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Annon-in-Gelydh

2026-06-15T01:23:00Z

GandalftheGraeme: A few small grammar/spelling changes.

{{object infobox
| name=Annon-in-Gelydh
| image = Jonathan Guzi - Gate of the Noldor.jpg
| caption="Gate of the Noldor" by Jonathan Guzi
| pronun=
| othernames=Gate of the Noldor
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]
| owner=
| type=Gate
| appearance=
| creator=[[Turgon]]
| created=
| createdlocation=
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
| gallery=the Gate of the Noldor
}}
'''Annon-in-Gelydh''' ([[Sindarin|S]]. "Gate of the Noldor") was the eastern entrance in the western hills of [[Dor-lómin]] that led to a subterranean river-bed which started from [[Lake Mithrim]] and ended at the [[Cirith Ninniach]].

It was built by the [[Noldor]] of [[Turgon]] in the late [[First Age]]. After Turgon's departure to [[Gondolin]], the Gate was forgotten, but it was rediscovered and used centuries later by [[Tuor]] in his escape from the oppressed lands of [[Hithlum]] while finding his way into [[Nevrast]].<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Annon-in-Gelydh'' is a combination of ''[[annon]]'' ("gate"), the plural of the definite article ''[[i]]'', and the plural of ''[[Golodh]]'' ("Noldo").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-4089887271.html|articlename=S. ''Annon-in-Gelydh'' loc.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=22 September 2019}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External links==
*[http://users.abo.fi/jumppa/Atlas_of_Middle-earth_-_maps/the_gate_of_the_noldor.gif Schematic of the Gate of the Noldor] by [[Karen Fonstad]]
[[Category:Beleriand]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Doors and gates]]
[[de:Annon-in-Gelydh]]
[[fi:Annon-in-Gelydh]]
[[fi:Noldorin Portti]]

User talk:GandalftheGraeme

2025-08-31T01:18:57Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Spider stings */ Reply

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==Spider stings==

Hi. I started a discussion on the Discord server about your edit to [[Spiders]] that said it's clear that Tolkien meant that Shelob was depicted as stinging Frodo. That's not clear to me at all, so I hope you'll explain it. [[User:Spearwielder|Spearwielder]] ([[User talk:Spearwielder|talk]]) 01:08, 18 August 2025 (UTC)

:"Now the miserable creature was right under her, for the moment out of the reach of her sting and of her claws."
:"There she crouched, her shuddering belly splayed upon the ground, the great bows of her legs quivering, as she gathered herself for another spring – this time to crush and sting to death."
:I don't see how this can possibly mean "to bite." It would be a strange choice for Tolkien to pair "bite and claws" instead of "teeth and claws," if that's what he meant, not to mention the action of the scene just doesn't support "bite" at all to me.
:Further, John D. Rateliff explores this "error" in a section describing multiple discrepancies between real spiders and the "spider-like" Shelob, Ungoliant and the spiders of Mirkwood in his *The History of The Hobbit,* where he notes (commenting on Tolkien's recollection of being "stung" by a "tarantula" as a small child):
:"This little bit of autobiography is important because tarantulas do not sting: they bite – a small point, but nevertheless suggestive. Tolkien cannot be faulted for forgetting such a detail, since he was only a toddler when the incident occurred, but its significance is that his account shows that even years after writing The Hobbit he was under the impression that spiders have stings. This strongly suggests that Tolkien’s other departures from spider physiology were simple mistakes, however uncharacteristic, rather than deliberate changes for effect – unlike, say, the Nazgûl’s mounts, where he expressly stated that he was not attempting historical accuracy in his depiction but merely drawing on the ‘semi-scientific mythology of the “Prehistoric”’ as inspiration (JRRT to Rhona Beare, 14th October 1958; Letters p. 282).
:In point of fact, Tolkien could not have been ‘stung by a tarantula’ as a child because these spiders are not native to the Orange Free State or indeed southern Africa at all. Instead, the name is locally applied to solifugae, an aggressive arachnid also known as ‘wind scorpions’, ‘sun-spiders’, or ‘camel spiders’ but in fact neither a spider nor a scorpion but a cousin of both. The true tarantula (L. tarantula) of southern Europe is a type of wolf spider, a free-ranging hunter very like the Mirkwood spider pictured in Tolkien’s halftone of Mirkwood. The name’s most common usage today is through its application in the New World to various large hairy spiders of North, South, and Central America (Theraphosidae), some of which are so large that they can prey upon frogs, birds, and very small mammals (the so-called ‘bird-eating spiders’ and ‘monkey spider’)." [[User:GandalftheGraeme|GandalftheGraeme]] ([[User talk:GandalftheGraeme|talk]]) 04:45, 18 August 2025 (UTC)

::I think Rateliff jumped to a conclusion. It seems just as possible to me that Tolkien didn't know how spiders inject their venom but thought "sting" was an appropriate word for it, or knew they bite but still thought "sting" was an appropriate word, though archaic at the time.

::I agree that Tolkien used "sting" to mean a body part in your example, as well as when he tells Gandalf that he's wounded "with knife, sting, and tooth." But "sting" could mean part of a spider (or "any venomous beest", as I mentioned in the Discord comment), though examples are hard to find. Here's one from ''Towards a Natural History of Serpents'' (1742), by Charles Owen: "I proceed to the Spider, another little venomous Insect, whose forked Tongue or Sting, is very fine and sharp..."

::The second sentence you quoted continues, "no little ''bite'' of poison to still the struggling of her meat; this time to slay and then to rend." (Emphasis added.) That looks very much as if she bites to knock her prey out, though possibly "bite" there is some kind of figure of speech.

::I find the scene very easy to picture with biting. Shelob wants to spring at Sam, knock him down, and bite him, or crush him and then back up and bite him. It's harder to picture with a sting because we don't know where the sting would be. Incidentally, it's odd that Tolkien never describes what his giant spiders do to their prey, which makes me wonder whether he really didn't know what real spiders do.

::So I don't think Tolkien makes it clear at all what Shelob does to Frodo.

::(Irrelevantly to this argument, Rateliff may have jumped to another conclusion. There are in fact members of the family Theraphosidae in South Africa, and they're sometimes called tarantulas though maybe more often baboon spiders. Some are big, though not as big as the biggest South American species, and have painful bites. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpactirinae) [[User:Spearwielder|Spearwielder]] ([[User talk:Spearwielder|talk]]) 14:31, 19 August 2025 (UTC)

::I meant to add that Shelob's appearance is described in considerable detail. The part of her body that's most important to the plot is whatever she poisons Frodo with. Her "beak drabbling a spittle of venom" is mentioned, but nothing about a separate sting, even though Sam gets a back view of her when she flees into her tunnel. [[User:Spearwielder|Spearwielder]] ([[User talk:Spearwielder|talk]]) 19:24, 19 August 2025 (UTC)
:::I mean we wouldn't really describe spiders as "insects" today either, as far as the Owen reference. Tolkien also got the "beak" wrong (spiders have chelicerae), and implied that the spiders of Mirkwood have compound eyes, which real spiders do not (as far as that goes tarantulas aren't even "true spiders," but that's getting into the weeds a bit), and he also suggest Shelob doesn't molt, again unlike actual spiders. I'll admit I have no idea if harpactirinae live in what was once the Orange Free State, or did in the late 19th century (and Rateliff may not either).
:::I guess I just don't see why obcure, centuries-old examples of a word need be sought out when there's little to suggest the modern and far more common meaning is out of place. Etymonline suggests "sting" has been mostly limited to stinging insects since the 14th century. [[User:GandalftheGraeme|GandalftheGraeme]] ([[User talk:GandalftheGraeme|talk]]) 02:47, 20 August 2025 (UTC)
::::I'd say there are good reasons to consider obsolete senses of "sting". Tolkien uses the word "bite". He describes Shelob's venomous beak and many details not directly relevant to the story, but never describes a stinger. And surely it was well known that spiders bite--better known than that they're not insects--but he used "sting" about the one that bit him. Edit: Also Tolkien used archaisms.
::::In regard to what bit him, I looked things up and by far the best possibility seems to be the Highveld Baboon Spider, ''Harpactira hamiltoni''. [https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/138699614 It has been observed recently in or near Bloemfontein] and it's [https://www.mymonsters.co.za/product/harpactira-hamiltoni/#google_vignette described as "commonly found and seen"]. I think Rateliff's comment should be taken out of the article. The only thing that I see as possibly worth keeping is the suggestion that what bit little Ronald might have been a solifuge, but I'd want independent confirmation that they're locally known as tarantulas. (I don't know whether there are other spiders or spider-like animals in the area that have painful bites.)
::::Another subject: Maybe Shelob's beak, which you pointed out, should go into the article as another example of a difference from real spiders. [[User:Spearwielder|Spearwielder]] ([[User talk:Spearwielder|talk]]) 13:10, 20 August 2025 (UTC) [[User:Spearwielder|Spearwielder]] ([[User talk:Spearwielder|talk]]) 13:10, 20 August 2025 (UTC)
:::::I'm not convinced, personally, but I won't make any more edits. [[User:GandalftheGraeme|GandalftheGraeme]] ([[User talk:GandalftheGraeme|talk]]) 01:17, 31 August 2025 (UTC)
::::::It seems probable at least that Tolkien didn't know (or care) a whole lot about the anatomical details of real-life spiders. [[User:GandalftheGraeme|GandalftheGraeme]] ([[User talk:GandalftheGraeme|talk]]) 01:18, 31 August 2025 (UTC)

User talk:GandalftheGraeme

2025-08-31T01:17:51Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Spider stings */ Reply

User talk:GandalftheGraeme

2025-08-20T02:47:46Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Spider stings */ Reply

User talk:GandalftheGraeme

2025-08-18T04:45:27Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Spider stings */ Reply

Beleriand

2025-07-14T15:49:41Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Other versions of the legendarium */

{{location infobox
| name=Beleriand
| image=Christopher Tolkien - Map of Beleriand (colored by H.E. Riddett).jpg
| caption="[[Map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North]]" drawn by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and coloured by [[H.E. Riddett]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[beˈlerjand]}}
| othernames=''Valariandë'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Hekelmar'', ''Hekeldamar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Heculbar'', ''Hecellubar'' ([[Telerin|T]])
| location=[[Arda]], east of [[Belegaer]]
| type=Continent
| description=
| regions=[[West Beleriand]], [[East Beleriand]]
| settlements=
| inhabitants=[[Men]], [[Elves]], [[Dwarves]], [[Orcs]], others
| created=
| destroyed={{FA|587}}
| events=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
}}
{{quote|Beleriand, Beleriand / borders of the faëry land.|''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Lay of Leithian Canto II|Canto II]], vv. 399-400}}
'''Beleriand''' was the region of north-western [[Middle-earth]] during the [[First Age]]. Originally, the name belonged only to the area around the [[Bay of Balar]], but in time the name was applied to the entire land.

==Geography==
[[File:Hope Maps - Beleriand Map.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Beleriand Map'' by [[:Category:Images by Hope Maps|Hope Maps]]]]
In the First Age, Beleriand was among the westernmost lands of Middle-earth.<ref name="western">{{S|3}}, p. 44</ref> Beleriand had a long western shoreline with the Great Sea [[Belegaer]], including the [[Bay of Balar]] in its south-west. The Ered Luin ([[Blue Mountains]]) formed the eastern border of Beleriand, separating it from [[Eriador]].<ref name="western" /> To the south, Beleriand "had no sure boundaries; for there were pathless forests in those days between the unpeopled shores and the lower waters of [the river] [[Gelion]]."<ref>{{HM|WR}}, p. 5</ref><ref>In the earliest conceptions of Beleriand, Tolkien shown it was bound to the south by a [[Great Gulf]] of Belegaer.{{SM|5}}, p. 306</ref> North of Beleriand were the highland regions of [[Hithlum]],<ref name="hithlum">{{S|14}}, p. 112</ref> [[Dorthonion]], and [[Lothlann]].<ref>{{S|18}}, p. 147</ref> Some people considered the land of [[Nevrast]] to be part of Beleriand, while others considered it part of Hithlum.<ref name="hithlum" /> Beleriand stretched about 550 miles broad from [[Eglarest]] on its western shore to the Blue Mountains in the east.<ref name=":0">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Carl F. Hostetter]] (ed.). ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]'' (Parte One: Time and Ageing; VII. The March of the Quendi).</ref>

The River [[Sirion]], the chief river of Beleriand, running north to south, divided it into [[West Beleriand]] and [[East Beleriand]]. Crossing it east to west was a series of hills and a sudden drop in elevation known as [[Andram]], the Long Wall. (The river sank into the ground at the ''Fens of Sirion'', and re-emerged below the Andram at the ''Gates of Sirion''.) To the east of the Long Wall, was the River [[Gelion]] and its six tributaries draining the Ered Luin, in [[Ossiriand]] or the Land of Seven Rivers. The River [[Brithon]] and the River [[Nenning]] were the two lesser rivers of the western land of [[Falas]].

