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Witch-king

2025-11-07T20:14:23Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Added the name Sorcerer-King.

{{infobox character
| name=Witch-king of Angmar
| image=Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg
| caption="The Black Captain" by [[:Category:Images by Melissa Hitchcock|Melissa Hitchcock]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Black Captain, Chief of the Nine, [[Dwimmerlaik]]
| titles=King of Angmar Lord of Minas Morgul
| position=Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]
| location=[[Angmar]] [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Nazgûl]] [[Eye of Sauron]]
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| birth=Before {{SA|2251}}
| birthlocation=Unknown
| rule={{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}} (in Angmar) {{TA|2002}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (in Minas Morgul)
| death=[[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Pelennor Fields]]
| age=4209+
| notablefor=[[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]] Establishing [[Angmar]] Fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]] Deaths of [[Eärnur]], [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], and [[Théoden]] Stabbing [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| people=[[Men|Man]] (early) [[Wraiths|Wraith]] (later)
| gender=Male
| height=Tallest of the Nazgûl
| hair=Gleaming
| eyes=Fiery red
| clothing=Crown
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]; [[Black Breath]]; A great black mace
| steed=Black horse; [[Fell beasts|Fell Beast]]
| gallery=the Witch-king
}}
{{quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]]'s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrifying warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - The King of Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|left|''The King of Nazgûl'' by [[:Category:Images by Catherine Karina Chmiel|Catherine Chmiel]]]]
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Rings of Power]] in the [[Sack of Eregion]], {{SA|1697}} he gave [[Nine Rings|nine of them]] to [[Men|Mannish]] kings, sorcerers and other warriors.<ref>{{S|Rings}}, p. 289</ref> With the power of their rings, the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, but they eventually started hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion. In the end, they all became the dreadful [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]].

The one later known as the Witch-king<ref group="note">According to the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] the oldest meaning of ''witch'' is "a man who practices witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer, wizard"</ref> was a sorcerer,<ref>{{FR|Council}}, p. 257</ref><ref name="RK|Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819</ref> probably<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 20 citing from J.R.R. Tolkien's manuscript of ''Nomenclature'' "he was probably (like the Lieutenant of Barad-dur [the Mouth of Sauron]) of Numenorean descent"</ref> one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] race, who accepted one of the Rings of Power.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in {{SA|2251}}. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief and the most feared servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in {{SA|3441}}, the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows and were not heard of again for a long time.<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3441, p. 1084</ref>

===Early power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. {{TA|1300|n}} his Nazgûl also reappeared and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1300, p. 1086</ref> His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]] and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]] and few that he was a wraith.<ref name="Malvegil">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Malvegil, p. 1040</ref>

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms: [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]] and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', p. 1039</ref> The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.<ref name="Malvegil" /> He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By {{TA|1349|n}}, the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Malvegil]], pp. 193-194</ref> and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.<ref name="Argeleb">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Argeleb I]], p. 194</ref> He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in {{TA|1409|n}}. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.<ref name="Arveleg">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Arveleg I]], p. 194</ref> Cardolan was ravaged and its [[last prince of Cardolan|last prince]] slain;<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 144-5; Index, 'Cardolan, [[Last prince of Cardolan|last prince of]]'</ref> the tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].<ref name="Palantiri16">{{UT|14a}}, Note 16, p. 413</ref>

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Araphor, p. 1040</ref> [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Great Plague]] came and went in {{TA|1636|n}}, taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Barrow-downs|Tyrn Gorthad]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> In {{TA|1974|n}}, he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost Erain]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.<ref name="Eärnil">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1051</ref> Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in {{TA|1975|n}}. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.<ref name="Arvedui">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui and entry for Chieftain Aranarth, pp. 1041-3</ref>

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]] and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.<ref name="Eärnil" /> Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui, p. 1042</ref> The Witch-king had grown overconfident and, instead of staying behind his fortifications, initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north and the Witch-king was routed.<ref name="Eärnil" />

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows and no-one marked where he had gone.<ref name="Eärnil" />

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back and made his famous prophecy.

{{Blockquote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
[[File:Alan Lee - The Witch-king.jpg|thumb|''The Witch-king'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in {{TA|1980|n}}. Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in {{TA|2000|n}} the Ringwraiths began a [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|two-year siege]] of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. The wraiths sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.<ref name="gondor" />

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. [[Third Age 2043|The year]] of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil]] the [[steward]] restrained Eärnur from rash action. [[Third Age 2050|Seven years later]] the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul; none ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[Uruks]]. In {{TA|2475|n}} he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], who led campaigns to recapture Ithilien, but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins and the region was left devastated and depopulated. Boromir was a great captain, and even the Witch-king feared him, but he was felled by a Morgul-wound and his rule was but twelve years.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}, entry for Steward Boromir, p. 1053</ref>

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}, and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But from his words, Sauron misunderstood that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]], whence Gollum originally came from.<ref name="thirteen">{{UT|Hunt}}, p. 338-341</ref> Sauron sent the Nine, under the leadership of the Witch-king, invisible and uncloaked, to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the events in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], and as they passed through Rohan their terror was so great that many fled the land, believing the Riders heralded an invasion.

They arrived at Isengard too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]]; Saruman realized he had been revealed as a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, and having no chance of deceiving Sauron any further, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress. He demanded the Wizard come forth, but received only the voice of Saruman. Nonetheless cunning and wary, Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring were, and so the Nine went out in search of him.<ref name="thirteen" />

The Ringwraiths came upon the traitor called [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="thirteen" />
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Amon Sul.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Amon Sul'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. The Rangers sent for their captain, [[Aragorn II]], as he was away, but defeating the Nazgûl was a task beyond the power of the Dúnedain, and may have been so even had Aragorn been present; the Ringwraiths attacked at night, capturing the ford and killing many of the Rangers. A few survivors fled northward to warn Aragorn of the wraiths' approach, but were pursued and slain or driven off into the wilds.<ref name="thirteen" /> The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 22, p. 1091</ref> But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].<ref name="Knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===Pursuit of the Ring===
Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king assumed that Frodo would head east to [[Rivendell]], and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]],<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 164-6</ref> the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard while he and Khamûl remained near Weathertop to watch it.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 167-8</ref>

The chieftain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked by the Ringwraiths led by the Witch-king. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing the wraiths as they truly were. The Witch-king was taller than the others, with long hair and a crown set on his helm. When Frodo resisted the wraith's approach, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder.<ref name="Knife" /> The tip of his [[Morgul-knife|blade]] broke off and remained in Frodo's shoulder.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, pp. 221-2</ref> Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands.<ref name="Knife" /> The Witch-king departed with the other Nazgûl, believing that his objective was completed.

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though,<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', pp. 180-1</ref> and found that Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 194</ref> They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.<ref name="fourteen">{{FR|Flight}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 195-6</ref>

===War of the Ring===
[[File:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|''Gandalf facing the Witch-king'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. In addition, help was sent to the other eight Nazgûl when they were on their way back.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from a manuscript of The Hunt for the Ring, p. 262</ref> In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.<ref name="fifteen">{{L|210}}, p. 272</ref> On 10 March {{TA|3019|n}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 10, p. 1093</ref> the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army clothed in black with a crown on his hooded head. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city in the direction of Ithilien, he stopped, probably sensing the presence of [[the One Ring]], but he continued riding down the road after a while.<ref name="Stairs" />

The army from Minas Morgul commanded by the Witch-king was reinforced by regiments of [[Haradrim]] outnumbered the forces of [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s son, who defended the fords over the river [[Anduin]] at [[Osgiliath]] ten times and soon managed to cross the river in a large numbers of floats and barges, which they had secretly built on the eastern side of Osgiliath on the eastern side of the river. As a consequence, Faramir retreated with his men to the [[Causeway Forts]] at the [[Rammas Echor]].<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817</ref> The Rammas Echor was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell beasts]]. Faramir was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{Blockquote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

===Fall===
[[File:Alarie - Eowyn and the Witchking 2.jpg|thumb|left|''Éowyn and the Witch-king'' by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]]]
As Gandalf stood resolute before the Witch-king, the [[Rohirrim]] arrived. Thus he departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|blade of Westernesse]] (though there was much pain in Meriadoc's arm afterwards), as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last (in the [[Letters]] it is said he was “reduced to impotence”).<ref name="Pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref>

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but that of [[Éowyn|a woman]]; and not by a [[Men|Man]] but [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|a Halfling]]. With his defeat, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The Witch-king was originally introduced in the story as the "Wizard King" during the development of [[The Council of Elrond]] chapter.<ref>{{TI|VI}}, p. 116</ref> He continues to be referred to under that name in outlines<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 326</ref><ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, p. 359</ref> and a manuscript for the chapter [[The Siege of Gondor]] where Gandalf says that he is not only the captain of the [[Black Riders]], but a former member of his own [[Istari|order]] before "evil took him"<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 331</ref>.

In the early versions of the story, the "Wizard King" was planned to survive the Pelennor Fields battle and appear as the ambassador at the [[Black Gate]] instead of the [[Mouth of Sauron]].<ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, pp. 361-362 and note 12, p. 364</ref> In early manuscripts the "Wizard King" even survived after [[Frodo]] has thrown the Ring in [[Sammath Naur]], blocking the door and saying: “Here we all end together”. At this point, either Sam appears at his back and stabs him from behind (with Sting?), or Frodo draws Sting, commands him to follow the Ring and drives him into the Fire.<ref>{{SD|1|Mordor}}, pp. 5-7</ref>

In the rare manuscript ''[[The Hunt for the Ring|The Hunt for the Ring: Time Scheme - Black Riders]]'', Tolkien speculates that the Witch-King might be afraid of Frodo, as he invoked [[Elbereth]] (a “name of terror for the Nazgûl”) and he could have slain the Barrow-wight.<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, "Flight to the Ford", p. 180</ref>

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English
''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_(word) wicche]'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries. Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term, which was "a man who practises witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer or wizard".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 21 citing from the 'Oxford English Dictionary'</ref>

==Other names==
*Witch-king of Angmar<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1050</ref> - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
*Witch-lord of Angmar<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}, p. 5</ref>
*Sorcerer-King<ref>{{L|131}}</ref>
*Lord of the Nazgûl<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 839-40</ref>
*Lord of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 900</ref><ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 919</ref>
*Chieftain of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{UT|Black}}</ref>
*Lord of the Nine Riders<ref name="Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 706</ref>
*King of the Nine Riders<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 708</ref>
*Wraith-lord<ref name="Stairs" />
*Wraith-king<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 707</ref>
*High Nazgûl<ref>{{TT|Choices}}, p. 738</ref>
*King of Minas Morgul<ref name="Eärnur">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnur, p. 1052</ref>
*Lord of Morgul<ref name="Eärnur" />
*Morgul-lord<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 220</ref>
*Black Captain<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 837</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, p. 842</ref>
*Captain of Despair<ref name="RK|Siege" />
*[[Dwimmerlaik]]<ref name="Eowyn">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 841</ref>
*Lord of carrion<ref name="Eowyn" />
*Number One<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>

==Inspiration==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[[:Wikipedia:Hrómundar saga Gripssonar|Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.{{fact}}


The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's ''Macbeth'', where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Macduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in adaptations==
The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. It is possible that he was one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. This possibility was adopted by the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game and [[Mithril Miniatures]] where he is named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince and younger son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]].
===The Witch-king in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Witch-King.jpg|The Witch-king in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Witch-king.jpg|The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
File:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|The Witch-king from [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Witch-king of Angmar.png|The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Witch King Icon.jpg|The Witch-king in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:Shadow of War - The Witch King.png|The Witch-king in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange and somewhat unfitting electronic voice. After a stab from behind by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Éowyn]] beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is called the "Witch-king of [[Angmar]]", the "Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]", and the "Greatest of the Nine" by [[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''; however, no other mention of the kingdom of Angmar itself is made. Also, in that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when Gandalf tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his "deadliest" servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] on [[Weathertop]]".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's final stand on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to defeat him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that [[Théoden]] had as a child. This does makes it somewhat confusing in the film whether the Witch-King was truly destroyed in this fight (as he was in the book), or whether we was temporarily incapacitated (as at the ford of Bruinen) and later perished along with his fellow Nazgul due to the One Ring's destruction.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
#An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
#[[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
#[[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
#Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
#[[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
#[[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
#[[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
#[[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is mentioned to have been defeated years ago, and his body sealed by the "Men of the North" in a very deep and dark tomb in the "[[High Fells of Rhudaur]]". His [[wraith]], apparently summoned by the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]], is encountered by [[Radagast]] in the ruins of [[Dol Guldur]], but the [[Wizards|Wizard]] fends him off and salvages the Witch-king's [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]] in the struggle.

:In the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]], The Witch-King, along with the other Nazgûl, participates by fighting [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]], members of the [[White Council]]. In the end, he and the other Nine are driven back to [[Mordor]] by [[Galadriel]] and her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]], [[Sauron|his master]] also eventually following suit.

:No actor is known to have played the Witch-king in this film series.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl. He was portrayed through computer-graphics.

===Radio series===
'''1956: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of The Lord of the Nazgul, as he is always credited in this production, is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for The Lord of the Nazgul.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king of Angmar is played by Christian Mey. The character is credited as the Lord of the Nazgul.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of the Witch-king of Angmar is provided by Jozef Švoňavský. The character is credited only as the Lord of the Nazgul, not by his Witch-king epithet.

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Witch-King is one the main "Hero" units for the Servants of Sauron, his signature ability is being able to turn Wights into Nazgûl. The evil campaign storyline shows him reclaiming Dol Guldur for Sauron.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Witch-King is a "Hero" unit for Mordor faction. He is an airborne unit riding on a Fell Beast and one of the strongest units in the game.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In addition to his appearance from the first game, the Witch-King can now also dismount and become a landscape unit armed with a mace. An expansion was released for this game the same year, titled [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king]]. In this expansion, the campaign is centered around the Witch-King and his rise to power in Angmar.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character present in several scenes. His most memorable appearance takes place in the Great Barrow within the Barrow-Downs. There are also multiple references to him in quest dialogue, the most notable is that the Witch-King for whatever reason cannot return to rule [[Carn Dum]] and instead has erected a Steward named [[Mordirith]] to rule in his place, in mockery of the Stewards of Gondor.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the campaign for the "Evil" side, the Witch-King is revived by other Nazgûl right before Sauron reclaims The One Ring.

''''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Witch-king appears in a flashback of the playable characters during the prologue of the game. He and the other [[Nazgûl]] attack and destroy the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] camp at [[Sarn Ford]]. Shortly after he speaks with [[Agandaûr]], who explains that he has assembled an army in [[Fornost]]. The Witch-king commands him to return and attack immediately, to aid in the [[Hunt of the Ring]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Witch-King is a playable defender. He is equipped with a flail and specialises in controlling effects. His ''Death'' ability causes damage, reduces enemy healing and reanimates a fallen enemy to fight for him. ''Darkness'' forces an enemy to turn back and fight, preventing escape and reflecting damage. ''Malice'' causes Damage in area and improves his next attack. ''Despair'' slows a targeted Enemy and nearby Enemies.

''''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is featured in the game. Voiced by Matthew Mercer, he serves as the main antagonist of the game. At the bidding of Sauron, he leads the siege on the city of Minas Ithil, making an adversary out of [[Talion]], in whom he takes a particular interest. Ensnaring General Castamir by promising the safety of his daughter, Idril, the Witch-king conquers the city for the Dark Lord. Using a [[palantír]] within Minas Ithil - now Minas Morgul - he sees that [[Celebrimbor]]'s New Ring is in [[Shelob]]'s hands. The Witch-king reveals what he has learned to his master, who rewards his allegiance with the reins of Minas Morgul and sends him to retrieve the New Ring.<ref>[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]], ''Prologue''</ref>

==See also==
*[[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

{{references|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=evil
|house=[[Nazgûl]] of [[Sauron]]
|born=Before {{SA|2251}}
|died=[[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=None
|prev=Title established
|list=King of [[Angmar]]
|dates={{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}}
|next=Title abolished
|nvac=None
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

Nazgûl

2025-11-07T20:03:30Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Added the name Black Rider(s) of the Air.

{{race infobox
| name=Nazgûl
| image = John Howe - The Hunt for the Ring.jpg
| caption=''The Hunt for the Ring'' by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Ringwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, ''Úlairi'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=[[Men]] who received the [[Nine Rings]]; corrupted by [[Sauron]]
| location=[[Mordor]], [[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| people=
| members=[[Witch-king]], [[Khamûl]], "[[F]]"
| lifespan=Indefinite
| distinctions=Without physical form
| height=Man-high
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Black robes
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]
}}

<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]"}}</center>
The '''[[#Etymology|Nazgûl]]''' ([[Black Speech]]: '''Ringwraiths''', sometimes written '''''Ring-wraiths'''''), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), were [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants" in [[Middle-earth]]. They were mortal [[Men]] who had been turned into wraiths by their [[Nine Rings]] of power.

==History==
===Origins===
Sometime during the [[Second Age]] (after the year {{SA|1697|n}}<ref group="note">Sauron captured the Rings of Power in the [[Sack of Eregion]] around this year, and later distributed the Nine Rings (cf. {{App|B}} and {{UT|Concerning}}).</ref>) Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|nine Rings of Power]] to nine mortal [[Men]]. It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of [[Númenoreans|Númenorean]] race.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref><ref>{{L|156|39}}, "There were evil Númenoreans: Sauronians, [...] the wicked Kings who had become the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths."</ref>

The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became "''mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old''". The rings enabled them to turn invisible and see the [[Unseen]]. Their lives were prolonged so they seemed unending, but life became unendurable to them. Over time, depending on their native strength and their initial good or evil will, they succumbed to the powers of the rings and the domination of the [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Their bodily forms faded until they became permanently invisible and turned into [[wraiths]].<ref name="Rings" />

Known as the Nazgûl, they first appeared around {{SA|2251}}<ref name="AppB1" /> and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. However, the circumstances of this appearance are unknown, as are their actions during the [[Dark Years]], during Sauron's capture to [[Númenor]], and in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. When Sauron was overthrown in {{SA|3441}} at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]], the wraiths faded into the shadows.<ref name="AppB1">{{App|B1}}</ref>
===Third Age===
The One Ring which dominated the Nazgûl was taken from Sauron and then it was lost in [[Anduin]] for the following centuries; both Sauron and the wraiths lost their powers and remained hidden.<ref name="Rings" /> However around {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]] Sauron returned in the form of a shadow in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], triggering also the return of his servants. [[Third Age 1100|About 50 years later]] [[the Wise]] of that Age discovered the [[shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]] and theorized that it was one of the Nazgûl.<ref name="AppB2" />

But it was around {{TA|1300}} when evil things, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], multiplied again, and the Nazgûl definitely reappeared; it was then when [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] gathered evil [[Men]] and founded the Witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]]. From there he led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of [[Arnor]] in {{TA|1409}}.<ref name="AppB2" />

Meanwhile [[Gondor]] was weakened by the [[Great Plague]] and [[Wainrider/Balchoth War|War]], and it was believed that Sauron's plan was to open the way to [[Mordor]]; indeed as the watch on Mordor stopped and Gondor's borders withdrew, it is believed that the Nazgûl freely re-entered Mordor around {{TA|1856|n}} or later.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The Witch-king was eventually [[Battle of Fornost|defeated]] in battle in {{TA|1975|n}} and [[Third Age 1980|sometime later]] returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm.<ref name="AppB2" /><ref name="gondor" />

In {{TA|2000|}}, they issued by [[Cirith Ungol]], began a two-year siege against [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|captured it]]. The city thereafter became their stronghold Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring [[Ithil-stone|one of]] the ''[[palantíri]]'' for the Dark Lord.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>

During the [[Watchful Peace]], when Sauron hid from the power of the [[White Council]], the Nazgûl also remained hidden in [[Morgul Vale]], allowing some peaceful time for the first [[Ruling Stewards]] of Gondor.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

But after his defeat in [[Dol Guldur]], Sauron returned to Mordor in {{TA|2942|n}} and declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}. Three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at Dol Guldur to garrison that outpost.<ref name="AppB2" />
[[File:Angus McBride - Rivendell.gif|thumb|''Rivendell'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|3017|n}} Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.

The [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] spoke of a rider who had come to offer Sauron's friendship and ask about [[Hobbits]]. As a token of their friendship he asked for a "trifle", a ring, "the least of rings", that the [[Bilbo Baggins|thief]] had stolen.<ref name="council">{{FR|II2}}</ref><ref group="note">The identity of the messenger is unknown. In [[fandom]] it has been proposed that he was the [[Mouth of Sauron]]. [[Michael Martinez]] [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/01/26/is-the-messenger-sent-to-dain-a-black-rider-or-the-mouth-of-sauron/ considers it more likely] that it was a Nazgûl.</ref>

===War of the Ring===
Sauron decided to assault Gondor directly. In [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] he let the Nazgûl lead, causing terror with the [[Black Shadow]] among the [[Gondorians]]<ref name="council" /><ref name="b3">{{app|B3}}</ref> and making them think that they are the vanguard of Sauron's military force. However this was a feigned move of Sauron, who intended them to send them invisible to look for the Ring.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The Nazgûl were given black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation and set off to find "[[the Shire]]", on their way learning from a [[Squint-eyed southerner]] that [[Saruman]] was not a true ally of Sauron. Failing to find it, they returned to the [[Wold]] empty-handed; messengers from Sauron sent them to [[Isengard]]. There they encountered [[Gríma Wormtongue]], who told them of the location of the Shire.<ref name="hunt" />

Crossing the [[Fords of Isen]], they reached [[Sarn Ford]] at evening and drove off the guard of [[Rangers of the North]] and five pursued the Rangers eastward, then returned to guard the [[Greenway]]. The other four entered the Shire before the dawn of [[23 September]]; at nightfall [[Khamûl]] came to [[Hobbiton]] and interrogated [[Hamfast Gamgee]] asking for "[[Baggins]]", not knowing that [[Frodo Baggins]], the [[Ring-bearer]], had left Bag End on his way out of Hobbiton that same day.<ref name="b3" />

On [[24 September]] a Rider approached Frodo and his companions near the [[Woody End]], when a [[Wandering Companies|Wandering Company]] of [[Elves]] approached from [[Emyn Beraid]], chanting the name of "[[Elbereth]]", and the rider fled away.<ref name="Three">{{FR|Three}}</ref>{{rp|78–9}} The [[25 September|next day]] a Rider came to [[Bamfurlong]] and approached [[Farmer Maggot]], asking about Baggins. The farmer directed him to Hobbiton. The Rider said that the individual had already left Hobbiton and offered Maggot gold if he would inform the rider if he saw Baggins. The farmer felt chill and was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his [[dogs]], which, however, yelped and ran. The Rider, infuriated by his defiance, hissed and rode away.<ref>{{FR|I4}}</ref>

On [[26 September]], two Riders came to ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]] and asked [[Nob]] for "Baggins", making the dogs and geese noisy. Nob, terrified, slammed the door on them, and the Riders continued all the way to [[Archet]].<ref name="strid">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

Three days later, on [[29 September]] at night, the hobbits arrived at the ''Prancing Pony''.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 29, p. 1093</ref> On the same day, three Riders arrived in Bree and were informed by a spy from Isengard about the events with the Hobbits that took place at the ''Prancing Pony'' and guessed that the One Ring is present. One Rider was sent to find the Witch-king, but was stopped and driven away by the [[Dúnedain]], so that he only met the Witch-king on the next day.<ref name="PrancingRC">{{HM|RC}}, citing from the manuscript Marquette MSS 4/2/3, p. 166</ref> After [[Frodo]], [[Pippin]], and Sam returned from the big common-room to the parlour of the ''Prancing Pony'', [[Merry]] went outside for a walk, followed a shadow to the last house of the road in the dark, but began to feel terrified. After he had turned around to run back something came behind him and he fell over and became unconscious. However, [[Nob]] saw two men on the road lifting something and shouted.<ref name="strid" /> When he reached the spot on the road<ref name="strid" /> the two Riders had disappeared<ref name="PrancingRC" /> and he only found the unconscious Merry lying there<ref name="strid" />. Merry and Nob returned to the parlour and informed Frodo, Pippin, Sam, and [[Aragorn]] about what had happened. As a result, they decided to not go back to their rooms, but to spend the night in the parlour and to bar its window and door.<ref name="strid" />

In the early hours before dawn of [[30 September]], the two Riders rode through Bree and may have attacked the ''Prancing Pony'' while other Riders attacked [[Crickhollow]].<ref name="PrancingRC" /> When Aragorn and the Hobbits got up and returned to their bedrooms they discovered that the windows had been forced open, the beds had been tossed about, the bolsters had been slashed and the brown mat had been torn to pieces. At around ten o'clock Aragorn and the Hobbits left Bree eastwards on the East Road.<ref name="knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

The Riders pursued [[Gandalf]] from Bree and attacked him at night on [[Weathertop]], where he defended himself with his [[magic]].<ref name="b3" /> Four Riders followed Gandalf as he escaped to the north.<ref name="council" /> The others later attacked [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] while they were camping under Weathertop, and the Witch-king [[Morgul-wound|wounded]] [[Frodo Baggins]] with a [[Morgul-knife]].<ref name="b3" /><ref name="knife" />

On [[11 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}<ref name="b3" /> three Riders were guarding the [[Last Bridge]] of [[Mitheithel]], expecting [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] on their journey to [[Rivendell]]. Their plan was foiled by [[Glorfindel]], who drove them away.<ref name="b3" /><ref name="Flight">{{FR|Flight}}</ref> Two days later, some of them pursued Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]].<ref name="b3" /> [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]] released a flood and the waters of [[Bruinen]] swept away and drowned the horses of the Riders.<ref name="council" />

[[File:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup.<ref name="Disguises">{{FR|South}}, p. 275</ref> They reappeared later mounted on [[Nazgûl-birds|flying creatures]],<ref name="White" /> at which point they were referred to as '''winged Nazgûl'''.<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 446</ref>

By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, 840-2</ref> The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]].<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 892</ref> However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}, pp. 946-7</ref>

==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
To mortals, the Nazgûl appeared as shadowy Men hidden by black hoods and cloaks that reached down to their boots.<ref name="Three" />{{rp|74}} Without their cloaks, they were shapeless,<ref name="MeetingsTwo">{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 222-3</ref> and invisible to all but the wearer of [[the One Ring]].<ref name="Rings" /> When the Witch-king removed his hood, his crown could be seen, although his head was invisible and the red fires shone through it.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|829}} During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the deadly gleam of his eyes could be seen.<ref name="PelennorPage">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 840</ref>

When Frodo put on the Ring at Weathertop, he could see the forms of the Nazgûl clearly. They were tall, and beneath their black cloaks, they were robed in grey. Their hair was grey, and they wore silver helms, although the Witch-king wore a crown. Their eyes were merciless and piercing, and their hands were haggard. The Witch-king held a [[Morgul-knife|knife]], and the knife and his hand shone with a pale light.<ref name="Visible">{{FR|Knife}}, pp. 195-6</ref>

===Powers and abilities===
The chief power of the Nazgȗl was the unreasoning fear they struck in living things. Their powers and the fear that they inspired are greatly increased in darkness.<ref name="L210">{{L|210}}, 9.</ref> During the [[Siege of Gondor]], their cries were filled with evil and horror. When the Ringwraiths passed overhead unseen, even the bravest dropped their weapons from their nerveless hands or cowered on the ground due to the fear that overcame them. As a blackness entered their minds, they no longer thought about fighting, and only thought of hiding, crawling away, and death.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|823}} Even when they could not be seen or heard, their terrible presence could be felt, and those nearby felt a sense of dread.<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 886</ref> Animals also feared them, and the only creatures that endured them were horses bred for the service of Sauron<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and the [[Fell beasts|winged beasts]] that were given to them when their horses were destroyed.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}, p. 498</ref> The evil aura that surrounded them was known as the ''[[Black Breath]]'', and those that came under its shadow fell ill and eventually passed into silence and died.<ref name="Houses">{{RK|Houses}}</ref>

The Ringwraiths did not have great physical power against fearless opponents.<ref name="L210" /> The Nazgûl also used physical weapons. At Weathertop, they bore steel swords, and the Witch-king had a knife that he stabbed Frodo with.<ref name="Visible" /> A shard of the [[Morgul-knife]] remained in Frodo's shoulder, and was moving deeper before it was removed by [[Elrond]]. It caused Frodo to begin to fade into the [[Unseen|wraith-world]], but the shard was unable to pierce his heart and bring him completely under the control of the Nazgȗl.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> The Ringwraiths were also known to use deadly black darts.<ref name="HousesPage" /> The Witch-king used a black mace during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.<ref name="PelennorPage" />

The Nazgûl could not be slain by arrows,<ref name="White" /> and only weapons endowed with a special power, such as the [[blade of Westernesse]] that Merry used, could do them any great damage.<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 842-4</ref> Any blades that pierced the Witch-king were destroyed.<ref name="Flight" />{{rp|198}}

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith-world and required their cloaks to give them form during their interactions with the living.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> When their steeds and disguises were destroyed, they were forced to return to Sauron to receive new ones.<ref name="Disguises" />

The Nazgûl had poor vision in the world of light, but they were aware of the presence of other beings, and their perception grew stronger in the dark. They could detect living things by the smell of their blood, and they were drawn by the Ring.<ref name="knife" />{{rp|189}} They could also see beings with a presence in the wraith-world, such as the wearer of the One Ring, as well as certain powerful Elves with control over the Unseen, such as [[Glorfindel]]. Anyone who could see into the wraith-world could see the Nazgûl, as Frodo did on Weathertop<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and at the Ford of Bruinen.<ref name="FlightPage">{{FR|Flight}}, p. 214</ref>

The [[Witch-king]] could also affect objects and people with his power, and was able to strike Frodo dumb and shatter the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] by raising his hand,<ref name="FlightPage" /> and he also weakened both hearts and stone with terrifying words of power while attacking the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith|Gate]] of [[Minas Tirith]]. He also caused flames to run along his sword.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|828–9}} Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.

==Identities==
Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]],<ref name="Black">{{UT|Black}}</ref> and was the only Nazgûl known by his name. Three of them were [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="Akallabeth" />

==Etymology==
''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]]. It is a compound of ''[[nazg]]'' ("ring") and ''[[gûl]]'' ("[evil] spirit under control of Sauron").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Nazgûl''', p. 79</ref>

==Other names==
Among their many names and titles were: the Ringwraiths,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 51</ref> the Black Riders,<ref>{{FR|Three}}, p. 80</ref> the Fell Riders,<ref>{{RK|MT}}, p. 764</ref> the Nine Riders,<ref name="FlightPage" /> the Nine,<ref name="Shadow" /> the Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings,<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 261</ref> the Black Wings,<ref>{{TT|Gate}}, p. 646</ref> Winged Messenger(s),<ref name="White" /> the Shadows,<ref name="HousesPage">{{RK|Houses}}, p. 864</ref> the Shriekers<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>, the Nine Ring-slaves<ref name=":0">{{L|131}}</ref>, and the Black Rider(s) of the Air<ref name=":0" />.

An [[Elvish]] name given for the Ringwraiths is '''''Úlairi'''''.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}, p. 153 (§30)</ref> Linguists have remarked that it is a [[Quenya]] plural name of unknown meaning and etymology.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/eng-quen.rtf|articlename=English-Quenya Wordlist (Quettaparma Quenyanna)|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=25 June 2011}}</ref><ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]''</ref> [[Michael Martinez]], analysing the word, has tentatively suggested that:

{{blockquote| ''Úlairi'' is a compound formed from ''Ú'' + ''lai'' + ''ri'' with probable meaning of "un (bad or immoral)" + "shadow" + "ones". In other words, the name may mean something like "those who are in/of unnatural shadow".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/08/15/what-is-the-literal-translation-of-ulairi/|articlename=What is the Literal Translation of Úlairi?|dated=15 August 2014|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ middle-earth.xenite.org]|accessed=16 August 2014}}</ref>}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The first appearance of a Black Rider in Tolkien's drafts was actually a disguised [[Gandalf]] who scared the Hobbits on their way to Rivendell, before revealing himself.<ref>{{RS|Hobbiton}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Nazgûl in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Ringwraiths.jpg|Four of the Nazgûl on horseback in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Ringwraith.jpg|A Ringwraith in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Nazgul 2.png|A Nazgûl from ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Ringwraiths.jpg|The Nazgûl in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nine in '[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<nowiki/>''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nazgûl attack [[Sarn Ford]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices. After the attack, they cast off their hoods, revealing the black armour and hideous masks they wear beneath their cloaks.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]'''
:The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The [[Witch-king]] himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] rather than the emblem of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the main antagonists in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Hamfast Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. In the [[Unseen]], they are pale white ghostly creatures.

:After the death of the Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|the third film]], the other eight are taken out by [[Eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king and the other Ringwraiths were buried in a dungeon in the [[High Fells of Rhudaur]] after the [[Battle of Fornost|fall]] of Angmar. The Witch-king initially appears in Dol Guldur, where he briefly fights [[Radagast]] with his Morgul-blade; he drops it and Radagast takes it, ultimately bringing it to [[Gandalf]], who then shows to the [[White Council]] in [[Rivendell]]. Later, Gandalf, following Galadriel's advice, visits the High Fells and discovers that the Nazgûl's cells were empty, broken open from the inside. Through this investigation, he is convinced that the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is indeed Sauron.

:During the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] they appeared in armour, ghostly versions of their mortal forms. The Nine do battle with Galadriel, [[Saruman]], and Elrond. During the confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron, their living forms seem to [[Unseen|phase in and out of reality]] as holograms. Eventually they are driven to Mordor, with their master following suit.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Nine are featured in this adaptation through CGI as a passing shadow with their winged steed. They do not speak at all.

===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''.

===Games===
'''1977: [[War of the Ring (1977 board game)|''War of the Ring'' (board game)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl are present in this game. The Witch-king is the most powerful character available to the Sauron player. The second most powerful is identified as [[Gothmog]].

'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The name of the eight, other than Khamûl, are given as ''Er-Mûrazôr'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''Dendra Dwar of Waw'', ''Jí Indûr Dawndeath'', ''Akhôrahil'' (Númenórean), ''Hôarmûrath of Dír'', ''Adûnaphel'' (female Númenórean), ''Ren the Unclean'' and ''Ûvatha Achef the Horseman''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>

'''1995: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear as hazard cards within ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards]]''. Their names are identical to those used in Middle-Earth Role Playing, except for the Witch-king, who is referred to only as the Witch-king of Angmar.

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:All the Nazgûl are named - The Witch-king of [[Angmar]], The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The [[Easterlings|Easterling]], The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The [[Dwimmerlaik]], The Tainted and The Knight of [[Umbar]]. Versions based on their depiction in ''The Hobbit'' trilogy retain the Witch-king and Khamûl; however, the remaining seven are dubbed the Dark Headsman, the Forsaken, the Lingering Shadow, and two pairs known as the Abyssal Knights and the Slayers of Men.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of [[Frodo Baggins]]), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of [[Aragorn]]). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.

'''2001-7: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl, other than the Witch-king, are given [[Neo-Elvish|Neo-Quenya]] titles based on their numbers, and various English titles:
:*Úlairë Attëa (from ''[[atta]]'' = 2); Black Predator, Keeper of [[Dol Guldur]], Second of the Nine Riders, The Easterling.
:*Úlairë Nelya (from ''[[neldë]]'' = 3); Black Hunter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Third of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Cantëa (from ''[[canta]]'' = 4); Black Assassin, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, Fourth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Lemenya (from ''[[lempe]]'' = 5); Black Enemy, Lieutenant of Morgul, Fifth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Enquëa (from ''[[enquë]]'' = 6); Black Threat, Lieutenant of Morgul, Sixth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Ostëa [''sic'', later corrected to Úlairë Otsëa] (from ''[[otso]]'' = 7); Black Specter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Seventh of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Toldëa (from ''[[tolto]]'' = 8); Black Shadow, Messenger of Morgul, Eighth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Nertëa (from ''[[nertë]]'' = 9); Black Horseman, Messenger of Dol Guldur, Ninth of the Nine Riders.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=801|articlename=Naming the Nazgul|dated=|website=[http://forum.barrowdowns.com/index.php? Forum.Barrowdowns.com]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/1/goal/|articlename=Lord Of The Rings (search function)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:A new Ringwraith is introduced in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] descent. The design is similar to that in [[Peter Jackson]]'s films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the [[Mordor]] faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear throughout the game. Three are Easterlings: "The Bane of Rhûn", "The Woe of Khand", and "The Cursed Rider"; three are [[Haradrim]]: "The Grim Southron", "The High Sorcerer of Harad", and "The Forsaken Reaver"; and three are of Númenórean origin: "The Black Blade of Lebennin", "The Gloom of Nurn", and the Witch-king of Angmar. The Nazgûl are also given the [[Sindarin]] name "Gwatharan" (pl. "Gwetherain").

:Early in the game one of the Nine wounds a [[Dúnedain]] ranger, Amdir, with a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], who is later transformed into a Wraith himself, despite the best efforts of Free Peoples. Later, the player attempts to resist the troubles the Nine are spreading in Bree-Land. During the Fellowship's stay in [[Lothlórien]], the [[Galadhrim]] Elves launch a military strike against [[Dol Guldur]], to draw the attention of the Eye from the company departing down the Shores of Anduin. During their travel down the waters of the Great River, Legolas shot and killed a fell shadow in the sky, not knowing it to be a Nazgûl. The player is later able to find the corpse of the fell beast in the [[Brown Lands]] and it becomes clear that a Nazgûl is not far. At night, the Wraith ambushes the player who manages to drive him away with the use of fire.

