The ensemble takes its name from J. R. R. Tolkien's fiktive Middle-earth plant Athelas, a herb with healing powers twice used by Aragorn to save Frodo in the Lord of the Rings.

A scrap of torn paper found in isolation bears the following pencilled notes dashed down in haste: Could Sam steal the Ring to save Frodo from danger?

Subsequent- ly my father pencilled in against this passage: Eagle should be flying from Sarn Gebir, bearing Gandalf from Tolbrandir where he resisted the Eye and saved Frodo?

The eagle participated in the Battle of the Morannon, and when Mount Doom erupted, he carried Gandalf to it, in order to save Frodo and Sam.

After his return to his home he never spoke of it again to anyone, save Gandalf and Frodo; and no one else in the Shire knew of its existence, or so he believed.