By {{FA|587}}, Beleriand was mostly destroyed and submerged under the sea from the [[War of Wrath]] of the [[Valar]] against [[Morgoth]]. Only a small section of East Beleriand remained, and was known as [[Lindon]].

In addition, fulfilling a prophecy, the graves of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Morwen]] survived as the island [[Tol Morwen]]. Likewise part of [[Dorthonion]] became [[Tol Fuin]], and the [[Hill of Himring]] became the island of Himling. All of these together were also mentioned as the Western Isles.<ref name="Quenta">{{LR|P2VI}}</ref>{{rp|332}}

Regions and kingdoms of Beleriand:
*[[Arvernien]]
*[[Forest of Brethil]]
*[[Dimbar]]
*[[Doriath]]
*[[Estolad]]
*[[Falas]]
*[[Himlad]]
*[[Nan-tathren]] (Land of Willows)
*[[Talath Dirnen]] (Guarded Plain)
*[[Taur-en-Faroth]] (Forest of the Hunters)
*[[Taur-im-Duinath]]
*[[Thargelion]]
*[[Ossiriand]] or [[Lindon]]

Cities of Beleriand:
*[[Belegost]]<ref name=":0" group="note">Both Belegost and Nogrod were located in the eastern side of the Blue Mountains. It is not clear if they were part of Beleriand, of Eriador, of both, or of neither, though many consider them to be part of Beleriand because of their relationship with the Sindar (and later Noldor) in the First Age.</ref>
*[[Brithombar]]
*[[Eglarest]]
*[[Gondolin]]
*[[Himring]]
*[[Menegroth]]
*[[Nargothrond]]
*[[Nogrod]]<ref name=":0" group="note" />
*[[Vinyamar]]

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Beleriand.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Beleriand'' translates to "The Country of [[Ossë|Balar]]" with the ending ''[[-ian|-ian(d)]]'' for places and countries. The [[OS]] form could have been *''Balariandë'' (''a'' [[i-affection|slid]] to ''e'' because of the following ''i'').

The element ''Balar'' refers to [[Ossë]], who often dwelt at the shores (although this refers to the earlier [[legendarium]] when Ossë and [[Uinen]] were [[Valar]] of the sea, not [[Maiar]] of Ulmo).<ref name="ety">{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry BAL</ref><ref>{{GA|2}}</ref> It was from Balar that the Teleri expanded and "colonised" the region of Beleriand, hence the name.<ref name="ety" />

===Nomenclature===
The name ''Beleriand'' originally applied only to the region around the [[Bay of Balar]] whence the name, before expanded to refer to the wider region. Properly ''Beleriand'' does not refer to the [[Northlands]] such as [[Anfauglith]], or the eastern lands of [[Thargelion]]; [[Nevrast]] and [[Dorthonion]] are "grey areas".<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 41</ref> However the term ''Beleriand'' is sometimes used collectivelly in [[fandom]] to include all those submerged lands.

==Other names==
*Middle [[Quenya]] name '''''Valariandë'''''.<ref name="Quenta" />{{rp|202}}
*Archaic Quenya names '''''Hekelmar''''' and '''''Hekeldamar''''' or, in the [[Telerin|speech of the Teleri]], '''''Heculbar''''' and '''''Hecellubar''''',<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|365}} which meant the 'Land of the Hekeldi', deriving from the name ''[[Sindar|Hekeldi]]'' ('forsaken ones') for [[Úmanyar|those Elves who remained behind]] during the Great Journey<ref name="WJ" />{{rp|374}}.
*'''''Ingolondë''''' ([[Quenya|Q.]]), meaning "''Country of the Noldor''", was an ancient name for the kingdoms of the Noldor in Beleriand.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 77</ref>
*'''''Eldavehtë''''' ([[Quenya|Q.]]), understood and defined as "a habitation, haunt or place occupied by Eldar".<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 189</ref>

==Relative location to Eriador and within Middle-earth==
[[File:Map of Beleriand and Eriador.png|thumb|Map of Beleriand and Eriador by [[Christopher Gilson]], published in {{PE|6}} ([[1983]]).]]

The [[Map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North|map of Beleriand as published in ''The Silmarillion'']] (1977) shows only a portion of the region, with few common points to the better-known [[Third Age]] [[Westlands]] maps of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''; the only explicit common references are the [[Blue Mountains]], which formed the boundary between Beleriand and [[Eriador]], and the information that in the Third Age, [[Lindon]] was part of Ossiriand that survived Beleriand's destruction at the end of the First Age.

In [[1979]], [[Charles Noad]]<ref>[[Charles Noad]], "A Note on the Geography of the First Age" in ''[[Amon Hen (journal)|Amon Hen]]'' no. [[Amon Hen 38|38]], April 1979, reprinted in ''[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]'' no. [[Mallorn 27|27]], September 1990, p. 40.</ref> made an attempt to reconstruct a general map of Beleriand and Eriador. Using only the few distance indications from the text of ''The Silmarillion'', Noad's very early attempt is remarkable as it proves very accurate despite being published before ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' (where the island of Himling was first depicted, with Tol Fuin mentioned westwards) and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''.

In [[1989]], [[Ronald Kyrmse|Ronald E. Kyrmse]]<ref>[[Ronald Kyrmse]], "The Geographical Relation between Beleriand and Eriador" in ''[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]'' no. [[Mallorn 26|26]], September 1989, pp. 25–27.</ref> independently proposed his own map reconstruction, aligning the isle of [[Himling]] with the hill of [[Himring]]. Kyrmse also identified [[Dolmed]] on the early map of Beleriand as being the same as a mountain on the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' map (depicted slightly apart of the mountain range and north of the wooden area in [[Forlindon]]), proving that Dolmed still existed in the Third Age (being too far north from the Gulf of Lune to have been destroyed). He might therefore have been the first to discover that Dolmed survived the destruction of Beleriand at the end of the First Age.

[[File:Sage - Beleriand and Eriador collage.png|thumb|How [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] envisioned Beleriand relative to Eriador. The rectangle marks the region shown in the ''The Silmarillion'' map (canon); the rest, including the [[Thangorodrim]], are Fonstad's extrapolations.]]
In [[1991]], [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] faced the same problems when she attempted to make a world-map of [[Arda]]. She found a solution by combining an early map for ''The Lord of the Rings'' (published in ''[[The Treason of Isengard]]'')<ref>{{TI|MI}}, p. 302</ref> and an early map for the Silmarillion (published in ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]''),<ref>{{LR|A3}}, pp. 408-411</ref> both being prototypes for the published maps by [[Christopher Tolkien]]. She aligned [[Tol Fuin]] with [[Taur-nu-Fuin]] and [[Himling]] with [[Himring]] and filled the rest of the outline with some inspiration from the [[:File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Ambarkanta Map V.png|only world-map]] by Tolkien.<ref>{{SM|Ambar}}</ref> She brought the coast near that of [[Belfalas]], continued the course of [[Gelion]] to the south-west, extended the south-western tip to emphasize the Bay of Balar, and assumed that area as forested, a continuation of [[Taur-im-Duinath]].<ref name="Atlas">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]''</ref>{{rp|3}} While the [[Iron Mountains]] do not appear in the canonical map, Fonstad drew them as a continuation to her imagined range of [[Iron Hills]]—[[Grey Mountains]]—[[Mountains of Angmar]].
[[File:Didier Willis - Beleriand and Eriador.png|thumb|left|Reconstructed location of Beleriand at the appropriate scale and position relative to [[Eriador]], as drawn by [[Didier Willis]]]]
In the early 1990s, [[Didier Willis]] independently made the same attempt using the map from ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' that shows Himling; the second map of Beleriand, which was published in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'' and indicates distances;<ref>{{HM|WJ}}, pp. 182-185</ref> and the draft map of the lands east of the Blue Mountains published in ''The Treason of Isengard'', which also indicates distances. Quite similar to Noad and Kymrse's earlier attempts, Willis' interpretation shows a slightly smaller Beleriand than Fonstad's and places the First Age [[Bay of Balar]] closer to the Third Age [[Gulf of Lune]].<ref>''Hiswelóce'' (fanzine, French), special issue no. 1, La Faculté des Etudes Elfiques, 1994; [http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=en&pg=41 Mont Dolmed & cités naines — « Lhúndirien » ou le recollage du Beleriand et de l'Eriador], revised and improved version in Willis, Didier (editor), ''[[Tolkien, le façonnement d'un monde]]'' (2014), vol. 2, pp. 197-230.</ref> Not knowing Kyrmse's earlier interpretation, Willis also independently recognized [[Dolmed]] on the early map of Beleriand and criticized Fonstad and [[Robert Foster]] who suggested the opposite.<ref name="Atlas" />{{rp|34}}<ref>[[Robert Foster]], ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'', entry "Dolmed"</ref>
[[File:Middle-earth and Beleriand Map (2).png|alt=Beleriand with the appropriate scale and at the correct position (considering both the late maps of Beleriand and Middle-earth and The Nature of Middle-earth distance scale), as edited by Projeto Tolkien.|thumb|Beleriand with the appropriate scale and at the correct position (considering both the late maps of Beleriand and Middle-earth and The Nature of Middle-earth distance scale), as edited by [[User:ProjetoTolkien|Projeto Tolkien]].]]
In 2021, a manuscript from c. 1959 was published posthumously in ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]'', in which Tolkien considers Beleriand to be about 550 miles broad from Eglarest to the Blue Mountains.<ref name=":0" /> When we equate this new found distance scale for Beleriand with the already known distance scale for the late Third Age Middle-earth (which appears in the map itself), both the Blue Mountains and Tol Himling and Himring are perfectly aligned, which means this is most likely the aproximate size and location of Beleriand when compared to the late Third Age Middle-earth (which is also a bit smaller than Fonstad's recreation).

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The earliest name in the [[legendarium]] was '''''Broseliand''''' (emended from ''Broceliand'').<ref name="Broseliand">{{LB|C1}}, p. 160</ref> The name is not glossed, but in the [[The First 'Silmarillion' Map|First 'Silmarillion' Map]] it is said that it is the English name for "all the lands watered by Sirion south of [[Gondolin]]".<ref>{{SM|4c}}, p. 226</ref> While writing [[The Lay of Leithian]], Tolkien considered several names to replace ''Broseliand'', which also remain unglossed but [[Christopher Tolkien]] tried to explain:<ref name="Broseliand" />

*''Golodhinand'' and ''Noldórinan'', both related to the [[Gnomes]] in the stems ''[[Golodh]]'' and ''[[Noldo]]''.
*''Bladorinand'', related to ''Bladorwen'', the name for [[Palúrien]] as "the wide earth, Mother Earth".
*''Belaurien'', related to ''Belaurin'', the [[Gnomish]] form of ''Palúrien''.
*''Geleriand'', ''Arsiriand'', ''Lassiriand'' and ''[[Ossiriand]]'', Christopher is not able to explain.

==Inspiration==
The early names ''Broceliand''/''Broseliand'' affirms that Tolkien was inspired by the legendary forest of ''[[Wikipedia:Brocéliande|Brocéliande]]''.<ref name="Broseliand">{{LB|C1}}, p. 160</ref>

==See also==
*[[Mountains#Beleriand|Mountains of Beleriand]]
*[[:Category:Rivers of Beleriand|Rivers of Beleriand]]

==External links==
*[http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/faq/comparison.html Where in Middle-earth was Beleriand?] by Mark Fisher
*[http://lotrproject.com/map/beleriand/ Interactive Map of Beleriand] by Emil Johansson

==Notes==
{{references}}
[[Category:Beleriand| ]]
[[Category:Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Noldorin locations]]
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Beleriand]]
[[fi:Beleriand]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:regions:beleriand]]

Aerin

2025-02-14T05:49:17Z

GandalftheGraeme: A few small grammar/spelling changes.

{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Aerin
| image=Turner Mohan - Aerin.jpg
| caption="Aerin" by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Lady Aerin, Indor’s daughter
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|496}} (suicide)
| deathlocation=Dor-lómin
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Indor]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Brodda]]
| children=
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}

'''Aerin''', the daughter of [[Indor]],<ref>{{CH|12}}, p. 189</ref> was a [[House of Hador|kinswoman]] of [[Húrin]] in [[Dor-lómin]], taken as wife by [[Brodda|Brodda the Easterling]].

==History==
After the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Brodda]] the [[Easterlings|Easterling]] became the lord of [[Hithlum]], and took her as his wife against her will, hoping thus to produce an heir. Aerin secretly helped [[Húrin]]'s wife [[Morwen]].<ref>{{CH|4}}, p. 69</ref>

When [[Túrin]], son of Húrin, returned to [[Dor-lómin]], he learned from Aerin that his mother had left Hithlum. In rage he killed Brodda, thereby also sealing Aerin's fate, who immolated herself alive in her [[Brodda's hall|hall]] to prevent further torment from other Easterlings. From then on, the remainder of the [[House of Hador]] were to be persecuted even more cruelly than before.<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref>{{CH|12}}</ref>

==Etymology==
As [[Paul Strack]] points out, due the context in later [[legendarium]], the name should be [[Mannish]] Hadorian, but because its development in [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s works, it could be [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-797072021.html|articlename=Ed. ''Aerin'' f.|website=Eldamo|accessed=31 May 2024}}</ref> If that was the case it would include the element ''[[aer]]'' ("ocean"). The ending perhaps is the same in the names of ''Húrin'' and ''Túrin''; in that case the name would mean "She who desires the Sea".