:During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Witch-king plays the role as described in the books. The High Sorcerer of Harad and the Woe of Khand guard the way to Gothmog in the raid instance "Throne of the Dread Terror", and the Forsaken Reaver is found at the end of the "Quays of the [[Harlond (Gondor)|Harlond]] instance, in which he attempts to prevent Aragorn and his host from joining the battle. The Gloom of Nurn confronts the players at the conclusion of "The Silent Street" instance, as he attempts to reclaim the crown of Eärnur among the tombs of Gondor's kings and stewards.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the Evil Campaign, the Eight Nazgûl bring the Witch-King back to life after Sauron reclaims the One Ring.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear in a flashback during the prologue of the game, in which they attack the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], the entrance of [[the Shire]]. Later in the flashback their leader, the [[Witch-king]], speaks with [[Agandaûr]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Although the Nazgûl do not appear in the game, they are mentioned many times within it.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are featured in the game. Besides the [[Witch-king]] and [[Khamûl]] the other Nazgûl include:

:*[[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]], the king of Rohan who fell into darkness after receiving a Ring of Power from Sauron and Celebrimbor, and in his rage he was turned into a Nazgûl.
:*[[Talion]], who succumbed into the power of the Ring.
:*[[Isildur]], whose body was found by Orcs. He was revived by Sauron after receiving a Ring of Power; he was eventually freed by Talion who took his place amongst the Nazgûl.
:*Suladân, an original character, who was once a Númenórean king.
:*The Nazgûl Sisters, also original characters, known as Riya and Yuka, who stole their Rings from the other Nazgûl and took their places.

'''2022: ''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]'':'''
:An additional Nazgûl is named: ''Shargul''.<ref>[https://andreapiparo.artstation.com/projects/r9ekOG Andrea Piparo - Shargul]</ref> Others are given titles: ''The Reaver'', ''The Commander'', ''The Destroyer''.<ref>[https://issuu.com/aresgames/docs/wotr101-waroftheringcardgame-rulebook-en-web War of the Ring - The Card Game (English Rulebook) by. Ares Games Srl - Issuu]</ref> and ''The Messenger''.<ref>[https://www.aresgames.eu/33595 War of the Ring: The Card Game: Against the Shadow Rulebook]</ref>

==See also==
*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
*[[Khamûl]]
*[[F]]

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/29/what-is-the-history-of-the-nazgul/ What is the History of the Nazgul?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm Origins of the Nazgûl and the Downfall of Númenor] by Alcuin

{{references|note}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nazgul}}
[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Nazgûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveet]]

Nazgûl

2025-11-07T19:55:43Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Added the name "Nine Ring-slaves".

{{race infobox
| name=Nazgûl
| image = John Howe - The Hunt for the Ring.jpg
| caption=''The Hunt for the Ring'' by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Ringwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, ''Úlairi'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=[[Men]] who received the [[Nine Rings]]; corrupted by [[Sauron]]
| location=[[Mordor]], [[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| people=
| members=[[Witch-king]], [[Khamûl]], "[[F]]"
| lifespan=Indefinite
| distinctions=Without physical form
| height=Man-high
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Black robes
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]
}}

<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]"}}</center>
The '''[[#Etymology|Nazgûl]]''' ([[Black Speech]]: '''Ringwraiths''', sometimes written '''''Ring-wraiths'''''), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), were [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants" in [[Middle-earth]]. They were mortal [[Men]] who had been turned into wraiths by their [[Nine Rings]] of power.

==History==
===Origins===
Sometime during the [[Second Age]] (after the year {{SA|1697|n}}<ref group="note">Sauron captured the Rings of Power in the [[Sack of Eregion]] around this year, and later distributed the Nine Rings (cf. {{App|B}} and {{UT|Concerning}}).</ref>) Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|nine Rings of Power]] to nine mortal [[Men]]. It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of [[Númenoreans|Númenorean]] race.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref><ref>{{L|156|39}}, "There were evil Númenoreans: Sauronians, [...] the wicked Kings who had become the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths."</ref>

The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became "''mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old''". The rings enabled them to turn invisible and see the [[Unseen]]. Their lives were prolonged so they seemed unending, but life became unendurable to them. Over time, depending on their native strength and their initial good or evil will, they succumbed to the powers of the rings and the domination of the [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Their bodily forms faded until they became permanently invisible and turned into [[wraiths]].<ref name="Rings" />

Known as the Nazgûl, they first appeared around {{SA|2251}}<ref name="AppB1" /> and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. However, the circumstances of this appearance are unknown, as are their actions during the [[Dark Years]], during Sauron's capture to [[Númenor]], and in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. When Sauron was overthrown in {{SA|3441}} at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]], the wraiths faded into the shadows.<ref name="AppB1">{{App|B1}}</ref>
===Third Age===
The One Ring which dominated the Nazgûl was taken from Sauron and then it was lost in [[Anduin]] for the following centuries; both Sauron and the wraiths lost their powers and remained hidden.<ref name="Rings" /> However around {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]] Sauron returned in the form of a shadow in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], triggering also the return of his servants. [[Third Age 1100|About 50 years later]] [[the Wise]] of that Age discovered the [[shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]] and theorized that it was one of the Nazgûl.<ref name="AppB2" />

But it was around {{TA|1300}} when evil things, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], multiplied again, and the Nazgûl definitely reappeared; it was then when [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] gathered evil [[Men]] and founded the Witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]]. From there he led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of [[Arnor]] in {{TA|1409}}.<ref name="AppB2" />

Meanwhile [[Gondor]] was weakened by the [[Great Plague]] and [[Wainrider/Balchoth War|War]], and it was believed that Sauron's plan was to open the way to [[Mordor]]; indeed as the watch on Mordor stopped and Gondor's borders withdrew, it is believed that the Nazgûl freely re-entered Mordor around {{TA|1856|n}} or later.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The Witch-king was eventually [[Battle of Fornost|defeated]] in battle in {{TA|1975|n}} and [[Third Age 1980|sometime later]] returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm.<ref name="AppB2" /><ref name="gondor" />

In {{TA|2000|}}, they issued by [[Cirith Ungol]], began a two-year siege against [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|captured it]]. The city thereafter became their stronghold Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring [[Ithil-stone|one of]] the ''[[palantíri]]'' for the Dark Lord.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>

During the [[Watchful Peace]], when Sauron hid from the power of the [[White Council]], the Nazgûl also remained hidden in [[Morgul Vale]], allowing some peaceful time for the first [[Ruling Stewards]] of Gondor.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

But after his defeat in [[Dol Guldur]], Sauron returned to Mordor in {{TA|2942|n}} and declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}. Three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at Dol Guldur to garrison that outpost.<ref name="AppB2" />
[[File:Angus McBride - Rivendell.gif|thumb|''Rivendell'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|3017|n}} Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.

The [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] spoke of a rider who had come to offer Sauron's friendship and ask about [[Hobbits]]. As a token of their friendship he asked for a "trifle", a ring, "the least of rings", that the [[Bilbo Baggins|thief]] had stolen.<ref name="council">{{FR|II2}}</ref><ref group="note">The identity of the messenger is unknown. In [[fandom]] it has been proposed that he was the [[Mouth of Sauron]]. [[Michael Martinez]] [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/01/26/is-the-messenger-sent-to-dain-a-black-rider-or-the-mouth-of-sauron/ considers it more likely] that it was a Nazgûl.</ref>

===War of the Ring===
Sauron decided to assault Gondor directly. In [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] he let the Nazgûl lead, causing terror with the [[Black Shadow]] among the [[Gondorians]]<ref name="council" /><ref name="b3">{{app|B3}}</ref> and making them think that they are the vanguard of Sauron's military force. However this was a feigned move of Sauron, who intended them to send them invisible to look for the Ring.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The Nazgûl were given black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation and set off to find "[[the Shire]]", on their way learning from a [[Squint-eyed southerner]] that [[Saruman]] was not a true ally of Sauron. Failing to find it, they returned to the [[Wold]] empty-handed; messengers from Sauron sent them to [[Isengard]]. There they encountered [[Gríma Wormtongue]], who told them of the location of the Shire.<ref name="hunt" />

Crossing the [[Fords of Isen]], they reached [[Sarn Ford]] at evening and drove off the guard of [[Rangers of the North]] and five pursued the Rangers eastward, then returned to guard the [[Greenway]]. The other four entered the Shire before the dawn of [[23 September]]; at nightfall [[Khamûl]] came to [[Hobbiton]] and interrogated [[Hamfast Gamgee]] asking for "[[Baggins]]", not knowing that [[Frodo Baggins]], the [[Ring-bearer]], had left Bag End on his way out of Hobbiton that same day.<ref name="b3" />

On [[24 September]] a Rider approached Frodo and his companions near the [[Woody End]], when a [[Wandering Companies|Wandering Company]] of [[Elves]] approached from [[Emyn Beraid]], chanting the name of "[[Elbereth]]", and the rider fled away.<ref name="Three">{{FR|Three}}</ref>{{rp|78–9}} The [[25 September|next day]] a Rider came to [[Bamfurlong]] and approached [[Farmer Maggot]], asking about Baggins. The farmer directed him to Hobbiton. The Rider said that the individual had already left Hobbiton and offered Maggot gold if he would inform the rider if he saw Baggins. The farmer felt chill and was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his [[dogs]], which, however, yelped and ran. The Rider, infuriated by his defiance, hissed and rode away.<ref>{{FR|I4}}</ref>

On [[26 September]], two Riders came to ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]] and asked [[Nob]] for "Baggins", making the dogs and geese noisy. Nob, terrified, slammed the door on them, and the Riders continued all the way to [[Archet]].<ref name="strid">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

Three days later, on [[29 September]] at night, the hobbits arrived at the ''Prancing Pony''.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 29, p. 1093</ref> On the same day, three Riders arrived in Bree and were informed by a spy from Isengard about the events with the Hobbits that took place at the ''Prancing Pony'' and guessed that the One Ring is present. One Rider was sent to find the Witch-king, but was stopped and driven away by the [[Dúnedain]], so that he only met the Witch-king on the next day.<ref name="PrancingRC">{{HM|RC}}, citing from the manuscript Marquette MSS 4/2/3, p. 166</ref> After [[Frodo]], [[Pippin]], and Sam returned from the big common-room to the parlour of the ''Prancing Pony'', [[Merry]] went outside for a walk, followed a shadow to the last house of the road in the dark, but began to feel terrified. After he had turned around to run back something came behind him and he fell over and became unconscious. However, [[Nob]] saw two men on the road lifting something and shouted.<ref name="strid" /> When he reached the spot on the road<ref name="strid" /> the two Riders had disappeared<ref name="PrancingRC" /> and he only found the unconscious Merry lying there<ref name="strid" />. Merry and Nob returned to the parlour and informed Frodo, Pippin, Sam, and [[Aragorn]] about what had happened. As a result, they decided to not go back to their rooms, but to spend the night in the parlour and to bar its window and door.<ref name="strid" />

In the early hours before dawn of [[30 September]], the two Riders rode through Bree and may have attacked the ''Prancing Pony'' while other Riders attacked [[Crickhollow]].<ref name="PrancingRC" /> When Aragorn and the Hobbits got up and returned to their bedrooms they discovered that the windows had been forced open, the beds had been tossed about, the bolsters had been slashed and the brown mat had been torn to pieces. At around ten o'clock Aragorn and the Hobbits left Bree eastwards on the East Road.<ref name="knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

The Riders pursued [[Gandalf]] from Bree and attacked him at night on [[Weathertop]], where he defended himself with his [[magic]].<ref name="b3" /> Four Riders followed Gandalf as he escaped to the north.<ref name="council" /> The others later attacked [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] while they were camping under Weathertop, and the Witch-king [[Morgul-wound|wounded]] [[Frodo Baggins]] with a [[Morgul-knife]].<ref name="b3" /><ref name="knife" />

On [[11 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}<ref name="b3" /> three Riders were guarding the [[Last Bridge]] of [[Mitheithel]], expecting [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] on their journey to [[Rivendell]]. Their plan was foiled by [[Glorfindel]], who drove them away.<ref name="b3" /><ref name="Flight">{{FR|Flight}}</ref> Two days later, some of them pursued Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]].<ref name="b3" /> [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]] released a flood and the waters of [[Bruinen]] swept away and drowned the horses of the Riders.<ref name="council" />

[[File:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup.<ref name="Disguises">{{FR|South}}, p. 275</ref> They reappeared later mounted on [[Nazgûl-birds|flying creatures]],<ref name="White" /> at which point they were referred to as '''winged Nazgûl'''.<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 446</ref>

By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, 840-2</ref> The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]].<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 892</ref> However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}, pp. 946-7</ref>

==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
To mortals, the Nazgûl appeared as shadowy Men hidden by black hoods and cloaks that reached down to their boots.<ref name="Three" />{{rp|74}} Without their cloaks, they were shapeless,<ref name="MeetingsTwo">{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 222-3</ref> and invisible to all but the wearer of [[the One Ring]].<ref name="Rings" /> When the Witch-king removed his hood, his crown could be seen, although his head was invisible and the red fires shone through it.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|829}} During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the deadly gleam of his eyes could be seen.<ref name="PelennorPage">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 840</ref>

When Frodo put on the Ring at Weathertop, he could see the forms of the Nazgûl clearly. They were tall, and beneath their black cloaks, they were robed in grey. Their hair was grey, and they wore silver helms, although the Witch-king wore a crown. Their eyes were merciless and piercing, and their hands were haggard. The Witch-king held a [[Morgul-knife|knife]], and the knife and his hand shone with a pale light.<ref name="Visible">{{FR|Knife}}, pp. 195-6</ref>

===Powers and abilities===
The chief power of the Nazgȗl was the unreasoning fear they struck in living things. Their powers and the fear that they inspired are greatly increased in darkness.<ref name="L210">{{L|210}}, 9.</ref> During the [[Siege of Gondor]], their cries were filled with evil and horror. When the Ringwraiths passed overhead unseen, even the bravest dropped their weapons from their nerveless hands or cowered on the ground due to the fear that overcame them. As a blackness entered their minds, they no longer thought about fighting, and only thought of hiding, crawling away, and death.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|823}} Even when they could not be seen or heard, their terrible presence could be felt, and those nearby felt a sense of dread.<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 886</ref> Animals also feared them, and the only creatures that endured them were horses bred for the service of Sauron<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and the [[Fell beasts|winged beasts]] that were given to them when their horses were destroyed.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}, p. 498</ref> The evil aura that surrounded them was known as the ''[[Black Breath]]'', and those that came under its shadow fell ill and eventually passed into silence and died.<ref name="Houses">{{RK|Houses}}</ref>

The Ringwraiths did not have great physical power against fearless opponents.<ref name="L210" /> The Nazgûl also used physical weapons. At Weathertop, they bore steel swords, and the Witch-king had a knife that he stabbed Frodo with.<ref name="Visible" /> A shard of the [[Morgul-knife]] remained in Frodo's shoulder, and was moving deeper before it was removed by [[Elrond]]. It caused Frodo to begin to fade into the [[Unseen|wraith-world]], but the shard was unable to pierce his heart and bring him completely under the control of the Nazgȗl.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> The Ringwraiths were also known to use deadly black darts.<ref name="HousesPage" /> The Witch-king used a black mace during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.<ref name="PelennorPage" />

The Nazgûl could not be slain by arrows,<ref name="White" /> and only weapons endowed with a special power, such as the [[blade of Westernesse]] that Merry used, could do them any great damage.<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 842-4</ref> Any blades that pierced the Witch-king were destroyed.<ref name="Flight" />{{rp|198}}

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith-world and required their cloaks to give them form during their interactions with the living.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> When their steeds and disguises were destroyed, they were forced to return to Sauron to receive new ones.<ref name="Disguises" />

The Nazgûl had poor vision in the world of light, but they were aware of the presence of other beings, and their perception grew stronger in the dark. They could detect living things by the smell of their blood, and they were drawn by the Ring.<ref name="knife" />{{rp|189}} They could also see beings with a presence in the wraith-world, such as the wearer of the One Ring, as well as certain powerful Elves with control over the Unseen, such as [[Glorfindel]]. Anyone who could see into the wraith-world could see the Nazgûl, as Frodo did on Weathertop<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and at the Ford of Bruinen.<ref name="FlightPage">{{FR|Flight}}, p. 214</ref>

The [[Witch-king]] could also affect objects and people with his power, and was able to strike Frodo dumb and shatter the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] by raising his hand,<ref name="FlightPage" /> and he also weakened both hearts and stone with terrifying words of power while attacking the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith|Gate]] of [[Minas Tirith]]. He also caused flames to run along his sword.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|828–9}} Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.

==Identities==
Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]],<ref name="Black">{{UT|Black}}</ref> and was the only Nazgûl known by his name. Three of them were [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="Akallabeth" />

==Etymology==
''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]]. It is a compound of ''[[nazg]]'' ("ring") and ''[[gûl]]'' ("[evil] spirit under control of Sauron").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Nazgûl''', p. 79</ref>

==Other names==
Among their many names and titles were: the Ringwraiths,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 51</ref> the Black Riders,<ref>{{FR|Three}}, p. 80</ref> the Fell Riders,<ref>{{RK|MT}}, p. 764</ref> the Nine Riders,<ref name="FlightPage" /> the Nine,<ref name="Shadow" /> the Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings,<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 261</ref> the Black Wings,<ref>{{TT|Gate}}, p. 646</ref> Winged Messenger(s),<ref name="White" /> the Shadows,<ref name="HousesPage">{{RK|Houses}}, p. 864</ref> the Shriekers<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>, and the Nine Ring-slaves<ref>{{L|131}}</ref>.

An [[Elvish]] name given for the Ringwraiths is '''''Úlairi'''''.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}, p. 153 (§30)</ref> Linguists have remarked that it is a [[Quenya]] plural name of unknown meaning and etymology.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/eng-quen.rtf|articlename=English-Quenya Wordlist (Quettaparma Quenyanna)|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=25 June 2011}}</ref><ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]''</ref> [[Michael Martinez]], analysing the word, has tentatively suggested that:

{{blockquote| ''Úlairi'' is a compound formed from ''Ú'' + ''lai'' + ''ri'' with probable meaning of "un (bad or immoral)" + "shadow" + "ones". In other words, the name may mean something like "those who are in/of unnatural shadow".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/08/15/what-is-the-literal-translation-of-ulairi/|articlename=What is the Literal Translation of Úlairi?|dated=15 August 2014|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ middle-earth.xenite.org]|accessed=16 August 2014}}</ref>}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The first appearance of a Black Rider in Tolkien's drafts was actually a disguised [[Gandalf]] who scared the Hobbits on their way to Rivendell, before revealing himself.<ref>{{RS|Hobbiton}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Nazgûl in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Ringwraiths.jpg|Four of the Nazgûl on horseback in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Ringwraith.jpg|A Ringwraith in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Nazgul 2.png|A Nazgûl from ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Ringwraiths.jpg|The Nazgûl in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nine in '[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<nowiki/>''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nazgûl attack [[Sarn Ford]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices. After the attack, they cast off their hoods, revealing the black armour and hideous masks they wear beneath their cloaks.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]'''
:The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The [[Witch-king]] himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] rather than the emblem of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the main antagonists in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Hamfast Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. In the [[Unseen]], they are pale white ghostly creatures.

:After the death of the Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|the third film]], the other eight are taken out by [[Eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king and the other Ringwraiths were buried in a dungeon in the [[High Fells of Rhudaur]] after the [[Battle of Fornost|fall]] of Angmar. The Witch-king initially appears in Dol Guldur, where he briefly fights [[Radagast]] with his Morgul-blade; he drops it and Radagast takes it, ultimately bringing it to [[Gandalf]], who then shows to the [[White Council]] in [[Rivendell]]. Later, Gandalf, following Galadriel's advice, visits the High Fells and discovers that the Nazgûl's cells were empty, broken open from the inside. Through this investigation, he is convinced that the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is indeed Sauron.

:During the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] they appeared in armour, ghostly versions of their mortal forms. The Nine do battle with Galadriel, [[Saruman]], and Elrond. During the confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron, their living forms seem to [[Unseen|phase in and out of reality]] as holograms. Eventually they are driven to Mordor, with their master following suit.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Nine are featured in this adaptation through CGI as a passing shadow with their winged steed. They do not speak at all.

===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''.

===Games===
'''1977: [[War of the Ring (1977 board game)|''War of the Ring'' (board game)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl are present in this game. The Witch-king is the most powerful character available to the Sauron player. The second most powerful is identified as [[Gothmog]].

'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The name of the eight, other than Khamûl, are given as ''Er-Mûrazôr'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''Dendra Dwar of Waw'', ''Jí Indûr Dawndeath'', ''Akhôrahil'' (Númenórean), ''Hôarmûrath of Dír'', ''Adûnaphel'' (female Númenórean), ''Ren the Unclean'' and ''Ûvatha Achef the Horseman''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>

'''1995: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear as hazard cards within ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards]]''. Their names are identical to those used in Middle-Earth Role Playing, except for the Witch-king, who is referred to only as the Witch-king of Angmar.

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:All the Nazgûl are named - The Witch-king of [[Angmar]], The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The [[Easterlings|Easterling]], The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The [[Dwimmerlaik]], The Tainted and The Knight of [[Umbar]]. Versions based on their depiction in ''The Hobbit'' trilogy retain the Witch-king and Khamûl; however, the remaining seven are dubbed the Dark Headsman, the Forsaken, the Lingering Shadow, and two pairs known as the Abyssal Knights and the Slayers of Men.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of [[Frodo Baggins]]), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of [[Aragorn]]). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.

'''2001-7: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl, other than the Witch-king, are given [[Neo-Elvish|Neo-Quenya]] titles based on their numbers, and various English titles:
:*Úlairë Attëa (from ''[[atta]]'' = 2); Black Predator, Keeper of [[Dol Guldur]], Second of the Nine Riders, The Easterling.
:*Úlairë Nelya (from ''[[neldë]]'' = 3); Black Hunter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Third of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Cantëa (from ''[[canta]]'' = 4); Black Assassin, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, Fourth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Lemenya (from ''[[lempe]]'' = 5); Black Enemy, Lieutenant of Morgul, Fifth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Enquëa (from ''[[enquë]]'' = 6); Black Threat, Lieutenant of Morgul, Sixth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Ostëa [''sic'', later corrected to Úlairë Otsëa] (from ''[[otso]]'' = 7); Black Specter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Seventh of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Toldëa (from ''[[tolto]]'' = 8); Black Shadow, Messenger of Morgul, Eighth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Nertëa (from ''[[nertë]]'' = 9); Black Horseman, Messenger of Dol Guldur, Ninth of the Nine Riders.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=801|articlename=Naming the Nazgul|dated=|website=[http://forum.barrowdowns.com/index.php? Forum.Barrowdowns.com]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/1/goal/|articlename=Lord Of The Rings (search function)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:A new Ringwraith is introduced in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] descent. The design is similar to that in [[Peter Jackson]]'s films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the [[Mordor]] faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear throughout the game. Three are Easterlings: "The Bane of Rhûn", "The Woe of Khand", and "The Cursed Rider"; three are [[Haradrim]]: "The Grim Southron", "The High Sorcerer of Harad", and "The Forsaken Reaver"; and three are of Númenórean origin: "The Black Blade of Lebennin", "The Gloom of Nurn", and the Witch-king of Angmar. The Nazgûl are also given the [[Sindarin]] name "Gwatharan" (pl. "Gwetherain").

:Early in the game one of the Nine wounds a [[Dúnedain]] ranger, Amdir, with a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], who is later transformed into a Wraith himself, despite the best efforts of Free Peoples. Later, the player attempts to resist the troubles the Nine are spreading in Bree-Land. During the Fellowship's stay in [[Lothlórien]], the [[Galadhrim]] Elves launch a military strike against [[Dol Guldur]], to draw the attention of the Eye from the company departing down the Shores of Anduin. During their travel down the waters of the Great River, Legolas shot and killed a fell shadow in the sky, not knowing it to be a Nazgûl. The player is later able to find the corpse of the fell beast in the [[Brown Lands]] and it becomes clear that a Nazgûl is not far. At night, the Wraith ambushes the player who manages to drive him away with the use of fire.

:During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Witch-king plays the role as described in the books. The High Sorcerer of Harad and the Woe of Khand guard the way to Gothmog in the raid instance "Throne of the Dread Terror", and the Forsaken Reaver is found at the end of the "Quays of the [[Harlond (Gondor)|Harlond]] instance, in which he attempts to prevent Aragorn and his host from joining the battle. The Gloom of Nurn confronts the players at the conclusion of "The Silent Street" instance, as he attempts to reclaim the crown of Eärnur among the tombs of Gondor's kings and stewards.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the Evil Campaign, the Eight Nazgûl bring the Witch-King back to life after Sauron reclaims the One Ring.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear in a flashback during the prologue of the game, in which they attack the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], the entrance of [[the Shire]]. Later in the flashback their leader, the [[Witch-king]], speaks with [[Agandaûr]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Although the Nazgûl do not appear in the game, they are mentioned many times within it.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are featured in the game. Besides the [[Witch-king]] and [[Khamûl]] the other Nazgûl include:

:*[[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]], the king of Rohan who fell into darkness after receiving a Ring of Power from Sauron and Celebrimbor, and in his rage he was turned into a Nazgûl.
:*[[Talion]], who succumbed into the power of the Ring.
:*[[Isildur]], whose body was found by Orcs. He was revived by Sauron after receiving a Ring of Power; he was eventually freed by Talion who took his place amongst the Nazgûl.
:*Suladân, an original character, who was once a Númenórean king.
:*The Nazgûl Sisters, also original characters, known as Riya and Yuka, who stole their Rings from the other Nazgûl and took their places.

'''2022: ''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]'':'''
:An additional Nazgûl is named: ''Shargul''.<ref>[https://andreapiparo.artstation.com/projects/r9ekOG Andrea Piparo - Shargul]</ref> Others are given titles: ''The Reaver'', ''The Commander'', ''The Destroyer''.<ref>[https://issuu.com/aresgames/docs/wotr101-waroftheringcardgame-rulebook-en-web War of the Ring - The Card Game (English Rulebook) by. Ares Games Srl - Issuu]</ref> and ''The Messenger''.<ref>[https://www.aresgames.eu/33595 War of the Ring: The Card Game: Against the Shadow Rulebook]</ref>

==See also==
*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
*[[Khamûl]]
*[[F]]

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/29/what-is-the-history-of-the-nazgul/ What is the History of the Nazgul?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm Origins of the Nazgûl and the Downfall of Númenor] by Alcuin

{{references|note}}
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[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Nazgûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveet]]

Dwarves

2025-08-12T14:55:48Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed text formatting.

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image = Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), ''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Gonnhirrim]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]] [[Belegost]] [[Nogrod]] [[Amon Rûdh]] [[Nulukkizdîn]] [[Erebor]] [[Iron Hills]] [[Aglarond]] [[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]]) [[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]]) [[Gundabad]] [[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]] [[Union of Maedhros]] [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]] [[Dragons]] [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] [[Westron]] [[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref> [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language) [[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue<ref>{{cite DTP|H 01.026}}</ref>, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images by Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name="pmxnotes">{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

*'''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
*'''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
*'''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
*'''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="AppA3" />

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name="ta">{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were about 4 ft. high at least<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}</ref> and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name="wjdwarves">{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name="rings" />

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name="S2" /> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name="doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref name="rings" /> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name="PMAiv" />

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name="PMAiv" /> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name="PMAiv" /> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name="PMAiv" /> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name="PMAiv" />

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 29}}<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref> In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name="AppA3">{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name="AppA3" /><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name="PMAiv" />

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë and this shared love made them friendly towards the Noldor.<ref name="S10" /><ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name="S2" />

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', both of which meant "the Stunted People",<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> or ''Dornhoth'' ("the Thrawn Folk")<ref>{{WJ|Author}}, Note 7, p. 408</ref>.

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales. The [[Old English]] word for ''dwarf'' was ''dweorg''.<ref name="L236">{{L|236}}</ref>

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.

==Inspiration==
In Germanic folklore, [[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|dwarfs]] are usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name="brackman" />

According to J.R.R. Tolkien his dwarfs are not Germanic ''dwarfs'' and that he deliberately called them ''dwarves'' to mark that. They are a type of incarnate rational creature and are neither naturally evil nor necessarily hostile.<ref>{{L|156}}</ref> His dwarfs are in many ways very different from the dwarfs of Germanic legend, but far nearer to them than the Elves.<ref name="L297">{{L|297}}</ref> He derived the names of the dwarves that appear in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' or in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' from lists of dwarves (''dvergar'') in the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]'', a poem in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', a collection of [[Old Norse]] poems.<ref name="L297" />
[[File:Ephraim Moses Lilien - Learning Talmud.jpg|thumb|''The Talmud students'' by [[Wikipedia:Ephraim Moses Lilien|Ephraim Moses Lilien]] (1915)]]
At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name="brackman" />

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardliness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name="brackman" />

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name="brackman" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name="brackman">Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name="brackman" /> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="wjdwarves" />{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Incarnates]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Dwarves

2025-08-12T14:54:33Z

ProjetoTolkien:

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image = Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), "Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), "[[Gonnhirrim]]" ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]] [[Belegost]] [[Nogrod]] [[Amon Rûdh]] [[Nulukkizdîn]] [[Erebor]] [[Iron Hills]] [[Aglarond]] [[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]]) [[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]]) [[Gundabad]] [[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]] [[Union of Maedhros]] [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]] [[Dragons]] [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] [[Westron]] [[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref> [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language) [[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue<ref>{{cite DTP|H 01.026}}</ref>, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images by Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name="pmxnotes">{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

*'''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
*'''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
*'''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
*'''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="AppA3" />

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name="ta">{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were about 4 ft. high at least<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}</ref> and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name="wjdwarves">{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name="rings" />

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name="S2" /> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name="doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref name="rings" /> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name="PMAiv" />

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name="PMAiv" /> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name="PMAiv" /> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name="PMAiv" /> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name="PMAiv" />

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 29}}<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref> In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name="AppA3">{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name="AppA3" /><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name="PMAiv" />

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë and this shared love made them friendly towards the Noldor.<ref name="S10" /><ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name="S2" />

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', both of which meant "the Stunted People",<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> or ''Dornhoth'' ("the Thrawn Folk")<ref>{{WJ|Author}}, Note 7, p. 408</ref>.

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales. The [[Old English]] word for ''dwarf'' was ''dweorg''.<ref name="L236">{{L|236}}</ref>

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.

==Inspiration==
In Germanic folklore, [[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|dwarfs]] are usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name="brackman" />

According to J.R.R. Tolkien his dwarfs are not Germanic ''dwarfs'' and that he deliberately called them ''dwarves'' to mark that. They are a type of incarnate rational creature and are neither naturally evil nor necessarily hostile.<ref>{{L|156}}</ref> His dwarfs are in many ways very different from the dwarfs of Germanic legend, but far nearer to them than the Elves.<ref name="L297">{{L|297}}</ref> He derived the names of the dwarves that appear in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' or in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' from lists of dwarves (''dvergar'') in the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]'', a poem in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', a collection of [[Old Norse]] poems.<ref name="L297" />
[[File:Ephraim Moses Lilien - Learning Talmud.jpg|thumb|''The Talmud students'' by [[Wikipedia:Ephraim Moses Lilien|Ephraim Moses Lilien]] (1915)]]
At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name="brackman" />

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardliness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name="brackman" />

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name="brackman" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name="brackman">Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name="brackman" /> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="wjdwarves" />{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Incarnates]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Dwarves

2025-08-12T14:53:22Z

ProjetoTolkien: Removed weird empty spaces.

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image = Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), 'Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), "[[Gonnhirrim]]" ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]] [[Belegost]] [[Nogrod]] [[Amon Rûdh]] [[Nulukkizdîn]] [[Erebor]] [[Iron Hills]] [[Aglarond]] [[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]]) [[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]]) [[Gundabad]] [[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]] [[Union of Maedhros]] [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]] [[Dragons]] [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] [[Westron]] [[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref> [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language) [[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue<ref>{{cite DTP|H 01.026}}</ref>, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images by Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name="pmxnotes">{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

*'''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
*'''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
*'''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
*'''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="AppA3" />

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name="ta">{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were about 4 ft. high at least<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}</ref> and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name="wjdwarves">{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name="rings" />

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name="S2" /> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name="doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref name="rings" /> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name="PMAiv" />

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name="PMAiv" /> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name="PMAiv" /> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name="PMAiv" /> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name="PMAiv" />

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 29}}<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref> In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name="AppA3">{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name="AppA3" /><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name="PMAiv" />

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë and this shared love made them friendly towards the Noldor.<ref name="S10" /><ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name="S2" />

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', both of which meant "the Stunted People",<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> or ''Dornhoth'' ("the Thrawn Folk")<ref>{{WJ|Author}}, Note 7, p. 408</ref>.

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales. The [[Old English]] word for ''dwarf'' was ''dweorg''.<ref name="L236">{{L|236}}</ref>

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.

==Inspiration==
In Germanic folklore, [[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|dwarfs]] are usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name="brackman" />

According to J.R.R. Tolkien his dwarfs are not Germanic ''dwarfs'' and that he deliberately called them ''dwarves'' to mark that. They are a type of incarnate rational creature and are neither naturally evil nor necessarily hostile.<ref>{{L|156}}</ref> His dwarfs are in many ways very different from the dwarfs of Germanic legend, but far nearer to them than the Elves.<ref name="L297">{{L|297}}</ref> He derived the names of the dwarves that appear in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' or in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' from lists of dwarves (''dvergar'') in the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]'', a poem in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', a collection of [[Old Norse]] poems.<ref name="L297" />
[[File:Ephraim Moses Lilien - Learning Talmud.jpg|thumb|''The Talmud students'' by [[Wikipedia:Ephraim Moses Lilien|Ephraim Moses Lilien]] (1915)]]
At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name="brackman" />

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardliness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name="brackman" />

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name="brackman" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name="brackman">Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name="brackman" /> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="wjdwarves" />{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Incarnates]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Dwarves

2025-08-12T14:52:34Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added "Gonnhirrim" name.

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image = Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]) ''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), "[[Gonnhirrim]]" ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]] [[Belegost]] [[Nogrod]] [[Amon Rûdh]] [[Nulukkizdîn]] [[Erebor]] [[Iron Hills]] [[Aglarond]] [[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]]) [[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]]) [[Gundabad]] [[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]] [[Union of Maedhros]] [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]] [[Dragons]] [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] [[Westron]] [[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref> [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language) [[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue<ref>{{cite DTP|H 01.026}}</ref>, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images by Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name="pmxnotes">{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

*'''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
*'''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
*'''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
*'''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="AppA3" />

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name="ta">{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were about 4 ft. high at least<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}</ref> and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name="wjdwarves">{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name="rings" />

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name="S2" /> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name="doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref name="rings" /> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name="PMAiv" />

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name="PMAiv" /> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name="PMAiv" /> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name="PMAiv" /> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name="PMAiv" />

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name="PMAiv">{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref name="pmxnotes" />{{rp|n. 29}}<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref> In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name="AppA3">{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name="AppA3" /><ref name="PMAiv" />

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name="PMAiv" />

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë and this shared love made them friendly towards the Noldor.<ref name="S10" /><ref name="S2">{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name="S2" />

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', both of which meant "the Stunted People",<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> or ''Dornhoth'' ("the Thrawn Folk")<ref>{{WJ|Author}}, Note 7, p. 408</ref>.

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales. The [[Old English]] word for ''dwarf'' was ''dweorg''.<ref name="L236">{{L|236}}</ref>

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.

==Inspiration==
In Germanic folklore, [[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|dwarfs]] are usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name="brackman" />

According to J.R.R. Tolkien his dwarfs are not Germanic ''dwarfs'' and that he deliberately called them ''dwarves'' to mark that. They are a type of incarnate rational creature and are neither naturally evil nor necessarily hostile.<ref>{{L|156}}</ref> His dwarfs are in many ways very different from the dwarfs of Germanic legend, but far nearer to them than the Elves.<ref name="L297">{{L|297}}</ref> He derived the names of the dwarves that appear in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' or in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' from lists of dwarves (''dvergar'') in the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]'', a poem in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', a collection of [[Old Norse]] poems.<ref name="L297" />
[[File:Ephraim Moses Lilien - Learning Talmud.jpg|thumb|''The Talmud students'' by [[Wikipedia:Ephraim Moses Lilien|Ephraim Moses Lilien]] (1915)]]
At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name="brackman" />

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardliness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name="brackman" />

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name="brackman" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name="brackman">Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name="brackman" /> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="wjdwarves" />{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Incarnates]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Gandalf

2024-12-21T20:31:03Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Corrected references.

