are a port in the West of Middle-earth from which the Elves set sail for the
Undying Lands over the Sea, where the Valar and many Elves live. They're real
places, and there's a lot more information about them in The Silmarillion.
The Ringbearers are given special permission to sail, as mortals are usually
not allowed to set foot in the Undying Lands. The Elves, of course, are going
home, and so is Gandalf. In the Appendices, it says that Sam goes later, and so
do Legolas and Gimli (also given special
permission).
Silverlode
"They looked as he pointed, and before them they could see the stream leaping down to the trough of the valley, and then running on and away into the lower lands, until it was lost in a golden haze."