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | IND | |IND=[[Indor]] ''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | |}}
{{familytree| BRO |~| AER | |BRO=[[Brodda]] ''d. {{FA|496}}''|AER='''AERIN''' ''d. {{FA|496}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
This character already appears in the early version of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', with the [[Gnomish]] name '''''Airin'''''. She is described as "of the long hair", and she is also a kinswoman of [[Mavwin]] and wife of Brodda. Here he is not an Easterling, but it is said she had a horrible life by his side.<ref name="Turambar">{{LT2|II}}</ref>{{rp|91}}

When Mawvin decided to leave [[Hisilómë]] and go to [[Tinwelint]]'s realm, she asked Airin to put her daughter and properties under the care of Brodda. Airin conviced her husband of this without effort, but [[Nienóri]] refused to stay.<ref name="Turambar" />{{rp|93}}

She was not present when Turambar arrived at [[Brodda's hall]] and killed him. After the murder of Brodda and [[Orlin]], Airin appeared and stopped others from attacking Turambar. She was horrified by the crime, and Turambar did not dare to look upon her. Then she pronounced a public judgement, saying that Brodda was a bad lord and Turambar's wrath was just, but being a guest, killing his host was a terrible crime, as was killing Orlin of the same kind. Therefore she condemned Turambar to be disinherited and exiled for ever. Everyone there agreed with her, save Turambar, who asked to be killed right away. But the people there loved Airin and respected her, and Airin's secret wish to keep Túrin alive was fulfilled.<ref name="Turambar" />{{rp|89–91}}

She is given the Gnomish name '''''Faiglindra''''' ("long-tressed"); in [[Qenya]] '''''Firilanda'''''.<ref name="Turambar" />{{rp|93}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

[[de:Aerin]]
[[fi:Aerin]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple de hador/aerin]]

Annon-in-Gelydh

2024-11-22T02:30:51Z

GandalftheGraeme: Grammar change.

{{object infobox
| name=Annon-in-Gelydh
| image = Jonathan Guzi - Gate of the Noldor.jpg
| caption="Gate of the Noldor" by Jonathan Guzi
| pronun=
| othernames=Gate of the Noldor
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]
| owner=
| type=Gate
| appearance=
| creator=[[Turgon]]
| created=
| createdlocation=
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
| gallery=the Gate of the Noldor
}}
'''Annon-in-Gelydh''' ([[Sindarin|S]]. "Gate of the Noldor") was the eastern entrance in the western hills of [[Dor-lómin]], that led to a subterranean river-bed and ended to the [[Cirith Ninniach]].

It was built by the [[Noldor]] of [[Turgon]] in the late [[First Age]]. After Turgon's departure to [[Gondolin]], the Gate was forgotten, but it was rediscovered and used centuries later by [[Tuor]] in his escape from the oppressed lands of [[Hithlum]] and finding his way into [[Nevrast]].<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Annon-in-Gelydh'' is a combination of ''[[annon]]'' ("gate"), the plural of the definite article ''[[i]]'', and the plural of ''[[Golodh]]'' ("Noldo").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-4089887271.html|articlename=S. ''Annon-in-Gelydh'' loc.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=22 September 2019}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External links==
*[http://users.abo.fi/jumppa/Atlas_of_Middle-earth_-_maps/the_gate_of_the_noldor.gif Schematic of the Gate of the Noldor] by [[Karen Fonstad]]
[[Category:Beleriand]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Doors and gates]]
[[de:Annon-in-Gelydh]]
[[fi:Annon-in-Gelydh]]
[[fi:Noldorin Portti]]

Arnor

2024-11-08T06:13:26Z

GandalftheGraeme: Changed noun "strife" into past tense verb "strove."

{{kingdom
| image=Stephen_Raw_-_Middle-earth_map_(1_of_4).png
| name=Arnor
| pronun=
| othernames=Kingdom of the North, the Lost Realm, the North-kingdom, the Northern Kingdom, the North-realm
| location=Most of [[Eriador]]
| capital=[[Annúminas]], later [[Fornost Erain]]
| towns=[[Lond Daer]], [[Tharbad]], [[Bree]], [[Hobbiton]]
| regions=[[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]]
| population=[[Arnorians]] [[Middle Men]] [[Hobbits]] Few [[Elves]]
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Hobbitish]]
| govern1=[[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]/[[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]]
| govern2=Council of Arnor
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=[[Númenor]]
| event1=Founded
| event1date={{SA|3320}}
| event2=Divided
| event2date={{TA|861}}
| event3=Abandoned
| event3date={{TA|1974}}
| event4=Re-formed
| event4date=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}}
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=[[Reunited Kingdom]]
}}

'''Arnor''', or the '''Northern Kingdom''', was a kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the land of [[Eriador]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was the original seat of the [[High King (Dúnedain)|High King of Arnor]] who ruled over both Arnor and [[Gondor]].
==Geography==
Arnor included most of [[Eriador]], extending from the gulf of [[Lune]] (west of which was [[Lindon]]) to the river [[Greyflood]] and its tributary, the river [[Loudwater]] (east of which was [[Rivendell]]).<ref name="eriador"/>

The Dunedain of Arnor dwelt in many places in Eriador, but most of the population centered around the region of [[Arthedain]]. The Dunedain mainly inhabited the cities of [[Fornost]] and the capital city of [[Annúminas]], as well as along the [[Baranduin]] and the gulf of [[Lune]]. By the later [[Third Age]], the settlements of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]] had decayed and become ruins and [[barrows]].<ref name=rings/>
=== Regions ===

* [[Arthedain]], the core of the north-kingdom bordering the Lune
* [[Cardolan]], the lands south of the [[East Road]], east of the Brandywine
* [[Rhudaur]], the region between the Weather Hills and the [[Misty Mountains]]

=== Sites of civilization===

* [[Annúminas]], the old capital on the shore of Lake Evendim
* [[Fornost]], the new capital of the successor state of Arthedain
* [[Bree]], a trading centre located on the East Road
* [[Lond Daer]], an old harbour town founded by Númenóreans
* [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], also called Weathertop, a watchtower on the highest of the Weather Hills
* [[Elostirion]], an elven watchtower in the [[Tower Hills]]
* [[Tharbad]], a fortified town and port on each side of the River Greyflood on the southern border of Arnor

=== ''[[Palantíri]]'' ===

The '''[[Palantíri]]''' or 'seeing stones' were spherical stones that could communicate with each other and give visual impressions to a skilled remote user. [[Elendil]] and his two sons originally divided these stones between themselves. They were usually heavily guarded and under the control of the kings. There were seven of these stones in total. The northern kingdom possessed three, and the southern kingdom held the other four.<ref name=rings/>{{rp|362}} They were:

* The [[Elostirion-stone]], kept in the tower of [[Elostirion]]. This was used to communicate with The Master Stone in [[Tol Eressëa]], the Lonely Isle of the Elves, along the [[Straight Road]]. It could not contact the other Middle-Earth stones.
* The [[Amon Sûl-stone]], kept in the watchtower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. The [[Amon Sûl-stone]] was a large stone, and the northern kings often used it to contact its corresponding large stone in Gondor, at the great dome of [[Osgiliath]].
* The [[Annúminas-stone]], kept in Arnor's capital city of [[Annúminas]]. Though one of the lesser stones, it was the stone most often used by the [[Kings of Arnor]].

==History==

=== Early history ===
Before the foundation of Arnor, [[Eriador]] was home to [[Middle Men]] of [[Edain]] stock. As a result of the slow emigration that started under the [[Númenórean]] kings [[Tar-Meneldur]] and [[Tar-Aldarion]], a sizable population formed. These early colonists soon interbred with the indigenous population of Eriador. The [[Faithful]] favored Eriador over the more southern regions (Gondor) because the [[Elves of Lindon]] under their high king [[Gil-galad]] lived very near across the river [[Lhûn]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>{{rp|360}} Conversely, the [[King's Men]] settled more to the south in the later days. Thus, the area was populated by people who were mainly still Faithful and [[Elf-friends]], where much of the knowledge of the [[Elder Days]] was preserved.

[[File:Steven White Jr. - Ann18.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Palace Complex at Annúminas'' by Steven White, Jr.]]
During the [[Downfall of Númenor]], [[Elendil]] and his people sailed through the [[Gulf of Lune]] and up the [[Lune]] river, and befriended the [[High King of the Noldor]] Gil-galad.<ref name=rings/> Both Elendil and his sons were welcomed by the Men who were in whole or part of [[Númenorean]] blood.<ref name=rings/><ref name=languages>{{App|Men}}</ref> These [[Men of Eriador]] accepted the new kingdom of Elendil and helped to people and maintain the many places that the Northern Dúnedain built.<ref name=rings/> The [[Men of Bree]] also became subjects of Arnor.<ref name=languages/> Gil-galad and [[Elves of Lindon|his people]] aided the fledgling realm; he even built the [[Emyn Beraid]] for Elendil.<ref name=rings/>

Elendil founded Arnor at the end of the [[Second Age]] ({{SA|3320}}), while his sons founded the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. Both kingdoms of the [[Númenóreans]] were known as the [[Realms in Exile]], and their history is intertwined.
Despite its precedence over it as the seat of the High King, Arnor was never as powerful and populous as Gondor.<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref>

Elendil established the city of [[Annúminas]] as his capital. Besides the chief cities like Annúminas and [[Fornost]], the [[Men of Arnor]] concentrated around the courses of the Lhûn and the [[Baranduin]], the hills of [[Rhudaur]], and built towers on [[Amon Sûl]].<ref name=rings/>
=== [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Isildur 2.jpg|right|thumb|''Isildur'' in Peter Jackson's ''The Fellowship of the Ring'']]
In {{SA|3430}}, Arnor joined forces with [[Gil-galad]] in a great alliance opposing Sauron, the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. When Elendil led his people against [[Sauron]], the [[Dúnedain]] and the other Men of Eriador marched together to the South.<ref name=rings/> In conjunction with southern forces from Gondor, they confronted Sauron's armies in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. This great war lasted several years, that reached [[Dagorlad]] and [[Mordor]] itself far in the south, culminating to the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. Both [[Elendil]] and his son [[Anárion]] were slain in this conflict, but [[Isildur]] cut the [[One Ring]] from Sauron's finger and prevailed.

Isildur (who was also King of Gondor) was the elder son of Elendil and would inherit the High Kingship and throne of Arnor. But he never reached his new realm: he was killed in {{TA|2}} in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], as were his three eldest sons; the [[One Ring]] was also lost there.

Isildur's fourth and youngest son, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had remained at [[Rivendell]] due to his youth, became [[Heir of Isildur|his heir]] ({{TA|10}}). But the Men of Arnor suffered heavy casualties in the War and subsequent Disaster; there now remained too few people and the places that Elendil had built became partially depopulated. Arnor never fully recovered from the devastating losses.<ref name=rings/>

Because neither Valandil nor his subsequent heirs claimed the throne of Gondor (at least until [[Arvedui|Arvedui's]] attempt), the realms were split; but whilst Arnor's ruler kept the title [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] in practice they were King of Arnor only, and had no power over the South-kingdom. [[Anárion]] and his heirs made no claim over the Northern-kingdom and styled themselves as simply as [[Kings of Gondor]].

=== Breakup, decline, and war with Angmar ===
Arnor's capital was [[Annúminas]] on [[Lake Evendim]], but by {{TA|861}} [[Fornost Erain]] had taken its place. No longer a site of such importance, Annúminas became depopulated and was slowly abandoned.