{{short description|Wizard of the Istari}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Gandalf
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| image=Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Olórin'' [[Quenya|Q]] ''Mithrandir'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Incánus'' ([[Haradrim|H]]) ''Tharkûn'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]) ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=Guardian of the Third Age The Grey [[The White]] White Rider White Pilgrim
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Five Guardians]], [[Order of Wizards]], [[White Council]], [[Thorin and Company]], [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Elvish]], [[Westron]], [[Hobbitish]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=5'6"<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, p. 49</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=Black that could become red
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Order of Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. He was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of Wizards. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. He was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Kip Rasmussen - Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien.jpg|thumb|left|''Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien'' by [[:Category:Images by Kip Rasmussen|Kip Rasmussen]]]]
The wisest of the [[Maiar]], Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and lived in [[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]]. Yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]], and [[Nienna]]. He was associated with light and fire, much like [[Varda]].

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there as one of the [[Five Guardians]] to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[Unseen]] among them, or wore a [[Fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and driving those who listened to him out of despair.<ref name="vala" />

It is possible that Gandalf, as Olorin, came to Middle-earth in the Second Age. While Galadriel "dwelt now under the trees of Greenwood the Great" Olórin once had a conversation with her.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 255</ref> It is possible that this was just after the year 1200, but it is said that "only those Wise could say who are now gone" could attest to the truth of this conversation.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 268</ref>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron|Sauron's]] 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar, to go to Middle-earth and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari" /> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond, he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor who was sent to Middle-earth earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref name="TT Window p. 670">{{TT|Window}}, p. 670</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''Mithrandir'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''Incánus'' in the south, and ''Tharkûn'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari" />

A legend says that Gandalf was given the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]] by [[Yavanna]] to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth; this was to be a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings" /> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years. However, the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, which occurred in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings" />

During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor" />

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on a journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search, the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name="journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> Most importantly, Gandalf found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl, but was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King. Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings" /> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait, and that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea.<ref name="Rings" /> The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter''".<ref name="Rings" /> Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the Ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of the river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor" /> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party" />

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor" /> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin.

Gandalf accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]. When they unknowingly camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]], the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later by killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then rescuing the Dwarves and leading them to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> The hobbit initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains,<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound,<ref name="Pan" /> and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up and flew them to their eyrie. The next day, they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan" />

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they entered [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and he realised that the instructions he gave them did not help; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf left Erebor for the Shire; on the way, they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where Gandalf discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor" /> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they recovered the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19" />

Gandalf was amazed by the hobbit; until then he had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]], he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge" /><ref name="H19" />

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers, claiming to have knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as from this, Saruman discovered their existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire. As a result, he started sending agents to [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge" />

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout. He was looking for the thief of his ring: Bilbo. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] had informed Gandalf that Gollum was traversing the forest. Then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned towards [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later, Gandalf would regret this.<ref name="shadow" />

Meanwhile, Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> From that point on, Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom. This displeased Denethor, who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Michele Mantoani - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|"Gandalf" by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own — Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a [[Ring of Power]].<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time, Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire; he was blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, and was even accused of plotting with Frodo to get a hold on Bilbo's wealth.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref name="party" />

Gandalf was keen to find out more about Bilbo's ring, so he left the Shire,<ref name="party" /> and resumed his search for Gollum. In this, he sought the help of [[Aragorn]]. The [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on Frodo and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always turning up unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], and even to the edges of Mordor. The search lasted eight years, for Gandalf did not know that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf regretted ignoring Gollum for so many years, as his trail had become cold, resulting in many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name="shadow" />

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], Gandalf found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in {{TA|3017|n}}, and from this, pieced together the missing history of the One Ring. On his way back to the Shire, he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum<ref name="ThirdAge" /> and so he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned of the "magic ring", as well as the names "Shire" and "Baggins". The effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that Bilbo's Ring was not simply one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the ''[[The One Ring|One Ruling Ring]]'' of Sauron. Gandalf then returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name="shadow" /><ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Gandalf returned to the Shire on [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and proved to Frodo that Bilbo's ring was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] was looking for. He told Frodo that he gathered much of this information by interrogating the creature [[Gollum]]. Frodo exclaimed that Gollum should have been killed, however Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for Frodo to decide who should live and who should die.<ref name="shadow" />

Gandalf suggested that he should leave the Shire soon and take the Ring to [[Rivendell]]. Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. The wizard stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which time, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref name="FR|Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name="council" /> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name="three" />

He wandered around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they could not speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message from [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once, and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] were looking for the Shire.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]],<ref name="council" /> urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone named "Strider", whose real name was Aragorn, with a [[Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when he could. He instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] to arrive at the inn under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref name="FR|Strider" />

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter, Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring.<ref name="council" /> He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf knew he needed to return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the Ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and Saruman's treacherous desire for the Ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift.<ref name="council" /> This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf,<ref name="council" /> and was seeking [[Rivendell]]. Upon his arrival, Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, and was worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf, this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, Gandalf slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.<ref name="council" />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, although they were unaware that Gandalf was involved.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving Weathertop, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north, followed by four Riders.<ref name="council" />

He then went directly to Rivendell, arriving a few days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name="B3" /> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name="council" /> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival. Frodo was sick with a [[Morgul-wound]], but was still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision of what would be done with the Ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples were in Rivendell for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but they eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, who was named the [[Ring-bearer]], and [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].<ref name="council" />

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard.<ref name="The Ring Goes South, p. 283">{{FR|South}}, p. 283</ref> When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm, he decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarven city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] were now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loath to enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then, Gandalf was well aware of their location and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
However, [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge upon which they both stood, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name="bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of [[Arda]]. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]]. There, he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo had left the Fellowship and was travelling to Mount Doom. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. From them, he learned that Sam went with Frodo, and he was pleased with this.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|496}} Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. By now, Gandalf was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan, then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement, King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]], along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council.<ref name="TT Voice" />{{rp|583}} Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed: the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him. Later, Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.<ref name="RK Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|812}}

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counterattack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor then lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death. He abandoned his leadership of the city, and Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the [[Riders of Rohan]], the Witch-king departed.

However, Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to burn himself and his son Faramir to death on a pyre like the heathen kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this, and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf then learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: the Steward clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Aragorn arrived with a large host of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the [[Elder Days]], had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the West and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, [[Imrahil]], and [[Éomer]] (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the West would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the [[Morannon]], thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan would likely result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming, and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril-coat]] and [[Barrow-blade]] and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom. Even as the Battle of Morannon began, Frodo stood at the [[Crack of Doom]]. But the power and lure of the Ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his Ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the Ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling. The Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for the third time, and set out for Mount Doom in search of Frodo and Sam. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>{{rp|948–51}} The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf, at Aragorn's request, set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle the affairs of the Shire themselves, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>{{rp|996}}

What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the later two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea,<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]. Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the [[free peoples]] of Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. 

==Characteristics==
===Personality===
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> He had great pity and patience, even extending to the servants of his enemies. He is said to have learned both from Nienna in Valinor.<ref name="vala" />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise.<ref>{{RK|MT}}</ref>{{rp|757}} He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he often went to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright divined in him "the greatest spirit and the wisest" out of all of the Wizards that came from the West, and so he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves, to Gandalf rather than to Saruman.<ref name="Istari" />

===Appearance===
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB" />}}

Although some of the Wise knew his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance caused many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return, his "signature colour" changed from grey to white, for he had been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book, he claimed that, in some ways, he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|495}}

===Powers and abilities===
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name="bridge" /> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.

He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] during Thorin and Company's escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out.

When the Fellowship was attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]], Gandalf spoke words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. While crossing the Misty Mountains with the Fellowship, he was able to start fires under blizzard conditions. On the journey through Moria he created lights of varying intensity, magically secured doors, and broke the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. He fought and killed the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]], although he did not himself survive the battle.<ref name="bridge" />

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.<ref name="TT Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>{{rp|583}} He also prevented Sauron's Eye from locating Frodo.<ref name="TT White">{{TT|White}}</ref>

He frequently used his powers for entertainment. He blew glowing smoke rings that moved around the room at his direction, and was known among Hobbits for his fireworks displays,<ref name="Erebor" /> for example at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]].<ref name="party" />

When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect.<ref name="party" />{{rp|34}}

Though not as keen as [[Elves]], his eyesight was sharp enough to see in darkness, and into the [[Unseen]].

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref>{{rp|514}}

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]].<ref name="Istari" /> Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton" /> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe which he used to smoke Old Toby.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Gandalf'' is a [[North Germanic languages|Norse]] name and supposedly means "Elvish wight with a (magic) staff", for it contains the element ''gandr'' ("a staff, especially one used in 'magic'"). It is a substitution in the English narrative for an unknown [[Westron]] name (on the same lines as the treatment of Hobbit and Dwarf names).<ref>{{UT|13}}</ref><ref group="notes">Since the name ''Gandalf'' is attributed to "the North" in general, it probably represents a Westron name, but one made up of elements not derived from Elvish tongues.</ref>

The Men of the North called him so because they incorrectly thought that he was of Elven-kind<ref name="essay">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from the essay on the Istari</ref> and because they knew his alliance and friendship with Elves well<ref name="long note">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from a long note from before the publication of the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 1966</ref>.

Gandalf is also the name of a dwarf in the [[Völuspá]], one of the poems of the [[Poetic Edda]]<ref>{{UT|13a}}, "12"</ref>, from where Tolkien got many of the Dwarven names used in his books.

==Other names==
{{quote|Many are my names in many countries. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}
*'''Greyhame''': Used in [[Rohan]],<ref>{{TT|Riders}}, p. 435</ref> it was the equivalent in [[Rohanese]] of ""Greycloak" which would have been ''grēg-hama''.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, entry '''Greyhame''', p. 758</ref>

*'''''Incánus''''': Gained during his long travels "in the south" (likely meaning no further south than [[Gondor]] or the [[Near Harad]]<ref name="Istari" />) of [[Middle-earth]] in the mid-[[Third Age]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name="Istari" /> ''Incánus'' in Latin means "grey-haired". However, [[Christopher Tolkien]] has noted that the "coincidence in form" might be an "accident",<ref name="Istari" /> his father wrote "Incánus Latin" in a later published manuscript,<ref name="PE1788" /> suggesting that the similarity was perhaps more than a coincidence. Tolkien also changed his mind several times about the meaning of ''Incánus'', besides the etymology given above his other variations were:
**An archaic [[Quenya]] word meaning "Mind-ruler", from ''in(id)''- ("mind") and ''cáno'' ("ruler, governor, chieftain").<ref name="Istari" />
**An adaptation from Quenya ''incānus(se)'', meaning "mind mastership".<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry Q ''incānus(se)'', p. 88 and entry √'''IN-''', p. 155</ref>
**A possible [[Westron]] invention meaning "Greymantle".<ref name="Istari" /> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', different names used were ''Forlong''>>''Fornold''>>''Incânus''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''Láthspell''': The name given to Gandalf by [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] when the former arrived at [[Meduseld]]. It means "Ill-news".<ref name="King">{{TT|King}}, p. 513</ref> It is a modernized form of [[Old English]] ''lad-spell'' ("a painful grievous story") from ''lad'' ("causing hate, evil, injury") and ''spell'' ("story", "message").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 404</ref> In earlier drafts, it is actually Théoden who refers to Gandalf as Láthspell.<ref name="TIKing">{{TI|King}}, p. 444</ref>

*'''''Mithrandir''''': His [[Sindarin]] name ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim" or "Grey Wanderer", from ''[[mith]]'' ("grey") + ''[[randir]]'' ("pilgrim, wandering man").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 320</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S '''Mithrandir''', p. 60</ref>

*'''''Olórin''''': His original name in [[Valinor]]. It is [[Quenya]], and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind".<ref name="Istari" /><ref name="PE1788">{{PE|17}}, Q '''Olórin''' , p. 88</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Olórion''.<ref name="WR2V">{{WR|2|V}}, p. 153</ref>

*'''Stormcrow''': The name given to Gandalf by King [[Théoden]] in [[Rohan]], a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.<ref name="King" />

*'''''Tharkûn''''': The name given to Gandalf by the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> ''Tharkûn'' is [[Khuzdul]], meaning either "Grey-man"<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry D '''Tharkûn''', p. 88</ref> or "Staff-man".<ref name="Istari" /> The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' ("staff") + a nominal ending ''-ûn''.<ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[https://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October]] [[2010]])</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Sharkûn''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''The White Rider''': The name given to him by Aragorn when he rides the great horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{TT|White}}, p. 500</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmermann]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in ''[[Mythlore]]'' [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
===Gandalf in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle-earth]]''
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:Gandalf 2Towers.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]''
File:Gandalf EA RotK.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Gandalf's description.jpeg|Gandalf's description in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Gollum]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1967: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', p. 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A short description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

{{quote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:[[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.
'''2024: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The ''Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'']]'''

:[[Daniel Weyman]] plays "[[The Stranger]]," who is eventually revealed to be Gandalf in a moment of foresight after being called "Grand Elf" by a group of departing [[Stoors]].

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death was temporary.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met in several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conversation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conversation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the signs of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the signs of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears as well at the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mount Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deathmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honoured, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Manwë]] & [[Varda]]
| born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saruman]]
| list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
| dates=[[5 March]], {{TA|3019}} - [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Position abolished
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]], {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}
{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Gandalf

2024-12-21T20:29:33Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Corrected references.

{{short description|Wizard of the Istari}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Gandalf
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| image=Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Olórin'' [[Quenya|Q]] ''Mithrandir'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Incánus'' ([[Haradrim|H]]) ''Tharkûn'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]) ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=Guardian of the Third Age The Grey [[The White]] White Rider White Pilgrim
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Five Guardians]], [[Order of Wizards]], [[White Council]], [[Thorin and Company]], [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Elvish]], [[Westron]], [[Hobbitish]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=5'6"<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, p. 49</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=Black that could become red
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Order of Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. He was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of Wizards. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. He was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Kip Rasmussen - Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien.jpg|thumb|left|''Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien'' by [[:Category:Images by Kip Rasmussen|Kip Rasmussen]]]]
The wisest of the [[Maiar]], Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and lived in [[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]]. Yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]], and [[Nienna]]. He was associated with light and fire, much like [[Varda]].

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there as one of the [[Five Guardians]] to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[Unseen]] among them, or wore a [[Fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and driving those who listened to him out of despair.<ref name="vala" />

It is possible that Gandalf, as Olorin, came to Middle-earth in the Second Age. While Galadriel "dwelt now under the trees of Greenwood the Great" Olórin once had a conversation with her.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 255</ref> It is possible that this was just after the year 1200, but it is said that "only those Wise could say who are now gone" could attest to the truth of this conversation.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 268</ref>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron|Sauron's]] 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar, to go to Middle-earth and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari" /> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond, he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor who was sent to Middle-earth earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref name="TT Window p. 670">{{TT|Window}}, p. 670</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''Mithrandir'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''Incánus'' in the south, and ''Tharkûn'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari" />

A legend says that Gandalf was given the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]] by [[Yavanna]] to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth; this was to be a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings" /> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years. However, the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, which occurred in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings" />

During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor" />

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on a journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search, the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name="journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> Most importantly, Gandalf found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl, but was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King. Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings" /> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait, and that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea.<ref name="Rings" /> The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter''".<ref name="Rings" /> Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the Ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of the river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor" /> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party" />

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor" /> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin.

Gandalf accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]. When they unknowingly camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]], the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later by killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then rescuing the Dwarves and leading them to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> The hobbit initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains,<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound,<ref name="Pan" /> and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up and flew them to their eyrie. The next day, they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan" />

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they entered [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and he realised that the instructions he gave them did not help; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf left Erebor for the Shire; on the way, they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where Gandalf discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor" /> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they recovered the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19" />

Gandalf was amazed by the hobbit; until then he had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]], he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge" /><ref name="H19" />

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers, claiming to have knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as from this, Saruman discovered their existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire. As a result, he started sending agents to [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge" />

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout. He was looking for the thief of his ring: Bilbo. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] had informed Gandalf that Gollum was traversing the forest. Then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned towards [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later, Gandalf would regret this.<ref name="shadow" />

Meanwhile, Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> From that point on, Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom. This displeased Denethor, who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Michele Mantoani - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|"Gandalf" by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own — Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a [[Ring of Power]].<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time, Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire; he was blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, and was even accused of plotting with Frodo to get a hold on Bilbo's wealth.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref name="party" />

Gandalf was keen to find out more about Bilbo's ring, so he left the Shire,<ref name="party" /> and resumed his search for Gollum. In this, he sought the help of [[Aragorn]]. The [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on Frodo and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always turning up unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], and even to the edges of Mordor. The search lasted eight years, for Gandalf did not know that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf regretted ignoring Gollum for so many years, as his trail had become cold, resulting in many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name="shadow" />

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], Gandalf found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in {{TA|3017|n}}, and from this, pieced together the missing history of the One Ring. On his way back to the Shire, he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum<ref name="ThirdAge" /> and so he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned of the "magic ring", as well as the names "Shire" and "Baggins". The effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that Bilbo's Ring was not simply one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the ''[[The One Ring|One Ruling Ring]]'' of Sauron. Gandalf then returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name="shadow" /><ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Gandalf returned to the Shire on [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and proved to Frodo that Bilbo's ring was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] was looking for. He told Frodo that he gathered much of this information by interrogating the creature [[Gollum]]. Frodo exclaimed that Gollum should have been killed, however Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for Frodo to decide who should live and who should die.<ref name="shadow" />

Gandalf suggested that he should leave the Shire soon and take the Ring to [[Rivendell]]. Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. The wizard stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which time, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref name="FR|Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name="council" /> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name="three" />

He wandered around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they could not speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message from [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once, and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] were looking for the Shire.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]],<ref name="council" /> urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone named "Strider", whose real name was Aragorn, with a [[Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when he could. He instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] to arrive at the inn under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref name="FR|Strider" />

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter, Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring.<ref name="council" /> He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf knew he needed to return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the Ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and Saruman's treacherous desire for the Ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift.<ref name="council" /> This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf,<ref name="council" /> and was seeking [[Rivendell]]. Upon his arrival, Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, and was worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf, this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, Gandalf slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.<ref name="council" />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, although they were unaware that Gandalf was involved.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving Weathertop, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north, followed by four Riders.<ref name="council" />

He then went directly to Rivendell, arriving a few days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name="B3" /> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name="council" /> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival. Frodo was sick with a [[Morgul-wound]], but was still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision of what would be done with the Ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples were in Rivendell for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but they eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, who was named the [[Ring-bearer]], and [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].<ref name="council" />

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard.<ref name="The Ring Goes South, p. 283">{{FR|South}}, p. 283</ref> When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm, he decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarven city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] were now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loath to enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then, Gandalf was well aware of their location and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
However, [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge upon which they both stood, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name="bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of [[Arda]]. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]]. There, he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo had left the Fellowship and was travelling to Mount Doom. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. From them, he learned that Sam went with Frodo, and he was pleased with this.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|496}} Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. By now, Gandalf was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan, then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement, King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]], along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council.<ref name="TT Voice" />{{rp|583}} Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed: the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him. Later, Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.<ref name="RK Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|812}}

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counterattack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor then lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death. He abandoned his leadership of the city, and Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the [[Riders of Rohan]], the Witch-king departed.

However, Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to burn himself and his son Faramir to death on a pyre like the heathen kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this, and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf then learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: the Steward clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Aragorn arrived with a large host of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the [[Elder Days]], had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the West and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, [[Imrahil]], and [[Éomer]] (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the West would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the [[Morannon]], thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan would likely result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming, and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril-coat]] and [[Barrow-blade]] and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom. Even as the Battle of Morannon began, Frodo stood at the [[Crack of Doom]]. But the power and lure of the Ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his Ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the Ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling. The Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for the third time, and set out for Mount Doom in search of Frodo and Sam. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>{{rp|948–51}} The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf, at Aragorn's request, set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle the affairs of the Shire themselves, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>{{rp|996}}

What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the later two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea,<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]. Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the [[free peoples]] of Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. 

==Characteristics==
===Personality===
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> He had great pity and patience, even extending to the servants of his enemies. He is said to have learned both from Nienna in Valinor.<ref name="vala" />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise.<ref>{{RK|MT}}</ref>{{rp|757}} He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he often went to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright divined in him "the greatest spirit and the wisest" out of all of the Wizards that came from the West, and so he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves, to Gandalf rather than to Saruman.<ref name="Istari" />

===Appearance===
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB" />}}

Although some of the Wise knew his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance caused many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return, his "signature colour" changed from grey to white, for he had been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book, he claimed that, in some ways, he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|495}}

===Powers and abilities===
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name="bridge" /> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.

He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] during Thorin and Company's escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out.

When the Fellowship was attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]], Gandalf spoke words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. While crossing the Misty Mountains with the Fellowship, he was able to start fires under blizzard conditions. On the journey through Moria he created lights of varying intensity, magically secured doors, and broke the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. He fought and killed the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]], although he did not himself survive the battle.<ref name="bridge" />

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.<ref name="TT Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>{{rp|583}} He also prevented Sauron's Eye from locating Frodo.<ref name="TT White">{{TT|White}}</ref>

He frequently used his powers for entertainment. He blew glowing smoke rings that moved around the room at his direction, and was known among Hobbits for his fireworks displays,<ref name="Erebor" /> for example at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]].<ref name="party" />

When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect.<ref name="party" />{{rp|34}}

Though not as keen as [[Elves]], his eyesight was sharp enough to see in darkness, and into the [[Unseen]].

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref>{{rp|514}}

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]].<ref name="Istari" /> Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton" /> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe which he used to smoke Old Toby.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Gandalf'' is a [[North Germanic languages|Norse]] name and supposedly means "Elvish wight with a (magic) staff", for it contains the element ''gandr'' ("a staff, especially one used in 'magic'"). It is a substitution in the English narrative for an unknown [[Westron]] name (on the same lines as the treatment of Hobbit and Dwarf names).<ref>{{UT|13}}</ref><ref group="notes">Since the name ''Gandalf'' is attributed to "the North" in general, it probably represents a Westron name, but one made up of elements not derived from Elvish tongues.</ref>

The Men of the North called him so because they incorrectly thought that he was of Elven-kind<ref name="essay">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from the essay on the Istari</ref> and because they knew his alliance and friendship with Elves well<ref name="long note">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from a long note from before the publication of the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 1966</ref>.

Gandalf is also the name of a dwarf in the [[Völuspá]], one of the poems of the [[Poetic Edda]]<ref>{{UT|13a, "12"}}</ref>, from where Tolkien got many of the Dwarven names used in his books.

==Other names==
{{quote|Many are my names in many countries. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}
*'''Greyhame''': Used in [[Rohan]],<ref>{{TT|Riders}}, p. 435</ref> it was the equivalent in [[Rohanese]] of ""Greycloak" which would have been ''grēg-hama''.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, entry '''Greyhame''', p. 758</ref>

*'''''Incánus''''': Gained during his long travels "in the south" (likely meaning no further south than [[Gondor]] or the [[Near Harad]]<ref name="Istari" />) of [[Middle-earth]] in the mid-[[Third Age]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name="Istari" /> ''Incánus'' in Latin means "grey-haired". However, [[Christopher Tolkien]] has noted that the "coincidence in form" might be an "accident",<ref name="Istari" /> his father wrote "Incánus Latin" in a later published manuscript,<ref name="PE1788" /> suggesting that the similarity was perhaps more than a coincidence. Tolkien also changed his mind several times about the meaning of ''Incánus'', besides the etymology given above his other variations were:
**An archaic [[Quenya]] word meaning "Mind-ruler", from ''in(id)''- ("mind") and ''cáno'' ("ruler, governor, chieftain").<ref name="Istari" />
**An adaptation from Quenya ''incānus(se)'', meaning "mind mastership".<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry Q ''incānus(se)'', p. 88 and entry √'''IN-''', p. 155</ref>
**A possible [[Westron]] invention meaning "Greymantle".<ref name="Istari" /> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', different names used were ''Forlong''>>''Fornold''>>''Incânus''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''Láthspell''': The name given to Gandalf by [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] when the former arrived at [[Meduseld]]. It means "Ill-news".<ref name="King">{{TT|King}}, p. 513</ref> It is a modernized form of [[Old English]] ''lad-spell'' ("a painful grievous story") from ''lad'' ("causing hate, evil, injury") and ''spell'' ("story", "message").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 404</ref> In earlier drafts, it is actually Théoden who refers to Gandalf as Láthspell.<ref name="TIKing">{{TI|King}}, p. 444</ref>

*'''''Mithrandir''''': His [[Sindarin]] name ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim" or "Grey Wanderer", from ''[[mith]]'' ("grey") + ''[[randir]]'' ("pilgrim, wandering man").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 320</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S '''Mithrandir''', p. 60</ref>

*'''''Olórin''''': His original name in [[Valinor]]. It is [[Quenya]], and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind".<ref name="Istari" /><ref name="PE1788">{{PE|17}}, Q '''Olórin''' , p. 88</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Olórion''.<ref name="WR2V">{{WR|2|V}}, p. 153</ref>

*'''Stormcrow''': The name given to Gandalf by King [[Théoden]] in [[Rohan]], a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.<ref name="King" />

*'''''Tharkûn''''': The name given to Gandalf by the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> ''Tharkûn'' is [[Khuzdul]], meaning either "Grey-man"<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry D '''Tharkûn''', p. 88</ref> or "Staff-man".<ref name="Istari" /> The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' ("staff") + a nominal ending ''-ûn''.<ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[https://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October]] [[2010]])</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Sharkûn''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''The White Rider''': The name given to him by Aragorn when he rides the great horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{TT|White}}, p. 500</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmermann]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in ''[[Mythlore]]'' [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
===Gandalf in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle-earth]]''
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:Gandalf 2Towers.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]''
File:Gandalf EA RotK.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Gandalf's description.jpeg|Gandalf's description in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Gollum]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1967: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', p. 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A short description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

{{quote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:[[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.
'''2024: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The ''Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'']]'''

:[[Daniel Weyman]] plays "[[The Stranger]]," who is eventually revealed to be Gandalf in a moment of foresight after being called "Grand Elf" by a group of departing [[Stoors]].

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death was temporary.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met in several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conversation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conversation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the signs of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the signs of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears as well at the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mount Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deathmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honoured, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Manwë]] & [[Varda]]
| born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saruman]]
| list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
| dates=[[5 March]], {{TA|3019}} - [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Position abolished
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]], {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}
{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Gandalf

2024-12-21T20:27:39Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Corrrected information about Gandalf being a Westron name.

{{short description|Wizard of the Istari}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Gandalf
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| image=Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Olórin'' [[Quenya|Q]] ''Mithrandir'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Incánus'' ([[Haradrim|H]]) ''Tharkûn'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]) ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=Guardian of the Third Age The Grey [[The White]] White Rider White Pilgrim
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Five Guardians]], [[Order of Wizards]], [[White Council]], [[Thorin and Company]], [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Elvish]], [[Westron]], [[Hobbitish]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=5'6"<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, p. 49</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=Black that could become red
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Order of Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. He was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of Wizards. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. He was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Kip Rasmussen - Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien.jpg|thumb|left|''Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien'' by [[:Category:Images by Kip Rasmussen|Kip Rasmussen]]]]
The wisest of the [[Maiar]], Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and lived in [[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]]. Yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]], and [[Nienna]]. He was associated with light and fire, much like [[Varda]].

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there as one of the [[Five Guardians]] to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[Unseen]] among them, or wore a [[Fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and driving those who listened to him out of despair.<ref name="vala" />

It is possible that Gandalf, as Olorin, came to Middle-earth in the Second Age. While Galadriel "dwelt now under the trees of Greenwood the Great" Olórin once had a conversation with her.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 255</ref> It is possible that this was just after the year 1200, but it is said that "only those Wise could say who are now gone" could attest to the truth of this conversation.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 268</ref>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron|Sauron's]] 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar, to go to Middle-earth and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari" /> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond, he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor who was sent to Middle-earth earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref name="TT Window p. 670">{{TT|Window}}, p. 670</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''Mithrandir'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''Incánus'' in the south, and ''Tharkûn'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari" />

A legend says that Gandalf was given the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]] by [[Yavanna]] to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth; this was to be a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings" /> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years. However, the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, which occurred in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings" />

During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor" />

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on a journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search, the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name="journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> Most importantly, Gandalf found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl, but was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King. Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings" /> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait, and that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea.<ref name="Rings" /> The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter''".<ref name="Rings" /> Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the Ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of the river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor" /> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party" />

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor" /> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin.

Gandalf accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]. When they unknowingly camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]], the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later by killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then rescuing the Dwarves and leading them to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> The hobbit initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains,<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound,<ref name="Pan" /> and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up and flew them to their eyrie. The next day, they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan" />

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they entered [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and he realised that the instructions he gave them did not help; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf left Erebor for the Shire; on the way, they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where Gandalf discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor" /> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they recovered the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19" />

Gandalf was amazed by the hobbit; until then he had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]], he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge" /><ref name="H19" />

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers, claiming to have knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as from this, Saruman discovered their existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire. As a result, he started sending agents to [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge" />

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout. He was looking for the thief of his ring: Bilbo. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] had informed Gandalf that Gollum was traversing the forest. Then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned towards [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later, Gandalf would regret this.<ref name="shadow" />

Meanwhile, Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> From that point on, Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom. This displeased Denethor, who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Michele Mantoani - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|"Gandalf" by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own — Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a [[Ring of Power]].<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time, Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire; he was blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, and was even accused of plotting with Frodo to get a hold on Bilbo's wealth.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref name="party" />

Gandalf was keen to find out more about Bilbo's ring, so he left the Shire,<ref name="party" /> and resumed his search for Gollum. In this, he sought the help of [[Aragorn]]. The [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on Frodo and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always turning up unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], and even to the edges of Mordor. The search lasted eight years, for Gandalf did not know that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf regretted ignoring Gollum for so many years, as his trail had become cold, resulting in many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name="shadow" />

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], Gandalf found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in {{TA|3017|n}}, and from this, pieced together the missing history of the One Ring. On his way back to the Shire, he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum<ref name="ThirdAge" /> and so he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned of the "magic ring", as well as the names "Shire" and "Baggins". The effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that Bilbo's Ring was not simply one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the ''[[The One Ring|One Ruling Ring]]'' of Sauron. Gandalf then returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name="shadow" /><ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Gandalf returned to the Shire on [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and proved to Frodo that Bilbo's ring was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] was looking for. He told Frodo that he gathered much of this information by interrogating the creature [[Gollum]]. Frodo exclaimed that Gollum should have been killed, however Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for Frodo to decide who should live and who should die.<ref name="shadow" />

Gandalf suggested that he should leave the Shire soon and take the Ring to [[Rivendell]]. Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. The wizard stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which time, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref name="FR|Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name="council" /> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name="three" />

He wandered around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they could not speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message from [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once, and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] were looking for the Shire.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]],<ref name="council" /> urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone named "Strider", whose real name was Aragorn, with a [[Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when he could. He instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] to arrive at the inn under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref name="FR|Strider" />

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter, Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring.<ref name="council" /> He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf knew he needed to return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the Ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and Saruman's treacherous desire for the Ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift.<ref name="council" /> This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf,<ref name="council" /> and was seeking [[Rivendell]]. Upon his arrival, Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, and was worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf, this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, Gandalf slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.<ref name="council" />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, although they were unaware that Gandalf was involved.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving Weathertop, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north, followed by four Riders.<ref name="council" />

He then went directly to Rivendell, arriving a few days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name="B3" /> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name="council" /> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival. Frodo was sick with a [[Morgul-wound]], but was still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision of what would be done with the Ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples were in Rivendell for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but they eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, who was named the [[Ring-bearer]], and [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].<ref name="council" />

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard.<ref name="The Ring Goes South, p. 283">{{FR|South}}, p. 283</ref> When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm, he decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarven city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] were now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loath to enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then, Gandalf was well aware of their location and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
However, [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge upon which they both stood, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name="bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of [[Arda]]. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]]. There, he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo had left the Fellowship and was travelling to Mount Doom. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. From them, he learned that Sam went with Frodo, and he was pleased with this.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|496}} Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. By now, Gandalf was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan, then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement, King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]], along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council.<ref name="TT Voice" />{{rp|583}} Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed: the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him. Later, Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.<ref name="RK Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|812}}

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counterattack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor then lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death. He abandoned his leadership of the city, and Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the [[Riders of Rohan]], the Witch-king departed.

However, Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to burn himself and his son Faramir to death on a pyre like the heathen kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this, and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf then learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: the Steward clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Aragorn arrived with a large host of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the [[Elder Days]], had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the West and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, [[Imrahil]], and [[Éomer]] (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the West would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the [[Morannon]], thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan would likely result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming, and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril-coat]] and [[Barrow-blade]] and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom. Even as the Battle of Morannon began, Frodo stood at the [[Crack of Doom]]. But the power and lure of the Ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his Ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the Ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling. The Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for the third time, and set out for Mount Doom in search of Frodo and Sam. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>{{rp|948–51}} The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf, at Aragorn's request, set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle the affairs of the Shire themselves, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>{{rp|996}}

What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the later two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea,<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]. Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the [[free peoples]] of Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. 

==Characteristics==
===Personality===
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> He had great pity and patience, even extending to the servants of his enemies. He is said to have learned both from Nienna in Valinor.<ref name="vala" />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise.<ref>{{RK|MT}}</ref>{{rp|757}} He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he often went to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright divined in him "the greatest spirit and the wisest" out of all of the Wizards that came from the West, and so he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves, to Gandalf rather than to Saruman.<ref name="Istari" />

===Appearance===
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB" />}}

Although some of the Wise knew his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance caused many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return, his "signature colour" changed from grey to white, for he had been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book, he claimed that, in some ways, he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|495}}

===Powers and abilities===
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name="bridge" /> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.

He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] during Thorin and Company's escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out.

When the Fellowship was attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]], Gandalf spoke words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. While crossing the Misty Mountains with the Fellowship, he was able to start fires under blizzard conditions. On the journey through Moria he created lights of varying intensity, magically secured doors, and broke the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. He fought and killed the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]], although he did not himself survive the battle.<ref name="bridge" />

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.<ref name="TT Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>{{rp|583}} He also prevented Sauron's Eye from locating Frodo.<ref name="TT White">{{TT|White}}</ref>

He frequently used his powers for entertainment. He blew glowing smoke rings that moved around the room at his direction, and was known among Hobbits for his fireworks displays,<ref name="Erebor" /> for example at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]].<ref name="party" />

When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect.<ref name="party" />{{rp|34}}

Though not as keen as [[Elves]], his eyesight was sharp enough to see in darkness, and into the [[Unseen]].

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref>{{rp|514}}

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]].<ref name="Istari" /> Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton" /> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe which he used to smoke Old Toby.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Gandalf'' is a [[North Germanic languages|Norse]] name and supposedly means "Elvish wight with a (magic) staff", for it contains the element ''gandr'' ("a staff, especially one used in 'magic'"). It is a substitution in the English narrative for an unknown [[Westron]] name (on the same lines as the treatment of Hobbit and Dwarf names).<ref><ref>{{UT|13}}</ref></ref><ref group="notes">Since the name ''Gandalf'' is attributed to "the North" in general, it probably represents a Westron name, but one made up of elements not derived from Elvish tongues.</ref>

The Men of the North called him so because they incorrectly thought that he was of Elven-kind<ref name="essay">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from the essay on the Istari</ref> and because they knew his alliance and friendship with Elves well<ref name="long note">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from a long note from before the publication of the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 1966</ref>.

Gandalf is also the name of a dwarf in the [[Völuspá]], one of the poems of the [[Poetic Edda]]<ref><ref>{{UT|13a, "12"}}</ref></ref>, from where Tolkien got many of the Dwarven names used in his books.

==Other names==
{{quote|Many are my names in many countries. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}
*'''Greyhame''': Used in [[Rohan]],<ref>{{TT|Riders}}, p. 435</ref> it was the equivalent in [[Rohanese]] of ""Greycloak" which would have been ''grēg-hama''.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, entry '''Greyhame''', p. 758</ref>

*'''''Incánus''''': Gained during his long travels "in the south" (likely meaning no further south than [[Gondor]] or the [[Near Harad]]<ref name="Istari" />) of [[Middle-earth]] in the mid-[[Third Age]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name="Istari" /> ''Incánus'' in Latin means "grey-haired". However, [[Christopher Tolkien]] has noted that the "coincidence in form" might be an "accident",<ref name="Istari" /> his father wrote "Incánus Latin" in a later published manuscript,<ref name="PE1788" /> suggesting that the similarity was perhaps more than a coincidence. Tolkien also changed his mind several times about the meaning of ''Incánus'', besides the etymology given above his other variations were:
**An archaic [[Quenya]] word meaning "Mind-ruler", from ''in(id)''- ("mind") and ''cáno'' ("ruler, governor, chieftain").<ref name="Istari" />
**An adaptation from Quenya ''incānus(se)'', meaning "mind mastership".<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry Q ''incānus(se)'', p. 88 and entry √'''IN-''', p. 155</ref>
**A possible [[Westron]] invention meaning "Greymantle".<ref name="Istari" /> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', different names used were ''Forlong''>>''Fornold''>>''Incânus''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''Láthspell''': The name given to Gandalf by [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] when the former arrived at [[Meduseld]]. It means "Ill-news".<ref name="King">{{TT|King}}, p. 513</ref> It is a modernized form of [[Old English]] ''lad-spell'' ("a painful grievous story") from ''lad'' ("causing hate, evil, injury") and ''spell'' ("story", "message").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 404</ref> In earlier drafts, it is actually Théoden who refers to Gandalf as Láthspell.<ref name="TIKing">{{TI|King}}, p. 444</ref>

*'''''Mithrandir''''': His [[Sindarin]] name ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim" or "Grey Wanderer", from ''[[mith]]'' ("grey") + ''[[randir]]'' ("pilgrim, wandering man").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 320</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S '''Mithrandir''', p. 60</ref>

*'''''Olórin''''': His original name in [[Valinor]]. It is [[Quenya]], and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind".<ref name="Istari" /><ref name="PE1788">{{PE|17}}, Q '''Olórin''' , p. 88</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Olórion''.<ref name="WR2V">{{WR|2|V}}, p. 153</ref>

*'''Stormcrow''': The name given to Gandalf by King [[Théoden]] in [[Rohan]], a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.<ref name="King" />

*'''''Tharkûn''''': The name given to Gandalf by the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> ''Tharkûn'' is [[Khuzdul]], meaning either "Grey-man"<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry D '''Tharkûn''', p. 88</ref> or "Staff-man".<ref name="Istari" /> The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' ("staff") + a nominal ending ''-ûn''.<ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[https://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October]] [[2010]])</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Sharkûn''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''The White Rider''': The name given to him by Aragorn when he rides the great horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{TT|White}}, p. 500</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmermann]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in ''[[Mythlore]]'' [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
===Gandalf in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle-earth]]''
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:Gandalf 2Towers.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]''
File:Gandalf EA RotK.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Gandalf's description.jpeg|Gandalf's description in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Gollum]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1967: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', p. 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A short description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

{{quote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:[[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.
'''2024: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The ''Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'']]'''

:[[Daniel Weyman]] plays "[[The Stranger]]," who is eventually revealed to be Gandalf in a moment of foresight after being called "Grand Elf" by a group of departing [[Stoors]].

