Just a quick point - I was skimming Tolkien's translation of Sir Orfeo, & in the section where Orfeo comes before the King & Queen of Faerie there is this passage:
Quote:
When he had marked these marvels all,
he went before the King in hall,
and there a joyous sight did see,
a shining throne and canopy.
Their King and Lord there held his seat
beside their Lady fair and sweet.
Their crowns and clothes so brightly shone
that scarce his eyes might look thereon.
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This was one of Tolkien's favourite poems, & I can't help thinking that he was influenced by this encounter of a traveller to the Elven realm.