After the death of its tenth king, [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]], in {{TA|861}}, Arnor was divided up between his three sons. The eldest, [[Amlaith]], claimed Kingship over all Arnor but was reduced to only ruling the region of Arthedain as his kingdom, while the other sons founded the kingdoms of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref><ref name=rings/><ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref> The three petty kingdoms often strove with each other, usually over control of the [[Weather Hills]] and the [[palantíri|palantír]] of [[Amon Sûl]].<ref name=eriador/>

[[File:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|right|thumb|220px|''The Witch King'' by Eliot Gould]]

Seeing the disunion in Arnor, during the reign of Malvegil (c. {{TA|1300}}), the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] arose in the north, later identified as in fact the lord of [[Sauron]]'s [[Ringwraiths]]. This new threat began attacking Rhudaur and Cardolan.<ref name=eriador/>

Eventually the line of [[Isildur]] failed in the other kingdoms but Arthedain and the Dúnedain were few in Rhudaur, where a lord of the [[Hill-men]], secretly supporting Angmar, seized power. Arnor was refounded ''de jure'' by the seventh [[King of Arthedain]], [[Argeleb I]], and Cardolan placed itself under its suzerainty but Rhudaur resisted. Arthedain thus reasserted control over Cardolan but in response, fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]], but Rhudaur and Angmar attacked and killed the King in {{TA|1356}}. His son [[Arveleg I]], however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and [[Lindon]] and drove the enemy back.<ref name=eriador/>
[[File:BFME2 - Weathertop.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Weathertop'' from BFME2]]
Arveleg continued to hold the frontier along the Hills for the following years, until {{TA|1409}}, when Angmar crossed the [[Hoarwell]] and successfully captured [[Weathertop]], and Arveleg fell in battle, as did the [[last prince of Cardolan]] (later interred in the [[Barrow-downs]]).<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 144-5; Index, 'Cardolan, [[Last prince of Cardolan|last prince of]]'</ref> Amon Sûl fell, and its ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' was taken to Fornost. With Amon Sûl lost, Angmar had free reign over the all the lands of Cardolan, which was ravaged, and the population was forced to hold out in the Barrow Downs, or took refuge in the [[Old Forest]]. Rhudaur was occupied by evil Men subject to [[Angmar]], and the remaining Dúnedain were slain or fled west.<ref name=eriador/>

[[The Shire]], once the hunting grounds of the [[King of Arnor]], was a fertile and well-tilled part of Arnor, deserted during the waning days of the Arthedain. The [[Hobbits]] (who had lived in [[Dunland]] and parts of depopulated [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]]) got official permission from King [[Argeleb II]] to settle the lands. This was finally done in {{TA|1601}} by [[Bree-hobbits]] led by the brothers [[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]]; almost all of the Hobbits of Middle-earth could be found there by 30 years later. The [[Shire-hobbits]] considered themselves as subjects of the King of Arthedain, at least nominally, considering the isolation of their country. Nevertheless, they sent some support troops to the great battles Arnor fought against Angmar.<ref name=eriador/>

The Men of Arnor did not have the strength to drive away the forces of Angmar, so the [[Elves of Lindon]], forces of [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] would defeat the armies of Angmar much later.<ref name=eriador/>

=== The [[Great Plague]] ===
[[File:Amir Salehi - Servant of Death.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Amir Salehi - ''Servant of Death'']]
Another threat appeared to the northern kingdoms, the [[Great Plague]] that came from the [[East]]. The Men of Arnor were so much affected that the joint garrison at [[Tharbad]] that Arnor held with Gondor, ceased to exist,<ref>{{UT|6d}}</ref> and the last of the Dúnedain of Cardolan died on the Barrow-downs. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area.

The [[Shire-folk]] were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.<ref name=eriador/>

The two Realms in Exile eventually suspected that these disasters might be being coordinated by a single power, and resumed communications. As a result, Prince Arvedui, heir to the Sceptre, wedded [[Fíriel]], the daughter of [[Ondoher]] [[King of Gondor]] ({{TA|1940}}). That happened before Ondoher was slain in battle, and hoping to save his Kingdom, Arvedui staked his claim to Gondor, by right of his descent from Elendil and by that of his wife. The [[Council of Gondor]] refused the reunification and crowned King [[Eärnil II]], who maintained good relations with Arnor, promising aid against Angmar. But Arnor's strength was fast dwindling; in {{TA|1973}} Arvedui (who now was King) sent a message to Gondor that Angmar was preparing its final assault, and Eärnil mustered a great armament bound for [[Lindon]], but it would arrive too late.<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

=== Fall of Arthedain ===

In {{TA|1974}}, the final chapter in Arthedain's history began. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather. The capital of [[Fornost]] fell, and the remaining Arnorian forces were driven over the Lune river into Lindon.<ref name=eriador/> Arvedui fled to [[Forochel]], while his son, [[Aranarth]], informed [[Círdan]] at the [[Grey Havens]] about the disaster. Círdan's sailors were eventually unable to rescue Arvedui, and [[Malbeth]] the Seer's prophecy at his birth, that he would be the 'Last king' of Arthedain, was fulfilled.

=== Showdown with Angmar ===
The Gondorian naval forces under [[Eärnur]], [[Captain of Gondor]] eventually landed in the Grey Havens, from which debarked the most powerful army seen in the north of Middle-earth in centuries.

The remnants of Arnor would later join the great force, led by Cirdan and Eärnur, in the greatest joint Elf-Man army since the [[War of the Last Alliance]]; this great [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]] marched northward toward the Arnorian capital of Fornost, where the Witch-king had occupied.
He confidently marched his forces out to meet them in the open. The Host attacked him from the [[Hills of Evendim]], and a [[Battle of Fornost|large battle]] broke out. The cavalry under Eärnur pursued what remained of the Angmar forces, and were joined by an Elven force under [[Glorfindel]] from [[Rivendell]]. Angmar fell but the Witch-King fled.

Thus both Arthedain and Angmar were destroyed. the Dúnedain of Arnor created new homes in the [[Angle of Eriador|Angle]] south of [[Rivendell]], but Aranarth perceived that his people had become too few after the continuing wars to reestablish the realm. [[Men of Bree|Some Men]] survived in [[Bree]] and other villages, while the Hobbits survived in the Shire and Bree; in the Shire they chose a [[Thain]] from among themselves to replace the fallen King in {{TA|1979}}. The Shire remained a minor but independent political unit.<ref name="lotr1018">{{App|Arnor}}</ref>

==Legacy==
=== [[Rangers of the North]] ===
Aranarth instead of calling himself a king or prince, he assumed the title [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]] and took his dwindling people, now secretive wanderers who traveled from place to place in Eriador. His son, [[Arahael]], grew up safely in Rivendell under the fosterhood of [[Elrond]], a tradition that was followed through the rest of the Third Age. Also brought to Elrond were the heirlooms of the [[House of Isildur]]: the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the shards of [[Narsil]], and the [[Star of Elendil]].<ref name=eriador/> Thus, through them the royal [[House of Isildur]] was maintained successfully from father to son for a millennium.

There were sixteen Chieftains in direct descent, under many perils in Eriador, and many of the Chieftains died premature deaths. One of these was [[Arathorn II]], who was slain by Orcs raiding the area. So the Dúnedain survived in the shadows, waiting for a better day when the kingdom would be reborn, that would be in the time of [[Aragorn]], on [[1 May]], {{TA|3019}}.

=== [[War of the Ring]] ===
The Kingdom of Arnor had been fallen for a thousand years by the time the [[War of the Ring]] broke out, but northern forces did participate in the War. [[Aragorn]] participated, the [[Heir of Isildur]], and there were several hundred of them operating during the conflict. The A company of this group accompanied Aragorn through the [[Paths of the Dead]] and during the attack on [[Umbar]] which captured the Corsair fleet. They participated at the last battle, fighting under his banner, at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], where [[Sauron]] was finally thrown down.

There was conflict in other areas of the North. There were three different invasions of [[Lothlórien]], which were thrown back by the Elven army under [[Celeborn]] and [[Thranduil]]. Finally, Celeborn led an attack resulting in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur|capture of Dol Guldur]] and put an end to Sauron's northern threat.

There was also a battle fought in [[the Shire]], between Saruman's [[Ruffians]] and [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] militia forces. This was the last battle fought in the [[War of the Ring]], and resulted in the death of Saruman and the death or capture of his followers. This became known as the [[Battle of Bywater]], and represents the Hobbit contribution to the War.<ref name="lotr992-996">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Scouring of the Shire]], pp. 992-6</ref>

=== Restoration and the [[Reunited Kingdom]] ===
[[File:Rowena Morrill - The Last Steward of Gondor.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''The Last Steward of Gondor'' by Rowena Morrill]]
Faramir, son of Denethor II the last Ruling Steward, presented his rod of office to the new king, and received it back from him. [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] then was crowned by [[Gandalf]] as [[Aragorn|King Elessar]], refounded the Kingdom of Arnor as part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], and made [[Annúminas]] his new capital city.<ref name="lotr1019">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1019.</ref> He was wed to the Elven princess Arwen, who became [[Arwen|Queen Evenstar]] of Arnor and Gondor. After the fall of [[Sauron]] Arnor was safe again for resettlement of Men, and although it remained less populated than [[Gondor]] to the south, in time Arnor became a more densely populated region again, even if it had dwindled in size due to the independence of [[the Shire]]. The area encompassed by the Reunited Kingdom now encompassed the territory of the [[Two Kingdoms]] at their greatest extent. In the North, this included all the land between the [[Lune|River Lune]] and the [[Misty Mountains]], and in the South included all the land between Dunland in the west, to the [[Far Harad]] southwards, to [[Rhûn]] in the east. The reborn kingdom continued on into the Fourth Age, with [[Eldarion]] eventually succeeding his father to the throne of this now empire-sized state.

== Languages ==
Many people in Arnor were of Númenórean stock. However, aside from the Exiles, most had long since mingled with non-Númenórean peoples; the predominant language spoken by them was [[Westron]].<ref>{{App|F}}</ref> At least some of the population, especially the upper classes, were fluent in [[Sindarin]], while [[Quenya]] was studied as a language of lore. Many early place names and the names of the [[House of Isildur|royal house]] were Quenya, but by the 8th century of the [[Third Age]], Quenya had given way to Sindarin.

== Etymology ==
'''''Arnor''''' was the colloquial name for the '''North Kingdom'''. The North Kingdom, as the land was called at its conception, was also known as ''Turmen Follondiéva'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Arthor na Forlonnas'' in [[Sindarin]]. These names quickly fell out of use, in favour of ''Arnor'': the ''Land of the King'', so called for the kingship of [[Elendil]], and to seal its precedence over the [[Gondor|southern realm]]. In full, poetic Sindarin, it was called ''Arannor'', which mirrored its Quenya name, '''''Arandórë'''''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 28</ref> Though technically ''Arandórë'' would have a Sindarin form ''Ardor'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] chose ''Arnor'' because it sounded better. This linguistic change was ascribed to a later, Mannish development of Sindarin.<ref name="L347">{{L|347}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 17</ref> The form '''''Arnanórë''''' is also seen.<ref name="L347" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2002: {{tttee}}:'''
:Peter Jackson's movies do not mention the long history of how Arnor and Gondor diverged, nor do they mention Arnor by name. The one passing reference to it is in a scene from the Extended Edition, when Aragorn reveals to Éowyn that he is actually eighty-seven years old. She realises that he must be one of the [[Dúnedain]], a descendant of Númenor blessed with long life, but says that she thought his race had passed into legend. Aragorn acknowledges that he is one of the Dúnedain, and explains that there are not many of his people left, because "the Northern kingdom was destroyed long ago".

'''2012: [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]:'''
:The kingdom of Arnor is mentioned indirectly by [[Galadriel]] in the [[White Council]] scene, and so is the [[Angmar War|war with Angmar]] and it's aftermath.

==See also==
* [[Kings of Arnor]]
* [[Kings of Gondor]]
* [[Gondor]]
* [[War of the Last Alliance]]
* [[War of the Ring]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Arnor| ]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Arnor]]
[[fi:Arnor]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/royaumes/arnor]]

Spiders

2024-08-08T01:33:56Z

GandalftheGraeme:

{{rewrite}}
{{race infobox
| name=Spiders
| image = John Howe - Spiders of Mirkwood.jpg
| caption="Spiders of Mirkwood" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| origin=
| location=[[Avathar]], [[Ered Gorgoroth]], [[Nan Dungortheb]], [[Torech Ungol]], [[Ephel Dúath]], [[Eastern hills]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Mirkwood]]
| affiliation=[[Ungoliant]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Westron]]
| people="''Lesser broods''" and "''spiders of Nan Dungortheb''"
| members="''Miserable mates''" and [[Shelob]]
| lifespan=
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=Black or grey
| clothing=
| weapons=
| gallery=spiders
}}

The '''Spiders''' were eight-legged creatures that captured their prey in intricate webs. Many spiders of [[Middle-earth]] reached a colossal size.

==History==
There was a sinister side to the spiders of Middle-earth that entered it with the monstrous [[Ungoliant]] in the years before the [[First Age]]. A gigantic creature of spider-shape, it was she who destroyed the [[Two Trees of Valinor|Two Trees]] of [[Valinor]] by sucking the light out of them, and escaped with [[Morgoth|Melkor]] into the lands of Middle-earth. There other great spiders already dwelt. Though Ungoliant disappeared into the far south, she left the northern lands infested with her offspring. During the First Age, the mountains of the [[Ered Gorgoroth]] were infested with these monsters, and became a place of dread.

[[Beren]] fought some of the spiders of [[Nan Dungortheb]], possibly [[Shelob]] herself, when he passed through to enter [[Doriath]].<ref>{{TT|Lair}}, p. 723</ref>

The most infamous of Ungoliant's children lived far to the south and east of the Ered Gorgoroth, on the borders of the land of [[Mordor]]. This was [[Shelob]], who haunted a network of tunnels watching the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], making a living on hapless [[Orcs]] and anyone else who happened to come down the passage. She had offspring of her own, smaller than she but with a cruel intelligence, that spread throughout the [[Ephel Dúath]] and the [[Eastern hills]], spreading as far north as [[Dol Guldur]] and [[Mirkwood]]. The [[Sauron|return of the Necromancer]] seemed to have emboldened the spiders' hungry tendencies. It was creatures like these that [[Bilbo Baggins]] encountered in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and after fighting them he gave his sword its name [[Sting]].