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death was temporary.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met in several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conversation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conversation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the signs of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the signs of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears as well at the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mount Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deathmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honoured, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Manwë]] & [[Varda]]
| born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saruman]]
| list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
| dates=[[5 March]], {{TA|3019}} - [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Position abolished
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]], {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}
{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Púkel-men

2024-11-14T17:17:42Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a summary and expanded/rewrote a little bit of the etymology.

'''Púkel-men''' is how the [[Rohirrim]] called the images on the road to [[Dunharrow]], but it was also used as a general equivalent to [[Drúedain]].<ref>{{UT|15}}, 'Púkel-men'</ref>{{object infobox
| name=Púkel-men
| image = The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Púkel-man.png
| caption=One of the Púkel-men
| pronun=
| othernames=watch-stones<ref name=Druedain>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref>
| location=The [[Crossings of Taeglin]]<ref name=Druedain/> and the [[Stair of the Hold]]
| owner=[[Druedain]]
| type=Statue
| appearance=
| creator=[[Druedain]]
| created=
| createdlocation=The [[Crossings of Taeglin]]<ref name=Druedain/> and the [[Stair of the Hold]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
}}

== History ==
The '''Púkel-men''' were ancient carved statues of men, that stood at each turn of the switch-back road to [[Dunharrow]], the [[Stair of the Hold]], on a steep mountain slope on the north side of the [[White Mountains]]. They resembled huge men with clumsy limbs, squatting cross-legged with short arms folded across their fat bellies. Some had eroded over the years so that they lost all features, except the eye holes that seemed to stare sadly at those who passed by.<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}, p. 794-795</ref>

The [[Rohirrim]] called the statues ''Púkel-men'' and hardly looked at them and ignored them when they passed them. Nobody in [[Rohan]] knew who carved the statues. The identity of the men who carved the statues in the Dark Years before a ship came to the western shores of Middle-earth and before the Dúnedain established the realm of [[Gondor]] had been forgotten and not remembered in any song or legend.<ref name="Muster" /> When [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] later saw [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], the chieftain of the Drúedain of [[Drúadan Forest]], on March 14, {{TA|3019}}, he noticed that he resembled the statues on the road to Dunharrow.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 831</ref> It is possible that the statues had been carved by the Drúedain, because they had settled in the vales on the northern side of the White Mountains in the [[First Age]] and the [[Second Age]]<ref>{{UT|12b}}</ref> and the Drúedain in [[Beleriand]] had carved statues of themselves, which they called watch-stones and placed at turnings of woodland paths.<ref name="Druedain" />

==Etymology==
The term Púkel represents [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] ''púcel'' ("goblin, demon"), a relative of the word ''púca'' (from which Puck<ref name=":0">{{UT|15}}, 14</ref> and the modern English word "pug"<ref>{{HM|IE}}, Giving of Names, p. 219</ref> are derived).<ref name=":0" /> It could also mean "devil" or a minor sprite, often used for ugly, mishappen persons.<ref>{{HM|N}}, entry '''Pukel-men''', p. 782</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:One or more of such statues can be seen near the scene where [[Elrond]] gives [[Andúril]] to [[Aragorn]] at Dunharrow.
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:After [[Gandalf]] and [[Radagast]] leave the [[High Fells of Rhudaur]], and discuss their realisation that the [[Necromancer]] of [[Dol Guldur]] is [[Sauron]], there is a statue nearby.{{fact|is this intended to be a Púkel-man?}}
{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pukel-men}}
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Monuments]]
[[Category:Old English names]]

Drúwaith Iaur

2024-11-14T17:10:54Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added another translation.

'''Drúwaith Iaur''' also called the '''Old Púkel-wilderness'''<ref name="FurtherNotes">{{UT|12b}}</ref> or '''Old Púkel-land'''<ref name="Note13">{{UT|12c}}, note 13</ref> was a region of dark woods west of [[Gondor]]<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42a}}, entry '''''Gwathló'''''p. 9</ref> between the river [[Isen]] and the mountains of the promontory of [[Andrast]], a western outlier of the [[White Mountains]].<ref name="FurtherNotes" /><ref>{{UT|West}}</ref>

Drúwaith Iaur was one of two regions in the White Mountains where the [[Drúedain]] lived. They settled there in the [[First Age]] after they had crossed the river [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]) from the east and continued to live there secretly at the time of the [[War of the Ring]] in the [[Third Age]].<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> Drúwaith Iaur was never occupied by the [[Númenóreans]],<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> not considered to be a part of the realm of Gondor,<ref name="VT42" /> not inhabited by Men of Gondor or of Rohan and seldom visited by them.<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> After the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]] the Drúedain came out of the caves where they lived and attacked a remnant of the forces of [[Saruman]] that had been driven from the fords to the south.<ref name="Note13" />

==Etymology==
''Drúwaith Iaur'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of ''drú'' ("wild"), ''[[waith]]'' ("folk, land")<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. lxiv</ref> and ''[[iaur]]'' ("old").<ref name="VT42" /> In this name the word ''Iaur'' does not mean "original" but "former".<ref name="FurtherNotes" />

It thus could be translated as '''The old wilderness of the Drû-folk'''<ref>{{UT|15}}, Drúwaith Iaur</ref>, '''Old Púkel-wilderness'''<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> or '''Old Púkel-land'''<ref name="Note13" />.

{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Druwaith Iaur}}
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Drúwaith Iaur]]
[[fi:Drúwaith Iaur]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:regions:druwaith iaur]]

Drúwaith Iaur

2024-11-14T16:31:27Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Added the actual "translations" to the etymology section.

'''Drúwaith Iaur''' also called the '''Old Púkel-wilderness'''<ref name="FurtherNotes">{{UT|12b}}</ref> or '''Old Púkel-land'''<ref name="Note13">{{UT|12c}}, note 13</ref> was a region of dark woods west of [[Gondor]]<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42a}}, entry '''''Gwathló'''''p. 9</ref> between the river [[Isen]] and the mountains of the promontory of [[Andrast]], a western outlier of the [[White Mountains]].<ref name="FurtherNotes" /><ref>{{UT|West}}</ref>

Drúwaith Iaur was one of two regions in the White Mountains where the [[Drúedain]] lived. They settled there in the [[First Age]] after they had crossed the river [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]) from the east and continued to live there secretly at the time of the [[War of the Ring]] in the [[Third Age]].<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> Drúwaith Iaur was never occupied by the [[Númenóreans]],<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> not considered to be a part of the realm of Gondor,<ref name="VT42" /> not inhabited by Men of Gondor or of Rohan and seldom visited by them.<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> After the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]] the Drúedain came out of the caves where they lived and attacked a remnant of the forces of [[Saruman]] that had been driven from the fords to the south.<ref name="Note13" />

==Etymology==
''Drúwaith Iaur'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of ''drú'' ("wild"), ''[[waith]]'' ("folk, land")<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. lxiv</ref> and ''[[iaur]]'' ("old").<ref name="VT42" /> In this name the word ''Iaur'' does not mean "original" but "former".<ref name="FurtherNotes" />

It thus could be translated as '''Old Púkel-wilderness'''<ref name="FurtherNotes" /> or '''Old Púkel-land'''<ref name="Note13" />.

{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Druwaith Iaur}}
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Drúwaith Iaur]]
[[fi:Drúwaith Iaur]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:regions:druwaith iaur]]

Lefnui

2024-11-13T02:46:06Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed minor grammar mistake.

[[File:Lefnui River.jpg|thumb|The Lefnui river is shown in red.]]
'''Lefnui''' was the westernmost of the many rivers of southern [[Gondor]] and rose in the far west of the [[White Mountains]]. It followed an erratic course through the lands west of the hills of [[Pinnath Gelin]], until it emptied into the [[Bay of Belfalas]] through a long narrow firth.<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> This river formed the eastern boundary of the [[Drúwaith Iaur]].<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}, p. 384</ref>

The Lefnui played little part in history, though it was remembered by the [[Men]] of [[Rohan]]. When the [[Dunlendings]] invaded Rohan in {{TA|2758}}, they were aided by Gondor's enemies from the south. These sea-going marauders landed at Lefnui's mouth on their mission to overrun and destroy the [[Rohirrim]], though they would eventually be defeated.<ref>{{App|Eorl}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Lefnui'' (also spelt ''Levnui'') is a [[Sindarin]] name. The name appears to mean "fifth".<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 14</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the "working map" that [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] used while writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' this river had the name ''Lhefneg''.<ref>{{WR|3|XIV}}, West, p. 434</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Rivers]]
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Lefnui

2024-11-13T02:44:38Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added an image of the river.

[[File:Lefnui River.jpg|thumb|The Lefnui river is shown in red.]]
'''Lefnui''' was the westernmost of the many rivers of southern [[Gondor]], the Lefnui rose in the far west of the [[White Mountains]]. It followed an erratic course through the lands west of the hills of [[Pinnath Gelin]], until it emptied into the [[Bay of Belfalas]] through a long narrow firth.<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> This river formed the eastern boundary of the [[Drúwaith Iaur]].<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}, p. 384</ref>

The Lefnui played little part in history, though it was remembered by the [[Men]] of [[Rohan]]. When the [[Dunlendings]] invaded Rohan in {{TA|2758}}, they were aided by Gondor's enemies from the south. These sea-going marauders landed at Lefnui's mouth on their mission to overrun and destroy the [[Rohirrim]], though they would eventually be defeated.<ref>{{App|Eorl}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Lefnui'' (also spelt ''Levnui'') is a [[Sindarin]] name. The name appears to mean "fifth".<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 14</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the "working map" that [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] used while writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' this river had the name ''Lhefneg''.<ref>{{WR|3|XIV}}, West, p. 434</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Rivers]]
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

File:Lefnui River.jpg

2024-11-13T02:42:37Z

ProjetoTolkien:

User talk:ProjetoTolkien

2024-11-11T12:06:55Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Edits on the Drúedain page */ Reply

'''{{PAGENAME}}, welcome!'''

Hello and [[Tolkien Gateway:Welcome|welcome]] to '''[[Tolkien Gateway]]'''. I hope you like the place and choose to join our work. Here are a few good links for newcomers:
*Internal pages:
**[[Tolkien Gateway:To-do|To-do list]]
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*External Wikipedia pages:
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I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. By the way, you can sign your name on Talk and vote pages using three tildes, like this: ~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>. Four tildes (~~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>) produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, see the [[Help:Contents|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forums:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! — [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]]

==Maps of Beleriand and Eriador==

Hi ProjetoTolkien,

Can I just say how much I absolutely love [[Beleriand#/media/File:Middle-earth and Beleriand Map (2).png|your map]] of Beleriand and Eriador? It's fantastic that someone put the information in The Nature of Middle-earth to good use and finally created the closest thing we'll ever have to a "canon" map of how Beleriand and Eriador connected.

Please feel free to ignore this request if it impinges too much on your time, but would you consider making another combined map of Beleriand and Eriador, but this time with the overlapping region putting the First Age map of Beleriand on top, instead of the Third Age map? In other words, a combined map just like the one you already made, but reversing which of the two maps goes over the other. I hope that makes sense. Would love to see it if you have time. Regardless, thanks again for making the map you did! [[User:Protospace|Protospace]] ([[User talk:Protospace|talk]]) 05:20, 4 November 2024 (UTC) [[User:Protospace|Protospace]]

Reply:

Hello, Protoscope, how are you? I'm still not very well versed on the MediaWiki ins and outs, so I hope you somehow get notified about this reply.

Thank you for the comment! I have a (small) YouTube channel in which I talk about Tolkien and his works. And, after so many years almost going insane seeing those horrible maps in which Beleriand is HUGE compared to late Third Age Middle-earth (and always spending a long time trying to explain it), I decided to finally make a video about it.

At first I was only going to show one method of comparing both maps (overlapping Tol Himling and Himring and the Blue Mountains), but while writing my scrip I thought: "maybe there's something about it on The Nature of Middle-earth?" And there actually was. So I showed those two methods on my video, which yields virtually the same result.

And I just seized the opportunity to make another version of this map and use it here on Tolkien Gateway.

In case you're interested, here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-DYFu41mUQ

It's in Brazillian Portuguese, but there are (revised) closed captions available and YouTube now has a feature to translate closed captions to any language.

PS: Here's the map you asked for. Hope you like it! https://imgur.com/a/QfulBCn

==Edits on the Drúedain page==
I corrected your edit on the Drúedain page. The text in Further notes on the Drúedain in the chapter The Drúedain in UT does not say that the people in Enedwaith called the Drúedain Púkel-men, because it does not say there who gave this name to them. However, Christopher Tolkien says in his entry Púkel-men in the index to UT that it was the name in Rohan. In the chapter The Muster of Rohan in RK the Rohirrim call the statues on the road to Dunharrow Púkel-men. J.R.R. Tolkien said that this term is a modernized form for an Old English name in his entry Púkel-men in his Nomenclature for LOTR to translators (published in RC) and he used modernized Old English words to represent names from the language of Rohan that the Hobbits could understand. He also wrote in the chapter Dwarves and Men in PM that the language of the forest dweller of Enedwaith was related to the language of the Folk of Haleth and that is was not related to the language of the Folk of Hador and the Folk of Beoar and since Adûnaic, the language of the Númenoreans was descended from the language of the Folk of Hador they could not undertand those forest dwellers and did not recognize that they were related to the Folk of Haleth and were thus Edain. He wrote that they fled to the area that was later called Dunland (the Rohirrim called it Dunland) in this chapter. He also wrote in Appendix F that the Dunlendings stuck to their own language. In conclusion, the people of Enedwaith (i.e. the Dunlendings) did not call the Drúedain Púkel-men, because that is a name in the language of the Rohirrim in Rohan. --[[User:Akhorahil|Akhôrahil]] ([[User talk:Akhorahil|talk]]) 10:12, 11 November 2024 (UTC)

:Thanks, my mistake. The text mentions "because of the Púkel-men", but it doesn't explicitly states this name was used by the native people of Enedwaith. [[User:ProjetoTolkien|ProjetoTolkien]] ([[User talk:ProjetoTolkien|talk]]) 12:06, 11 November 2024 (UTC)

User talk:ProjetoTolkien

2024-11-11T12:06:08Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Edits on the Drúedain page */

User talk:ProjetoTolkien

2024-11-11T12:03:45Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Edits on the Drúedain page */ Reply

'''{{PAGENAME}}, welcome!'''

Hello and [[Tolkien Gateway:Welcome|welcome]] to '''[[Tolkien Gateway]]'''. I hope you like the place and choose to join our work. Here are a few good links for newcomers:
*Internal pages:
**[[Tolkien Gateway:To-do|To-do list]]
**[[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style|Standards]]
**[[Forums:Council|Council forums]]
**[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent changes]]
*External Wikipedia pages:
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Tutorial|Editing, policy, conduct, and structure tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Picture tutorial|Picture tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to write a great article|How to write a great article]]

I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. By the way, you can sign your name on Talk and vote pages using three tildes, like this: ~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>. Four tildes (~~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>) produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, see the [[Help:Contents|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forums:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! — [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]]

==Maps of Beleriand and Eriador==

Hi ProjetoTolkien,

Can I just say how much I absolutely love [[Beleriand#/media/File:Middle-earth and Beleriand Map (2).png|your map]] of Beleriand and Eriador? It's fantastic that someone put the information in The Nature of Middle-earth to good use and finally created the closest thing we'll ever have to a "canon" map of how Beleriand and Eriador connected.

Please feel free to ignore this request if it impinges too much on your time, but would you consider making another combined map of Beleriand and Eriador, but this time with the overlapping region putting the First Age map of Beleriand on top, instead of the Third Age map? In other words, a combined map just like the one you already made, but reversing which of the two maps goes over the other. I hope that makes sense. Would love to see it if you have time. Regardless, thanks again for making the map you did! [[User:Protospace|Protospace]] ([[User talk:Protospace|talk]]) 05:20, 4 November 2024 (UTC) [[User:Protospace|Protospace]]

Reply:

Hello, Protoscope, how are you? I'm still not very well versed on the MediaWiki ins and outs, so I hope you somehow get notified about this reply.

Thank you for the comment! I have a (small) YouTube channel in which I talk about Tolkien and his works. And, after so many years almost going insane seeing those horrible maps in which Beleriand is HUGE compared to late Third Age Middle-earth (and always spending a long time trying to explain it), I decided to finally make a video about it.

At first I was only going to show one method of comparing both maps (overlapping Tol Himling and Himring and the Blue Mountains), but while writing my scrip I thought: "maybe there's something about it on The Nature of Middle-earth?" And there actually was. So I showed those two methods on my video, which yields virtually the same result.

And I just seized the opportunity to make another version of this map and use it here on Tolkien Gateway.

In case you're interested, here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-DYFu41mUQ

It's in Brazillian Portuguese, but there are (revised) closed captions available and YouTube now has a feature to translate closed captions to any language.

PS: Here's the map you asked for. Hope you like it! https://imgur.com/a/QfulBCn

==Edits on the Drúedain page==
I corrected your edit on the Drúedain page. The text in Further notes on the Drúedain in the chapter The Drúedain in UT does not say that the people in Enedwaith called the Drúedain Púkel-men, because it does not say there who gave this name to them. However, Christopher Tolkien says in his entry Púkel-men in the index to UT that it was the name in Rohan. In the chapter The Muster of Rohan in RK the Rohirrim call the statues on the road to Dunharrow Púkel-men. J.R.R. Tolkien said that this term is a modernized form for an Old English name in his entry Púkel-men in his Nomenclature for LOTR to translators (published in RC) and he used modernized Old English words to represent names from the language of Rohan that the Hobbits could understand. He also wrote in the chapter Dwarves and Men in PM that the language of the forest dweller of Enedwaith was related to the language of the Folk of Haleth and that is was not related to the language of the Folk of Hador and the Folk of Beoar and since Adûnaic, the language of the Númenoreans was descended from the language of the Folk of Hador they could not undertand those forest dwellers and did not recognize that they were related to the Folk of Haleth and were thus Edain. He wrote that they fled to the area that was later called Dunland (the Rohirrim called it Dunland) in this chapter. He also wrote in Appendix F that the Dunlendings stuck to their own language. In conclusion, the people of Enedwaith (i.e. the Dunlendings) did not call the Drúedain Púkel-men, because that is a name in the language of the Rohirrim in Rohan. --[[User:Akhorahil|Akhôrahil]] ([[User talk:Akhorahil|talk]]) 10:12, 11 November 2024 (UTC)

:Hello, [[User:Akhorahil|Akhôrahil]]. Ok, but I never wrote the name "Púkel-men" was "invented" by the native peoples of Enedwaith, nor that it was in their own language. The text is pretty clear the Drúedain were also called Púkel-men. Instead of completely removing the entry on "other names", shouldn't you have simply corrected "the name given to them by the Rohirrim"? The Púkel-men page already explains its etymology and relation to Old English.
:"It is said here (see p. 341) that the native people of Enedwaith, fleeing from the devastations of the Númenóreans along the course of the Gwathló, 'did not cross the Isen nor take refuge in the great promontory between Isen and Lefnui that formed the north arm of the Bay of Belfalas, because of the ‘Púkel-men’, who were a secret and fell people, tireless and silent hunters, using poisoned darts. They said that they had always been there, and had formerly lived also in the White Mountains.'"
:- Unfinished Tales (The Drúedain; Further Notes) [[User:ProjetoTolkien|ProjetoTolkien]] ([[User talk:ProjetoTolkien|talk]]) 12:03, 11 November 2024 (UTC)

Drúedain

2024-11-11T00:17:19Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Added other name and reference (already mentioned on the infobox without reference).

{{people infobox
| name=Drúedain
| image=Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg
| caption="[[:File:Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg|Druedain]]" by [[Ralph Damiani]]
| pronun={{respell|droo|eh-deyen}}
| othernames=Drû, Drû-folk, Drúath, Drughu, Drûg-folk, Drûgs, Drúin, Oghor-hai, Púkel-men, Rógin, Rú, Rúatani, Wild Men of the Woods, Woses, [[Oghor-hai]]
| origin=
| location=[[Brethil]], [[Númenor]], [[Drúwaith Iaur]], [[Drúadan Forest]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Drúadan language|Drúadan]]
| members=[[Aghan]], [[Ghân]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]
| lifespan=Shorter than most [[Men]]<ref name=atani>{{PM|Atani}}, The Druedain (Pukel-men)</ref>
| distinctions=Good stoneworkers, mysterious powers, glowing red eyes
| height=4 feet<ref name=atani/>
| hair=Dark
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}

The '''Drúedain''' (sg. '''Drúadan''') or '''Drúath''' (sg. '''Drû''') was a race of wild [[Men]]. The [[Rohirrim]] called them '''Woses''' or '''Wild Men of the Woods'''.

They were a good-hearted, though primitive people who suffered persecution, both by the malice of [[Men of Darkness|evil people]]; and by ignorance, as their "unlovely" appearance (according to the [[Elves]]) led many to believe they were savage beasts. Although some of their numbers joined the [[Edain]] and some briefly remained on [[Númenor]], they largely held themselves apart from the troubles and calamities of [[Middle-earth]], and possessed their own mysterious ways and magic.

==History==
===First Age===
The Drúedain were part of the [[Edain]] who left [[Hildórien]] for the [[Westlands|West]]. They had been harried and persecuted by other [[Men]] as long as they could remember. This treatment turned them to be secretive and suspicious of other kinds of Men and made them migrate to the west to find a land where they could live hidden and in peace.<ref name="TD">{{UT|12b}}</ref>

Historians in [[Gondor]] believed that the Drúedain came from lands south of [[Mordor]], and turned north into [[Ithilien]] before they reached the coasts of [[Harad]]waith and were the first Men to cross the [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]). They then settled in the vales on both sides of the [[White Mountains]] and in the wooded lands at the northern feet of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" /> The Drúedain carved statues of themselves of stone in [[Dunharrow]], which were later called [[Púkel-men]] by the [[Rohirrim]] when the Rohirrim settled in Rohan in the Third Age.<ref name="Note14">{{UT|12c}}, note 14</ref>

At the end of the First Age most of the Drúedain remained in the White Mountains despite attacks by Men from the East who had relapsed to the service of the Dark. A small branch of the Drúedain, which consisted of a few hundred people,<ref name="Druedain">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> migrated to the west and accompanied the [[Haladin]] to [[Beleriand]] and settled in the forest of [[Brethil]].<ref name="TD" /> Few of the Drúedain ever left the Forest of Brethil,<ref name="Druedain" /> but a few of them lived in the household of [[Húrin]] of the folk of [[Hador]] who was related to the lord of the Haladin and had lived with the Haladin in his youth.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 8</ref> When the Haladin fell into ruin and [[Morgoth]] had destroyed all the realms and strongholds of [[Elves]] and Men, the Drúedain of Brethil dwindled to a few families, mostly women and children, of which some found refuge at the [[Mouths of Sirion]].<ref name="Druedain" />

===Second Age===
When the Dúnedain of Beleriand set forth for the island of [[Elenna]], where they would establish the kingdom of [[Númenor]], the Drúedain refugees who had dwelt at the Mouths of Sirion were permitted to join them, where their numbers increased again.<ref name="Note7">{{UT|12c}}, note 7</ref>

Meanwhile in the east, the Drúedain of the White Mountains were driven off their homes by wicked, tall [[Men of Darkness|Men]] from the East. Remnants of the Drúedain survived in [[Drúadan Forest]] in [[Anórien]] at the eastern end of the White Mountains and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the [[Andrast|Cape of Andrast]] at the western end of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" />

After the felling of trees in [[Enedwaith]] by the [[Númenóreans]] as a source of timber for the building of ships at ship-yards at [[Lond Daer]] and elsewhere in Middle-earth and in [[Númenor]] became devastating, the native [[Pre-Númenóreans]] who lived in the forests ambushed the Númenóreans and had to flee east to the foothills of the southern [[Misty Mountains]] to the region, which was later called [[Dunland]].<ref name="Gwathlo34">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, third and fourth paragraph</ref> They did not cross the river [[Isen]] to [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the promontory between the Isen and the [[Lefnui]], because they were afraid of the Drúedain who lived there and whom they regarded as a "fell people".<ref name="TD" /><ref name="Gwathlo34" />

Meanwhile, the Drúedain living on Númenor started leaving the island during the time of [[Tar-Aldarion]], [[foresight|foreseeing]] the evil that would come. By the [[Downfall of Númenor]], all Drúedain had left and returned to [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="Note7" />

===Third Age===
[[File:John Howe - Ghan-Buri-Ghan.jpg|thumb|''Ghan-Buri-Ghan'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After the [[Great Plague]] of the year 1636<ref name="Gwathlo">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref> and in the days of the Kings of Gondor a few tribes of Drúedain lived as fishers and fowlers in the marshlands of the mouths of the river [[Gwathló]] and the river [[Isen]]<ref name="I">{{UT|11c}}, first paragraph of the note</ref> and on the coasts between the mouths of those rivers.<ref name="Gwathlo" />

At the end of the Third Age a few Drúedain still lived in the [[Drúadan Forest]] in Anórien north of the [[White Mountains]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{App|Languages}}, third paragraph, p. 1127</ref> and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the cape of [[Andrast]] in the west of [[Gondor]] between the rivers [[Isen]] and [[Lefnui]].<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 13</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]], the chieftain of the Drúedain of Drúadan Forest was [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]. On March 14, {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019 March 14</ref> Ghân-buri-Ghân and the Drúedain helped the army of the [[Rohirrim]] that was led by king [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] to evade being trapped by an army of more than six thousand [[Orcs]] and Men that was waiting for them along the [[North-South Road]]. The Drúedain lead the Rohirrim along an alternate road through the [[Stonewain Valley]] in Drúadan Forest, and scouted for and hunted possible enemy spies therein, so that the Rohirrim could reach the [[Pelennor Fields]] without being ambushed. When king Théoden offered the Drúedain a rich reward and the eternal friendship of the Rohan for their offered help, Ghân-buri-Ghân asked king Théoden to leave the Drúedain alone in the woods and to never again hunt them like beasts.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 831-836</ref>

After the [[War of the Ring]], towards the end of July {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Chief}}, entry for July 22 of the year 3019</ref> [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to be theirs forever, forbidding anyone to enter without their permission.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}, p. 976</ref>

==Characteristics==
The appearance of the Drúedain was regarded as "unlovely" by Elves and Men. They were short with an average height of four feet,<ref name="atani" /> very broad with heavy buttocks and thick short legs.<ref name="Druedain" /> In build, stature, and endurance, they resembled the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="atani" />

They had wide faces with deep-set eyes with heavy brows and flat noses. Their wide mouths were the most expressive of their usually impassive features. They had small, sunken eyes that were so black the pupils could not be distinguished, though their eyes glowed red when they were angry or suspicious. Their hair was sparse and lank, never growing below the eyebrows with the exception of some men who grew black tufts on their chins.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain spoke in deep, guttural voices, though their laughter was hearty and pleasantly contagious to other Men and even Elves.<ref name="Druedain" />

==Culture==
The Drúedain were primitive, but marvellously skilled trackers with a better sense of smell than other Men, knew all about plants, were skilled in the carving of wood or stone and had mysterious powers of clairvoyance<ref name="Note7" /> and [[magic]] related to the animation of statues made from stone in their likeness.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain were merry in temperament and character like [[Hobbits]], but could be sardonic and ruthless on the grimmer side of their nature, but were less grim than Dwarves. They were frugal and ate sparingly and drank only water, even during peaceful or plentiful times.<ref name="atani" />

A hardy people, in the late First Age they used caves in the mountains as store-houses, which they used also as sleeping-places during severe weather. They maintained this custom in Beleriand (except the most hardy). These places were guarded and didn't allow even their [[Haladin]] friends to enter. Otherwise they were content to live in tents or makeshift shelters built round large trees.<ref name="atani" />

For weapons, the Drúedain used poisoned darts<ref name="TD" /> and poisoned arrows.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 830</ref>

The Drúedain had a lore of plants not possessed by most of the Edain, nor even the [[Elves]], including knowledge about the edible [[mushrooms|fungi]]. To the surprise of the other peoples, the Drúedain cultured fungi and enjoyed them as food. They passed this knowledge to the [[Haladin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, n. 52; however Tolkien later discarded the note believing that this trait made the Drúedain "too like Hobbits".</ref>

==Language==
The Drúedain of the Drúadan Forest spoke their own language, [[Drúadan language|Drúadan]],<ref name="ReferenceA" /> which was completely alien to [[Westron]].<ref name="OfMen">{{App|Men}}, penultimate paragraph, p. 1129</ref> The only known words in Drúadan are the name ''[[Ghân]]'', the element ''[[buri]]'' ("son of")<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''Ghân buri Ghân''', p. 99</ref> and the name ''[[gorgûn]]'' ("orcs", "orc-folk").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''gorgûn''' and entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref>

The Drúedain of the Forest of Brethil who lived there with the [[Haladin|Folk of Haleth]] spoke the language of the Folk of Haleth after their own fashion, but retained a number of words of their own.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 3</ref> It is possible that they retained their own language and that they only used the language of the Folk of Haleth when they talked with them, because even the Folk of Haleth called them ''drûg'', which was their name in the "own language" of the Drúedain.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}, second paragraph</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Druedain.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Drúedain'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It is the plural form of Drúadan<ref name="Note6">{{UT|12c}}, note 6</ref> and means "wild men" or "woses".<ref name="druadan">{{PE|17}}, entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref> The element ''[[Drû]]'' is an adaptation into Sindarin of ''[[Drughu]]'', which is what the Drúedain call themselves in their own language. As the [[Elves]] came to know the Drû better, and to recognise their bitter enmity to the [[Orcs]], they added the title ''[[Edain]]'' to their name.<ref name="Note6" />

The word ''Wose'' represents [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s translation of the actual word ''[[róg]]'' in the language of the [[Rohirrim]]. It means "wild man of the woods". It is a modernization of the Anglo-Saxon word ''wása''.<ref name="Note14" /> The [[Old English]] element ''wasa'' originally meant a forlorn or abandoned person. It occurs in ''wudewasa'' meaning "wild, neglected". It is seen in the name ''Wuduwasas'', which is the direct inspiration for the Woses and means "savage men" (of the woods).<ref>{{HM|N}}, entry '''Woses''', pp. 764</ref>

==Other names==
*'''[[Drú]]/Drúin:''' the simple [[Sindarin]] name for the Drughu, singular and plural.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drúath:''' another Sindarin plural form of Drú.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drû-folk:''' rarely used collective term.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Púkel-men]]:''' the name used by the native people of [[Enedwaith]].<ref name="TD" />
*'''[[Rú]]/[[Rúatani]]:''' Quenya terms for the Drughu, derived from their Sindarin counterparts. Singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Róg]]/[[Rógin]]:''' the name in [[Rohanese]], singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note14" />
*'''[[Oghor-hai]]:''' the name used by [[Orcs]].<ref>{{UT|12}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
In Western folklore, the "wuduwasa" or "wood man" is a hairy, troll-like being supposed to inhabit woods and forests; the figure was used on coats-of-arms and illuminations during the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance.

Both the description of Woses, as well as the word "Wose" itself, derives from this folkloric figure. According to [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] his idea was to show the actual existence of wild folk, remnants of former peoples driven out by invaders, living a debased and savage life in forests and mountains.<ref>{{HM|N}}, pp. 764-5</ref>

In the ''[[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (poem)|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight]]'' poem, the word ''[[wodwo]]s'' appears, which Tolkien translated as "wood-[[trolls]]".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 555</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Drúedain in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Cortney Skinner - Woses of the Eryn Vorn (MECCG).jpg|"Woses of the Eryn Vorn" in the ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Drúedain .jpg|A Wose in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card game features three different factions of the race: the "Woses of the [[Drúadan Forest]]" and the "Woses of Old Pûkel-land" in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]'', and the "Woses of the [[Eryn Vorn]]" in the expansion ''[[Middle-earth: Against the Shadow|Against the Shadow]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/searchCards|articlename=(Results from search for cards in the game Middle Earth)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Tradecardsoneline.com]|accessed=27 March 2014}}</ref>

'''2016: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Other than the settlement in the [[Drúadan Forest]], another group of Drúedain is found in [[Mordor]] where their ancestors stayed before migrating westward. At the end of the [[First Age]], a cataclysm caused the mountains to rise and cut off the Nêbh Rûdh, the Red Sky Clan, from the valley which they shared with [[Easterlings]]. Separated from the [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]] to the west by an unreachable mountain pass, they were trapped within a small forest where they lived in peace and isolation for thousands of years, away from the Great Eye's reach. When the [[One Ring]] is destroyed, the eruption of [[Mount Doom]] causes a rockslide that makes the pass traversable again, exposing the Red Sky Clan to whatever evil still remains lurking in Mordor.

==See also==
*''[[The Faithful Stone]]''

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Woodwoses|Woodwoses]] at Wikipedia
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Druedain}}
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Sindarin demonyms]]

[[de:Drúedain]]
[[fr:encyclo:peuples:hommes:druedain]]
[[fi:Drúedain]]

Drúedain

2024-11-10T21:47:57Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Fixed reference.

{{people infobox
| name=Drúedain
| image=Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg
| caption="[[:File:Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg|Druedain]]" by [[Ralph Damiani]]
| pronun={{respell|droo|eh-deyen}}
| othernames=Drû, Drû-folk, Drúath, Drughu, Drûg-folk, Drûgs, Drúin, Oghor-hai, Púkel-men, Rógin, Rú, Rúatani, Wild Men of the Woods, Woses, [[Oghor-hai]]
| origin=
| location=[[Brethil]], [[Númenor]], [[Drúwaith Iaur]], [[Drúadan Forest]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Drúadan language|Drúadan]]
| members=[[Aghan]], [[Ghân]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]
| lifespan=Shorter than most [[Men]]<ref name=atani>{{PM|Atani}}, The Druedain (Pukel-men)</ref>
| distinctions=Good stoneworkers, mysterious powers, glowing red eyes
| height=4 feet<ref name=atani/>
| hair=Dark
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}

The '''Drúedain''' (sg. '''Drúadan''') or '''Drúath''' (sg. '''Drû''') was a race of wild [[Men]]. The [[Rohirrim]] called them '''Woses''' or '''Wild Men of the Woods'''.

They were a good-hearted, though primitive people who suffered persecution, both by the malice of [[Men of Darkness|evil people]]; and by ignorance, as their "unlovely" appearance (according to the [[Elves]]) led many to believe they were savage beasts. Although some of their numbers joined the [[Edain]] and some briefly remained on [[Númenor]], they largely held themselves apart from the troubles and calamities of [[Middle-earth]], and possessed their own mysterious ways and magic.

