in the frozen desolation of the North. For a brief instant, rescue seems within reach. Yet the story ends in tragedy, as the ship is later crushed by the ice and lost beneath the waves, along with Arvedui.
For the Inktober prompt "Arctic", I was inspired by a passage from the Appendix to the Lord of the Rings, about Arvedui the last king of Arnor, who escaped from the fall of Fornost to the far north to the shore of the Ice bay of Forochel and waited for the rescue by the elven mariners of Círdan.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 PM
For the Inktober prompt "Arctic", I was inspired by a passage from the Appendix to the Lord of the Rings, about Arvedui the last king of Arnor, who escaped from the fall of Fornost to the far north to the shore of the Ice bay of Forochel and waited for the rescue by the elven mariners of Círdan.
The Tower Hall of Minas Tirith, based on the passage when Pippin and Gandalf first come to Denethor.
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
October 19, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The Tower Hall of Minas Tirith, based on the passage when Pippin and Gandalf first come to Denethor.
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door” he used to say. “You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
October 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door” he used to say. “You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
What began as a small bookmark has grown into one of my most beloved works.
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
October 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
What began as a small bookmark has grown into one of my most beloved works.
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
“In western lands beneath the Sun…” Sam’s song carries hope through shadow. My illustration captures that moment — light remembered in dark places.
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
October 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM
“In western lands beneath the Sun…” Sam’s song carries hope through shadow. My illustration captures that moment — light remembered in dark places.
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
I considered many interesting moments of drinking from Tolkien's stories, but as soon as I thought of this moment from the Hobbit I found the idea so delightful that I knew I had to draw it. It took me relatively long, but I am quite happy with the result. 🙂
What do you think?
What do you think?
October 13, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I considered many interesting moments of drinking from Tolkien's stories, but as soon as I thought of this moment from the Hobbit I found the idea so delightful that I knew I had to draw it. It took me relatively long, but I am quite happy with the result. 🙂
What do you think?
What do you think?
For the #Inktober2025 prompt "Drink" I chose one scene where a drink has a profound impact on the plot: The butler and the chief guard of the Elvenking's halls in The Hobbit share a drink together, which allows Bilbo to rescue his friends from the jail.
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
October 13, 2025 at 5:56 PM
For the #Inktober2025 prompt "Drink" I chose one scene where a drink has a profound impact on the plot: The butler and the chief guard of the Elvenking's halls in The Hobbit share a drink together, which allows Bilbo to rescue his friends from the jail.
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
I have recently drawn it as a part of my illustration for Chapter 2 of The Hobbit where Bilbo found it in the troll hoard.
"Bilbo took a knife in a leather sheath. It would have made only a tiny pocket-knife for a troll, but it was as good as a short sword for the hobbit."
"Bilbo took a knife in a leather sheath. It would have made only a tiny pocket-knife for a troll, but it was as good as a short sword for the hobbit."
October 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
I have recently drawn it as a part of my illustration for Chapter 2 of The Hobbit where Bilbo found it in the troll hoard.
"Bilbo took a knife in a leather sheath. It would have made only a tiny pocket-knife for a troll, but it was as good as a short sword for the hobbit."
"Bilbo took a knife in a leather sheath. It would have made only a tiny pocket-knife for a troll, but it was as good as a short sword for the hobbit."
For the #Inktober prompt "Sting" (I know, late), I couldn't draw anything else but a certain little sword that served Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
October 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
For the #Inktober prompt "Sting" (I know, late), I couldn't draw anything else but a certain little sword that served Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
At last I managed to draw something for this year's Inktober. 😅 More because I finally found some time to draw, than because I was especially keen on this prompt "Heavy", for which I finished it too late anyway. 😄
October 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
At last I managed to draw something for this year's Inktober. 😅 More because I finally found some time to draw, than because I was especially keen on this prompt "Heavy", for which I finished it too late anyway. 😄