Tolkien says of Shelob, "Most '''like''' a spider she was," [emphasis added], and the offspring of Ungoliant differed from normal spiders in respects beyond their enormous size. Bilbo sees the Mirkwood spiders' eyes as "Insect eyes,"<ref>{{H|8}}</ref> and Shelob's eyes are "clustered" and "many-windowed", with "a thousand facets", like insects' compound eyes.<ref name="TT|IV9">{{TT|IV9}}</ref> However, normal spiders do not have compound eyes. Tolkien may not have been over-concerned with the difference between spiders and insects, as in the same chapter of ''The Hobbit'' he refers to spiders as "hunting and spinning insects". Another difference is that when spiders grow, they moult their skins, but Shelob's hide was "ever thickened from within with layer on layer of evil growth."<ref name=Rateliff>John Rateliff. 2007. ''The History of the Hobbit: Mr. Baggins'', volume 1. Harper-Collins, p. 322</ref>

Shelob is consistently described as "stinging" and having a "sting".<ref name="TT|IV9"/><ref>{{TT|IV10}}</ref><ref>{{RK|VI9}}</ref> That has been taken to mean a sting like that of some insects, which normal spiders do not have.<ref name=Rateliff/> However, in the quotation from "Letter 163" in the "Inspiration" section below, Tolkien may have used the verb "sting" in the rare sense of a spider's bite; in *The Lord of the Rings*, however, Shelob is quite clearly depicted as stinging Frodo.

==Other names==
In [[Sindarin]], the word for "spider" is '''''ungol'''''.<ref name=UI>{{HM|UI}}, p. 490</ref> It is found in such names as [[Shelob's Lair|Torech Ungol]], [[Ungoliant#Etymology|Ungoliant]], and [[Cirith Ungol]].

In [[Gnomish]], one of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s early conceptions of an [[Elvish|Elven]] language, the word for "spider" is ''cing'' or ''cingwin'' (a struck-out word was ''gung''). A deleted [[Qenya]] word for "spider" was ''ung-we''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, pp. 26, 43</ref>

==Inspiration==
Tolkien made inconsistent comments on his feelings about spiders. In a letter to [[W. H. Auden]] (quoted more completely below), he wrote, "I do not dislike spiders particularly, and have no urge to kill them. I usually rescue those whom I find in the bath!"

However, in an interview with [[Jan Broberg]] in 1961, Tolkien said, as translated by John-Henri Holmberg, "I don't like spiders. It's not a pathological fear, but I rather won't have anything to do with them.<ref>Quoted by {{webcite|author=[[Christina Scull]] and [[Wayne G. Hammond]]|articlename=Addenda and Corrigenda to ''The J. R. R. Tolkien Companion and Guide'' (2006), Vol. 2: Reader's Guide: Arranged by Date|dated=Dec. 23, 2010|articleurl=https://www.hammondandscull.com/addenda/guide_by_date.html|website=hammondandscull.com}}. The Swedish version is "Jag tycker inte om spindlar. Det är ingen patologisk skräck, men jag vill helst inte ha med dem in att göra." "I would rather not" might be closer to what Tolkien said in English.</ref>

Likewise the writer Richard Lupoff asked Tolkien whether the giant spiders in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom books had inspired Shelob, and Tolkien replied in a [[Letter to Richard Lupoff|letter]]:

{{quote|Source hunting is a great entertainment but I myself do not find it particularly useful. I did read many of Edgar Rice Burroughs' earlier works, but I developed a dislike for his Tarzan even greater than '''my distaste for spiders'''. Spiders I had met long before Burroughs began to write, and I do not think he is in any way responsible for Shelob. At any rate I retain no memory of the Siths or the Apt.|[[Edgar Rice Burroughs: Master of Adventure]]}}

Tolkien was bitten by a spider (often said to be a tarantula, but tarantulas do not exist in that part of South Africa, according to John Rateliff) when he was a small boy in South Africa. Many writers have suggested that the incident underlies the horrifying and deadly giant spiders in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref name=Horne>Mark Horne. 2011. ''J. R. R. Tolkien''. Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 2</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Emily Asher-Perrin
|articleurl=https://www.tor.com/2016/11/04/we-can-probably-blame-the-tarantula-that-bit-j-r-r-tolkien-for-most-giant-spiders-in-fantasy|articlename=We Can Probably Blame the Tarantula that Bit J. R. R. Tolkien for Most of the Spiders in Fantasy|dated=Nov. 4, 2016|website=Tor.com|accessed=March 22, 2016}}</ref>
Tolkien saw no reason to accept that explanation, and he specifically said that his purpose in putting spiders into ''The Hobbit'' was to scare his son Michael, who had a fear of them. But some commentators have avoided committing themselves to saying the analysis must be false,<ref name=Horne/><ref>Deborah Webster Rogers; Ivor I. Rogers. 1980. ''J. R. R. Tolkien''. "Tolkien had been bitten by a tarantula in South Africa, and Michael had a horror of spiders, as do many people; so the author could be drawing on either personal or public feeling in his portrayal of arachnids."</ref> as seen also in the quotation from Humphrey Carpenter's biography below, and Tolkien did not commit himself either.

{{quote|...when Ronald [Tolkien] was beginning to walk, he stumbled on a tarantula. It bit him, and he ran in terror across the garden until the nurse snatched him up and sucked out the poison. When he grew up he could remember a hot day and running in fear through long, dead grass, '''but the memory of the tarantula itself faded, and he said that the incident left him with no especial dislike of spiders.''' Nevertheless, he wrote more than once of monstrous spiders with venomous bites.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

{{quote|I knew that the way [for Frodo, Sam, and Gollum] was guarded by a Spider. And if that has anything to do with my being stung by a tarantula when a small child, people are welcome to the notion (supposing the improbable, that any one is interested). I can only say that I remember nothing about it, should not know it if I had not been told; and '''I do not dislike spiders particularly, and have no urge to kill them.''' I usually rescue those whom I find in the bath!|{{L|163}}}}

Regarding the spiders in ''[[The Hobbit]]'':

{{quote|I put in the spiders largely because this was, you remember, primarily written for my children (at least I had them in mind), and one of my sons [Michael] in particular dislikes spiders with a great intensity. I did it to thoroughly frighten him and it did!|From an interview of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] on January 15, 1957 by Ruth Harshaw for the "Carnival of Books" radio show. (According to ''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]'')}}

{{quote|Throughout his life, Tolkien’s son Michael had what he called “a deep-rooted abhorrence of spiders.”|''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]''}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:The spiders of Mirkwood are played by Uta Hallant and Lieselotte Rau.

'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit (1982 text adventure game)'']]'''
:In the text adventure game, spiders don't make any explicit appearance, although you will see "Pale Bulbous Eyes" as you and your party travel along the [[Old Forest Road]]. If you stay on the road for too long, something will leap down from the trees and kill you.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:''See [[Shelob#Portrayal in adaptations|Shelob: Portrayal in adaptations]]''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Non-player (NPC, computer controlled) spiders are found in a number of areas of Middle-earth. Players can play a spider in the Player-versus-Player (PvP) area of the [[Ettenmoors]] once the player reaches level ten. Spiders in ''The Lord of the Rings Online'' have the ability to root and spit poison from a distance.

:The appearance of spiders vary from zone to zone for NPC spiders and from rank to rank for player controlled spiders. They all look like very large spiders from the size of a cat up to the size of a large elephant.

'''2012-4: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' film series]]:'''
:The spiders of Mirkwood are portrayed in the first two films, ''An Unexpected Journey'' and ''The Desolation of Smaug''. In the former, they attack [[Radagast]]'s dwelling in [[Rhosgobel]], but are driven away by him. Radagast discovers that they came from the ruins of [[Dol Guldur]] (implying that they are drawn to the power of [[Sauron|the Necromancer]] lurking there), and deduces that they are descendants of [[Ungoliant]]. In the latter film, their role is faithful to their portrayal in the novel. As in the book, they are capable of speech (although Bilbo is only capable of understanding them while wearing the [[One Ring|Ring]]). When one of the spiders screams about how Bilbo's Elvish blade "stings" it, it is then that Bilbo decides to give his weapon a name.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:''See [[Shelob#Portrayal in adaptations|Shelob: Portrayal in adaptations]]''

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of spiders|Images of spiders]]

{{references}}

[[Category:Animals]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Spiders| ]]

[[de:Spinnen]]
[[fi:Hämähäkit]]

Blue Wizards

2024-05-31T03:56:04Z

GandalftheGraeme:

{{claimed|[[User:Akhorahil|Akhorahil]]}}
{{Expansion}}

{{maiar infobox
| name=Blue Wizards
| people=[[Maiar]] ([[Wizards]])
| image=[[File:Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Blue Wizards" by [[:Category:Images by Daniel Pilla|Daniel Pilla]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Earlier writings: ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' Later writings: ''Morinehtar'' and ''Rómestámo''; ''Palacendo'' and ''Haimenar''
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| affiliation=[[Order of Wizards]]
| language=[[Valarin]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Sea-blue
| weapons=
| steed=
| gallery=the Blue Wizards
}}

The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''')<ref group=note>The term "Blue Wizards" is mentioned only in an "essay" and is the only source where they are assigned a color; although Tolkien revisited the concept of the remaining two Wizards, giving them different names and backgrounds, their assigned color (whether blue or other) or title, is never specified again. However the term "Blue Wizards" is used by the fans to refer to all concepts of these two Wizards.</ref> were the two [[Wizards]] who were sent into the far [[Rhun|East]] and [[Harad|South]] of [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]], but never returned.

== History ==


== Other versions of the legendarium ==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.
=== Earlier writings ===
The idea that there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wrath revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:

{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'', the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[Letter 211]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer'' by Tom Cross<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref>]]

Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:

{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the other two Wizards are placed alongside those of the known three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards were given no names, here these two are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furthest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the two Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

[[File:Angus McBride - Pallando.jpg|''Pallando'' by [[Angus McBride]]|thumb]]

Based on the above material, the history of the two "Blue Wizards" can be determined as the following:

* [[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
* The two Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards, c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
* The two, known as the "Blue Wizards", travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the two do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
* Together or independent of each other, the two fall from their appointed task. They may have founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

=== Later writings ===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb]]

Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the other two Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the two Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|"[[Last Writings]]", ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the two Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Wizards were destined to journey to the East and South. Instead of mentioning that they drifted from their mission, Tolkien points out that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East and South from outnumbering those of the [[Free peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the two Wizards can be summarised as the following:<ref name="PMLast"/><ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref>

* The two Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged [[The One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].
* The two Wizards journeyed into the East and South of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen west of [[Mordor]].
* They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.
* The two Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East and South, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] and the [[War of the Last Alliance]].
* During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.
* They ensured that the forces of the East and South did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free peoples]] in the [[War of the Ring]].

== Etymology ==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>

== Νames and etymologies==
''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' are [[Quenya]] names. The first is not clear, and possibly contains the Quenya elements for "radiance" (cf. [[Alatariel]]) and/or the ending ''-[[tar]]'' "lord" (cf. [[Annatar]]).<ref name=alatar-haimenar>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-163516871.html|website=[[Eldamo]]|accessed=20 September 2023}}</ref>
''Pallando'', according to [[Christopher Tolkien]], possibly contains the element ''[[palan]]-'' "far"<ref name="UTIstari"/>{{rp|401}}

''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' or ''Róme(n)star'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391, note 28</ref>

When sent to Cuiviénen with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]], they were called '''''Palacendo''''' ("*Far sighted one") and '''''Haimenar''''' ("*Far-farer").<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref><ref name=alatar-haimenar />

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
The Blue Wizards have not appeared physically in any adaptation of Middle earth works so far, and they are mentioned and implied only in the following adaptations:

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Khundolar tribe of the [[Easterlings]] had among them the "Blue Caste" of sorcerers. Their Master, "Yirokhsar the Blue", forbade his followers to march with the Dark Lord's forces, but many still joined their kings who had fallen under the sway of [[Sauron]]. Also, the Jangovar Easterlings viewed Sauron as a god, but were confused why their master, "Yetkeyin the Violet", refused to obey Sauron.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team did not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as legally controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731034017/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=27 February 2023}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:In the game,three artefacts describe the encounter of two wizards whose names couldn't be remembered travelling side by side into Mordor. It is implied to be the Blue Wizards from the description of the artifact. Furthermore, a figurine depicting them has been carved out of azurite, a blue stone. More lore tells the player that the [[Black Hand]] could have been a king that brought Sauron the heads of two Istari. Whether or not this is true is unknown.

{{References|Notes}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Blue Wizards

2024-05-31T03:55:39Z

GandalftheGraeme: I added a couple of definite articles for clarity.