==History==
===First Age===
The Drúedain were part of the [[Edain]] who left [[Hildórien]] for the [[Westlands|West]]. They had been harried and persecuted by other [[Men]] as long as they could remember. This treatment turned them to be secretive and suspicious of other kinds of Men and made them migrate to the west to find a land where they could live hidden and in peace.<ref name="TD">{{UT|12b}}</ref>

Historians in [[Gondor]] believed that the Drúedain came from lands south of [[Mordor]], and turned north into [[Ithilien]] before they reached the coasts of [[Harad]]waith and were the first Men to cross the [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]). They then settled in the vales on both sides of the [[White Mountains]] and in the wooded lands at the northern feet of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" /> The Drúedain carved statues of themselves of stone in [[Dunharrow]], which were later called [[Púkel-men]] by the [[Rohirrim]] when the Rohirrim settled in Rohan in the Third Age.<ref name="Note14">{{UT|12c}}, note 14</ref>

At the end of the First Age most of the Drúedain remained in the White Mountains despite attacks by Men from the East who had relapsed to the service of the Dark. A small branch of the Drúedain, which consisted of a few hundred people,<ref name="Druedain">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> migrated to the west and accompanied the [[Haladin]] to [[Beleriand]] and settled in the forest of [[Brethil]].<ref name="TD" /> Few of the Drúedain ever left the Forest of Brethil,<ref name="Druedain" /> but a few of them lived in the household of [[Húrin]] of the folk of [[Hador]] who was related to the lord of the Haladin and had lived with the Haladin in his youth.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 8</ref> When the Haladin fell into ruin and [[Morgoth]] had destroyed all the realms and strongholds of [[Elves]] and Men, the Drúedain of Brethil dwindled to a few families, mostly women and children, of which some found refuge at the [[Mouths of Sirion]].<ref name="Druedain" />

===Second Age===
When the Dúnedain of Beleriand set forth for the island of [[Elenna]], where they would establish the kingdom of [[Númenor]], the Drúedain refugees who had dwelt at the Mouths of Sirion were permitted to join them, where their numbers increased again.<ref name="Note7">{{UT|12c}}, note 7</ref>

Meanwhile in the east, the Drúedain of the White Mountains were driven off their homes by wicked, tall [[Men of Darkness|Men]] from the East. Remnants of the Drúedain survived in [[Drúadan Forest]] in [[Anórien]] at the eastern end of the White Mountains and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the [[Andrast|Cape of Andrast]] at the western end of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" />

After the felling of trees in [[Enedwaith]] by the [[Númenóreans]] as a source of timber for the building of ships at ship-yards at [[Lond Daer]] and elsewhere in Middle-earth and in [[Númenor]] became devastating, the native [[Pre-Númenóreans]] who lived in the forests ambushed the Númenóreans and had to flee east to the foothills of the southern [[Misty Mountains]] to the region, which was later called [[Dunland]].<ref name="Gwathlo34">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, third and fourth paragraph</ref> They did not cross the river [[Isen]] to [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the promontory between the Isen and the [[Lefnui]], because they were afraid of the Drúedain who lived there and whom they regarded as a "fell people".<ref name="TD" /><ref name="Gwathlo34" />

Meanwhile, the Drúedain living on Númenor started leaving the island during the time of [[Tar-Aldarion]], [[foresight|foreseeing]] the evil that would come. By the [[Downfall of Númenor]], all Drúedain had left and returned to [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="Note7" />

===Third Age===
[[File:John Howe - Ghan-Buri-Ghan.jpg|thumb|''Ghan-Buri-Ghan'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After the [[Great Plague]] of the year 1636<ref name="Gwathlo">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref> and in the days of the Kings of Gondor a few tribes of Drúedain lived as fishers and fowlers in the marshlands of the mouths of the river [[Gwathló]] and the river [[Isen]]<ref name="I">{{UT|11c}}, first paragraph of the note</ref> and on the coasts between the mouths of those rivers.<ref name="Gwathlo" />

At the end of the Third Age a few Drúedain still lived in the [[Drúadan Forest]] in Anórien north of the [[White Mountains]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{App|Languages}}, third paragraph, p. 1127</ref> and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the cape of [[Andrast]] in the west of [[Gondor]] between the rivers [[Isen]] and [[Lefnui]].<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 13</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]], the chieftain of the Drúedain of Drúadan Forest was [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]. On March 14, {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019 March 14</ref> Ghân-buri-Ghân and the Drúedain helped the army of the [[Rohirrim]] that was led by king [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] to evade being trapped by an army of more than six thousand [[Orcs]] and Men that was waiting for them along the [[North-South Road]]. The Drúedain lead the Rohirrim along an alternate road through the [[Stonewain Valley]] in Drúadan Forest, and scouted for and hunted possible enemy spies therein, so that the Rohirrim could reach the [[Pelennor Fields]] without being ambushed. When king Théoden offered the Drúedain a rich reward and the eternal friendship of the Rohan for their offered help, Ghân-buri-Ghân asked king Théoden to leave the Drúedain alone in the woods and to never again hunt them like beasts.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 831-836</ref>

After the [[War of the Ring]], towards the end of July {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Chief}}, entry for July 22 of the year 3019</ref> [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to be theirs forever, forbidding anyone to enter without their permission.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}, p. 976</ref>

==Characteristics==
The appearance of the Drúedain was regarded as "unlovely" by Elves and Men. They were short with an average height of four feet,<ref name="atani" /> very broad with heavy buttocks and thick short legs.<ref name="Druedain" /> In build, stature, and endurance, they resembled the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="atani" />

They had wide faces with deep-set eyes with heavy brows and flat noses. Their wide mouths were the most expressive of their usually impassive features. They had small, sunken eyes that were so black the pupils could not be distinguished, though their eyes glowed red when they were angry or suspicious. Their hair was sparse and lank, never growing below the eyebrows with the exception of some men who grew black tufts on their chins.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain spoke in deep, guttural voices, though their laughter was hearty and pleasantly contagious to other Men and even Elves.<ref name="Druedain" />

==Culture==
The Drúedain were primitive, but marvellously skilled trackers with a better sense of smell than other Men, knew all about plants, were skilled in the carving of wood or stone and had mysterious powers of clairvoyance<ref name="Note7" /> and [[magic]] related to the animation of statues made from stone in their likeness.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain were merry in temperament and character like [[Hobbits]], but could be sardonic and ruthless on the grimmer side of their nature, but were less grim than Dwarves. They were frugal and ate sparingly and drank only water, even during peaceful or plentiful times.<ref name="atani" />

A hardy people, in the late First Age they used caves in the mountains as store-houses, which they used also as sleeping-places during severe weather. They maintained this custom in Beleriand (except the most hardy). These places were guarded and didn't allow even their [[Haladin]] friends to enter. Otherwise they were content to live in tents or makeshift shelters built round large trees.<ref name="atani" />

For weapons, the Drúedain used poisoned darts<ref name="TD" /> and poisoned arrows.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 830</ref>

The Drúedain had a lore of plants not possessed by most of the Edain, nor even the [[Elves]], including knowledge about the edible [[mushrooms|fungi]]. To the surprise of the other peoples, the Drúedain cultured fungi and enjoyed them as food. They passed this knowledge to the [[Haladin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, n. 52; however Tolkien later discarded the note believing that this trait made the Drúedain "too like Hobbits".</ref>

==Language==
The Drúedain of the Drúadan Forest spoke their own language, [[Drúadan language|Drúadan]],<ref name="ReferenceA" /> which was completely alien to [[Westron]].<ref name="OfMen">{{App|Men}}, penultimate paragraph, p. 1129</ref> The only known words in Drúadan are the name ''[[Ghân]]'', the element ''[[buri]]'' ("son of")<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''Ghân buri Ghân''', p. 99</ref> and the name ''[[gorgûn]]'' ("orcs", "orc-folk").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''gorgûn''' and entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref>

The Drúedain of the Forest of Brethil who lived there with the [[Haladin|Folk of Haleth]] spoke the language of the Folk of Haleth after their own fashion, but retained a number of words of their own.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 3</ref> It is possible that they retained their own language and that they only used the language of the Folk of Haleth when they talked with them, because even the Folk of Haleth called them ''drûg'', which was their name in the "own language" of the Drúedain.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}, second paragraph</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Druedain.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Drúedain'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It is the plural form of Drúadan<ref name="Note6">{{UT|12c}}, note 6</ref> and means "wild men" or "woses".<ref name="druadan">{{PE|17}}, entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref> The element ''[[Drû]]'' is an adaptation into Sindarin of ''[[Drughu]]'', which is what the Drúedain call themselves in their own language. As the [[Elves]] came to know the Drû better, and to recognise their bitter enmity to the [[Orcs]], they added the title ''[[Edain]]'' to their name.<ref name="Note6" />

The word ''Wose'' represents [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s translation of the actual word ''[[róg]]'' in the language of the [[Rohirrim]]. It means "wild man of the woods". It is a modernization of the Anglo-Saxon word ''wása''.<ref name="Note14" /> The [[Old English]] element ''wasa'' originally meant a forlorn or abandoned person. It occurs in ''wudewasa'' meaning "wild, neglected". It is seen in the name ''Wuduwasas'', which is the direct inspiration for the Woses and means "savage men" (of the woods).<ref>{{HM|N}}, entry '''Woses''', pp. 764</ref>

==Other names==
*'''[[Drú]]/Drúin:''' the simple [[Sindarin]] name for the Drughu, singular and plural.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drúath:''' another Sindarin plural form of Drú.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drû-folk:''' rarely used collective term.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Rú]]/[[Rúatani]]:''' Quenya terms for the Drughu, derived from their Sindarin counterparts. Singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Róg]]/[[Rógin]]:''' the name in [[Rohanese]], singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note14" />
*'''[[Oghor-hai]]:''' the name used by [[Orcs]].<ref>{{UT|12}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
In Western folklore, the "wuduwasa" or "wood man" is a hairy, troll-like being supposed to inhabit woods and forests; the figure was used on coats-of-arms and illuminations during the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance.

Both the description of Woses, as well as the word "Wose" itself, derives from this folkloric figure. According to [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] his idea was to show the actual existence of wild folk, remnants of former peoples driven out by invaders, living a debased and savage life in forests and mountains.<ref>{{HM|N}}, pp. 764-5</ref>

In the ''[[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (poem)|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight]]'' poem, the word ''[[wodwo]]s'' appears, which Tolkien translated as "wood-[[trolls]]".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 555</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Drúedain in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Cortney Skinner - Woses of the Eryn Vorn (MECCG).jpg|"Woses of the Eryn Vorn" in the ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Drúedain .jpg|A Wose in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card game features three different factions of the race: the "Woses of the [[Drúadan Forest]]" and the "Woses of Old Pûkel-land" in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]'', and the "Woses of the [[Eryn Vorn]]" in the expansion ''[[Middle-earth: Against the Shadow|Against the Shadow]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/searchCards|articlename=(Results from search for cards in the game Middle Earth)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Tradecardsoneline.com]|accessed=27 March 2014}}</ref>

'''2016: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Other than the settlement in the [[Drúadan Forest]], another group of Drúedain is found in [[Mordor]] where their ancestors stayed before migrating westward. At the end of the [[First Age]], a cataclysm caused the mountains to rise and cut off the Nêbh Rûdh, the Red Sky Clan, from the valley which they shared with [[Easterlings]]. Separated from the [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]] to the west by an unreachable mountain pass, they were trapped within a small forest where they lived in peace and isolation for thousands of years, away from the Great Eye's reach. When the [[One Ring]] is destroyed, the eruption of [[Mount Doom]] causes a rockslide that makes the pass traversable again, exposing the Red Sky Clan to whatever evil still remains lurking in Mordor.

==See also==
*''[[The Faithful Stone]]''

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Woodwoses|Woodwoses]] at Wikipedia
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Druedain}}
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Sindarin demonyms]]

[[de:Drúedain]]
[[fr:encyclo:peuples:hommes:druedain]]
[[fi:Drúedain]]

Drúedain

2024-11-10T21:46:05Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other names */ Added reference.

{{people infobox
| name=Drúedain
| image=Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg
| caption="[[:File:Ralph Damiani - Druedain.jpg|Druedain]]" by [[Ralph Damiani]]
| pronun={{respell|droo|eh-deyen}}
| othernames=Drû, Drû-folk, Drúath, Drughu, Drûg-folk, Drûgs, Drúin, Oghor-hai, Púkel-men, Rógin, Rú, Rúatani, Wild Men of the Woods, Woses, [[Oghor-hai]]
| origin=
| location=[[Brethil]], [[Númenor]], [[Drúwaith Iaur]], [[Drúadan Forest]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Drúadan language|Drúadan]]
| members=[[Aghan]], [[Ghân]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]
| lifespan=Shorter than most [[Men]]<ref name=atani>{{PM|Atani}}, The Druedain (Pukel-men)</ref>
| distinctions=Good stoneworkers, mysterious powers, glowing red eyes
| height=4 feet<ref name=atani/>
| hair=Dark
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}

The '''Drúedain''' (sg. '''Drúadan''') or '''Drúath''' (sg. '''Drû''') was a race of wild [[Men]]. The [[Rohirrim]] called them '''Woses''' or '''Wild Men of the Woods'''.

They were a good-hearted, though primitive people who suffered persecution, both by the malice of [[Men of Darkness|evil people]]; and by ignorance, as their "unlovely" appearance (according to the [[Elves]]) led many to believe they were savage beasts. Although some of their numbers joined the [[Edain]] and some briefly remained on [[Númenor]], they largely held themselves apart from the troubles and calamities of [[Middle-earth]], and possessed their own mysterious ways and magic.

==History==
===First Age===
The Drúedain were part of the [[Edain]] who left [[Hildórien]] for the [[Westlands|West]]. They had been harried and persecuted by other [[Men]] as long as they could remember. This treatment turned them to be secretive and suspicious of other kinds of Men and made them migrate to the west to find a land where they could live hidden and in peace.<ref name="TD">{{UT|12b}}</ref>

Historians in [[Gondor]] believed that the Drúedain came from lands south of [[Mordor]], and turned north into [[Ithilien]] before they reached the coasts of [[Harad]]waith and were the first Men to cross the [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]). They then settled in the vales on both sides of the [[White Mountains]] and in the wooded lands at the northern feet of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" /> The Drúedain carved statues of themselves of stone in [[Dunharrow]], which were later called [[Púkel-men]] by the [[Rohirrim]] when the Rohirrim settled in Rohan in the Third Age.<ref name="Note14">{{UT|12c}}, note 14</ref>

At the end of the First Age most of the Drúedain remained in the White Mountains despite attacks by Men from the East who had relapsed to the service of the Dark. A small branch of the Drúedain, which consisted of a few hundred people,<ref name="Druedain">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> migrated to the west and accompanied the [[Haladin]] to [[Beleriand]] and settled in the forest of [[Brethil]].<ref name="TD" /> Few of the Drúedain ever left the Forest of Brethil,<ref name="Druedain" /> but a few of them lived in the household of [[Húrin]] of the folk of [[Hador]] who was related to the lord of the Haladin and had lived with the Haladin in his youth.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 8</ref> When the Haladin fell into ruin and [[Morgoth]] had destroyed all the realms and strongholds of [[Elves]] and Men, the Drúedain of Brethil dwindled to a few families, mostly women and children, of which some found refuge at the [[Mouths of Sirion]].<ref name="Druedain" />

===Second Age===
When the Dúnedain of Beleriand set forth for the island of [[Elenna]], where they would establish the kingdom of [[Númenor]], the Drúedain refugees who had dwelt at the Mouths of Sirion were permitted to join them, where their numbers increased again.<ref name="Note7">{{UT|12c}}, note 7</ref>

Meanwhile in the east, the Drúedain of the White Mountains were driven off their homes by wicked, tall [[Men of Darkness|Men]] from the East. Remnants of the Drúedain survived in [[Drúadan Forest]] in [[Anórien]] at the eastern end of the White Mountains and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the [[Andrast|Cape of Andrast]] at the western end of the White Mountains.<ref name="TD" />

After the felling of trees in [[Enedwaith]] by the [[Númenóreans]] as a source of timber for the building of ships at ship-yards at [[Lond Daer]] and elsewhere in Middle-earth and in [[Númenor]] became devastating, the native [[Pre-Númenóreans]] who lived in the forests ambushed the Númenóreans and had to flee east to the foothills of the southern [[Misty Mountains]] to the region, which was later called [[Dunland]].<ref name="Gwathlo34">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, third and fourth paragraph</ref> They did not cross the river [[Isen]] to [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the promontory between the Isen and the [[Lefnui]], because they were afraid of the Drúedain who lived there and whom they regarded as a "fell people".<ref name="TD" /><ref name="Gwathlo34" />

Meanwhile, the Drúedain living on Númenor started leaving the island during the time of [[Tar-Aldarion]], [[foresight|foreseeing]] the evil that would come. By the [[Downfall of Númenor]], all Drúedain had left and returned to [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="Note7" />

===Third Age===
[[File:John Howe - Ghan-Buri-Ghan.jpg|thumb|''Ghan-Buri-Ghan'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After the [[Great Plague]] of the year 1636<ref name="Gwathlo">{{UT|6d}}, essay on the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref> and in the days of the Kings of Gondor a few tribes of Drúedain lived as fishers and fowlers in the marshlands of the mouths of the river [[Gwathló]] and the river [[Isen]]<ref name="I">{{UT|11c}}, first paragraph of the note</ref> and on the coasts between the mouths of those rivers.<ref name="Gwathlo" />

At the end of the Third Age a few Drúedain still lived in the [[Drúadan Forest]] in Anórien north of the [[White Mountains]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{App|Languages}}, third paragraph, p. 1127</ref> and in [[Drúwaith Iaur]] in the mountains of the cape of [[Andrast]] in the west of [[Gondor]] between the rivers [[Isen]] and [[Lefnui]].<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 13</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]], the chieftain of the Drúedain of Drúadan Forest was [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]. On March 14, {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019 March 14</ref> Ghân-buri-Ghân and the Drúedain helped the army of the [[Rohirrim]] that was led by king [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] to evade being trapped by an army of more than six thousand [[Orcs]] and Men that was waiting for them along the [[North-South Road]]. The Drúedain lead the Rohirrim along an alternate road through the [[Stonewain Valley]] in Drúadan Forest, and scouted for and hunted possible enemy spies therein, so that the Rohirrim could reach the [[Pelennor Fields]] without being ambushed. When king Théoden offered the Drúedain a rich reward and the eternal friendship of the Rohan for their offered help, Ghân-buri-Ghân asked king Théoden to leave the Drúedain alone in the woods and to never again hunt them like beasts.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 831-836</ref>

After the [[War of the Ring]], towards the end of July {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Chief}}, entry for July 22 of the year 3019</ref> [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to be theirs forever, forbidding anyone to enter without their permission.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}, p. 976</ref>

==Characteristics==
The appearance of the Drúedain was regarded as "unlovely" by Elves and Men. They were short with an average height of four feet,<ref name="atani" /> very broad with heavy buttocks and thick short legs.<ref name="Druedain" /> In build, stature, and endurance, they resembled the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="atani" />

They had wide faces with deep-set eyes with heavy brows and flat noses. Their wide mouths were the most expressive of their usually impassive features. They had small, sunken eyes that were so black the pupils could not be distinguished, though their eyes glowed red when they were angry or suspicious. Their hair was sparse and lank, never growing below the eyebrows with the exception of some men who grew black tufts on their chins.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain spoke in deep, guttural voices, though their laughter was hearty and pleasantly contagious to other Men and even Elves.<ref name="Druedain" />

==Culture==
The Drúedain were primitive, but marvellously skilled trackers with a better sense of smell than other Men, knew all about plants, were skilled in the carving of wood or stone and had mysterious powers of clairvoyance<ref name="Note7" /> and [[magic]] related to the animation of statues made from stone in their likeness.<ref name="Druedain" />

The Drúedain were merry in temperament and character like [[Hobbits]], but could be sardonic and ruthless on the grimmer side of their nature, but were less grim than Dwarves. They were frugal and ate sparingly and drank only water, even during peaceful or plentiful times.<ref name="atani" />

A hardy people, in the late First Age they used caves in the mountains as store-houses, which they used also as sleeping-places during severe weather. They maintained this custom in Beleriand (except the most hardy). These places were guarded and didn't allow even their [[Haladin]] friends to enter. Otherwise they were content to live in tents or makeshift shelters built round large trees.<ref name="atani" />

For weapons, the Drúedain used poisoned darts<ref name="TD" /> and poisoned arrows.<ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 830</ref>

The Drúedain had a lore of plants not possessed by most of the Edain, nor even the [[Elves]], including knowledge about the edible [[mushrooms|fungi]]. To the surprise of the other peoples, the Drúedain cultured fungi and enjoyed them as food. They passed this knowledge to the [[Haladin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, n. 52; however Tolkien later discarded the note believing that this trait made the Drúedain "too like Hobbits".</ref>

==Language==
The Drúedain of the Drúadan Forest spoke their own language, [[Drúadan language|Drúadan]],<ref name="ReferenceA" /> which was completely alien to [[Westron]].<ref name="OfMen">{{App|Men}}, penultimate paragraph, p. 1129</ref> The only known words in Drúadan are the name ''[[Ghân]]'', the element ''[[buri]]'' ("son of")<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''Ghân buri Ghân''', p. 99</ref> and the name ''[[gorgûn]]'' ("orcs", "orc-folk").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry '''gorgûn''' and entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref>

The Drúedain of the Forest of Brethil who lived there with the [[Haladin|Folk of Haleth]] spoke the language of the Folk of Haleth after their own fashion, but retained a number of words of their own.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, note 3</ref> It is possible that they retained their own language and that they only used the language of the Folk of Haleth when they talked with them, because even the Folk of Haleth called them ''drûg'', which was their name in the "own language" of the Drúedain.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}, second paragraph</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Druedain.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Drúedain'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It is the plural form of Drúadan<ref name="Note6">{{UT|12c}}, note 6</ref> and means "wild men" or "woses".<ref name="druadan">{{PE|17}}, entry '''druadan''', p. 99</ref> The element ''[[Drû]]'' is an adaptation into Sindarin of ''[[Drughu]]'', which is what the Drúedain call themselves in their own language. As the [[Elves]] came to know the Drû better, and to recognise their bitter enmity to the [[Orcs]], they added the title ''[[Edain]]'' to their name.<ref name="Note6" />

The word ''Wose'' represents [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s translation of the actual word ''[[róg]]'' in the language of the [[Rohirrim]]. It means "wild man of the woods". It is a modernization of the Anglo-Saxon word ''wása''.<ref name="Note14" /> The [[Old English]] element ''wasa'' originally meant a forlorn or abandoned person. It occurs in ''wudewasa'' meaning "wild, neglected". It is seen in the name ''Wuduwasas'', which is the direct inspiration for the Woses and means "savage men" (of the woods).<ref>{{HM|N}}, entry '''Woses''', pp. 764</ref>

==Other names==
*'''[[Drú]]/Drúin:''' the simple [[Sindarin]] name for the Drughu, singular and plural.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drúath:''' another Sindarin plural form of Drú.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''Drû-folk:''' rarely used collective term.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Rú]]/[[Rúatani]]:''' Quenya terms for the Drughu, derived from their Sindarin counterparts. Singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note6" />
*'''[[Róg]]/[[Rógin]]:''' the name in [[Rohanese]], singular/plural respectively.<ref name="Note14" />
*'''[[Oghor-hai]]:''' the name used by [[Orcs]].<ref>{{UT|}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
In Western folklore, the "wuduwasa" or "wood man" is a hairy, troll-like being supposed to inhabit woods and forests; the figure was used on coats-of-arms and illuminations during the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance.

Both the description of Woses, as well as the word "Wose" itself, derives from this folkloric figure. According to [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] his idea was to show the actual existence of wild folk, remnants of former peoples driven out by invaders, living a debased and savage life in forests and mountains.<ref>{{HM|N}}, pp. 764-5</ref>

In the ''[[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (poem)|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight]]'' poem, the word ''[[wodwo]]s'' appears, which Tolkien translated as "wood-[[trolls]]".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 555</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Drúedain in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Cortney Skinner - Woses of the Eryn Vorn (MECCG).jpg|"Woses of the Eryn Vorn" in the ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Drúedain .jpg|A Wose in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card game features three different factions of the race: the "Woses of the [[Drúadan Forest]]" and the "Woses of Old Pûkel-land" in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]'', and the "Woses of the [[Eryn Vorn]]" in the expansion ''[[Middle-earth: Against the Shadow|Against the Shadow]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/searchCards|articlename=(Results from search for cards in the game Middle Earth)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Tradecardsoneline.com]|accessed=27 March 2014}}</ref>

'''2016: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Other than the settlement in the [[Drúadan Forest]], another group of Drúedain is found in [[Mordor]] where their ancestors stayed before migrating westward. At the end of the [[First Age]], a cataclysm caused the mountains to rise and cut off the Nêbh Rûdh, the Red Sky Clan, from the valley which they shared with [[Easterlings]]. Separated from the [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]] to the west by an unreachable mountain pass, they were trapped within a small forest where they lived in peace and isolation for thousands of years, away from the Great Eye's reach. When the [[One Ring]] is destroyed, the eruption of [[Mount Doom]] causes a rockslide that makes the pass traversable again, exposing the Red Sky Clan to whatever evil still remains lurking in Mordor.

==See also==
*''[[The Faithful Stone]]''

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Woodwoses|Woodwoses]] at Wikipedia
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Druedain}}
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Sindarin demonyms]]

[[de:Drúedain]]
[[fr:encyclo:peuples:hommes:druedain]]
[[fi:Drúedain]]

User talk:ProjetoTolkien

2024-11-05T01:40:31Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Maps of Beleriand and Eriador */ Reply

Men

2024-11-03T03:22:48Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added section "before their coming to Beleriand". Needs to be expanded.

{{disambig-more|Men|[[Men (disambiguation)]]}}
{{race infobox
| name=Men
| image = Ted Nasmith - Felagund Among Bëor’s Men.jpg
| caption="Felagund Among Bëor's Men" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Atani, Secondborn, Hildor, Apanónar
| origin=[[Children of Ilúvatar]]
| location=[[Hildórien]], [[Beleriand]], [[Númenor]], [[Gondor]], [[Arnor]], [[Rohan]], [[Dunland]], [[Harad]], [[Khand]], [[Forochel]], [[Rhûn]], [[Rhovanion]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Orcs]]
| language=[[Taliska]], [[Adûnaic]], [[Sindarin]], [[Rohanese]], [[Westron]], [[Quenya]]
| people=[[House of Bëor|Bëorians]], [[House of Haleth|Haladin]], [[House of Hador|Hadorians]], [[Easterlings]], [[Númenóreans]], [[Black Númenóreans]], [[Dúnedain]], [[Dúnedain of Arnor|Arnorians]], [[Gondorians]], [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]], [[Forodwaith (people)|Forodwaith]], [[Haradrim]], [[Rohirrim]], [[Dunlendings]], [[Men of Dale]], [[Beornings]], [[Bardings]], [[Drúedain]], [[Hobbits]]
| members=[[Bëor]], [[Hador]], [[Barahir]], [[Beren]], [[Húrin]], [[Morwen]], [[Túrin]], [[Niënor]], [[Tuor]], [[Elros]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]], [[Bard]], [[Denethor]], [[Boromir]], [[Faramir]], [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Éowyn]], [[Aragorn]]
| lifespan=Original Men before the [[Tale of Adanel|Fall]] - c. 200-300 years<ref>{{NM|P2x}}, p. 223</ref><ref>{{NM|P3xii}}, ''Text 2'', p. 330</ref> [[Middle Men]] - c. 80 years [[Númenóreans]] - c. 200+ years<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> [[Kings of Númenor]] - c. 400 years<ref name=Line/> [[Dúnedain]] - Thrice the life of [[Middle Men|lesser Men]] but later slightly diminished<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref> [[Hobbits]] - c. 100 years [[Drúedain]] - Shorter<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref>
| distinctions=[[Gift of Men|Mortality]], [[Dominion of Men|rulers]] of [[Middle-earth]]
| height=Dúnedain - 6'4" (average)<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> Númenóreans - 7'0" (average)<ref>{{PM|X}}, p. 310.</ref> [[Middle Men]] - Shorter Drúedain - 4' to 5' Hobbits - 3'6" (average)
| hair=Black, brown, chestnut, blond, auburn, red, and (when older) grey or white
| skin= Fair, pale, sallow, ruddy, tan, dark tan, light brown, dark brown, black
| clothing=
| weapons=Swords, knives, bows, axes, spears
}}
{{quote|West, North, and South the children of Men spread and wandered, and their joy was the joy of the morning before the dew is dry, when every leaf is green.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Men]]"}}
'''Men''' were one of the Kindreds of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Men were called the Secondborn (or the Second Kindred<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 89</ref>) by the [[Elves]], their [[Elves|Elder]] brethren, because they were the last of all the [[incarnate]] races to come into being. Though they were born after the other sentient races, Men were destined to inherit and [[Dominion of Men|rule]] [[Middle-earth]].

==Origins and nature==
The race of Men is the second race of beings created by Eru [[Ilúvatar]]. Because they [[Awakening of Men|awoke]] when the [[Sun]] first rose in the heavens late in the [[First Age]], while the [[Elves]] [[Awakening of the Elves|awoke]] millennia before them, they are called the Secondborn ([[Quenya]]: ''Atani'', [[Sindarin]]: ''[[Edain]]'') by the Elves. Men awoke in a land located in the far east of Middle-earth called [[Hildórien]]. When the [[Sun]] rose for the first time in the far West, Men began to wander towards it, a journey which culminated in some of them reaching [[Beleriand]] centuries later.

There is much evidence that, soon after their awakening, [[Morgoth]] came to Men and incited them to worship him and turn away from Ilúvatar, and that they complied. Though all were seduced by the Enemy, some Men repented and escaped; they were said to be the ancestors of the Edain.

Men bear the so-called ''[[Gift of Men]]'', mortality. Elves are immortal, in the sense that even if their bodies are slain, their spirits remain bound to the world, going to the [[Halls of Mandos]] to wait until they are released or the [[the End|world ends]]. In contrast, Men are released from [[Arda]] and the bounds of the world and have rest from its troubles. Ilúvatar also gifted Men with the freedom to shape their own future, being rather free from the designs of the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref> However, the influence of Morgoth has caused Men to fear their fate, and view Death as a Doom instead of a Gift.

== Before their coming to Beleriand ==
Men had a knowledge of metals and some smith-craft before they reached Beleriand,<ref>{{UT|12}}</ref> acquired, according to their own legends, from the [[Dwarves]].<ref>{{UT|12c}}, "10"</ref>

== Groups and alignments ==
Although all Men are related to one another, there are many different groups with different cultures. The most important group in the tales of the [[First Age]] were the Edain. Although the word Edain technically refers to all Men, the Elves used it to distinguish those Men who fought with them in the First Age against [[Morgoth]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Edain were divided into three Houses.

The First House of the Edain was the [[House of Bëor]], and entered Beleriand in {{FA|310}} and were granted the fief of [[Ladros]] in [[Dorthonion]] by [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]]. The Second House of the Edain, the [[Haladin]], was led by Haldad and later by his daughter Haleth and settled in the Forest of Brethil. The Third House, which became the greatest, was led by [[Marach]] and later his descendant [[Hador]], and they settled in [[Dor-lómin]]. This house was known both as the House of Marach and the [[House of Hador]].

Other Men did not cross the [[Misty Mountains]] or fight against Morgoth. However, some, such as the Easterlings, fought openly on his side. In later Ages, the Haradrim and Easterlings would fight on Sauron's side against the descendants of the Edain. Here below follow the short descriptions of the most important groups of Men in the First, Second and Third Ages.

===Edain and Dúnedain===
As a reward for their services and assistance rendered to the Elves and the Valar in the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the First Age, the [[Edain]] received a new land of their own from the Valar, between Middle-earth and the [[Undying Lands]]. This was the land of [[Númenor]], an island in the form of a five-pointed star that was far away from the troubles of Middle-earth.

They were led to this island by [[Elros]] with the help of his father [[Eärendil]], who sailed the heavens as the bright star of the same name and guided the ships of the Edain to Númenor. Once they arrived, Elros became the first King of Númenor and took the name Tar-Minyatur. The Edain became known as the [[Númenóreans]] or [[Dúnedain]] (Sindarin for ''Men of the West''). The kingdom of Númenor grew steadily in power, and the Dúnedain became the noblest and highest of all Men on Arda. In their early days, the Dúnedain remained allied to the Elves of Middle-earth, and aided them in battle against Morgoth's lieutenant [[Sauron]].

As the Men of the West increased in power and happiness, they came to resent the Gift of Men, Death. They wished to become immortal like the Elves and enjoy their possessions for all time. Most of the Númenóreans, including the line of the Kings, began to turn away from the Valar, and spoke against the Ban of the Valar that forbade them to sail west beyond sight of Númenor or to enter [[Valinor]]. The Númenóreans also became increasingly hostile to all Elvish influences in their realm, and in {{SA|2899|n}} of the [[Second Age]], Ar-Adûnakhôr became the first king of Númenor to take his royal name in [[Adûnaic]], the language of Men, instead of [[Quenya]], the tongue of the Elves of Valinor.

During the early part of their rebellion, the Númenóreans became divided into two factions: the first, the [[King's Men]], enjoyed the support of the King and included the majority of the people. They wished to gain immortality and break away from their ancestral allegiance to the Valar. The King's Men also wanted to end relations with the Elves, and thus they favoured Adûnaic as the official language and eventually punished those who spoke the Elven tongues. The persecuted minority faction, the [[Faithful]], were led by the [[Lords of Andúnië]], the westernmost province of Númenor, and remained loyal to the Valar. They also tried to maintain friendship with the Elves.

When Sauron was apparently defeated and taken to the Isle by the Númenórean army near the end of the Second Age, he took advantage of the pride of the Númenóreans. By teaching the Dúnedain many things and flattering the King, [[Ar-Pharazôn]], he worked his way into the King's counsels and won the hearts of the people. Ultimately, Sauron advised Ar-Pharazôn to attack Valinor and claim immortality. This he foolishly did, and as a punishment Númenor, the island of the Men of the West, sank into the Sea and only the Faithful escaped. When the Faithful returned to Middle-earth, they founded the twin kingdoms of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]].

===Black Númenóreans and Haradrim===
The Faithful weren't the only Númenóreans left on Middle-earth when Númenor sank. When Númenor grew in naval power, many Númenóreans founded colonies in Middle-earth. Many of the King's Men settled in Middle-earth because they wanted to conquer more lands, and the Faithful because they were persecuted by the Kings. The Faithful settled in [[Pelargir]], while the King's Men ruled the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]] and other colonies in the South. When Númenor was destroyed, the King's Men became known as the Black Númenóreans and remained hostile towards the Faithful of Gondor. Eventually, Umbar was conquered by Gondor in {{TA|933|n}} of the Third Age.

In Harad another group of Men lived called the '''[[Haradrim]]''' or [[Southrons]]. They were dark skinned Men and waged war on great Oliphaunts or ''Mûmakil''. They too were hostile to Gondor, though they were subdued in {{TA|1050}} by [[Hyarmendacil I]].

Both Umbar and the Harad were left unchecked by Gondor's waning power by the time of the War of the Ring, and presented grave threats from the south. Many Haradrim fought with Sauron's forces in Gondor in that War.

===Easterlings===
{{main|Easterlings}}
Most Men who fought in the armies of Morgoth and Sauron were [[Easterlings]] who came from the regions beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]]. Some Easterlings offered their services to the Elvish kingdoms in Beleriand; among them were [[Bór]] and his sons, and [[Ulfang the Black]] and his sons. This proved to be disastrous for the Elves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] when Ulfang and his clan switched sides and defected to Morgoth, though Bór and his sons died bravely fighting on the side of the [[Eldar]].

After Morgoth's defeat Sauron extended his influence over the Easterlings, and although Sauron was defeated by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] at the end of the Second Age, the Easterlings were the first enemies to attack Gondor again in {{TA|492}}. They were soundly defeated by King [[Rómendacil I]], but they invaded again in {{TA|541|n}} and took revenge by slaying King Rómendacil. Rómendacil's son [[Turambar (King of Gondor)|Turambar]] took large portions of land from them.

In the next centuries Gondor held sway over the Easterlings. When Gondor's power began to decrease in the twelfth century of the Third Age, the Easterlings took the complete eastern bank of the [[Anduin]] except [[Ithilien]] and crushed Gondor's allies, the Northmen.

The Easterlings of the Third Age were divided in different tribes, such as the [[Wainriders]] and the [[Balchoth]]. The Wainriders were a confederation of Easterlings who were very active between {{TA|1856}} and {{TA|1944|n}}. They posed a serious threat to Gondor for many years, but were utterly defeated by [[Eärnil II]] in 1944.

When Gondor lost its royal dynasty in {{TA|2050|n}} the Easterlings started to reorganize themselves, and a fierce group called the Balchoth became the most important tribe. In {{TA|2510|n}} they invaded Gondor again and conquered much of [[Calenardhon]], until they were defeated by the [[Éothéod]] who rode to Gondor's aid.

In the War of the Ring, the Easterlings were among the fiercest warriors deployed at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] by Sauron.

===Northmen===
{{main|Northmen}}
Not all the Men who remained east of the Blue Mountains and Misty Mountains during the First Age were tempted by Morgoth or Sauron, and they were joined after the War of Wrath by those of the Edain who did not wish to travel to Númenor. The [[Northmen]] who dwelt in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] and other parts of [[Rhovanion]] were friendly to the Dúnedain, being for the most part their kin, and many of them became Gondorian subjects. The Men of [[Dale]] and [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] were Northmen, as were the [[Woodmen|Woodsmen]] of Mirkwood, the tribe of [[skin-changers]] later known as [[Beornings]], and the [[Éothéod]], who became the [[Rohirrim]] or Horse Lords.

