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
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.
Which details caught your attention the most.?
Which details caught your attention the most.?
January 29, 2026 at 9:33 AM
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.
Which details caught your attention the most.?
Which details caught your attention the most.?
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).
(Well, they weren't all fir trees, but the goblins obviously didn't care).
January 19, 2026 at 11:35 PM
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).
(Well, they weren't all fir trees, but the goblins obviously didn't care).
17 January - The Fellowship of the Ring are led through Lothlórien and reach Cerin Amroth. 🌳
"I feel as if I was inside a song." Sam’s words perfectly capture the essence of Lothlórien.
This scene has always been one of my favourites in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you think of my depiction?
"I feel as if I was inside a song." Sam’s words perfectly capture the essence of Lothlórien.
This scene has always been one of my favourites in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you think of my depiction?
January 17, 2026 at 10:12 PM
17 January - The Fellowship of the Ring are led through Lothlórien and reach Cerin Amroth. 🌳
"I feel as if I was inside a song." Sam’s words perfectly capture the essence of Lothlórien.
This scene has always been one of my favourites in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you think of my depiction?
"I feel as if I was inside a song." Sam’s words perfectly capture the essence of Lothlórien.
This scene has always been one of my favourites in The Lord of the Rings.
What do you think of my depiction?
On this day in Middle-earth 📅 On 13 January the Fellowship of the Ring reach the West-gate of Moria.
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."
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."
January 13, 2026 at 7:53 PM
On this day in Middle-earth 📅 On 13 January the Fellowship of the Ring reach the West-gate of Moria.
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."
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."
January 5, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Winter Hobbit Door (2023). ❄️ A hobbit hole door in a beautiful snowy winter, decorated for Yule. 🎄
December 23, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Winter Hobbit Door (2023). ❄️ A hobbit hole door in a beautiful snowy winter, decorated for Yule. 🎄
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 👈
You’re welcome to read and subscribe:
👉 matejcadil.substack.com 👈
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.
matejcadil.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM
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 👈
You’re welcome to read and subscribe:
👉 matejcadil.substack.com 👈
"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,’"
November 27, 2025 at 10:21 AM
"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
#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. 😁
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".
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? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️
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
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.
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
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...
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
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. 😄