{{claimed|[[User:Akhorahil|Akhorahil]]}}
{{Expansion}}

{{maiar infobox
| name=Blue Wizards
| people=[[Maiar]] ([[Wizards]])
| image=[[File:Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Blue Wizards" by [[:Category:Images by Daniel Pilla|Daniel Pilla]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Earlier writings: ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' Later writings: ''Morinehtar'' and ''Rómestámo''; ''Palacendo'' and ''Haimenar''
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| affiliation=[[Order of Wizards]]
| language=[[Valarin]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Sea-blue
| weapons=
| steed=
| gallery=the Blue Wizards
}}

The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''')<ref group=note>The term "Blue Wizards" is mentioned only in an "essay" and is the only source where they are assigned a color; although Tolkien revisited the concept of the remaining two Wizards, giving them different names and backgrounds, their assigned color (whether blue or other) or title, is never specified again. However the term "Blue Wizards" is used by the fans to refer to all concepts of these two Wizards.</ref> were the two [[Wizards]] who were sent into the far [[Rhun|East]] and [[Harad|South]] of [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]], but never returned.

== History ==


== Other versions of the legendarium ==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.
=== Earlier writings ===
The idea that there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wrath revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:

{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'', the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[Letter 211]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer'' by Tom Cross<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref>]]

Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:

{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the other two Wizards are placed alongside those of the known three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards were given no names, here these two are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furthest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the two Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

[[File:Angus McBride - Pallando.jpg|''Pallando'' by [[Angus McBride]]|thumb]]

Based on the above material, the history of the two "Blue Wizards" can be determined as the following:

* [[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
* The two Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
* The two, known as the "Blue Wizards", travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the two do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
* Together or independent of each other, the two fall from their appointed task. They may have founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

=== Later writings ===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb]]

Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the other two Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the two Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|"[[Last Writings]]", ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the two Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Wizards were destined to journey to the East and South. Instead of mentioning that they drifted from their mission, Tolkien points out that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East and South from outnumbering those of the [[Free peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the two Wizards can be summarised as the following:<ref name="PMLast"/><ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref>

* The two Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged [[The One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].
* The two Wizards journeyed into the East and South of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen west of [[Mordor]].
* They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.
* The two Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East and South, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] and the [[War of the Last Alliance]].
* During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.
* They ensured that the forces of the East and South did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free peoples]] in the [[War of the Ring]].

== Etymology ==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>

== Νames and etymologies==
''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' are [[Quenya]] names. The first is not clear, and possibly contains the Quenya elements for "radiance" (cf. [[Alatariel]]) and/or the ending ''-[[tar]]'' "lord" (cf. [[Annatar]]).<ref name=alatar-haimenar>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-163516871.html|website=[[Eldamo]]|accessed=20 September 2023}}</ref>
''Pallando'', according to [[Christopher Tolkien]], possibly contains the element ''[[palan]]-'' "far"<ref name="UTIstari"/>{{rp|401}}

''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' or ''Róme(n)star'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391, note 28</ref>

When sent to Cuiviénen with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]], they were called '''''Palacendo''''' ("*Far sighted one") and '''''Haimenar''''' ("*Far-farer").<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref><ref name=alatar-haimenar />

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
The Blue Wizards have not appeared physically in any adaptation of Middle earth works so far, and they are mentioned and implied only in the following adaptations:

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Khundolar tribe of the [[Easterlings]] had among them the "Blue Caste" of sorcerers. Their Master, "Yirokhsar the Blue", forbade his followers to march with the Dark Lord's forces, but many still joined their kings who had fallen under the sway of [[Sauron]]. Also, the Jangovar Easterlings viewed Sauron as a god, but were confused why their master, "Yetkeyin the Violet", refused to obey Sauron.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team did not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as legally controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731034017/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=27 February 2023}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:In the game,three artefacts describe the encounter of two wizards whose names couldn't be remembered travelling side by side into Mordor. It is implied to be the Blue Wizards from the description of the artifact. Furthermore, a figurine depicting them has been carved out of azurite, a blue stone. More lore tells the player that the [[Black Hand]] could have been a king that brought Sauron the heads of two Istari. Whether or not this is true is unknown.

{{References|Notes}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Eagles

2024-04-29T22:33:45Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Origin and nature */

{{cleanup}}
{{race infobox
| name=Eagles
| image=[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Bilbo woke with the early sun in his eyes.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Bilbo woke with the early sun in his eyes" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| origin=Unknown (see [[Eagles#Origin and nature|below]])
| location=[[Taniquetil]] [[Crissaegrim]] [[Eagle's Eyrie]]
| affiliation=[[Manwë]]
| rivalry=
| language=At least [[Valarin]]{{fact}}, [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| people=
| members=[[Thorondor]], [[Great Eagle]], [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]], [[Meneldor]], [[Witnesses of Manwë]]
| lifespan=Unknown, but obviously very longeval<ref name=P1>{{WJ|P1}} p. 68</ref><ref group=note>Since Gwaihir and Landroval were said to have helped Thorondor in the escape of Beren and Lúthien ({{FA|466}}) and they were both alive at the time of the War of the Ring ({{TA|3019}}) that would make them at least 6,584 years old.</ref>
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
The '''Eagles''' were birds that served as messengers of [[Manwë]]. Among those were the '''Great Eagles''', immense birds who were sentient, capable of speech, and often helped [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Wizards]] in their quests to defeat evil. They served [[Manwë]] Súlimo, King of the [[Valar]], and were often called the '''Eagles of Manwë'''.

They were sent from [[Valinor]] to [[Middle-earth]] to keep an eye on both the exiled [[Noldor]], and on their foe [[Morgoth]].<ref>{{S|Return}}</ref>

==History==
===First Age===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Beren and Lúthien are Flown to Safety.jpg|thumb|''Beren and Lúthien are Flown to Safety'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
At a command of Manwë, the Lord of the Eagles, [[Thorondor]], kept his eyries at the top of the [[Thangorodrim]], the volcanoes above [[Angband]], for a time<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref><ref>{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>. While he lived there, Thorondor helped [[Fingon]] rescue [[Maedhros]].

Thorondor wounded Morgoth in the face after Morgoth's battle with [[Fingolfin]], and he carried Fingolfin's body to the Echoriath, where he was buried by Fingon. Years later, three of the Great Eagles came to the aid of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], bearing them away from Thangorodrim after both had drained their strength in the [[Quest for the Silmaril]].<ref>{{S|Beren}}</ref> Thorondor's folk later removed their eyries to the [[Crissaegrim]], part of the [[Echoriad]] about [[Gondolin]]. There they became friends of [[Turgon]], bringing him news and keeping spies off their borders. Because of their guardianship, [[Orcs]] were unable to approach either the nearby mountains<ref name="Silm-TFG">{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> or the important ford of [[Brithiach]] to the south. <ref name="Tuor">{{UT|Tuor}}</ref> They redoubled their watch after the coming of [[Tuor]],<ref>{{S|Doriath}}</ref> enabling Gondolin to remain undiscovered for the longest of all [[Elves|Elven]] realms. When the city [[Fall of Gondolin|fell]] at last, the eagles of Thorondor protected the [[Exiles of Gondolin|survivors]], driving away the orcs that ambushed them at [[Cirith Thoronath]], the Eagles' Cleft north of Gondolin.<ref name="Silm-TFG"/>

The Eagles fought alongside the [[Host of the Valar|army]] of the Valar, the [[Elves]], and the [[Edain]] during the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the [[First Age]]. After the appearance of winged [[dragons]], all the great birds gathered under Thorondor and aided [[Eärendil]], destroying the majority of the dragons.<ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref>

===Second Age (Númenor)===
In the [[Second Age]], a pair of Eagles had an eyrie in the King's House in [[Armenelos]], the capital of [[Númenor]], until the reign of [[Tar-Ancalimon]], when the [[Kings of Númenor]] became hostile to the Valar.

The [[Númenóreans]] believed that three eagles, the '''[[Witnesses of Manwë]]''', were sent by Manwë to guard the summit of [[Meneltarma]]; these appeared whenever one approached the hallow and stayed in the sky during the [[Three Prayers]].

Many eagles lived upon the hills around [[Sorontil]] in the north of the island.<ref>{{UT|Numenor}}</ref>

Eagle-shaped storm clouds, called the "Eagles of the Lords of the West", were sent by Manwë when he tried to reason with or threaten the Númenóreans.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

===Third Age===
{{quote|- Farewell! wherever you fare, till your eyries receive you at the journey's end! - May the wind under your wings bear you where the [[sun]] sails and the [[moon]] walks.|Polite way to exchange good-bye with an Eagle|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Queer Lodgings]]"}}

By the end of the [[Third Age]], a colony of eagles under the [[Great Eagle]] lived in the northern parts of the [[Misty Mountains]] who mostly nested upon the eastward slopes not far from the [[High Pass]] leading from [[Rivendell]], and thus in the direct vicinity of the [[Goblin-town]] beneath; they often afflicted the goblins and disrupted their plans.

These Eagles helped the [[Radagast]] and the Elves of [[Rivendell]] in watching the land and in gathering news about the Orcs.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref>{{FR|South}}</ref>. As a result of feeding on the sheep of the local [[Woodmen]] of [[Mirkwood]], their relationship was not good and the Eagles were afraid of the men's bows.

The eagles rescued [[Thorin and Company]] from a band of [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and [[Wargs]] and carried them to the [[Carrock]]<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref>. Some days later, they espied the mustering of goblins all over the Mountains to be gathered under the Great Eagle in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] near [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. It was only with their help that the [[Dwarves]], [[Men]] and Elves managed to defeat the goblins.<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref> The Great Eagle became known as the [[King of All Birds]].

The Eagles appeared in great numbers at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], helping to fight against the [[Nazgûl]]. It was [[Gwaihir]], his brother [[Landroval]], and [[Meneldor]] who rescued [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] from [[Mount Doom]] after [[the One Ring]] had been destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref>

==Other names==
'''''Thoron''''' is "eagle" in both [[Sindarin]] and [[Quenya]] (''soron'' in a Quenya without the [[Shibboleth of Fëanor]]).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''thoron''</ref>

In [[Gnomish]], one of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s early conceptions of an [[Elvish|Elven]] language, a word for "eagle" is ''ioroth'' (poetic form ''ior''). A cognate of the same meaning in [[Qenya]] is the poetic ''ea(r)'' or ''earen''. Another Gnomish word for "an eagle" is ''thorn''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, pp. 51, 73</ref> The '''''Thornhoth''''' was the name for the eagle-folk in this early version.<ref name="Fall">{{LT2|III}}, p. 103</ref>

==Origin and nature==
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eagles to the Carrock.jpg|thumb|''Eagles to the Carrock'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
For some time Tolkien considered the Eagles as bird-shaped [[Maiar]].<ref>{{MR|Annals}} p. 138</ref> From this stage comes this excerpt from [[The Silmarillion]]:<ref>{{S|Days}}</ref><ref>{{LR|Ainu}}</ref><ref>{{MR|P1a}}</ref>

{{blockquote|Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world.}}

The same used to be applied to certain intelligent animals, like [[Huan]]:<ref>{{MR|P5VIII}}. Note 4.</ref>

{{blockquote|Living things in Aman. As the Valar would robe themselves like the Children, many of the Maiar robed themselves like other lesser living things, as trees, flowers, beasts. (Huan.)}}

Additionally, in a draft note to a text dating from c. 1959, it says:<ref>{{NM|P3ii}}, ''Text A'', Note 19, p. 291</ref>

{{blockquote|The '''fëar''' of Elves and Men and still later things (Ents? Dwarves) were intrusions by Eru, like the Valar — '''Aulë''' and the Dwarves. '''Yavanna''' and the Ents. '''Maiar''' could take forms of Eagles etc. — [?these] were '''sent''' into Eä. They are not '''of''' Eä, but Eru's agent '''in''' Eä.}}

However, the notion of a "Maia" like Thorondor having descendants contradicted later concepts. Therefore, Tolkien decided that the Great Eagles, Huan and other intelligent animals were just animals, despite being "higher level" ones.<ref name="MR409-11">{{MR|Myths}} pp. 409-11</ref>

{{blockquote|But true 'rational' creatures, 'speaking peoples', are all of human / 'humanoid' form. Only the Valar and Maiar are intelligences that can assume forms of Arda at will. Huan and [[Sorontar]] could be Maiar - emissaries of Manwë. But unfortunately in 'The Lord of the Rings' Gwaehir and Landroval are said to be descendants of Sorontar.
(...)
In summary: I think it must be assumed that 'talking' is not necessarily the sign of the possession of a 'rational soul' or [[fëa]]. (...)
The same sort of thing may be said of Huan and the Eagles: they were taught language by the Valar, and raised to a higher level - but they still had no fëar.}}