===Dunlendings===
When Elendil founded the Kingdom of Arnor, its borders were quickly extended towards the river Greyflood (Sindarin: ''Gwathló''), and Gondor likewise extended up through [[Enedwaith]]. In Enedwaith and [[Minhiriath]] (Sindarin for ''Land between the Rivers'') lived a group of Men related to those Men that became the House of Haleth, and they were known as the [[Dunlendings]]. They had lived in the great woods that covered most of Eriador, and when the Númenóreans started to chop these woods down to build their ships in the [[Second Age]], they earned the hostility of the Dunlendings. The Dunlendings later became bitter enemies of [[Rohan]], as they believed the Rohirrim had stolen their lands.

Because of their enmity with the Rohirrim, the Dunlendings served [[Saruman]] in the War of the Ring and fought against the Horse Lords in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].

===Drúedain===
{{main|Drúedain}}
Another group of Men were the [[Drúedain]], also called the [[Woses]]. They were small and stooped, and were always few in number and shortlived compared to other races of Men. They lived among the House of Haleth in the First Age, and were held as Edain by the Elves, who called them ''Drúedain'' (from ''Drûg'', their own name for themselves, plus ''Edain'').

At the end of the Third Age a few Woses still lived in the Drúadan Forest. They held off [[Orcs]] with poisoned arrows and were vital in securing the aid of the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to them "forever" in the [[Fourth Age]].

===Hobbits===
{{main|Hobbits}}
[[Hobbits]] were strictly a race of Men rather than a separate species. The origin of Hobbits is obscure; they first appeared in the records of other Men in the middle of the [[Third Age]].

==Etymology==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] employed a peculiar usage of the words ''Man'' and ''Mannish'': these terms came to replace the word "human" found in drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{PM|Languages}}, p. 61</ref> It has been suggested that Tolkien might have preferred ''Man'' and ''Mannish'' being pure Germanic roots, unlike the Latin-influenced ''Human'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:homo#Latin|homo]]'').<ref>{{HM|RW}}, pp. 156-8</ref> This usage also reflects old Germanic practice, where ''Man'' originally meant ''mankind'', not merely the male gender; this was found (and in many of them, still is found) in all the Germanic languages (i.e. German ''Menschen'', "people").<ref>http://etymonline.com/index.php?term=man&allowed_in_frame=0</ref>

==Other names==
The Elves called the race of '''Mankind''' with poetic names that refer to their later coming, and their mortality. They are mostly called '''''[[Atani]]''''' in [[Quenya]], literally meaning "Second ones" (the [[Elves]] being the First), but also '''''[[Hildor]]''''' ("Followers" or "Aftercomers"), '''''Apanónar''''' ("Afterborn"), '''Secondborn''', '''Younger Children of Ilúvatar''', '''Strangers''' and '''Usurpers'''<ref name="men">{{S|Men}}</ref> because they [[Dominion of Men|dominated Arda]] after the Elves. [[Sindarin]] names were '''''Ephedyn''''' or '''''Aphadrim''''' ("Followers").<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}</ref>

The name ''Atani'' is cognate with [[Sindarin]] '''[[Adan|Edain]]''', but the latter term was later applied not to the race, but only to the peoples of [[Beleriand]] who aided the Elves in their war with [[Morgoth]] in the [[First Age]].

Other names were '''''Fírimar''''' ([[Quenya|Q.]] [[Mortals]]),<ref name="men">{{S|Men}}</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 70</ref> '''''Engwar''''' ([[Quenya|Q.]] "The Sickly"), used to describe the mortality of men<ref name="men" /> the '''Self-cursed''' and the '''Guests'''<ref name="men" /> because their fate was outside Arda.

Other names by the Elves, apparently referring to their differences from themselves are '''Inscrutable''', the '''Heavy-handed''', the '''Night-fearers''', and the '''Children of the Sun'''<ref name="men" /> because they awoke with the Sun.

Hobbits called them the '''Big People''' or the '''[[Big Folk]]''', especially in [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Menschen]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/hommes]]
[[fi:Ihmiset]]

Sador

2024-11-03T01:03:29Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Other versions of the story */ Fixed reference.

{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Sador
| image=Catherine Chmiel - Turin and Labadal.jpg
| caption="Turin and Labadal" by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Labadal'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "hopafoot"), Onefoot, Sadog
| titles=
| position=Wood-man, servant
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|496}}
| deathlocation=[[Dor-lómin]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|An honest hand and a true heart may hew amiss; and the harm may be harder to bear than the work of a foe.|[[Húrin]] about Sador in ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', "[[The Childhood of Túrin]]"}}</center>

'''Sador''' was a carpenter and servant of [[Húrin]], and the childhood friend of Húrin's son [[Túrin]].

==History==
Sador was a woodman who fought in the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. He came too late to the battle field however, and was only able to bring back the fallen [[Hador]]. He was then stationed at [[Eithel Sirion]], and was there when Húrin took command. But he tired of war, and returned to his woods, at which point he accidentally severed his right foot. He remarked to Túrin that, ''"a man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it"''. The remaining part of his leg had shrunken from lack of use.<ref name="Sador" />

One of Sador's talents was wood-working. Sador became a "house-man in the service of Húrin"; in spite of being a simple servant, Sador was wise and shared with young Túrin many insights about the nature of [[Men]], [[Elves]], and fate.<ref name="Sador">{{CH|1}}, p. 41-44</ref>

Sador worked in the outbuildings, fixing things around the house which were usually of little importance. He was Túrin's best friend during his youth, and the boy would often help Sador by fetching materials and tools to spare him from walking. When Túrin brought him gifts he "found" lying around, Sador would tell the boy to return them, and taught him he shouldn't steal even if it is to give. Sador enjoyed Túrin's company and would often carve for him figures of men and beasts, although Túrin enjoyed Sador's stories the most.

On Túrin's birthday, his father gave him an [[Elves|Elven]] knife of great worth. Túrin pitied Sador and decided to give the gift to him. Sador accepted the gift as it would be rude not to, but he knew he would be unable to repay Túrin for such a gift.

Túrin's mother, [[Morwen]], did not care for Sador and called him "self-maimed by his own want of skill, and he is slow with his tasks, for he spends much time on trifles unbidden." But Túrin noted that his act of generosity resulted in Sador being treated more kindly. At this time Sador set out to carve a great throne for the hall of Húrin.<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 48-50</ref>

After Túrin departed, Sador remained in the house of [[Morwen]], though he wished he may have joined the battle to die a valiant death. Upon Túrin's return from [[Nargothrond]] many years later, Sador joined in the rebellion against the [[Easterlings]] who had taken over the land. He was then wounded and perished.<ref>{{CH|12}}, p. 189</ref>

==Quotes==
{{blockquote|Give with a free hand, but give only your own.<ref name=Sador />}}

{{blockquote|A man who flies from his fear may find he has only taken a shortcut to meet it.<ref name=Sador />}}

{{blockquote|False hopes are more dangerous than fears.<ref name=Departure>{{CH|4}}, pp. 74-75</ref>}}

{{blockquote|So most men teach, and few men learn.<ref name=Departure />}}

{{blockquote|Let the unseen days be. Today is more than enough.<ref name=Departure />}}

==Etymology==
''sador'' is a [[Sindarin]] word which translates to "steadfast, trusty, loyal".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref>

==Other names==
Sador had several names including:
*'''''Labadal''''', Sindarin for "hopafoot", given to Sador by Túrin.<ref name="Sador" />
*'''Onefoot''', an epithet referring to his lack of a right foot.<ref>{{CH|12}}, p. 184</ref>
*''Sadog'', alternative version written by Tolkien, possibly just an error in typing.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, pp. 309, 327, note 52</ref>

== Other versions of the story ==
Some of the [[Drúedain]] (also called Drûg) lived in the household of Húrin, for he had dwelt among the [[House of Haleth|Folk of Haleth]] in his youth (where most of the Drúedain lived in the [[First Age]]). It was Tolkien’s intention ultimately to transform Sador into a Drûg.<ref>{{UT|12c}}, "8"</ref>{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Folk of Hador]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Sador

2024-11-03T01:02:17Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added Tolkien's intention to make him a Drûg.

{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Sador
| image=Catherine Chmiel - Turin and Labadal.jpg
| caption="Turin and Labadal" by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Labadal'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "hopafoot"), Onefoot, Sadog
| titles=
| position=Wood-man, servant
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|496}}
| deathlocation=[[Dor-lómin]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|An honest hand and a true heart may hew amiss; and the harm may be harder to bear than the work of a foe.|[[Húrin]] about Sador in ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', "[[The Childhood of Túrin]]"}}</center>

'''Sador''' was a carpenter and servant of [[Húrin]], and the childhood friend of Húrin's son [[Túrin]].

==History==
Sador was a woodman who fought in the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. He came too late to the battle field however, and was only able to bring back the fallen [[Hador]]. He was then stationed at [[Eithel Sirion]], and was there when Húrin took command. But he tired of war, and returned to his woods, at which point he accidentally severed his right foot. He remarked to Túrin that, ''"a man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it"''. The remaining part of his leg had shrunken from lack of use.<ref name="Sador" />

One of Sador's talents was wood-working. Sador became a "house-man in the service of Húrin"; in spite of being a simple servant, Sador was wise and shared with young Túrin many insights about the nature of [[Men]], [[Elves]], and fate.<ref name="Sador">{{CH|1}}, p. 41-44</ref>

Sador worked in the outbuildings, fixing things around the house which were usually of little importance. He was Túrin's best friend during his youth, and the boy would often help Sador by fetching materials and tools to spare him from walking. When Túrin brought him gifts he "found" lying around, Sador would tell the boy to return them, and taught him he shouldn't steal even if it is to give. Sador enjoyed Túrin's company and would often carve for him figures of men and beasts, although Túrin enjoyed Sador's stories the most.

On Túrin's birthday, his father gave him an [[Elves|Elven]] knife of great worth. Túrin pitied Sador and decided to give the gift to him. Sador accepted the gift as it would be rude not to, but he knew he would be unable to repay Túrin for such a gift.

Túrin's mother, [[Morwen]], did not care for Sador and called him "self-maimed by his own want of skill, and he is slow with his tasks, for he spends much time on trifles unbidden." But Túrin noted that his act of generosity resulted in Sador being treated more kindly. At this time Sador set out to carve a great throne for the hall of Húrin.<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 48-50</ref>

After Túrin departed, Sador remained in the house of [[Morwen]], though he wished he may have joined the battle to die a valiant death. Upon Túrin's return from [[Nargothrond]] many years later, Sador joined in the rebellion against the [[Easterlings]] who had taken over the land. He was then wounded and perished.<ref>{{CH|12}}, p. 189</ref>

==Quotes==
{{blockquote|Give with a free hand, but give only your own.<ref name=Sador />}}

{{blockquote|A man who flies from his fear may find he has only taken a shortcut to meet it.<ref name=Sador />}}

{{blockquote|False hopes are more dangerous than fears.<ref name=Departure>{{CH|4}}, pp. 74-75</ref>}}

{{blockquote|So most men teach, and few men learn.<ref name=Departure />}}

{{blockquote|Let the unseen days be. Today is more than enough.<ref name=Departure />}}

==Etymology==
''sador'' is a [[Sindarin]] word which translates to "steadfast, trusty, loyal".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref>

==Other names==
Sador had several names including:
*'''''Labadal''''', Sindarin for "hopafoot", given to Sador by Túrin.<ref name="Sador" />
*'''Onefoot''', an epithet referring to his lack of a right foot.<ref>{{CH|12}}, p. 184</ref>
*''Sadog'', alternative version written by Tolkien, possibly just an error in typing.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, pp. 309, 327, note 52</ref>

== Other versions of the story ==
Some of the [[Drúedain]] (also called Drûg) lived in the household of Húrin, for he had dwelt among the [[House of Haleth|Folk of Haleth]] in his youth (where most of the Drúedain lived in the [[First Age]]). It was Tolkien’s intention ultimately to transform Sador into a Drûg.{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Drúedain]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Folk of Hador]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Mornië (ship)

2024-11-01T00:34:31Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added new artwork of Mornië.

{{disambig-two|ship in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''|the later Quenya noun|[[mornië]]}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Mornië.jpg|thumb|"Mornië" by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

'''Mornië''' was the ship of the dead in the early version of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''.

It plied between [[Halls of Mandos|Mandos]] and [[Eruman]],<ref name="GL">{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Mornië"; Cf. also {{PE|11}}, p. 58</ref> and its beaching place was [[Hanstovánen]].<ref>{{LT1|VII}}, p. 167</ref> After judging the dead of the race of [[Men]], [[Fui]] led some to [[Halls of Mandos|Mandos]] or [[Angamandi]], but most of them were sent abroad the black ship Mornië. When the ship was filled, it spread its black sails by itself and sailed south carried by a slow wind. As they pass by, the dead were allowed to have a glimpse of [[Valinor]]. Then they reached the great plains of [[Arvalin]], where they wandered or camped in the dusk, being allowed to sing and see the [[stars]], waiting until the [[Great End]].<ref>{{LT1|III}}, p. 77</ref>

==Etymology==
''Mornië'' is [[Qenya]] for "Black Grief", and its [[Gnomish]] cognate was '''''Mornir''''', from ''morn'' ("dark, black") + ''nîr'' ("grief").<ref name="GL" />

{{references}}
{{title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mornie}}
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Ships]]

File:Ted Nasmith - Mornië.jpg

2024-11-01T00:31:27Z

ProjetoTolkien:

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:29:18Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Works */ Added reference to Rúmil writing the Ambarkanta.

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''<ref>{{LT1|Foreword}}</ref>
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, Rúmil</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.
:'''Episode 7: ''Doomed to Die:'''''
::At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:23:36Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Expanded etymology reference to include the actual entry.

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, Rúmil</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.
:'''Episode 7: ''Doomed to Die:'''''
::At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:22:00Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.
:'''Episode 7: ''Doomed to Die:'''''
::At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:21:33Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.
:'''Episode 7: Doomed to Die:'':'''
::At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:20:44Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil. '''Episode 7: Doomed to Die:'''
:At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:19:42Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Portrayal in adaptations */ Added mention to Rúmil on episode 207 of The Rings of Power.

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil. '''Episode 7: Doomed to Die:'''
::At the [[Sack of Eregion]], [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]] asks Elrond if he had forgotten "his Rúmil": "never make war in anger".

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

2024-10-18T18:15:54Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Season 2 */ Added the rest of the episodes' names for Season 2.

{{expansion}}
{{disambig-more|Rings of Power|[[Rings of Power (disambiguation)]]}}{{film infobox
| image = Amazon - The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power.png
| caption =
| name=The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
| director=
| producer=[[J.D. Payne]] (showrunner) [[Patrick McKay]] (showrunner) Christina Morgan (executive producer) Lindsey Weber (executive producer) [[Callum Greene]] (executive producer) Justin Doble (executive producer) Gennifer Hutchison (executive producer) Jason Cahill (executive producer) [[J. A. Bayona]] (executive producer) Belén Atienza (executive producer) Eugene Kelly (executive producer) Bruce Richmond (executive producer) Sharon Tal Yguado (executive producer) Ron Ames Chris Newman
| writer='''Novels:''' [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] '''Screenplay:''' John D. Payne and Patrick McKay (mainly)
| narrator=
| starring=''[[#Cast and characters|see below]]''
| music=[[Bear McCreary]] [[Howard Shore]] (main theme)
| cinematography=
| editing=
| distributor=Amazon Prime Video
| released=[[1 September]] [[2022]] (''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'' & ''[[Adrift]]'')
| runtime=65 - 72 minutes
| country=United States New Zealand ([[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 1|Season 1]]) United Kingdom ([[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 2|Season 2]])
| language=English
| budget=
| website=[http://www.amazon.com/adlp/lotronprime Official website]
| imdb_id=7631058
}}

'''''The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power''''', originally marketed as '''''The Lord of the Rings on Prime''''', is an online television series based on the writings of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], namely ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and its [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|Appendices]]. It is created and produced by [[Amazon Studios]] working alongside the [[Tolkien Estate]], the [[The Tolkien Trust|Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]]. Set in the [[Second Age]] of [[Middle-earth]],<ref name="AMSA">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1103656946509344768|articlename=Welcome to the Second Age:|dated=7 March 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> it explores new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien's ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]].''<ref name="AMNZ">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-studios-announces-new-zealand-location-its-upcoming|articlename=Amazon Studios Announces New Zealand as Location for Its Upcoming Series Based on The Lord of the Rings|dated=17 September 2019|website=Amazon|accessed=18 September 2019}}</ref> The story, which in Tolkien's writings spanned thousands of years, is condensed into a single point in time to avoid time jumps in the interest of narrative cohesion.<ref name="VanityFair" />

The first two episodes were released on [[1 September]] of [[2022]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.whathifi.com/advice/how-to-watch-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-release-date-trailer-cast-episodes|articlename=How to watch Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – release date, trailer, cast, episodes available now|dated=2 September 2022|website=[https://www.whathifi.com/ What Hi-Fi]|accessed=10 October 2022}}</ref> although they were originally scheduled to be released on [[2 September]] of the same year, the anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien's death.<ref>{{webcite|author=@LOTRonPrime|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1422255647106617359|articlename=A new journey beings|dated=2 August 2021|website=Twitter|accessed=2 August 2021}}</ref>

==Premise==
{{blockquote|Amazon Studios' forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.|Official synopsis<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Sewell|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2021/01/12/110065-exclusive-official-show-synopsis-for-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-series/|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Official Show Synopsis for Amazon’s LORD OF THE RINGS Series|dated=12 January 2021|website=[http://www.theonering.net TheOneRing]|accessed=13 January 2021}}</ref>}}

==Source material and copyrights==
The showrunners said that they wished to "come up with the novel Tolkien never wrote and do it as the mega-event series that could only happen now".<ref name="VanityFair" /> They explained that they only have the copyrights to adapt ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' along with its [[Appendices]], without the rights to ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' or other books that contain the vast majority of Tolkien's writings on the [[Second Age]].<ref name="VFQuestions">{{webcite|author=burning questions about amazons the rings of power|articleurl= https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/10-burning-questions-about-amazons-the-rings-of-power |articlename=Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Series: FAQ|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://www.vanityfair.com/ Vanity Fair]|accessed=16 February 2022}}</ref>

==Episodes==
===[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 1|Season 1]]===
#[[A Shadow of the Past]]
#[[Adrift]]
#[[Adar (episode)|Adar]]
#[[The Great Wave]]
#[[Partings]]
#[[Udûn (episode)|Udûn]]
#[[The Eye]]
#[[Alloyed]]

===[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 2|Season 2]]===
#[[Elven Kings Under the Sky]]
#[[Where the Stars are Strange]]
#[[The Eagle and the Sceptre]]
#[[Eldest (episode)|Eldest]]
#Halls of Stone
#Where is He?
#Doomed to Die
#Shadow and Flame

==Cast and characters==
''In alphabetical order''
===Main cast introduced in Season 1===
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!Actor!!Role
|-
|[[Cynthia Addai-Robinson]]||[[Tar-Míriel|Queen Regent Míriel]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547418520400658432|articlename=Cynthia Addai-Robinson is Queen Regent Míriel|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Robert Aramayo]]||[[Elrond]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492167519439925260|articlename=Robert Aramayo is Elrond. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Owain Arthur]]||[[Durin IV|Prince Durin IV]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492168323051802626|articlename=Owain Arthur is Prince Durin IV. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Maxim Baldry]]||[[Isildur]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547417633603059712|articlename=Maxim Baldry is Isildur|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Nazanin Boniadi]]||[[Bronwyn]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492168861403299841|articlename=Nazanin Boniadi is Bronwyn. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Morfydd Clark]]||[[Galadriel]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492167351902609413|articlename=Morfydd Clark is Galadriel. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ismael Cruz Córdova]]||[[Arondir]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492168672051445771|articlename=Ismael Cruz Cordova is Arondir. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Charles Edwards]]||[[Celebrimbor|Lord Celebrimbor]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1534220750311174144|articlename=Charles Edwards is Celebrimbor|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Trystan Gravelle]]||[[Pharazôn]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547418058515521537|articlename=Trystan Gravelle is Pharazôn|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Lenny Henry|Sir Lenny Henry]]||[[Sadoc Burrows]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1533945721929420800#m|articlename=Sir Lenny Henry is Sadoc Burrows. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ema Horvath]]||[[Eärien]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547417835961552896|articlename=Ema Horvath is Eärien|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Markella Kavenagh]]||[[Elanor Brandyfoot|Elanor 'Nori' Brandyfoot]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1493253881651937283|articlename=Markella Kavenagh is Elanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Joseph Mawle]]||[[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]]
|-
|[[Tyroe Muhafidin]]||[[Theo]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://mobile.twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1516457306497581056|articlename=Tyroe Muhafidin is Theo. #LOTRROP #RingsofPower|dated=19 April 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=19 April 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sophia Nomvete]]||[[Disa|Princess Disa]] <ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492168418358874123|articlename=Sophia Nomvete is Princess Disa. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Lloyd Owen]]||[[Elendil|Captain Elendil]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547417424361885696|articlename=Lloyd Owen is Elendil|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Megan Richards]]||[[Poppy Proudfellow]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1534982703908433920#m|articlename=Megan Richards is Poppy Proudfellow. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Dylan Smith]]||[[Largo Brandyfoot]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1534982400869945344#m|articlename=Dylan Smith is Largo Brandyfoot. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Charlie Vickers]]||[[Halbrand]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1492169017741778944|articlename=Charlie Vickers is Halbrand. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Leon Wadham]]||[[Kemen (The Rings of Power)|Kemen]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1547418271141560321|articlename=Leon Wadham is Kemen|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Benjamin Walker]]||[[Gil-galad|High King Gil-galad]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1493253777415098372|articlename=Benjamin Walker is High King Gil-galad|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Daniel Weyman]]||[[The Stranger]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1493253972639076352|articlename=Daniel Weyman is The Stranger|dated=14 February 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=14 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sara Zwangobani]]||[[Marigold Brandyfoot]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1534982566448533504#m|articlename=Sara Zwangobani is Marigold Brandyfoot. #LOTRROP|dated=9 June 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 June 2022}}</ref>
|}

===Introduced in Season 2===
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!Actor!!Role
|-
|[[Gabriel Akuwudike]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598333935305490433|articlename=Welcome Gabriel Akuwudike to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (1/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Hagen]]
|-
|[[Oliver Alvin-Wilson]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600507964863004672|articlename=Join us in welcoming Oliver Alvin-Wilson (@Oliver_A_Wilson) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (1/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Daemor]]
|-
|[[Yasen Atour]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598334954622042112|articlename=Welcome Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour (@YasenAtour) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (2/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Brânk]]
|-
|[[Stuart Bowman]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600509263301976064|articlename=Join us in welcoming Stuart Bowman (@stuartbowman) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (2/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Barduk]]
|-
|[[Gavi Singh Chera]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600510517084409858|articlename=Join us in welcoming Gavi Singh Chera to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (3/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Merimac]]<ref name="Twitter">{{webcite|author=Entertainment Weekly|articleurl=https://x.com/EW/status/1821186059713052689|articlename='The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' stars preview the arrival of new stoor characters in season 2. Meet the stoors: ‘The Rings of Power’ season 2 introduces new hobbit-esque characters From ew.com|dated=7 August 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[William Chubb]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600511729787699205|articlename=Join us in welcoming William Chubb to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (4/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[High Priest]]
|-
|[[Ben Daniels]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598336189869699072|articlename=Welcome Ben Daniels to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (3/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Círdan]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://x.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1811430263127212102|articlename=Círdan the Shipwright.|dated=11 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=11 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2024/05/14/118329-oh-my-lord-witness-the-power-of-the-rings/|articlename=Oh, My Lord, Witness the Power of the Rings!|dated=14 May 2024|website=Time.com|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Kevin Eldon]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600513054747361280|articlename=Join us in welcoming Kevin Eldon (@ItsKevinEldon) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (5/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Narvi]]<ref>{{webcite|author=Entertainment Weekly (reposted by The Lord of the Rings on Prime)|articleurl=https://x.com/EW/status/1815783438353395906|articlename='The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' stars Kevin Eldon (Narvi) and Owain Arthur (Prince Durin IV) tease the influence of the dwarf rings coming in season 2. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' stars tease new character, dwarf drama in season 2 From ew.com|dated=23 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Samuel Hazeldine]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598337442565820418|articlename=Welcome Sam Hazeldine (@samuelhazeldine) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (4/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]]<ref name="IMBD">https://m.imdb.com/title/tt13580784/?ref_=m_ttep_ep_ep1</ref>
|-
|[[Ciarán Hinds]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1637816910535352320|articlename=Welcome Ciarán Hinds to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (1/3)|dated=20 March 2023|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Dark Wizard]]<ref>{{webcite|author=Entertainment Weekly (reposted by The Lord of the Rings on Prime)|articleurl=https://x.com/EW/status/1820852341035438263|articlename=Prepare for darkness to rise in the sinister second season of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.’ We hosted a family reunion with the fantasy epic’s cast to discuss where the sprawling tale goes next in our latest cover story. bit.ly/4dnrI2S Story by @cmholub|dated=6 August 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[William Keen]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600514258411917312|articlename=Join us in welcoming Will Keen to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (6/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Belzagar (The Rings of Power)|Lord Belzagar]]
|-
|[[Amelia Kenworthy]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598338715633565702|articlename=Welcome Amelia Kenworthy (@ameliakenworthy) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (5/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Mirdania]]<ref>{{webcite|author=Amelia Kenworthy (reposted by The Lord of the Rings on Prime)|articleurl=https://x.com/ameliakenworthy/status/1815785834471121389|articlename=just an elven lady doing the odd bit of ring making 💍 polygon.com/24204312/lord-…|dated=23 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Rory Michael Kinnear]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1637818133430796290|articlename=Welcome Rory Kinnear to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (2/3)|dated=20 March 2023|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Tom Bombadil]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://x.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1795803260072153136|articlename=Rory Kinnear is Tom Bombadil in the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Learn more on @VanityFair Tom Bombadil Finally Steps Forth in ‘The Rings of Power’—An Exclusive First Look From vanityfair.com|dated=29 May 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=29 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Selina Lo]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600515507895033857|articlename=Join us in welcoming Selina Lo (@itsselinalo) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (7/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Rían (Selina Lo)|Rían]]<ref name="looper">{{webcite|author=Looper.com|articleurl=https://www.looper.com/1628152/new-lord-of-the-rings-of-power-season-2-elves-camnir-rian/|articlename=Rings Of Power Season 2 Reveals Two New Lord Of The Rings Characters - Exclusive|dated=23 July 2024|website=[https://www.looper.com looper]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Jack Lowden]]<ref name="flashbacksauron">{{webcite|author=IGN|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/exclusive-sauron-will-be-played-by-two-actors-in-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-season-2|articlename=Exclusive: Sauron Will Be Played By Two Actors In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2|dated=21 August 2024|website=[https://www.ign.com/ Ign]|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Forodwaith]] [[Sauron]]<ref name="flashbacksauron" />
|-
|[[Calam Lynch]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1600516761618714628|articlename=Join us in welcoming Calam Lynch (@CalamLynch94) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (8/8)|dated=7 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Camnir]]<ref name="looper" />
|-
|[[Tanya Moodie]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1637819329990348803?lang=en|articlename=Welcome Tanya Moodie to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (3/3)|dated=20 March 2023|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Gundabale Earthauler]]<ref name="Twitter" />
|-
|[[Robert Strange]]<ref name="orc">{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://x.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1817999714580677101|articlename=More creatures await this season.|dated=29 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Glûg]]<ref name="orc" />
|-
|[[Nia Towle]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598339999946113024|articlename=Welcome Nia Towle to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (6/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Estrid]]<ref>{{webcite|author=IGN|articleurl=https://x.com/IGN/status/1799145648916173063|articlename=Check out this exclusive look at Arondir, Isildur, and a new character Estrid portrayed by Nia Towle on @PrimeVideo's The Lord of the Rings: @TheRingsofPower Season 2, premiering August 29. #IGNLive #IGNSummerOfGaming For more info: https://bit.ly/4c7TZtA|dated=7 June 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}, reposted by The Lord of the Rings on Prime</ref>
|-
|[[Charlie Vickers]]||[[Annatar]]<ref>{{webcite|author=TheOneRing.net|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2024/06/05/118569-empire-magazine-confirms-annatar-name-in-the-rings-of-power-season-2/|articlename=Empire Magazine Confirms Annatar Name In The Rings of Power Season 2|dated=4 June 2024|website=[https://www.theonering.net TheOneRing.net]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Benjamin Walker]]<ref>{{webcite|author=empireonline.com|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/rings-of-power-season-2-hill-troll-breaking-bad-mike-ehrmantraut/|articlename=Meet The Rings Of Power’s New Hill-Troll, Inspired By Breaking Bad’s Mike Ehrmantraut – Exclusive Image|dated=|website=https://www.empireonline.com/|accessed=}}</ref>||[[Damrod (The Rings of Power|Damrod]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://x.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1808191186173137337|articlename=Adar’s army grows stronger.|dated=2 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=}}</ref>
|-
|[[Nicholas Woodeson]]<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1598341285018058755|articlename=Welcome Nicholas Woodeson (@NickWoodeson) to the cast of #TheRingsOfPower! (7/7)|dated=1 December 2022|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=5 February 2023}}</ref>||[[Diarmid]]
|}

==Production==
===Development===
[[File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Middle-earth map 1.jpg|thumb|300px|Fourth map of Middle-earth, released by Amazon on 6 March 2019]]
On [[3 November]] [[2017]], it was reported that Amazon Studios were in discussion with Warner Bros. Television and the [[Tolkien Estate]] about developing a series based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Daniel Holloway|articleurl=http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-1202606519/|articlename='Lord of the Rings': Amazon, Warner Bros. in Talks for Series Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=3 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Later, in November, Amazon Studios announced they have secured the rights to develop a multi-season television series set in Middle-earth with the potential for spin-offs.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-amazon-1202613609/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Moving Forward at Amazon With Multi-Season Production Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=31 July 2019}}</ref> The rights have been said to have cost close to $250 million.<ref name="DLAZ">{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2017/11/amazon-the-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-multi-season-commitment-1202207065/|articlename=Amazon Sets ‘The Lord of the Rings’ TV Series In Mega Deal With Multi-Season Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=Deadline|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Amazon Studios would cooperate in the production with the Tolkien Estate, [[The Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="DLAZ" />

On [[13 February]] [[2019]], Amazon's then newly created [http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime Twitter account] associated with the show posted the quote "I wisely started with a map.", taken from Tolkien's [[Letter 144]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1095797330127646721|articlename=“I wisely started with a map” — J.R.R. Tolkien|dated=13 February 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> On [[15 February]], the Twitter account released a map of Middle-earth along with a line of the [[Ring Verse]], over the next few weeks different versions of the map were released with each successive one including more labels than the previous as well as more lines from the verse. On [[7 March]], the final map was released which showed a wider view of Middle-earth, including the island of [[Númenor]] and the final post "Welcome to the Second Age".<ref name="AMSA" /> [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]] had worked on the accuracy of the maps, however dedicated [[Tolkien fandom|fans]] had detected several mistakes and anachronisms.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with John Howe|website=Narnia Fans|accessed=25 June 2020}}</ref>

The fact the series were going to be set in the [[Second Age]] was predicted by [[Tolkien Society]] Chair [[Shaun Gunner]] in February.<ref>{{webcite|website=Twitter|accessed=15 February 2020|dated=18 February 2019|articleurl=http://twitter.com/ShaunGunner/status/1097505289618841601|articlename=Shaun Gunner on Twitter}}</ref>

On [[27 July]] 2019, a video was published that introduced the creative team; [[J.D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] were announced as the showrunners, the writing team consisting of Gennifer Hutchison, Helen Shang, Jason Cahill, Glenise Mullins, Justin Dohle, Stephany Folsom and Bryan Cogman, Belén Atienza, Bruce Richmond, Gene Kelly and Lindsey Weber as executive producers, Ron Ames as co-producer, Kate Hawley as costume designer, Rick Heinrichs as production designer and Jason Smith as visual effects supervisor. The team will also include Tolkien scholar [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]]. [[J. A. Bayona|Bayona]] will direct the first two episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1155142047420080129|articlename=''Meet our Fellowship''|dated=27 July 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> In an interview with the German Tolkien Society, scholar [[Tom Shippey]] stated that events from the First and Third Ages are "off-limits".<ref>{{webcite|author=Tobias M. Eckrich |articleurl=http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de/30918/exklusive-interview-with-tom-shippey-concerning-lotronprime/|articlename=Exclusive interview with Tom Shippey concerning LOTRonPrime|dated=29 July 2019|website=[http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de Deutche Tolkien Gesellschaft]|accessed=6 August 2019}}</ref>

On [[17 September]] 2019, Amazon Studios announced that the series first season would be filmed in New Zealand.<ref name="AMNZ" />

On [[18 November]] 2019, Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke announced that the series has been renewed for a second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/11/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-renewed-season-2-amazon-early-renewal-season-1-hiatus-writers-room-reassembled-1202788730/|articlename=‘The Lord Of the Rings’ Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By Amazon, Sets Season 1 Hiatus|dated=18 November 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=17 March 2020}}</ref>

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production of the series first season was suspended.<ref>{{webcite|author=Chris Keall|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12316871|articlename=Coronavirus: Amazon's Lord of the Rings production in West Auckland shut down|dated=15 March 2020|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> On 9 May 2020 the New Zealand Film Commission has allowed the production of film and TV to continue in the country.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12330716|articlename=Covid 19 coronavirus: Avatar, Lord Of The Rings filming resumes in NZ|dated=9 May 2020|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, [[Bryan Cogman]] left the series for Entertainment One, after completing work on the scripts for the first season.<ref>{{webcite|author=Lesley Goldberg |articleurl=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bryan-cogman-moves-overall-deal-to-eone-exclusive|articlename=Bryan Cogman Moves Overall Deal to eOne (Exclusive)|dated=7 December 2020|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=15 December 2020}}</ref>

On [[24 March]] [[2021]], Amazon Studios announced that [[Wayne Che Yip]] had joined the creative team, as both a co-executive producer and director.<ref>{{webcite|author=Matt Grobar|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2021/03/wayne-che-yip-boards-lord-of-the-rings-series-director-co-ep-amazon-studios-1234720477/|articlename=Wayne Che Yip Boards ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series As Director & Co-EP, Will Helm Four Episodes Of Amazon Original|dated=24 March 2021|website=[http://deadline.com/ Deadline]|accessed=5 April 2021}}</ref>

In May 2021, it was announced that [[Charlotte Brändström]] would direct another two episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=Matt Grobar|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-witcher-charlotte-brandstrom-amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-series-1234755360/|articlename=‘The Witcher’ Director Charlotte Brändström Joins Amazon’s ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series
|dated=13 May 2021|website=[http://deadline.com/ Deadline]|accessed=21 August 2021}}</ref>

In September 2021, it was reported that [[Howard Shore]] and [[Bear McCreary]] were in talks to compose the soundtrack for the series.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2021/09/19/111495-howard-shore-and-bear-mccreary-to-soundtrack-lotr-on-prime-series/|articlename=Howard Shore and Bear McCreary to soundtrack LOTR on Prime series|dated=September 19, 2021|website=TheOneRing.net|accessed=September 20, 2021}}</ref> In July 2022, it was officially announced their hiring, with McCreary announced to be composing the score and Shore to be writing the main title theme.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/tv/news/bear-mccreary-confirmed-as-composer-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-20549/|articlename=Composer Bear McCreary to score ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’|dated=July 21, 2022|website=Rolling Stone UK|accessed=December 03, 2022}}</ref>

On [[3 October]] 2022, production for the second season of the series begun in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-rings-of-power-season-2-filming-1235231978/|articlename=The Rings of Power' Season 2 Starts Production in the U.K.|dated=July 21, 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=December 03, 2022}}</ref>

===Casting===
On 22 July 2019, it was reported that Amazon has made its first cast for the new series that Markella Kavenagh was in talks to play a character named "Tyra".<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-markella-kavenagh-1203268175|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Taps First Cast Member (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=22 July 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>

Will Poulter was cast for an unknown role in September 2019<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-cast-1203321951/|articlename=‘Lord of The Rings’ Series at Amazon Casts Will Poulter (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=4 September 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref> however in December it was reported that he left the series due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-1203433273/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Will Poulter No Longer Attached to Amazon Series (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=12 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> This was later confirmed by Poulter in an interview.<ref>{{webcite|author=Will Richards|articleurl=http://www.nme.com/news/tv/will-poulter-explains-why-he-left-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-2706105|articlename=Will Poulter explains why he left Amazon's 'Lord Of The Rings' TV series|dated=12 July 2020|website=[http://www.nme.com/ NME]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> He was replaced by Robert Aramayo who was reported to be playing a character named "Beldor".<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2020/01/robert-aramayo-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-tv-series-game-of-thrones-alum-cast-1202823073/|articlename='The Lord Of the Rings': Robert Aramayo To Star In Amazon TV Series|dated=7 January 2020|website=Deadline|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>

In October 2019, it was reported that Maxim Baldry<ref>{{webcite|author=Jeff Sneider|articleurl=http://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-cast-maxim-baldry/|articlename=Exclusive: ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Adds ‘Years and Years’ Star Maxim Baldry|dated=15 October 2019|website=Collider|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Joseph Mawle has joined the cast, the latter playing "Oren", the lead villain of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/10/the-lord-of-the-rings-joseph-mawle-cast-star-amazon-series-oren-game-of-thrones-alum-1202765493/|articlename='The Lord Of The Rings': Joseph Mawle To Star In Amazon Series|dated=21 October 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>