In a later text, the Eagles were first envisioned by Manwë during the Music of the Ainur, and appeared before the awakening of the Elves.<ref>{{S|Aule}}</ref><ref name=Ents>{{WJ|Ents}}</ref>
{{blockquote|Then Manwë awoke, and he went down to Yavanna upon Ezellohar, and he sat beside her beneath the Two Trees. And Manwë said: 'O Kementári, Eru hath spoken, saying: "Do then any of the Valar suppose that I did not hear all the Song, even the least sound of the least voice? Behold! When the Children awake, then the thought of Yavanna will awake also, and it will summon spirits from afar, and they will go among the kelvar and the olvar, and some will dwell therein, and be held in reverence, and their just anger shall be feared. For a time: while the Firstborn are in their power, and while the Secondborn are young." But dost them not now remember, Kementári, that thy thought sang not always alone? Did not thy thought and mine meet also, so that we took wing together like great birds that soar above the clouds? That also shall come to be by the heed of Ilúvatar, and before the Children awake there shall go forth with wings like the wind the Eagles of the Lords of the West.'}}

In the text Tolkien stresses the fact that the Eagles appeared "before the Children awake", whereas the "spirits from afar" that would give rise to the Ents only would appear "when the Children awake". Therefore, it seems unlikely that Tolkien again changed his mind or abandoned the notion that the Eagles had no ''fëar''. Indeed, to the Ents a very special origin is given, which can be compared to the origin of the [[Dwarves]]:<ref name=Ents></ref><ref>{{L|247}}</ref>

{{blockquote|No one knew whence they (Ents) came or first appeared. The High Elves said that the Valar did not mention them in the 'Music'. But some (Galadriel) were [of the] opinion that when Yavanna discovered the mercy of Eru to Aulë in the matter of the Dwarves, she besought Eru (through Manwë) asking him to give life to things made of living things not stone, and that the Ents were either souls sent to inhabit trees, or else that slowly took the likeness of trees owing to their inborn love of trees.}}

Likewise, in a text dating to c. [[1959]], there is this quote by Tolkien, in which there is no mention of the Great Eagles, either as Maiar or uplifted animals:<ref>{{NM|P3ii}}, ''Text A'', p. 290</ref>

{{blockquote|The '''fëar''' of the Elves and Men (and Dwarves via Aulë, Ents via
Yavanna) were '''intrusions''' into Eä from outside. As the Valar were sent into Eä.}}

It is quite remarkable that this contrast between the Ents and their "humanoid" or free nature, on one side, and the Eagles and their animal or conditioned nature, on the other side, can already be intuited in Treebeard's song in ''The Lord of the Rings'':<ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

{{blockquote|''Learn now the lore of Living Creatures! 
''First name the four, the free peoples 
''Eldest of all, the Elf children 
''Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses 
''Ent the earthborn, old as mountains 
''Man the mortal, master of horses; 
 
''Hm, hm, hm. 
 
''Beaver the builder, buck the leaper 
''Bear bee hunter, boar the fighter 
''Hound is hungry, hare is fearful... 
 
''Hm, hm. 
 
''Eagle in eyrie, ox in pasture, 
''Hart horn crowned; hawk is swiftest 
''Swan the whitest, serpent coldest...}}

Although of course the reference here might be to "regular" eagles.

In contrast with the ideas presented above, however, Tolkien seemed to have changed his mind once again in one very late text dating from c. [[1970]] - there, the Eagles are once again considered as Maiar:<ref>{{NM|P3viii}}, Footnote #3, p. 308</ref>

{{blockquote|'''The most notable were those Maiar who took the form of the mighty speaking eagles that we hear of in the legends of the war of the Ñoldor against Melkor, and who remained in the West of Middle-earth until the fall of Sauron and the Dominion of Men, after which they are not heard of again'''. Their intervention in the story of Maelor, in the duel of Fingolfin and Melkor, in the rescue of Beren and Lúthien is well known. (Beyond their knowledge were the deeds of the Eagles in the war against Sauron: in the rescue of the Ring Finder and his companions, in the Battle of Five Armies, and in the rescue of the Ringbearer from the fires of Mount Doom.)}}

=="Flying the Ring to Mount Doom"==
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Foot of Mount Doom.jpg|thumb|Eagles flying to Mount Doom. Art by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
{{quote|The Eagles are a dangerous 'machine'. I have used them sparingly, and that is the absolute limit of their credibility or usefulness. |[[Letter 210]], [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]}}
Some readers have questioned why the Eagles simply didn't carry Frodo and [[the One Ring]] into Mordor and drop the Ring in Mount Doom, or at least aid the Fellowship at some part of the journey, such as helping them avoiding the [[Redhorn Gate]] and [[Moria]]. At first glance this seems incredibly easy compared to what actually happened. These readers also take issue that the possibility of using the Eagles was not mentioned at all during the [[Council of Elrond]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Sean Crist|articlename=Could the eagles have flown Frodo into Mordor?|articleurl=http://www.sean-crist.com/personal/pages/eagles/index.html|website=}}</ref> Although many flawed proposals are made during it (destroy the Ring, guard it, send it to the West, give it to [[Tom Bombadil]]),<ref>{{HM|FR}}, Book II</ref> none of the participants thought to propose this seemingly obvious solution, especially after Gandalf described his escape with Gwaihir; even if only to be deemed unfeasible like the ones above.

These complaints are self-evidently addressed within the text, and their arguments are borne out by some of [[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's letters]] which shed light onto his views relating to these alleged issues, and why he himself did not regard them as issues.

In a letter concerning a possible adaptation of ''The Lord of the Rings'' into an animated movie, Tolkien said that the Eagles were "not taxis", and reiterated that the Fellowship's mission depended upon secrecy, so depicting a long arduous journey on foot was required to maintain the credibility of their stealthy approach.<ref name="letter210">{{L|210}}</ref>

Many readers have thus concluded from this and/or independently reasoned that the Eagles coming from the air, especially going straight to Mordor and Mt. Doom as is often joked about, would be the opposite of being stealthy, the importance of which the books emphasize a lot by themselves, as Sauron did not expect anyone would ever try to destroy the Ring. The huge Eagles would have been fairly obvious and defenseless to Sauron, who would thus have seen them coming from a distance and deduced the plan fairly quickly; his Ringwraiths and their [[Fell beasts]] and/or his legions of archers and his siege machines would most likely have stopped the attempt. Therefore a small party was needed to go on foot all the way as to minimize the risk of attracting notice.

Peter Jackson and [[Fran Walsh]] joke around the issue on the writer-director DVD commentary track; writing partner [[Philippa Boyens]] then bursts out and angrily declares one of the common explanations: "Why does everyone always say that?! The flying Nazgûl on their Fell Beasts would have stopped them! How more obvious does that need to be?! Mordor has flying creatures too!"

The topic is also brought up in the video game ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', where the heroes (who have experience working with the Great Eagles) suggest having one fly Frodo and the Ring to Mount Doom. Gandalf, however, explains that Sauron would anticipate such an intrusion and how dangerous the attempt would be.

In the letter, Tolkien further says that Eagles should be used carefully as a plot device, showing he was self-aware whenever he used them, and he described them as a "dangerous 'machine'" that he used sparingly, yet already at "the absolute limit of their credibility and usefulness".<ref name="letter210" />

He likened the proposed shortening of the Fellowship's journey via Eagles to "introducing helicopters" to the first ascent of Mt. Everest "to take the climbers halfway up (in defiance of probability)", and said that this would make "a farce" out of "the arduous journey". He wrote that this "achieves nothing but incredibility", and that it makes stale "the device of the Eagles when at last they are really needed".<ref name="letter210" />

These last words in particular connect the Eagles to his concept of "[[eucatastrophe]]" (Indeed, Tolkien wrote of the Eagles in explicit terms of ''eucatastrophe'' in a letter where he describes their coming to save the day in ''The Hobbit''.<ref name="letter89">{{L|89}}</ref>) - the unexpected, sudden hand of providence showing itself and leading to a turn for the better, often realized at the climax and averting a sad ending but also appearing elsewhere in story structure. Since eucatastrophe is by nature unexpected, the Eagles by design would not and could not have been considered by the other characters as available or feasible options to take.

Besides Tolkien's own remarks about the need for stealth and [[eucatastrophe]] in the story, several speculative theories have been proposed by fans.<ref>[[Tolkien FAQ]]</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articlename=Is There An In-story Explanation For Why the Eagles Rarely Participate in Great Events?|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/11/is-there-an-in-story-explanation-for-why-the-eagles-rarely-participate-in-great-events/|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org Xenite.org]}}</ref>

* The Eagles expressed fear in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' about going into the Lands of Men because of their bows. After the Ring is destroyed (along with all of Sauron's forces), the Eagles met no resistance from evil forces; thus, they were able to rescue Frodo and Sam.

*The Eagles could have possibly become corrupted by the power of the Ring and would have most likely attempted to prevent the destruction. Gandalf himself not only knew that ''anyone'' might and would refuse to throw in the Ring, but he was also afraid of it; the Eagles, as Maiar, could have been corruptive and dangerous.

*As emissaries of the Valar, the Eagles may have been somehow limited in how they intervened to great events, which the Valar perhaps considered matters between the Elves and Sauron;<ref>Cf. {{FR|Council}}, Elrond: "for good or ill [the Ring] belongs to Middle-earth; it is for us who still dwell here to deal with it".</ref> for example, they had sent the [[Wizards]], who were prohibited to directly fight Sauron by physical or supernatural force, and the Eagles did aid the [[free peoples]] and even participated in battles. But otherwise, the Eagles would had been either afraid, unwilling, incapable, or (like the Wizards) forbidden to take any greater part.

*The Eagles's availability and power must have been limited. Gwaihir only arrives at Isengard because he is sent by Radagast. Once he rescues Gandalf, the Wizard asks him how far he can bear him, to which the Eagle replies "...not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings not burdens." He took Gandalf just to Edoras, so he could find a horse to ride, and then departed.

*With the War of the Ring expanding to all the western realms of Middle-earth, the Eagles would need to protect their own lands in the event that Sauron's forces invade, and thus would be unable to spare any resources to assist the Fellowship.

The supposed issue with the Eagles not being brought up at the Council of Elrond is also explained away by fans by pointing out that the question is beyond the purview of the Council. They did decide that the Ring should be taken to Mordor and destroyed, and that Frodo would bear it just as he had volunteered to do so, but they did not discuss exactly how he should get there, and the other alternatives proposed were wholly different courses of action.

Fans also note that the live-action movies contributed to the controversy because Gandalf explicitly summons Gwaihir through a moth, while in the books he was saved by chance when Gwaihir flew by.

==Inspiration==
Tolkien's painting of an eagle on a crag appears in some editions of ''The Hobbit''. According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the author based this picture on a painting by Archibald Thorburn of an immature Golden Eagle, which Christopher found for him in ''The Birds of the British Isles'' by T.A. Coward. However, Tolkien's use of this model does not necessarily mean that his birds were ordinary Golden Eagles. Normal Golden Eagles are a ''little'' too small to carry any normal non-baby human.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest version of the fall of Gondolin, the king of the eagles, Thorndor (later Thorondor), had no love for Melko (later Melkor) because he had caught many eagles and tortured them for the magic words that would enable him to fly (in order to challenge Manwë for command of the air). When the eagles refused to reveal the magic words Melko cut off their wings in order to fashion a pair for himself, "but it availed not".<ref>{{LT2|III}}, p. 193</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Eagles are associated with [[moths]]; while Gandalf is trapped on the summit of Orthanc, he whispers to a moth and lets it go. Later, when confronted by Saruman, the moth reappears; an Eagle (supposedly Gwaihir) arrives and Gandalf escapes on its back.
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Right before the Battle of the Morannon, Gandalf notices a moth flies near him. Then the Eagles appear and fly against the [[fell beasts]]. They pick up Frodo and Sam from the slopes of Orodruin.
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As [[Thorin and Company]] are trapped in a falling tree by the band of [[Azog]] and their [[Wargs]], Gandalf uses a moth to summon them to his aid. They grasp the wargs and drop them onto the rocks or in the fire, pick up an unconscious Thorin, and save the protagonists from falling. Unlike in the book, they drop the characters on the [[Carrock]] and leave; as in the other film adaptations, the Eagles don't appear sentient and there is no dialogue between them and the characters.
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:The Eagles participate in the battle, and upon their arrival one drops [[Beorn]] in bear-form into the field of battle. Radagast, who is implied to be responsible for their participation, also rides one into the battle.

==External links==
*[http://www.sean-crist.com/personal/pages/eagles/index.html Sean Crist: Could the eagles have flown Frodo into Mordor?]
*[http://tolkien.slimy.com/faq/History.html#Eagles Tolkien FAQ]
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/11/is-there-an-in-story-explanation-for-why-the-eagles-rarely-participate-in-great-events/ Michael Martinez: Is there an in-story explanation for why the eagles rarely participate in great events?]

{{references|notes}}
[[Category:Eagles| ]]
[[Category:Races]]

[[de:Adler]]
[[fr:encyclo/biologie/faune/aigles]]
[[fi:Kotkat]]

Elven life cycle

2024-01-25T19:41:35Z

GandalftheGraeme: /* Death and reincarnation */

{{quote|[[Yén]]i ve lintë yuldar avánier [...] lisse [[miruvor|Miruvóreva]] (The long years have passed like swift draughts of the sweet mead)|[[Namárië]]}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|300px|''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Owing to their longevity, the [[Elves]] had a very different '''Life cycle''' than [[Men]]. Most of the following information strictly refers only to the [[Eldar]]—but much could probably be applied to the [[Avari]] as well.

==Early life==
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Feanoreans - Family picture.jpg|thumb|left|''Family picture'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Elves are born about one year after their begetting.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|209-10}}
Elves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly.<ref name=Laws>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>{{rp|209-10}} In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill,<ref name=NotesB>{{MR|P3II3e}}</ref>{{rp|228}} whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}

Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}

==Sexuality, marriage, and parenthood==
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|''Love at First Sight'' by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]]]]
Elves marry for love, or at least with free will from both parties, typically early in life. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|229}} By their very nature, they are "seldom swayed by the desires of the body" or influenced by lust.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} They marry only once for it was ruled by Manwë that, "'since the Elves are by nature permanent in life within Arda, so also is their unmarred marriage.'"<ref name=marriage>{{MR|P3II3d}}</ref>{{rp|225}} [[Finwë]], the [[King of the Noldor]], was an exception. After his [[Míriel|first wife]] died, from passing the majority of her life into [[Fëanor]],<ref name=LawsA>{{MR|P3II3f}}</ref>{{rp|237}} and refused to be re-embodied, Finwë was permitted to marry again. This was pronounced by [[Mandos|Námo]] as the '[[Statute of Finwë and Míriel]]'.<ref name=marriage/>{{rp|226}}

Spouses may choose each other, in their youth, and be betrothed long before they are married. The betrothal is subject to parental approval from both houses unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon. At which point, the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange silver rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year. A betrothal is revocable by a public return of the rings, which will then be molten, but revocation was rarely needed because "the Eldar do not err lightly" in the choice of their partner.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.

Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings, which they keep, and receive "slender rings of gold" which are worn upon "the index of the right hand."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} In Noldor tradition, the bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn and the bridegroom's father gives a similar gift to the bride. These ceremonies and traditions were only a way for the parents to show their love and to mark a respectful recognition of the two houses which would be joined. While it was considered "ungracious and contemptuous of kin", in days of peace, "to forgo the ceremonies," it was completely lawful for a couple to be married without them.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The indissoluble union was completed solely by the "act of bodily union" which achieved marriage.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} Technically, without ceremony or witnesses, only blessings exchanged between the bride and groom, including speaking of the name of [[Eru]], and consummation are required for marriage.

[[File:Tuuliky - Lumen Melma.jpg|thumb|left|''Lumen Melma'' by [[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]]]]
The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special for "the union of love is indeed to them great delight and joy."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} Extra-marital sex would be against their nature because they can "read at once in the eyes and voice of another whether they be wed or unwed"; they would release their own spirit to Mandos before succumbing to rape, and premarital sex would create marriage which makes the term itself a misnomer.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}} "There is no record of any among the Elves that [actually] took another's spouse by force" though [[Maeglin]] made the wrongful attempt to steal [[Idril]].<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}}<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|169}}

Spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time. Though united in body and spirit, they remain individuals with different gifts of mind and body to pursue.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} However, a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood, such as by war, would be so grievous to the couple, and hurtful to the child, that they prefer to have children in peaceful times.<ref name=Rebirth>{{MR|P3II3c}}</ref>{{rp|221}}

Elves typically have four children or fewer. [[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]], who had [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]], were a notable exception.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 4}} Whenever the Eldar married, whether in youth or in later life, their children were produced within a relatively short time after their wedding. However, in mortal count, a century or two may pass before the begetting of the first child and even longer between child and child.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} After their time of children, the desire to procreate soon ceases. They turn their powers of body and mind to other tasks and arts. Nonetheless, they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest times of their lives.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}}

There are examples that appear to contradict this ideal. An example of extreme marital strife among the Eldar is the case of [[Eöl]] and [[Aredhel]], where Eöl tried to restrain his wife from living the life of her choice. As a result, Aredhel left Eöl without his knowing, and took their son, Maeglin, with her back to [[Gondolin]]. The end result was that Eöl sought revenge upon his own family, and while seeking to slay his rebellious son, slew his wife accidentally.<ref name="SilmMaeglin">{{S|Maeglin}}</ref> Another example of great discontent developed between Fëanor and Nerdanel after the theft of the [[Silmarils]]. Nerdanel did not wish to be parted from all her children nor did she wish to follow her husband against the [[Valar]]'s wishes. Fëanor's harsh response was that, if she would not follow him, she was an untrue wife for deserting both her husband and her children.<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Feanor}}</ref>{{rp|354}}

[[Celegorm]]'s pursuit of [[Lúthien]] and [[Maeglin]]'s attraction to [[Idril]] are cases of elves who sought disinterested partners. The desire for these unwilling wives was mixed with a desire for power. While unrequited love was known to happen, few of the Eldar responded so negatively to it.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} [[Indis]] loved [[Finwë]] with secret admiration but remained contently unwed because he was married.<ref name=LawsA/>{{rp|238}} [[Turgon]], Idril's father, denied Maeglin's suit for Idril's hand because he believed that Maeglin sought power more than the love of his daughter.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|165}} In Celegorm's case, he was motivated to claim Lúthien as his bride to force her father, [[Thingol]], to ally with the [[Fëanorians]] during the [[Siege of Angband]]. However, [[Huan]] and [[Beren]] defended Lúthien, against the attempted bride-stealing by Celegorm and the later attack by [[Curufin]].<ref name=Beren>{{S|Beren}}</ref>

==Daily life==
Elves preoccupy themselves with various arts, such as: smithwork, sculpture, weaving, music, lore, and healing. Males and females have equal skill in all things, not concerned with the bringing forth of children; however, the females often specialize in the arts of healing while the men go to war.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} This is because the Elves believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. Women who hunted would not specialize in healing, and men who healed would refrain from hunting and only fight when absolutely necessary, for "the virtue . . . in this matter [of healing] was due . . . to their abstaining from hunting or war."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213-4}}

==Later life==
[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|thumb|''[[Círdan]]'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
Eventually, if they did not die in battle or from some other cause, Elves, such as Noldor and [[Teleri]], of [[Middle-earth]] grew weary and desired to go to [[Valinor]], where the [[Valar]] sheltered their kind. This was known as the sea-longing.<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> Those who wished to leave for the Undying Lands went by ships provided at the [[Grey Havens]], where [[Círdan]] the Shipwright dwelt with his folk. Those, of any Elven people, who did not perish through bodily death or depart from Middle-earth across the sea would eventually fade. Fading occurred when their ''[[fëar]]'' consumed their bodies and the body became merely a memory of the ''fëa''. In this state, "they were open to the direct instruction and command of the Valar" and as soon as they were disembodied in this way they would be summoned to the 'Halls of Waiting' in Aman.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|219}}

=="Cycles of life" and ageing==
The Elves distinguished between two distinct modes within their lifecycle: a period of growth (olmië) where they go from conception to physical maturity, and a period of life (coivië) where they live and acquire skill, knowledge, and wisdom.<ref>{{NM|P1xii}}, p. 88</ref>

Elves had no beards, at least until their "third cycle of life", like [[Círdan]]. [[Mahtan]] was an exception, and had a beard in his early "second cycle".<ref>{{VT|41b}}</ref>{{rp|9}} The Elvish beardlessness could also be observed in Mannish lines with an Elvish strain (as in the princely house of [[Dol Amroth]]), which lacked beards.<ref>{{UT|6}}, "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 320 (HarperCollins paperback; 1998)</ref>

While the three cycles are not specifically defined, the first cycle is likely childhood and adolescence, which ended at the 100th year, the second is adulthood which could continue for Ages, and the third is for extremely old Elves; Círdan was the most ancient known Elf in Middle-earth. However, Elves who were not ancient could enter the third stage sooner due to tragic life events. When Lúthien wilfully released her spirit to follow Beren, her father saw her die, and "a winter, as it were the hoar age of mortal Men, fell upon Thingol."<ref name=Beren/>

Apparently, beards, though rare, were the only sign of further natural physical ageing beyond maturity.

Elves did not physically age after they reached maturity, but they did age in a different sense than Men. They became ever more weary of the world and burdened by its sorrows.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref><ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> Círdan seemed to be aged himself since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the [[First Age]].<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> He had been one of the Teleri on the [[Great Journey]] who tarried on the shores of Middle-earth for Thingol's sake, and at the [[Valar]]'s behest, though he had greatly wished to go to Aman.<ref name=last>{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|385-6}} Another aged elf was [[Gwindor]], the people of [[Nargothrond]] had trouble recognizing him after he escaped from being a prisoner of [[Morgoth]] in the pits of [[Angband]] for fourteen years.<ref name=Gwindor>{{S|21}}</ref>

==Death and reincarnation==
[[File:Anna Kulisz - Valar - Mandos.jpg|thumb|250px|left|''Valar - Mandos'' by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]]]
Elves are naturally "serially longeval" (often called [[immortal]], but the concepts are not identical); like the Ainur, they are bound to Arda until its End. Elves are immune to all diseases, and they can recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|218-9}}

Nonetheless, Elves can be physically slain or die of grief and weariness. Death was unnatural for Elves; [[Ilúvatar]] intended for an Elf's spirit (''[[Fëa and hröa|fëa]]'') and body (''[[Fëa and hröa|hröa]]'') to remain united throughout the entire life of Arda, but this design was disrupted by evils of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{MR|P4g}}</ref>{{rp|330-331}} Should an Elf die, its spirit would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]] in Aman. Elves could refuse the summons, but this would suggest that they were tainted. Elves who went to the Halls were, after a period of time, typically given the opportunity to be reincarnated into a body identical to the one that died.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}} If the Elf accepted the opportunity, the Valar would then create the new body for the Elf's spirit; Elven spirits had no power to build such bodies for themselves.<ref name=last>{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|390-391}} But the Valar could, if an Elf committed evil acts and refused to repent or continued to feel ill-will towards others, delay the time of the reincarnation, impose conditions of an Elf's return, or refuse to re-embody an Elf altogether (as was done with Fëanor).<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}}<ref name=last />{{rp|380, 389}} An Elven spirit could also choose to remain disembodied; the Valar had no authority to force Elves to reincarnate.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}}<ref>{{PM|XI2}}</ref>{{rp|334}}

Initially, Elves who died in Middle-earth and were re-embodied in Aman could return to Middle-earth if they wished,<ref name="last"/>{{rp|378, 381-382}} but few Elves did so, as the journey was dangerous and they risked dying again. However, while the Noldor were exiled in the First Age, the Valar physically barred travel between Aman and Middle-earth; the only Elf who died and was allowed to return to Middle-earth during this period was [[Lúthien]], and through the grace of Ilúvatar, she returned as a mortal.<ref name=P4i />{{rp|339-340}}<ref name=Beren/> After the Valar pardoned the exiled Noldor at the end of the First Age, travel from Aman to Middle-earth resumed. [[Glorfindel]], who died in the Fall of [[Gondolin]], was reincarnated and returned to Middle-earth, most likely in the Second Age by way of Númenor.<ref name=last />{{rp|377-382}} After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] and the removal of Aman and Tol Eressëa from the Circles of the World near the end of the Second Age, Ilúvatar decreed that Elves were no longer permitted to travel to Middle-earth.<ref name=last />{{rp|380-382}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Elves]]

Letter to Arthur Tolkien

2023-06-03T20:57:07Z

GandalftheGraeme: Correction of Tolkien's age.

[[File:Arthur Tolkien 14 February 1896.jpg|thumb]]
On [[14 February]] [[1896]], a four-year-old [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] wrote '''[[Letters not published in "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien"|a letter]] to [[Arthur Tolkien]]'''.<ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 3</ref>

*'''Description:''' The letter was dictated by Tolkien to his nurse, but was never sent since his mother [[Mabel Suffield|Mabel]] received a telegram on the same day saying that Arthur had [[Wikipedia:Bleeding|haemorrhaged]] (he died on the following day). It is the earliest known letter composed by Tolkien.<ref name=Life>Judith Priestman, ''[[Tolkien: Life and Legend]]'', p. 11</ref>
*'''Publication:''' The letter was quoted in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'' (p. 16). A reproduction of the letter appeared in ''[[Tolkien: Life and Legend]]'' (p. 11).
*'''Archive:''' [[Bodleian Library]] (Family papers 1/33(9)).<ref name=Life/>

==Excerpt==

{{Quote|I am so glad I am coming back to see you it is such a long time since we came away from you I hope the ship will bring us all back to you Mamie and [[Hilary Tolkien|Baby]] and me ... I am got such a big man now because I have got a man's coat and a mans [''sic''] bodice ... Auntie Gracie [Grace Mountain ''née'' Tolkien] has been to see us I walk every day and only ride in my mailcart a little bit ... your loving Ronald.|J.R.R. Tolkien}}

{{references}}

[[Category:Letters|Tolkien, Arthur]]