In December 2019, there were reports of Ema Horvath<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/12/ema-horvath-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-series-1202806025/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’: Ema Horvath Joins Cast Of Amazon Series|dated=10 December 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Morfydd Clark joinining the cast, it was said that Clark is to play a "young [[Galadriel]]".<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Kroll|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-galadriel-morfydd-clark-1203446284/amp/|articlename='Lord of the Rings' Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=17 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=4 January 2020}}</ref>

On 15 January 2020, the series' official social media confirmed the castings of Kavenagh, Aramayo, Mawle, Horvath, and Clark, as well as revealing new members of the cast; Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Budge, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, and Daniel Weyman.<ref name="Meet">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2410457885934047|articlename=Meet the first members of our fellowship. #LOTRonPrime|dated=15 January 2020|website=Facebook|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, it was announced that 20 actors have been added to the cast; Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry (reported to have joined back in October 2019), Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker and Sara Zwangobani.<ref name="VA20">{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2020/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-1234845274/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Adds 20 Actors to Cast|dated=3 December 2020|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=3 December 2020}}</ref>

In March 2021, Tom Budge announced that he had departed the series after filming several episodes. He explained that Amazon had decided to go in a different direction with his character after reviewing the first episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.instagram.com/p/CMZnFx-HkAp/|articlename=Tom Budge on Instagram|dated=14 March 2021|website=[http://instagram.com/ Instagram]|accessed=5 April 2021}}</ref>

In July 2021, Charles Edwards, Will Fletcher, Amelie Child-Villiers, and Beau Cassidy were added to the first season's cast.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-cast-1234976309/|articlename=Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Rounds Out Sprawling Cast (Exclusive)
|dated=1 July 2021|website=Hollywood Reporter|accessed=21 August 2021}}</ref> A third of the first season's 124 speaking roles, including seven of the 32 major recurring roles, went to New Zealand actors.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page//govt-hopes-amazon-will-come-back-to-film-more-seasons|articlename=Return of the Rings: Govt hopes Amazon will come back to film more seasons
|dated=5 August 2021|website=[https://www.newsroom.co.nz Newsroom|accessed=21 August 2021}}</ref>

===Filming===
====Season 1====
Although pre-production on the series reportedly began in June 2018 in [[Auckland]], filming began on [[14 March]] [[2020]]<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.gamespot.com//articles/lord-of-the-rings-tv-show-director-shares-a-behind/1100-6474422/|articlename=
Lord Of The Rings TV Show Director Shares A Behind-The-Scenes Photo
|dated=15 March 2020|website=[https://www.gamespot.com Gamespot]|accessed=25 August 2021}}</ref> in Auckland primarily at Kumeu Film Studios and Auckland Film Studios.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/entertainment/new-zealand-set-to-be-location-for-lord-of-the-rings-1-5-billion-tv-show/|articlename=New $1.5b LOTR TV series set to film in Auckland|dated=30 June 2019|website=[https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz Newstalk ZB]|accessed=25 August 2021}}</ref> Location filming took place around Auckland in February.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2020/02/21/107557-exclusive-spy-report-from-the-set-of-amazons-lotr-with-photos/|articlename=EXCLUSIVE:Spy Report from the Set of Amazon's LOTR with photos |dated=21 February 2020|website=[https://deadline.com Deadline]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> Filming for the first two episodes was expected to continue through May,<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/118857705/lord-of-the-rings-tv-amazon-studios-puts-out-call-for-homes-for-cast-and-crew|articlename=Lord of the Rings TV: Amazon Studios puts out call for homes for cast and crew|dated=21 February 2020|website=[https://www.stuff.co.nz Stuff]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> with a four or five-month production break then planned during which footage for the two episodes would be reviewed and writing on the second season would begin.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2019/11/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-renewed-season-2-amazon-early-renewal-season-1-hiatus-writers-room-reassembled-1202788730/|articlename=
‘The Lord Of the Rings’ Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By Amazon, Sets Season 1 Hiatus
|dated=19 January 2020|website=[https://deadline.com DEADLINE]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> Production was scheduled to resume in mid-October and continue until late June 2021.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/118857705/lord-of-the-rings-tv-amazon-studios-puts-out-call-for-homes-for-cast-and-crew|articlename= Lord of the Rings TV: Amazon Studios puts out call for homes for cast and crew|dated=19 January 2020|website=[https://www.stuff.co.nz Stuff.co]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> However, filming was placed on hold indefinitely in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with around 800 cast and crew members told to stay home.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/coronavirus-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-production-in-west-auckland-shut-down/JZE3ZEXWQQIQJXH4KYENFR3LRY/?c_id=3&objectid=12316871|articlename=
Coronavirus: Amazon's Lord of the Rings production in West Auckland shut down
|dated=15 March 2020|website=[https://www.nzherald.co.nz NZherald]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> In early May, the majority of filming for the first two episodes was confirmed to have been completed before the COVID-19 shutdown. Filming on the series was allowed to resume then under new safety guidelines from the New Zealand government, but, instead of completing filming for the first two episodes at that time, the filming shutdown segued into the intended production break, with filming for the first two episodes set to be completed once filming on further episodes was ready to begin.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2020/05/new-zealand-returns-to-production-paving-way-for-avatar-sequels-to-resume-live-action-filming-1202929138/|articlename=
New Zealand Returns To Production, Paving Way For ‘Avatar’ Sequels & ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series To Resume Filming |dated=7 May 2020|website=[https://deadline.com Deadline]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref>

It was reported that the TV series was one of seven film and television productions that were granted exemptions to allow cast and crew members to enter New Zealand while its borders were closed to non-New Zealanders due to [[Wikipedia:COVID-19|COVID-19]]. The exemptions were granted before [[June 18]] by Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford, and applied to 93 members of the production as well as 20 family members. Around 10 percent of the series' crew were believed to be non-[[New Zealand]]ers, and many of them had remained in the country during its pandemic lockdown and did not require exemptions. Pre-production on further episodes began by July [[2020]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/122012197/revealed-the-six-productions-joining-avatar-in-getting-border-exemptions|articlename=
Revealed: The six productions joining Avatar in getting border exemptions
|dated=3 July 2020|website=[https://www.stuff.co.nz Stuff.co]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> and filming on the series resumed on [[September 28]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2020/09/the-lord-of-the-rings-resumes-production-amazon-new-zealand-cowboy-bebop-netflix-dtart-of-production-1234584918/|articlename=
Amazon’s ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Resumes Production In New Zealand, Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Next
|dated=28 September 2020|website=[https://deadline.com Deadline]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> Bayona completed filming on his episodes by December 23,<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/amazons-lord-of-the-rings-pilot-wrapped-filming/|articlename= Amazon's Lord Of The Rings Pilot Has Wrapped Filming
|dated=25 December 2020|website=[https://comicbook.com ComicBook]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> with production on further episodes set to begin in January 2021 following a two week break for Christmas.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/spy-lunch-of-the-rings-the-lotr-star-spotted-on-waiheke/WFTPOF2VTQ272HKL6NT2QLHHQI/|articlename=
Spy: Lunch of the Rings? The LOTR star spotted on Waiheke
|dated=19 December 2020|website=[https://www.nzherald.co.nz NZherald]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> Yip confirmed that he had begun filming his episodes by March,<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-wayne-che-yip-1234936829/|articlename= ‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Adds Director Wayne Che Yip as Co-Executive Producer
|dated=24 March 2021|website=[https://variety.com Variety]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref> and Brändström was in New Zealand for production on the series when she was announced as director in May.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-witcher-charlotte-brandstrom-amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-series-1234755360/|articlename= ‘The Witcher’ Director Charlotte Brändström Joins Amazon’s ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series |dated=13 May 2021|website=[https://deadline.com Deadline]|accessed=26 December 2021}}</ref>

====Season 2====

==Marketing==
===Season 1===
[[File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Galadriel poster.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the promotional posters released in February 2022]]
On [[19 January]] 2022, Amazon revealed of the series' full title. Instead of creating a title reveal with visual effects, the studio released an announcement video in which the letters of the title are physically cast from molten metal while an excerpt of the "[[Ring Verse]]" from ''The Lord of the Rings'' is read in voiceover. The video was directed by Klaus Obermeyer, who worked with special effects supervisor Lee Nelson under advisement by veteran special effects supervisor [[Douglas Trumbull]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2022/01/19/111840-prime-videos-the-lord-of-the-rings-title-reveal-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-images/|articlename=Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings TITLE REVEAL - EXCLUSIVE Behind the Scenes images|dated=3 February 2022|website=[https://www.polygon.com/ Polygon]|accessed=4 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=@LOTRonPrime|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1483816516327915522?cxt=HHwWhICq-dHQyZcpAAAA|articlename=Title Announcement|dated=19 January 2022|website=Twitter|accessed=19 January 2022}}</ref>

On [[3 February]], Amazon Studios revealed a series of character posters for the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.polygon.com/22915948/lord-of-the-rings-of-power-characters-posters|articlename=Amazon’s first Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power character posters are a guessing game|dated=4 February 2022|website=[https://www.polygon.com/ Polygon]|accessed=4 February 2022}}</ref> On 10 February, a "first look" was revealed with photos of some of the characters,<ref name="VanityFair">{{webcite|author=Anthony Breznican & Joanna Robinson|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/amazon-the-rings-of-power-series-first-look|articlename=Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Series Rises: Inside The Rings of Power
|dated=10-Feb-2022|website=VanityFair|accessed=20-July-2022}}</ref> followed by the release of the teaser trailer on 13 February during Super Bowl LVI.<ref>{{webcite|author=Erin Carson and Jennifer Bisset|articleurl=https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/amazon-introduces-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-in-new-trailer/|articlename=Amazon Introduces 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' in New Trailer|website=[http://www.cnet.com/ CNet]|accessed=9 April 2022}}</ref> The official watch party for the trailer was hosted on YouTube by [[TheOneRing.net]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2022/02/07/111973-official-lotr-trailer-watch-party-for-prime-videos-rings-of-power-to-be-hosted-by-torn/|articlename=Official LOTR Trailer Watch party for Prime Video’s Rings of Power to be hosted by TORn!|website=[https://www.theonering.net/ TheOneRing.net]|accessed=9 April 2022}}</ref>

On [[14 July]], Amazon released another trailer for the series online.<ref>{{webcite|author=William Goodman|articleurl=https://www.gq.com/story/lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-trailer|articlename=What the ‘Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power’ Trailer Reveals About the New Prequel Series
|dated=14 July 2022|website=[https://www.gq.com Get Go]|accessed=22 July 2022}}</ref>

On [[23 August]], Amazon released the final trailer for the first season's series online.<ref>{{webcite|author=James White|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/lotr-the-rings-of-powers-final-trailer-shows-off-giant-battles-and-epic-scale/|articlename=LOTR: The Rings Of Power’s Final Trailer Shows Off Giant Battles And Epic Scale
|dated=23 August 2022|website=[https://www.empireonline.com/ EmpireOnline]|accessed=04 October 2022}}</ref>

===Season 2===
On [[14 May]] 2024, Amazon released the first teaser trailer for [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 2|Season 2]], revealing it will be released on [[29 August]] of the same year.<ref>{{webcite|author=@LOTRonPrime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1790374328649048517|articlename=Darkness will bind them. The Rings Of Power returns August 29 on @PrimeVideo.|dated=14 May 2024|website=Twitter|accessed=14 May 2024}}</ref>

On [[14 August]] 2024, Amazon released the third and final trailer for [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 2|Season 2]].<ref>{{webcite|author=@LOTRonPrime|articleurl=https://twitter.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1823721569866408075|articlename=His power will change everything. The Rings of Power Returns August 29 on Prime Video.|dated=14 August 2024|website=Twitter|accessed=}}</ref>

==Reception==
The first season of the series received mixed reviews,<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_rings_of_power|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|dated=|website=[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/ Rotten Tomatoes]|accessed=2 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7631058/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|dated=|website=[https://www.imdb.com/ IMDB]|accessed=2 October 2022}}</ref> with generally positive critical and generally negative audience scores on review aggregation websites.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power/season-1|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|dated=|website=[https://www.metacritic.com/ Metacritic]|accessed=14 October 2022}}</ref> Most viewers did not finish the show, particularly in the USA, with a domestic completion rate of 37%, while the rest of the world had a 45% completion rate.<ref>{{webcite|author=Kim Masters|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/inside-amazon-studios-jen-salke-vision-shows-1235364913/|articlename=Inside Amazon Studios: Big Swings Hampered by Confusion and Frustration|dated=3 April 2023|website=[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ The Hollywood Reporter]|accessed=9 May 2023}}</ref> The series also proved controversial in many corners of Tolkien fandom with people questioning its fidelity to the source material and the depiction of certain characters.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series)|Images from ''The Rings of Power'' TV series]]
*[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season One: Amazon Original Series Soundtrack)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'' Season One Soundtrack]]
*[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season Two: Amazon Original Series Soundtrack)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'' Season Two Soundtrack]]

==External links==
*[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pL02_uTRBKw The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power - A Look Inside Season 2] on the Prime Video YouTube channel
*[http://www.amazon.com/adlp/lotronprime Official website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/ Official Facebook page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gNthckomHt36m9-WH042Q/ Youtube channel]
*[https://www.fandom.com/articles/lord-rings-power-hidden-character-details ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Cast Reveal New Character Details] on Fandom
*[https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/lord-of-the-rings-numenor-images Númenor revealed in new Lord of the Rings series] on Amazon
*[https://www.looper.com/962547/robert-aramayo-sheds-light-on-a-younger-elrond-in-rings-of-power-exclusive-interview/ Robert Aramayo Sheds Light On A Younger Elrond In Rings Of Power - Exclusive Interview] on Looper
*[https://time.com/6205837/the-rings-of-power-amazon-most-expensive/ Inside Rings of Power, Amazon's Lord of the Rings Prequel] on Time

{{References}}

{{rop-episodes}}
{{Screen}}
{{title|italics}}

[[Category:The Rings of Power (TV series)| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

[[de: Der Herr der Ringe: Die Ringe der Macht]]
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/series/lsda amazon]]
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings (Amazon)]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T18:11:21Z

ProjetoTolkien: /* Etymology */ Expanded possible etimology.

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name="WJ">{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name="WJ" /><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name="Lhammas" />{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name="Lhammas">{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group="note">A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
*''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
*''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
*''[[Lhammas]]''
*''[[Lhammasethen]]''
*''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
*''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely to be connected with the [[Gnomish]] words ''rû'' and ''rûm'' ("secret, mystery"), ''ruim'' ("secret, mysterious"), ''rui'' ("whisper") and/or ''ruitha'' ("to whisper").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Book of Lost Tales===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name="valar">{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name="link">{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name="link" />{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name="music">{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name="link" />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

===The Lost Road===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

Three Rings

2024-10-18T16:20:49Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added link to the Brazilian Portuguese page.

{{object infobox
| name=Three Rings
| image=The Rings of Power - Three Rings.webp
| caption=The Three Rings in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The Rings of Power (TV series)]].
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Narya]], [[Nenya]], and [[Vilya]]
| location=
| owner=
| type=Rings
| appearance=
| creator=[[Celebrimbor]]
| created=ca. {{SA|1590}}.<ref name="SA"/>
| createdlocation=[[Eregion]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
| audio=
| audiocaption=
}}
{{quote|And of all the Elven-rings Sauron most desired to possess them, for those who had them in their keeping could ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world.|''[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]''}}

The '''Three Rings''' were magical artifacts, three of the [[Rings of Power]]. They were forged by [[Celebrimbor]] and granted the power to preserve<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref><ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}, p. 268</ref> the beauty<ref name="L131" /> of things by stopping change and warding off the decay of time<ref>{{L|181}}</ref> and postponing the weariness of the world.<ref name="Rings" /> They had the greatest power of the Rings of Power. The Three Rings were named '''[[Vilya]]''', '''[[Narya]]''', and '''[[Nenya]]''' after the principal elements of air, fire, and water (respectively).<ref name="Rings" />

The other [[Rings of Power]] had powers, which were more directly derived from Sauron, like making their wearers invisible or making things from the invisible world visible for their wearers, but the Three Rings did not make their wearers invisible.<ref name="L131" /> [[Sauron]] did not assist in their making nor ever did he touch them, and his taint was not directly upon them, but, as they were partly created according to the craft taught by him,<ref name="L144" /> they were under the control of [[The One Ring]].<ref name="Rings" /><ref name="L144" />

==Names and descriptions==
*'''[[Nenya]]''', the '''Ring of Adamant'''<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|II7}}</ref> and the '''Ring of Water''',<ref name="Rings" /> was made of ''[[mithril]]'' with a stone of adamant;<ref name="Rings" /> it was the chief of the Three,<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, p. 251</ref> originally — and only ever — worn by [[Galadriel]].
*'''[[Narya]]''', the '''Ring of Fire''' and the '''Red Ring''', set with a ruby,<ref name="Rings" /> originally worn by [[Círdan]]<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref><ref name="Rings" /> who gave it to [[Gandalf]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>
*'''[[Vilya]]''', the '''Ring of Sapphire''', '''Blue Ring''', and the '''Ring of Air''', and mightiest of the Three,<ref name="Grey">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> a ring of gold with a sapphire stone,<ref name="Rings" /> originally worn by [[Gil-galad]] but given to [[Elrond]].<ref name="Rings" />

The Rings were named after the three principal elements, each matching the colour of their stones. They were originally given to the three greatest [[Eldar]] in [[Middle-earth]] at that time.<ref name="SA" /><ref name="Rings" /> Their names also match the fates of the three [[Silmarils]].<ref group="note">[[Eärendil]] kept one in the sky, [[Maedhros]] cast one with himself in deep fire, and [[Maglor]] either threw one into the sea or cast himself with it into the sea.</ref><ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref><ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Concerning ... 'The Hoard']]''</ref> However, not much is known about their specific powers and whether they had anything to do with each element.

==History==
After "[[Annatar]]" taught and assisted the [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]] with creating the [[Rings of Power]], he left [[Eregion]]. Celebrimbor went on to forge another Three Rings alone, with the knowledge he had gained from Annatar. This was completed by around {{SA|1590}}.<ref name="SA" /> These Three were "unsullied," never touched by the hand of Sauron.<ref name="Rings" /> Sauron learned of their making, and desired to possess these Three over all the others.<ref name="Rings" />

When Sauron created the One Ring, the Elves who wore the Rings of Power heard his voice, realized they had been deceived, and took off their rings.<ref name="Rings" />
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|''Ringbearers'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
As the Elves failed him, Sauron [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged war]] against Eregion in {{SA|1693}}. Celebrimbor immediately sent his three rings away for safekeeping:<ref name="SA" /> he gave Nenya to [[Galadriel]] in [[Lothlórien]], who advised him to send the other two to [[Lindon]], away from Sauron, so he gave Vilya to [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] and Narya to [[Círdan]].<ref name="Rings" />

Sauron succeeded in claiming the Rings of Power. But the Three remained outside his grasp and their whereabouts were seldom revealed.

After Sauron's defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the [[Second Age]], the [[Keepers of the Three Rings]] were free to wear them. During the [[Third Age]], the Rings were not idle.<ref>{{FR|Council}}, Elrond's words to Gloin</ref> They were used to create enclaves of peace and protection where memory and beauty were preserved from wear and decay.<ref name="Rings" /><ref name="L131" />

During the [[War of the Ring]], [[Frodo Baggins]] found out that Galadriel held Nenya, using it to preserve [[Lothlórien]] from withering, and [[Aragorn]] reprimanded him for revealing this. The other two rings were revealed at the end of the Third Age, after Frodo destroyed [[the One Ring]], and the Dark Lord Sauron was completely overthrown. It transpired that [[Elrond]] had wielded [[Vilya]] and presumably used its powers to keep [[Rivendell]] a haven safe from attack. It was [[Gandalf]] who wielded [[Narya]], given to him by [[Círdan]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, p. 389</ref>

With the destruction of the One Ring on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 25, p. 1094</ref> the Three Rings lost their power.<ref name="L144" /><ref name="Council" /><ref>{{RK|Steward}}, p. 971</ref> Not being able to hold back time and preserve the High-elven lore and beauty, their bearers, in the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], left [[Middle-earth]] with the Three Rings on the [[White Ship]] on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}, entry for the year 3021, September 29, p. 1096</ref><ref>{{RK|Havens}}, pp. 1028-30</ref> The [[Third Age]] ended and the [[Dominion of Men]] began.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In an early version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' the Three Rings were known as [[Kemen]], [[Eär|Ëar]], and [[Menel]]. <ref>excerpt from MS. Tolkien, 3/1/12. published in {{HM|RC}}, "The Grey Haven", p. 671</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===The Three Rings in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Three Rings.png|The "tall Elf kings" in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Three Rings.jpg|The Three Rings in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Three Elven Rings.png|The Three Rings in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|''The Rings of Power'' Amazon series]]
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's ''The Lord of the Rings'']]:'''
:In the introduction of the movie, the Three Rings are said to be made "for the tall Elf Kings" as three unidentified silhouettes are seen holding and lifting the Rings.

'''2001-3: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:In the prologue to the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|first film]], the Three Rings are show briefly being borne by [[Galadriel]], [[Gil-galad]] and [[Círdan]]; later in the film Galadriel reveals to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] that she possesses [[Nenya]]. In the final film, although [[Gandalf]] can be seen wearing [[Narya]], its significance is never stated.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:In the [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)|Extended Edition]] of the film, we see Narya on Gandalf's finger as an [[Orcs|Orc]] attempts to cut off his hand in an attempt to claim it for [[Sauron]]. However, Galadriel arrives to rescue Gandalf and vanquishes the Orc in the nick of time. She can be seen wielding Nenya on her finger throughout the scene. During the subsequent battle against the [[Nazgûl]], Vilya can be glimpsed on Elrond's finger.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season One:'''
:'''Episode 8: ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, various events found in the books are compressed, rearranged and/or omitted. The Three Rings are forged immediately after the departure of Annatar/[[Sauron]] from Eregion, but the other sixteen Rings of Power are either not discussed or not yet created. In this version, the Three Rings are not presented as the culmination of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain|Elven-smiths]]' prior work on rings. The new, magical properties of [[mithril]] made up for the series serve as the main representation of all [[Magic|magical craft]] done by the Elven-smiths.
:The concept that became the Three Rings was first thought of as a crown to be put upon the [[Gil-Galad|High King Gil-Galad]]'s brow, as they needed something circular to keep the power going in an unbroken round. Yet, since there ultimately was not enough [[mithril]] to do this, the concept changed to something smaller: two [[Rings of Power]]. After Galadriel found out about [[Halbrand]] being Sauron from an [[Lambengolmor|Elven Loremaster]], she tells [[Celebrimbor|Lord Celebrimbor]] that they cannot make two rings, for she says that "one will only corrupt" and that "two will always divide." "With three," Celebrimbor responds, "there is balance."
:However, at the same time, Celebrimbor reveals that the mithril will not bond with the lesser ores, unless they be pure, naming [[gold]] and [[silver]] from [[Valinor]] as an example, but clearly meaning that he needs [[Finrod|Finrod's dagger]]. Galadriel somewhat reluctantly agrees. When the melting is done, Galadriel states that the power that they craft here must be solely for the [[Elves]]. Upon taking the melted dagger out of the furnace and onto a spinning device, Elrond provides the mithril ore that [[Durin IV|Prince Durin IV]] had given him as a token of their friendship. The mithril melts into the dagger, and the liquid is poured into three small steel cups to outline the physical appearance of the future rings. These outlines are then taken by the Elven-smiths, and bent into the shape of the Three Rings. Celebrimbor then binds jewels to each ring. The Ring's names and properties are never mentioned.

{{references|notes}}
{{rings}}
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Elbenringe]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/trois anneaux]]
[[fi:Kolme Sormusta]]
[[pt-br:Três Anéis]]

Narsil

2024-10-18T16:19:58Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added link to the Brazilian Portuguese page.

{{object infobox
| name=Narsil
| image = John Howe - Narsil.jpg
| caption="Narsil" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun={{respell|nar|sil}}
| othernames=Sword of [[Elendil]], Sword-that-was-Broken, Shards of Narsil; after its reforging it was named [[Andúril]]
| location=[[Nogrod]], [[Númenor]], [[Arnor]], [[Rivendell]]
| owner=[[Kings of Númenor]], [[Lords of Andúnië]], [[Elendil]], [[Kings of Arnor]], [[Kings of Arthedain]], [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
| type=Sword
| appearance=
| creator=[[Telchar]]
| created=[[First Age]]
| createdlocation=[[Nogrod]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Cutting the [[One Ring]] of [[Sauron|Sauron's]] finger
}}
'''Narsil''' was the sword of King [[Elendil]] of the [[Dúnedain]]. It was later known as '''[[Andúril]]'''.

==History==
The sword was forged "in the deeps of time", probably during the [[First Age]], by [[Telchar]],<ref>{{TT|King}}, paragraph when Aragorn is about to enter the Golden Hall</ref> who was likely the famed Dwarven-smith of [[Nogrod]] of the same name who made swords for the armories of King [[Thingol]] in [[Menegroth]].<ref>{{UT|Departure}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry Telchar</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}, entry Narsil and entry Telchar</ref>

Nothing is said of Narsil during the [[Second Age]] until it eventually came into the hands of [[Elendil]] towards the close of the Second Age.

Elendil carried Narsil in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] where it shone with the light of the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]], and then in the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]; but [[Sauron]] killed him and the sword broke into two pieces under him as he fell, and its light was extinguished. Elendil's son [[Isildur]] took up the sword and used its shard to cut [[the One Ring]] from the hand of Sauron.<ref name=rings/> Isildur took the shards home with him. Shortly before Isildur was killed in the second year of the [[Third Age]] in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], the shards were rescued by [[Ohtar]], esquire of Isildur.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref> He took them to [[Rivendell]],<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> where Isildur's youngest son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]] was fostered, but [[Elrond]] foretold that it wouldn't be reforged until the One Ring was found again and Sauron returned.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

The '''Shards of Narsil''' were one of the heirlooms of the [[Kings of Arnor]], and after the Northern Kingdom was destroyed they remained an heirloom of the [[Rangers of the North]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for Chieftain Aranarth</ref> Elrond delivered the shards of Narsil to [[Aragorn]] when he was twenty years old.<ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> It was not reforged until the [[War of the Ring]] at the end of the Third Age in Rivendell as '''[[Andúril]]''', the "Flame of the West", for Aragorn, who was by that time the [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and heir of Isildur.

He carried the sword during his journey south as part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and fought with it in many instances. He referred to it as the "Sword That Was Broken" or "The Sword Reforged".

== Etymology ==
''Narsil'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "red and white flame".<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 231</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 29</ref> The name is said to consist of the [[Sundocarme|stems]] NAR ("fire"; cf. ''[[Nár (Quenya)|nár]]'' "fire") + THIL ("white light"). It was a symbolic name, pointing to the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]], the "''chief heavenly lights, as enemies of darkness''".<ref>{{L|347}}, p. 425</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Narsil Broken.png‎|thumb|left|Shards of Narsil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In Jackson's films, Narsil is depicted as a straight, double-edged longsword. It possesses a straight crossguard with axe-like decorations on the tips. The grip is wrapped in black and the pommel is elongated, with a hollow bottom.
:Narsil was not broken in the fall of Elendil, but by Sauron stepping on the blade as Isildur tried to pull it up. Furthermore, the blade was shattered into many parts, instead of a clean cut into two parts.

:Unlike in the book, Aragorn does not bear the shards with him, but are kept on a display in [[Rivendell]]. Boromir drops the hilt on the floor and Aragorn is seen reverently replacing it back into the display. The sword is not reforged into Andúril until the third film.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:[[Arwen]] persuades her father, [[Elrond]] to have [[Elves|Elven]] smiths reforge it from the shards and bring to Aragorn.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The reforging of Narsil is experienced by the player in the quest arc called "The Blade that was Broken". The player sets out to find the last of the Silithair, shining adamants crafted by Elves of the [[house of Fëanor]] in days of old, in order for the Elf-smiths of Imladris to reforge the sword.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Quest_Arc:The_Blade_That_Was_Broken Quest Arc: The Blade That Was Broken], Lorebook, lotro.com</ref>

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:In the Extended Edition, [[Bilbo Baggins]] approaches and examines the shards in curiosity while in Rivendell, before he notices the mural of Isildur's battle with Sauron (the latter of whom is wearing the One Ring). Although the Shards are not mentioned in [[The Hobbit|the book]], it establishes continuity with [[Peter Jackson|Peter Jackson's]] [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]].

{{references}}

{{weapons}}
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Swords]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Narsil]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/armes/narsil]]
[[fi:Narsil]]
[[pt-br:Narsil]]

Celebrimbor

2024-10-18T16:18:11Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added link to the Brazilian Portuguese page.

{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Celebrimbor
| image=Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif
| caption="Celebrimbor" by [[Angus McBride]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˌkɛlɛˈbrɪmbɔr]}}
| othernames=''Telperinquar''/''Telpinquar'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| titles=Lord of Eregion
| position=
| location=[[Eldamar]] [[Nargothrond]] [[Eregion]]
| affiliation=[[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]
| language=[[Quenya]] & [[Sindarin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1495}}<ref name=PMXnotes>{{PM|XNotes}}, Note 7, pp. 317-9</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Aman]]
| rule={{SA|750}} - {{SA|1697|n}} (for 947 years)
| death={{SA|1697}}
| deathlocation=[[Sack of Eregion]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]]
| age=2,334+
| notablefor=Creating the [[Three Rings]] Inscribing the [[Doors of Durin]]
| house=[[House of Fëanor]]
| parentage=[[Curufin]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|In [[Eregion]] the craftsmen of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], the People of the Jewel-smiths, surpassed in cunning all that have ever wrought, save only [[Fëanor]] himself; and indeed greatest in skill among them was Celebrimbor, son of [[Curufin]]...|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}

'''Celebrimbor''' was the [[Elves|elf]] that forged the [[Three Rings]], mighty artifacts whose existence shaped the history of the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s of [[Middle-earth]]. As a craftsman, he was second only to [[Fëanor]],<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> his grandfather.<ref name=PMXnotes/>

==History==
=== First Age ===
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Celebrimbor.jpg|thumb|left|''Celebrimbor'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Celebrimbor was born in [[Aman]] during the [[Years of the Trees]]. Among [[Fëanor]]'s [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]], Celebrimbor's father [[Curufin]] was the chief inheritor of Fëanor's temperament and skills in craftsmanship.<ref name=Curufin>{{PM|XI7}}, p. 352</ref> In turn, Curufin passed these skills – but not this temper – on to Celebrimbor.<ref name=PMXnotes/>

Following the [[Darkening of Valinor]], Celebrimbor followed Fëanor into exile in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=Nol>{{S|9}}, p. 37</ref> His unnamed mother remained behind with the people of [[Finarfin]].<ref name=PMXnotes/> Celebrimbor did not swear the [[Oath of Fëanor]]. It is unknown whether he took part in the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]. It is also unknown whether he crossed the [[Belegaer]] in one of the stolen Falmari ships or if he followed [[Fingolfin]] across the [[Helcaraxë]].

Celebrimbor's whereabouts in Beleriand in the early [[Years of the Sun]] are unattested, but later events suggest that he dwelt with his father Curufin and uncle [[Celegorm]] in their realm of [[Himlad]].<ref>{{S|14}}, p. 58</ref> The realm lasted until the [[Dagor Bragollach]] in {{FA|455}}, in which [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]]. After this defeat, Curufin and Celegorm fled to the southwest with many of their people, including Celebrimbor,<ref name=PMXnotes/> and took refuge with [[Finrod Felagund]] in his realm of [[Nargothrond]].<ref>{{S|18}}</ref>

Though they were but refugees and guests in Nargothrond, Curufin and Celegorm sought power, and they quickly gained great influence among the people. For his part, Celebrimbor was not involved in his father's schemes and came to love Finrod.<ref name=PMXnotes/>

In {{FA|465}},<ref>{{GA|192}}, p. 65</ref> the brothers' [[Quest for the Silmaril|political machinations]] forced Finrod to surrender his crown to [[Orodreth]] and leave his realm. Their dominance would prove short-lived. Later that same year, captives freed from the dungeons of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] returned to Nargothrond and spoke against the brothers, revealing their treachery and turning the people against them. Orodreth would not suffer them to be slain and so exiled them from the realm.<ref name=Oro>{{S|19}}</ref>

When Celebrimbor learned the truth of his father and uncle's actions, he was "aghast" and parted ways with them. He was not subject to their exile and did not voluntarily follow them.<ref name=PMXnotes/> His whereabouts for the remainder of the First Age are unknown.

=== Second Age ===
{{expansion}}
==== Establishment of Eregion and the forging of the Rings of Power ====
The whereabouts of Celebrimbor during the early years of the [[Second Age]] are uncertain, but at some point, he became a great friend to [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]],<ref name=PMXnotes/> and in {{SA|750}},<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 750, p. 1083</ref> Celebrimbor with many others of the exiled Noldor followed them to establish the realm of [[Eregion]] near to [[Khazad-dûm]], the mansions of the [[Longbeards|Longbeard]] [[Dwarves]]. This they did due to the discovery of ''[[mithril]]'' in the surrounding mountains.<ref name=SA>{{App|SA}}, p. 1082</ref>

Eventually, a great friendship arose between the Elves of Eregion and the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, such that was never before seen, and Celebrimbor became the [[Lord of Eregion]]<ref name=SA/> and the greatest of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], "People of the Jewel-smiths", who in their skill were second only to Fëanor, Celebrimbor's grandfather. There, Celebrimbor befriended [[Narvi|Narvi the Dwarf]],<ref name=":0"/> who built the [[Doors of Durin]], and Celebrimbor inscribed the words upon it.<ref name=Dark>{{FR|Journey}}, p. 306</ref>

However, in {{SA|1200}}, [[Sauron]], under the fair guise of ''[[Annatar]]'', came to Eriador posing as an emissary of the [[Valar]]. He was rejected by [[Gil-galad]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], in [[Lindon]] (where he was not even admitted to), but although Galadriel did not trust him and treated him with scorn, he was nonetheless accepted by the smiths of Eregion, for Celebrimbor desired in his heart to rival the skill and fame of Fëanor. Galadriel and Celeborn were eventually stripped of their authority in Eregion, and this was largely due to the machinations of Sauron. Galadriel, with her daughter [[Celebrían]], departed for the Elvish realm of [[Lothlórien|Lórien]], while Celeborn, due to his dislike of all Dwarves and not wanting to cross through their mansions in Khazad-dûm, remained behind in Eregion, and he was largely ignored by Celebrimbor and Annatar thereafter.<ref name=":0" />

In c. {{SA|1500}}, the Gwaith-i-Mírdain reached the height of their skill under the instruction of Sauron and began forging the [[Rings of Power]].

==== The War of the Elves and Sauron and death ====
Celebrimbor was ignorant of Sauron's true intentions, and he was unaware that Sauron had incorporated a binding magic into the rings. Furthermore, in secret, Sauron forged the [[One Ring]], a master ring that would rule all the lesser rings, to enable him to rule Middle-earth by controlling those that wore all the other rings. When Sauron placed the One Ring on his finger, claiming dominance over all the [[Rings of Power]] and their bearers, the Elves knew his true identity and intentions. Celebrimbor and the Elves of Eregion defied Sauron by withholding the other rings from him. Aside from the One Ring, the greatest rings were created by Celebrimbor himself, and these were never touched by Sauron and thus were uncorrupted by him, although they were still subject to the One Ring. These were the Three Rings of the Elves, and a chief source of the beauty that came about in the [[Third Age]]. Celebrimbor named them [[Vilya]], [[Narya]], and [[Nenya]] after the Middle-earth elements of air, fire and water. He sent the three rings to Elf-lords for safekeeping: Vilya and Narya to Gil-galad in Lindon; and Nenya to Galadriel. Celebrimbor also sent the mightiest of the seven to [[Durin III]] of Khazad-dûm.<ref>{{App|Durin}}, p. 1076</ref>

Sauron retaliated by attacking Eregion, laying waste to the realm. Celebrimbor was captured in the chaos and was forced, under torture, to disclose the locations of the lesser rings, but he would not reveal the whereabouts of the Three. Celebrimbor died from his torment, and his body was shot with arrows and hung upon a pole, and was later paraded as a banner when Sauron attacked the Grey Havens.<ref name=":0">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

== Renowned works ==
* ''Possibly'' the [[Elessar of Eärendil]] (see [[Celebrimbor#The Elessar|below]] for more information)
* The ''[[ithildin]]'' inscriptions on the [[Doors of Durin]] (which were made by [[Narvi]])
* The [[Three Rings]]: [[Vilya]], [[Nenya]], and [[Narya]]

== Etymology ==
{{Pronounce|Celebrimbor.mp3|Ardamir}}
The name ''Celebrimbor'' is in [[Sindarin]], meaning "Silver-fist"; it is comprised of the elements ''[[celebrin]]'' ("like silver in hue or worth") + ''[[paur]]'' ("fist, closed hand"),<ref name=Tel>{{PE|Eldarin}}, entry ''S'' '''Celebrimbor''', p. 42</ref> with the ending ''-bor'' in ''Celebrimbor'' being a suffixal form of ''paur''.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3689389101.html|articlename=S. ''Celebrimbor'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=11 August 2022}}</ref>

Its [[Quenya]] cognate is '''''Telperinquar''''' or '''''Telpinquar'''''.<ref name=Tel/>

For another, later etymology that contradicts the origins of the character of Celebrimbor as seen in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', see [[Celebrimbor#Eldarin Hands, Fingers, and Numerals|below]].

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | MHT | | MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | |MHT=[[Mahtan]] ''b. {{YT}}''| MIR=[[Míriel]] ''d. {{YT|1170}}''|FIN=[[Finwë]] ''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree | NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | FDS | | FNG | | IRM | | FRF | | |NRD=[[Nerdanel]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FEA=[[Fëanor]] ''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]] ''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FRF=[[Finarfin]] ''b. {{YT|1230}}''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|^|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | MDH | | MAG | | CEL | | CAR | | CUR | | AMD | | AMR |MDH=[[Maedhros]] ''d. {{FA|587}}''|MAG=[[Maglor]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CEL=[[Celegorm]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|CAR=[[Caranthir]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|CUR=[[Curufin]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|AMD=[[Amrod]] ''d. {{FA|538}}''|AMR=[[Amras]] ''d. {{FA|538}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | CLB | | | | | | | | |CLB='''CELEBRIMBOR''' ''d. {{SA|1697}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
=== ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]'' ===
The character of Celebrimbor first appears in a draft chapter of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' called ''[[The Mines of Moria (chapter)|The Mines of Moria]]'' (from [[1939]]<ref>{{CG|C}}, entry '''August-autumn 1939''', p. 229</ref>),<ref name=Ret>{{RS|Moria}}, p. 449</ref> which would later become the chapter ''[[A Journey in the Dark]]'' in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' as published.<ref group=note>Before they were envisioned as being made by Celebrimbor in ''The Lord of the Rings'', the [[Rings of Power]] were imagined as creations of [[Fëanor]] himself.</ref><ref>{{TI|Galadriel}}, p. 255</ref>

There, as in ''The Lord of the Rings'', he is only mentioned by name when [[Gandalf]] was reading the inscription on the Doors of Durin:<ref name=Ret/>

{{blockquote|"They merely say: The Doors of Durin Lord of Moria. Speak friends and enter. And underneath very small and now faint is: [[Narvi#Other versions of the legendarium|Narfi]] made them. '''Celebrimbor of Hollin drew these signs'''."}}

The name ''Celebrimbor'' was also added to ''[[The Etymologies]]'', a linguistic work from the late 1930s, at around the same time. There, the name is given under the root [[KWAR]] ("clutching hand, fist"), and Celebrimbor's name was explained as meaning "Silver-fist" in [[Noldorin]] (which was a precursor language to [[Sindarin]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry '''KWAR-''', p. 366</ref>

However, even though no origin of Celebrimbor was published until the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in [[1966]], Tolkien did in fact write one in the 1950s, which can be found in the next section of the article.

=== ''Concerning Galadriel & Celeborn'' and ''The Elessar'' ===
The first known origin story of Celebrimbor was written by Tolkien in c. [[1959]], occurring in a text called ''[[Concerning Galadriel & Celeborn]]''. There, Celebrimbor was described as an [[Gondolindrim|Elf]] of [[Gondolin]] (and one of [[Turgon]]'s "greatest artificers"), who, after the end of the First Age and the overthrow of Morgoth, became a follower of Celeborn and Galadriel,<ref name=Con>{{UT|Concerning}}, p. 235</ref> who were regarded as the "High Lord and Lady of all the Eldar of the West".<ref>{{NM|P3xvi}}, p. 347</ref>

After the establishment of Eregion,<ref group=note>This text states that the building of Ost-in-Edhil, the capital of Eregion, was begun in {{SA|750}}.</ref> Celebrimbor became the "chief craftsman of Eregion" with an "almost 'dwarvish' obsession with crafts", and befriended the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, of whom a dwarven craftsman called [[Narvi]] was his greatest friend<ref name=Con/> - from that friendship both Eregion and Khazad-dûm profited greatly.

In c. {{SA|1000}}, Sauron established himself in [[Mordor]], and sent emissaries to Eriador, before finally appearing there himself, in his fairest form, in {{SA|1200}}. However, he was rejected by Gil-galad in [[Lindon]], and after heading to Eregion, was likewise rejected by Galadriel and Celeborn, the original rulers of Eregion in this conception of the legendarium.<ref name=Ceb>{{UT|Concerning}}, p. 236</ref>

But even though Celeborn and Galadriel (who he perceived to be his chief obstacle) rejected him, Sauron, posing as an emissary of the Valar, nonetheless managed to convince Celebrimbor and the rest of the Noldorin smiths of Eregion, who by this time have formed a powerful guild called the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], to accept his help in the forging of the Rings of Power;<ref name=Bor>{{UT|Concerning}}, pp. 236-7</ref> here Tolkien states that the story of Fëanor was repeated.

Therefore, Celebrimbor and his followers (under the influence of Sauron) rebelled against Galadriel and Celeborn,<ref group=note>In this text, it is said that Celebrimbor was "secretly anxious to rival the skill and fame of Fëanor".</ref> and, sometime between {{SA|1350}} and {{SA|1400|n}}, Galadriel withdrew from Eregion and went to [[Lórinand]] (which would later be known as ''Lórien''), via Khazad-dûm, and took up rule there. However, Celeborn, owing to his distrust of the Dwarves, remained in Eregion "disregarded by Celebrimbor".

In c. {{SA|1500}}, Sauron left Eregion, some time after the Mírdain started crafting the Rings of Power.

When in c. {{SA|1600}} Sauron forged the [[One Ring]], Celebrimbor finally discovered his true intentions, and he repented. Therefore he went to Lórinand to seek Galadriel's advice;<ref group=note>Tolkien wrote here that they "should have destroyed all the Rings of Power at this time, 'but they failed to find the strength'".</ref> she advised him to hide the [[Three Rings]] (which were the three Great Rings made solely by Celebrimbor) and send them away far from Eregion, never to be used, after which Celebrimbor gave one of them ([[Nenya]]) to her keeping. Following that, he entrusted the other two rings ([[Vilya]] and [[Narya]]) to Gil-galad in Lindon.<ref group=note>According to this text, at this time, Gil-galad gave Narya to [[Círdan]]; however, according to a later note, it is said that Gil-galad kept both rings until the [[War of the Last Alliance]].</ref>

After Sauron learned of Celebrimbor's repentance, he invaded Eriador and besieged Eregion. And even though help was on the way, from Celeborn with his son [[Amroth]] and the [[Nandor]] of Lórinand, along with the Dwarves of Moria, ''and'' from an army sent by Gil-galad under the command of Elrond from the west, it did not arrive in time. Therefore:

{{blockquote|Sauron breaks into Eregion and lays it waste. Celebrimbor is slain personally by Sauron, but Sauron does not get the Three Rings. His wrath now blazes. Elrond with all (the few) refugees from Eregion he can gather fight a vanguard action and draw away N.W. He founds a stronghold in Imladris.}}

And:

{{blockquote|When Celeborn heard of onset of Sauron (fearing to keep the Three Rings himself) he sent one to Galadriel in Lórinand by Amroth. Celeborn makes a sortie and breaks out and joins Elrond but cannot get back.}}

==== ''The Elessar'' ====
In a text titled ''[[The Elessar]]'', written at around the same time as that of ''Concerning Galadriel & Celeborn'',<ref name=Ele>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 251</ref> Tolkien gives two in-universe accounts of the creation of the [[Elfstone|Elessar]], a gem-stone of which it was said that:<ref name=Sar>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 249</ref>

{{blockquote|...those who looked through this stone saw things that were withered or burned healed again or as they were in the grace of their youth, and that the hands of one who held it brought to all that they touched healing from hurt.}}

According to one of these accounts, the original Elessar was made by [[Enerdhil]], a renowned smith of [[Gondolin]], who gave it to [[Idril]] the daughter of King [[Turgon]], who in turn gave it to [[Eärendil]] her son - and so the original Elessar past into the West with him on his voyage to [[Aman]].<ref name=Sar/>

Many years later,<ref group=note>Before Sauron "deluded the smiths of Eregion".</ref> Galadriel confided in Celebrimbor that she lamented the inevitable decay and diminishment of the lands of Middle-earth, and wished that there was some way to counteract it - because even though she was able to go West to [[Tol Eressëa]], she was still too proud to do so.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 250</ref>

{{blockquote|'I would have trees and grass about me that do not die - here in the land that is mine', she answered. 'What has become of the skill of the Eldar?' And Celebrimbor said: 'Where now is the [[Elfstone|Stone of Eärendil]]? And Enerdhil who made it is gone.' 'They have passed over Sea,' said Galadriel, 'with almost all fair things else. But must then Middle-earth fade and perish for ever?'}}

Therefore Celebrimbor, who loved Galadriel (though she "turned to Celeborn of the Trees") began to work on making the second Elessar. Because unbeknownst to Galadriel, Celebrimbor used to be an Elf of Gondolin, and was a friend of Enerdhil, even though Enerdhil "in most things outrivalled him".<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, pp. 250-1</ref>

However, even though Celebrimbor managed to make this stone even more "subtle and clear" than that of Enerdhil, due to the ever present influence of Morgoth on [[Arda]] even after his defeat in the First Age, the gem's light had less power than the original - because that one captured the light of the [[Sun]] in its youth.<ref name=Ele>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 251</ref>

Nonetheless, the Elessar of Celebrimbor was deemed the greatest of his works, save the [[Three Rings]] only, and:<ref name=Ele/>

{{blockquote|Wielding the Elessar all things grew fair about Galadriel, until the coming of the Shadow to the Forest. But afterwards when Nenya, chief of the Three, was sent to her by Celebrimbor, she needed it (as she thought) no more, and she gave it to Celebrían her daughter, and so it came to Arwen and to Aragorn who was called Elessar.}}

In the concluding words of the text, however, Tolkien rejected the notion that the first Elessar was made by Enerdhil. Instead, ''both'' Elessars were to be creations of Celebrimbor.

According to the final paragraph of ''The Elessar'' text, the original Elessar of Celebrimbor (which Idril received) went into the West with Eärendil, and the second one (which Galadriel received) was made by him sometime before Sauron's appearance in Eregion.<ref name=Ele/>

=== ''Eldarin Hands, Fingers, and Numerals'' ===
According to a late text called ''[[Eldarin Hands, Fingers, and Numerals]]'', from c. [[1968]], Tolkien changed Celebrimbor's origins from that of a grandson of Fëanor to that of a Teler of Aman (Falmar).<ref name=Eld/><ref name=Vta>{{VT|47a}}, entry '''4. Q. quár''', p. 8</ref><ref name=Nom>{{NM|P2iii}}, p. 178</ref>

In that version of his history, Celebrimbor, the "heroic defender of Eregion in the Second-age war against Sauron", was depicted as a great silver-smith who accompanied Celeborn in his exile to Middle-earth from Aman, along with two other Telerin elves.

During the Second Age, he moved to Eregion due to the rumours of a "marvellous metal" found in Moria, which he named ''[[mithril]]''.<ref name=Eld/><ref name=Vta/><ref name=Nom/> It is said in the text that:

{{blockquote|In the working of this he became a rival of the Dwarves, or rather an equal, for there was great friendship between the Dwarves of Moria and Celebrimbor, and they shared their skills and craft-secrets.}}

However, according to his son [[Christopher Tolkien|Christopher]], Tolkien most probably forgot the fact that he included Celebrimbor's origins as a descendant of Fëanor in the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' ([[1966]]), and that, had he remembered it, he would not have changed it.<ref name=Eld>{{PM|XNotes}}, note 7, pp. 318-9</ref>

==== Etymology ====
According to this version of his history, the name ''Celebrimbor'' is likewise in Sindarin. However, in this text, ''Celebrimbor'' is a [[Sindarization|Sindarized]] version of his original [[Telerin]] name '''''Telperimpar''''' (with '''''Tyelpinquar''''' being its Quenya cognate).

The name was derived from the root [[KWAR]] ("press together, squeeze, wring"), whose derivatives were: ''[[quár]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]]), ''[[pār]]'' ([[Telerin|T]]) and ''[[paur]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]]).

The text also says that it was a common name among the Teleri of Aman, who were renowned silver-smiths.<ref name=Eld/><ref name=Vta/><ref name=Nom/>

=== ''Of Dwarves and Men'' ===
In a late text that Christopher Tolkien called ''[[Of Dwarves and Men]]'' (from c. [[1969]]),<ref>{{PM|XIntro}}, p. 295</ref> Tolkien changed Celebrimbor's origins yet again.<ref name=Eld/>

Here, Celebrimbor is depicted as a [[Sinda]] who claimed descent from [[Daeron]],<ref name=Dwa>{{PM|X}}, p. 297</ref> a famous [[Minstrels|minstrel]] and the chief loremaster of Doriath.<ref>{{S|10}}, p. 43</ref> In that text, it is explained how in Eregion, due to the influence of Celebrimbor, the ancient [[Angerthas|runic alphabet]] devised by Daeron was, along with [[Tengwar]], also known and used.

And even though in Eregion these Runes were used mostly on formal occasions, due to the contact between the Elves of Eregion and the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, and because of the greater ease with which the Runes could be carved on stone, the Longbeard Dwarves adopted and modified them for their own use.<ref name=Dwa/>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
===Celebrimbor in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:Shadow of Mordor - Celebrimbor.jpg|Celebrimbor in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Lord Celebrimbor.jpg|Lord Celebrimbor in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Celebrimbor.jpg|Celebrimbor in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
=== Television ===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:Lord Celebrimbor is portrayed by [[Charles Edwards]] as one of the central characters of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Alice Jones]]|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/amazon-the-rings-of-power-series-first-look|articlename=Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Series Rises: Inside The Rings of Power
|dated=10-February-2022|website=[https://www.vanityfair.com VanityFair]|accessed=12-February-2022}}</ref> He first appears in the series' [[A Shadow of the Past|first episode]] at [[Lindon]] and is introduced to [[Elrond]] by [[Gil-galad]]. In the series, he seems to already be a master artisan.

=== Games ===
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Celebrimbor plays a major role in the video game, serving as a [[wraith]] who is bound to an [[undead]] [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]], [[Talion]], by the will of [[Sauron]]. He is voiced by [[Alister Duncan]]. He is also the main protagonist of the ''Bright Lord'' expansion, where he is revealed to have stolen the One Ring from Sauron at some point in the Second Age, and intended to use it to turn the Dark Lord's own weapons against him. However, he is corrupted by the power of the Ring and doomed to never see the Undying Lands. Though he defeats Sauron in battle, Sauron still managed to reclaim the Ring and banish Celebrimbor's spirit to an eternity as a wraith in the Unseen world. Bound to Talion, Celebrimbor grants him Elven powers to help him seek revenge for the death of his wife and son.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:Celebrimbor uses [[Talion]] to create a new ring of power so they can dominate the orc forces of [[Sauron]]'s army to create one in their own service. With their army amassed they travel Sauron's Road to destroy the Dark Lord. On their way, Talion comes up against the [[Nazgûl]] [[Isildur]] and decides to free Isildur from life as a servant to Sauron. Celebrimbor, angry that Talion vanquished Isildur rather than adding his power to their army, reveals that he intends to replace Sauron instead of destroying him. Talion refuses to help him in his quest for power, so Celebrimbor removes the new ring from him. With their bond lost, Talion begins to bleed profusely and die. Celebrimbor convinces Eltariel, an Elven assassin of [[Galadriel]], to wield the new ring and continue on to defeat Sauron. During their battle, Sauron is able to overpower them and cut Eltariel's fingers off along with the new ring. Sauron then absorbs Celebrimbor and together they become the flaming Eye of Sauron atop [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Celebrimbor appears in several flashback sequences, depicting his encounter with the "Lord of Gifts", the initial idea of creating the Rings of Power and his final doomed stand during the [[Sack of Eregion]]. His body was wrestled from Sauron's servant by a brave elf who cast herself into the waters along with it to deny the Enemy his prize.

{{references|notes}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| name=Celebrimbor
| race=noldor
| house=[[House of Fëanor]] Cadet branch of [[House of Finwë]]
| born=Before {{YT|1495}}
| died={{SA|1697}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Title established
| list=Lord of [[Eregion]]
| dates={{SA|750}} - {{SA|1697|n}}
| next=[[Sack of Eregion|Realm destroyed]]
| nvac=None}}
{{seq-end}}

[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Fëanor]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Celebrimbor]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:celebrimbor]]
[[fi:Celebrimbor]]
[[pt-br:Celebrimbor]]

Rúmil (elf of Tirion)

2024-10-18T16:16:15Z

ProjetoTolkien:

{{disambig-more|Rúmil|[[Rúmil (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Rúmil
| image=Steamey - Rúmil of Tirion.jpg
| caption="Rúmil" by Steamey
| pronun=
| othernames="Elf-sage of Valinor"
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Lambengolmo]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]], [[Valarin]], [[Quenya]] and [[Telerin]]
| birth=Before {{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=[[Sarati]]; see [[#Works|Works]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Rúmil''' was a [[Noldor]]in sage of [[Tirion]],<ref name=":2">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Rúmil''</ref> one of the [[Lambengolmor]] ("Loremasters")<ref name=WJ>{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> of the Noldor and first deviser of written characters.<ref name=":2" />

==History==
Rúmil was notable for inventing a writing system that was fitting for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen.<ref name=":0">{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

His alphabet was called both ''Tengwar of Rúmil'' ("Letters of Rúmil")<ref name=":1">{{App|Writing}}</ref> and ''[[Sarati]]'', as each letter was called a ''sarat''.<ref name=WJ/><ref>{{B|III}}, p. 100</ref> The Tengwar of Rúmil was not used in Middle-earth and was later expanded and perfected by [[Fëanor]]<ref name=":0" /> as the [[Tengwar|Tengwar of Fëanor]] ("Letters of Fëanor"), more commonly known as simply Tengwar.<ref name=":1" />

Based on when Rúmil's work in the [[Annals of Valinor]] ends, it was suggested that he was one of the Noldor who initially joined the [[Exile]], but then returned to Valinor with [[Finarfin]].<ref>{{LR|AV}}</ref>{{rp|99}}

Rúmil continued his studies from Aman for many thousands of years beyond the [[fall of Gondolin]].<ref name=Lhammas/>{{rp|154}} He continued to document the evolution of language among the three clans in Aman,<ref name=Lhammas/>{{rp|145}} as well as what he had learned of languages from [[Middle-earth]], such as [[Khuzdul|Dwarvish]].<ref name=Lhammas>{{LR|Lhamma}}</ref>{{rp|144}}<ref group=note>A note specifically attributed to Rúmil, in his writings concerning the speeches of the earth of old, is ''"of the language of the Dwarves little is known to us, save that its origin is as dark as is the origin of the Dwarvish race itself; and their tongues are not akin to other tongues, but wholly alien, and they are harsh and intricate, and few have essayed to learn them"''; to this Pengolodh adds an interjection of his hearing of Aulë first making the Dwarves and teaching them language.</ref>

==Works==
Rúmil was said to be the author of various works, some of which would find [[The Silmarillion|great acknowledgment]] after they were translated into [[Westron]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. These include:
* ''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Quenta Silmarillion]]", "Index", ''Ainulindalë''</ref>
* ''[[Annals of Valinor]]''
* ''[[Lhammas]]''
* ''[[Lhammasethen]]''
* ''[[Ambarkanta|Ambarkanta: The Shape of the World]]''
* ''[[i Equessi Rumilo]]''

[[Pengolodh]] of [[Gondolin]] continued and completed much of Rúmil's work.

==Etymology==
The only thing known about the name ''Rúmil'' is that it is [[Quenya]].<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 51, 54</ref>

[[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that it is likely connected with [[Gnomish]] ''rû''/''rûm'' ("secret", "mystery")<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>{{rp|345}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
=== Book of Lost Tales ===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Rúmil was the [[Gnome]] Door-ward of [[Cottage of Lost Play|Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva]] and the narrator of many tales including ''[[The Music of the Ainur]]'', ''[[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]'', and ''[[The Flight of the Noldoli]]'' (along with [[Lindo]]).

He is described as old in appearance and grey of locks.<ref name=link>{{LT1|Link}}</ref> The character [[Littleheart]] referred to him as "Rúmil the Sage"<ref name=valar>{{LT1|III}}</ref>{{rp|82}} and [[Christopher Tolkien]] described him as "the garrulous and whimsical philologist of [[Kortirion]]".<ref>{{LT1|LinkC}}</ref>{{rp|61}}

In the distant past ("a lifetime gone") Rúmil was a resident of [[Kôr]].<ref name=link>{{LT1|Link}}</ref>{{rp|60}} In the [[Great Lands]], long before the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he was a slave under [[Melko]].<ref name=link/>{{rp|59}} He was not one of the first Elves as, when describing the [[Music of the Ainur]], he claims his knowledge of it originated from [[Manwë]] whispering it to "the fathers of my father in the deeps of time".<ref name=music>{{LT1|Music}}</ref>{{rp|66}}

Rúmil was very learned in languages. During his days in Kôr he learned much of the "secret tongue" [[Valarin|of the Valar]] by the goodness of [[Aulë]]. He was aware of the distinctions between the various [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] of the Teleri (later [[Vanyar#Other versions of the legendarium|Vanyar]]), Noldoli, [[Solosimpi]], and the [[Inwir]] (the royal clan ''within'' the Teleri). While a slave under Melko, he lightened his thraldom by learning the speech of all monsters and goblins. He further conned even the speeches of beasts including voles, mice, and beetles. He worried at whiles over the tongues of [[Men]], but disliked them due to their propensity to change and of being a "hard stuff whereof to labour songs or tales".<ref name=link />{{rp|59–60}}

Rúmil does not appear directly in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', however he and his work, "the book of Rúmil", is frequently cited in the Appendix defining names.

In a later draft of [[Meril-i-Turinqi| Meril-i-Turinqi's]] ''"[[The Chaining of Melko]]"'', Tolkien apparently intended to replace Rúmil with '''''Evromord the Door-ward''''' of Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva.<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}, p. 107 note 3</ref>

=== The Lost Road ===
In the 1930's version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Lost Road)|Ainulindalë]]'', [[Ælfwine]] (Eriol) still heard the story of the Music of the Ainur from Rúmil’s own lips in Tol Eressëa.<ref>{{LR|Ainu}}, p. 133, note 1</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season Two:'''
:'''Episode 2: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
::At the [[Grey Havens]], [[Círdan]] metaphorically asks [[Elrond]] if he would "cast Rúmil's verses into" flames just "because the poet was a drunkard" to metaphorically explain that just because [[Sauron]] had a role in the making of the [[Three Rings]], doesn’t mean that the rings are wholly evil.

{{references|note}}

{{Title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rumil}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Rúmil (Valinor)]]
[[fi:Rúmil (noldo)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/rumil]]
[[pt-br:Rúmil de Tirion]]

The Council of Elrond

2024-07-21T21:11:12Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed quote.

{{disambig-more|The Council of Elrond|[[The Council of Elrond (disambiguation)]]}}{{Quote|There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it. But you do not stand alone.}}{{chapter
| image=Peter Xavier Price - The Lord of Rivendell.jpg
| title=The Council of Elrond
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=14
| event=The [[Council of Elrond]] is held; [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] volunteers to take the [[The One Ring|

Ring]] to [[Mordor]].
| date=[[25 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[Rivendell]]
| perspective=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| previous=Many Meetings
| next=The Ring Goes South
}}

'''The Council of Elrond''' is the second chapter of the second book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

In this chapter, the visitors to [[Rivendell]] assemble to discuss the matter of the [[One Ring]]. Each, in turn, tells news of their lands, recent events, and the reasons that had brought them to Rivendell. Finally [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] reveals the One Ring and its accompanying doom. [[Gandalf]] describes the capture of [[Gollum]], and his own imprisonment at [[Orthanc]]. A decision is made to take the One Ring to [[Mordor]], where it must be destroyed. Frodo volunteers to carry the Ring there, and when [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] objects to him going alone, he is drafted to accompany Frodo on his task.

==Summary==

The next morning, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] take a walk in [[Rivendell]] and run into [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]. Frodo wants to explore the wilderness around the town, but Gandalf says it will have to wait until after the [[Council of Elrond|great council]], which is about to commence. At that moment, a bell rings out to summon all to the meeting. Sam follows the others even though he was not invited.

The council takes place on the same porch where Frodo had reunited with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] the previous evening. Among the many attendants, Frodo spots [[Elrond]], [[Glorfindel]] and [[Glóin]], as well as [[Strider]] wearing his worn travel clothes again. Gandalf introduces Frodo to the attendants:

{{quote|Here, my friends, is the hobbit, Frodo son of Drogo. Few have ever come hither through greater peril or on an errand more urgent.|[[Gandalf]]}}

Gandalf points out several important figures to Frodo: Glóin's son, [[Gimli]]; [[Erestor]], Elrond's chief counselor; [[Galdor]], a messenger from [[Cirdan the Shipwright]] of the [[Grey Havens]]; and [[Legolas]], son of [[Thranduil]], King of the Elves of [[Mirkwood]]. Frodo also notes a [[Men|Man]] sitting apart from the others, wearing rich but travel-worn clothes, and holding a [[Great Horn|great horn]]. Gandalf says the man's name is [[Boromir]], and that he had arrived that morning from the south, seeking counsel.

Many tales are told about the goings-on in the greater world to the south and east. Frodo had already heard some of this information before, but pays close attention when Glóin begins to speak. Glóin explains that the [[Dwarves]] of [[Erebor]] had grown disquiet, and some decided to attempt to reconquer [[Moria]] under the [[Misty Mountains]].

{{quote|Moria! Moria! Wonder of the Northern world! Too deep we delved there, and woke the nameless fear. Long have its vast mansions lain empty since the children of Durin fled. But now we spoke of it again with longing, and yet with dread; for no dwarf has dared to pass the doors of Khazad-dûm for many lives of kings, save Thrór only, and he perished.|[[Glóin]]}}

Glóin explains that thirty years prior, against King [[Dáin]]'s wishes, [[Balin]] took [[Ori]] and [[Óin]] together with a multitude of other Dwarves on a quest to retake the city. While news at first indicated that they had been successful and prosperous, the messages soon ceased.

According to Glóin, one year ago a messenger from [[Mordor]] arrived at Erebor. The messenger wanted to forge a friendship between [[Sauron]] and the Dwarves. He began asking questions about creatures called [[Hobbits]] - what they were and where they lived - and indicated that Sauron knows that the Dwarves have met one.

{{quote|As a small token only of your friendship Sauron asks this: that you should find this thief, and get from him, willing or no, a little ring, the least of rings, that once he stole. It is but a trifle that Sauron fancies, and an earnest of your good will.|[[Sauron]]'s messenger to [[Erebor]]}}

In return for this information, the messenger promised Dáin three of the lost [[Seven Dwarf-rings|Dwarf-rings]], as well as a guarantee that Moria shall belong to the Dwarves forever. Dáin became very suspicious of this, and refused to give an answer immediately. The messenger gave a veiled threat and rode away. That messenger visited twice more and received the same answer, and then promised to come one final time before the end of the year. The Dwarves have since learned that similar messengers had also been sent to King [[Brand]] of [[Dale]].

The Dwarves and Men of the North now fear that Mordor is about to attack them. Dáin has sent Glóin to Rivendell to warn Bilbo that the Enemy might come for him, and to ask for Elrond's counsel on this matter. Elrond commends Dáin on his decision, but says that the Dwarves have no choice but to resist, with or without hope. He reassures them that they are not alone: the trouble belongs to all of the western world.

Elrond begins to explain the ancient history of [[The One Ring]] in full. First, he tells of how the [[Rings of Power]] were forged during the [[Second Age]] - a tale which we are told was only known in full to few of the listeners. According to Elrond, the Elves of [[Eregion]] and Dwarves of Moria were once friends; but the Elves' eagerness for knowledge made them susceptible to Sauron's charms, who at the time did not appear in his evil form. The Dark Lord learned their arts and crafted the One Ring in secret at [[Orodruin]] to control the others. Only [[Celebrimbor]] suspected him, and hid the [[Three Rings]] that he had created without Sauron's aid. A war ensued, during which the land of Eregion was destroyed and the gate of Moria was shut.

Throughout the rest of the morning, Elrond continues the story of the One Ring during the Second Age. He speaks of the fall of [[Númenor]] and the arrival of [[Men of the West]] in [[Middle-earth]]. He tells of [[Elendil]] and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], who founded the northern kingdom of [[Arnor]] and southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. Sauron assaulted their kingdoms, and the [[Last Alliance]] was forged between Elendil and [[Gil-Galad]] to defeat him.

Elrond says he remembers those days clearly. Frodo asks how this is possible, as it happened so long ago. Elrond briefly explains his lineage - descending from [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]] - saying that he has lived through all Three Ages of the world.

He goes on to describe the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], at which he was present: the armies of the Last Alliance stood before the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor, and could not be stopped by the evil forces. He tells of the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] that followed, where Gil-Galad and Elendil were killed. Isildur picked up his father's broken sword, [[Narsil]], and with it cut the Ring from Sauron's hand, destroying the Dark Lord and taking the Ring for himself.

At this, Boromir suddenly interjects, surprised to hear that Isildur took the Ring; the story had been forgotten to his people, who thought that the Ring had been destroyed that day. Elrond says that he witnessed the event personally: together with Cirdan he tried to convince Isildur to destroy the Ring, then and there; however Isildur refused, claiming the Ring as compensation for his father's and brother's deaths. Elrond then speaks of Isildur's ambush by [[Orcs]] at the [[Gladden Fields]], where he lost the Ring. He notes that Isildur's squire, [[Ohtar]], survived the ambush and brought the broken shards of Narsil back to Rivendell, where Isildur's heir [[Valandil]] lived under supervision, as he was only a child at the time.

Elrond concludes the story, saying that because the Ring was not destroyed, Sauron was not wholly destroyed either. He explains that Elves and Men have grown estranged since, and that the race of Númenor has decayed: now men live shorter lives, and the Elves are decreasing in numbers. The city of [[Annúminas]] fell into ruin, and the heirs of Valandil moved to [[Fornost]], which was eventually destroyed by the forces of [[Angmar]].

Elrond now describes the annals of the realm of Gondor to the south, which still endures. Its capital once resided in [[Osgiliath]], astride both sides of the [[Anduin|Great River]]. The Men of Gondor built [[Minas Ithil]], a tower on the western slopes of the [[Ephel Dúath|Mountains of Shadow]], to guard against the evil creatures of Mordor. They then built the corresponding tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the eastern end of the [[White Mountains]]. At the top of Minas Anor was planted a [[White Tree of Gondor|white tree]], descended from a tree that once grew in the [[Valinor|Uttermost West]] in the early days of the world. Eventually, the line of kings [[Anárion]] and [[Meneldil]] failed, Númenorean blood mingled with that of "lesser men", and the tree withered. The men of Gondor failed in their vigil against Mordor, resulting in foul creatures conquering Minas Ithil (now renamed [[Minas Morgul]], the Tower of Sorcery). Minas Anor was renamed [[Minas Tirith]] (the Tower of Guard), Osgiliath was evacuated of its population, and Gondor and Mordor have been at war with each other ever since.

As Elrond finishes speaking, Boromir rises and reveals that Gondor is his homeland. He proceeds to inform the others of its current state. He claims that the blood of Númenor has not yet been spent, and that only by the valor of his countrymen in their constant battle against Morgul are the lands beyond Gondor kept safe and peaceful. He warns that Gondor's day of defeat may not be far off, as evil has awoken in Mordor once more. In June earlier this year, the Forces of Mordor invaded and conquered [[Ithilien]] - Gondor's land to the east of the Anduin. Boromir claims that Mordor is now allied with the [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]], and that there is some great power strengthening their armies - a great black horseman whose mere presence inflicts fear on the bravest of men. The Gondorians have since scuttled the bridge connecting both sides of Osgiliath, cutting themselves off from Ithilien but also preventing the enemy from crossing the Anduin there. Boromir and his brother were present at the battle, and made it back across the river with only two soldiers remaining. Boromir fears that Gondor has no other ally now, except Rohan to its west.

Boromir now explains his arrival at Rivendell, saying that he has come to seek Elrond's counsel regarding a dream that he and his brother have experienced. In this dream, shadows and thunder came from the east, but in the west was still a pale light; then he heard a voice crying from the west:

{{quote|Seek for the Sword that was broken;    In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken    Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be shown a token    That Doom is near at hand, For Isildur's Bane shall waken    And the Halfling forth shall stand.|[[Boromir]]'s Dream}}

Boromir and his brother went to their father, [[Denethor]], Lord of Minas Tirith, and consulted with him about this dream. Denethor recognized the name "Imladris" as the home of Elrond, far away to the north. Boromir's brother volunteered to go seek it, but Boromir realized the dangerous nature of the journey and took the quest upon himself instead, despite his father's objections.

At this, Aragorn stands up and places his broken sword on the table, identifying it as the sword mentioned in Boromir's dream. Elrond introduces Aragorn to Boromir and the others as a direct descendant of Isildur himself. Frodo immediately exclaims that the Ring should be given to Aragorn, but Aragorn rejects ownership of it. Elrond instead bids Frodo hold up the Ring for all to see.

Fighting a strong reluctance to reveal the Ring, Frodo eventually does so. Elrond introduces the Ring to the others as "Isildur's Bane" - Sauron's Ruling Ring. Boromir is immediately dismayed, believing that it signals doom for his homeland. Aragorn asks Boromir whether he wishes for the House of Elendil to return to Gondor. Boromir doesn't give a clear answer; he seems desperate, but doubtful.

{{Quote|I was not sent to beg any boon, but to seek only the meaning of a riddle. Yet we are hard pressed, and the Sword of Elendil would be a help beyond our hope - if such a thing could indeed return out of the shadows of the past.|[[Boromir]]}}

Bilbo leaps up and recites the [[Riddle of Strider]] aloud, which concludes with the line "The crownless again shall be king." As he sits back down, he reveals to Frodo that it was he who had written that song after first meeting Aragorn.

Aragorn explains a little of his own background to Boromir, saying that Narsil has been passed down diligently from Valandil to each of his successive heirs, ending up with Aragorn. He forgives Boromir for doubting him, admitting that he seems nothing like Isildur or the kings of old, but claims to have made many journeys and fought many servants of the Enemy; just like Gondor in the South, the Dúnedain have been protecting the lands in the north. He tells Boromir that the Dúnedain's job has been even more thankless than Gondor's, as they are given scornful names by the very people they protect, and their work must always be kept secret from the simple folk.

Aragorn concludes by announcing that he will come to Minas Tirith to aid in the coming battle. Boromir expresses doubts about the Ring's identity, asking many questions about it and the story of its recovery. Bilbo asks to adjourn for refreshments before that story is told, but Elrond asks him to tell his story first. Before Bilbo begins his tale, he apologizes if any of those present (particularly Glóin) have heard him tell it differently before; he was simply hoping to keep the Ring for himself and avoid being called a "thief".

Bilbo recounts his encounter with Gollum in full, and is cut short by Elrond before he can describe his entire journey to Erebor. Elrond then asks Frodo to recount his own experience with the Ring since the day he received it. The other council-members ask many questions as he does so, until all details are recounted and considered. Bilbo remarks to Frodo that they should some day discuss the story in private so that Bilbo could write it down in a book.

Frodo is curious about Gandalf's absence during his journey from [[The Shire]] to Rivendell. Galdor joins Frodo in this inquiry, also asking to know why the [[Wise]] are so sure about the Ring's identity, given the long span of time that had passed between its loss and supposed reappearance. He asks about [[Saruman]]'s absence from the present council, wondering about the White Wizard's opinion on the matter at hand. Elrond calls on Gandalf as the last speaker, to answer these questions.

Gandalf first points out that there is only one ring left that Sauron might still be looking for, given that all of the others are either destroyed, in safe keeping, or in the hands of the [[Nazgûl]]. He also points out that Bilbo found his ring in the same year that Sauron (posing as the "Necromancer") was defeated at his fortress in [[Dol Guldur]] - a suspicious coincidence. Gandalf then reveals that Saruman had rejected the idea that the Ring would ever be found again - claiming it had rolled into the sea by now - and attempted to dissuade the other members of the [[White Council]] from taking any open actions against Sauron. This, Gandalf says, gave Sauron the chance to anticipate their actions and withdraw safely from Dol Guldur to Mordor, where he had already been at work building his strength. Saruman claimed that Sauron's belief that the Ring could still be found was an advantage for the White Council, as Sauron would waste effort trying to find it.

Lulled into inaction by Saruman's words, Gandalf set aside his worries about Bilbo's newfound ring; but doubt kept growing in him. Expecting Gollum to come out of his cave to seek the Ring, Gandalf did spot the creature; but when Gollum evaded him he decided to let the matter go, and did not discuss it with anyone for fear of stirring up needless trouble. However when various spies began congregating around The Shire after Bilbo's birthday party, Gandalf consulted Aragorn, who convinced him to act on his suspicions and go hunting for Gollum together.

Gandalf and Aragorn found traces of Gollum near Mordor, but could not find the creature himself. Then Gandalf was reminded of Saruman's description of the One Ring:

{{quote|The Nine, the Seven, and the Three had each their proper gem. Not so the One. It was round and unadorned, as it were one of the lesser rings; but its maker set marks upon it that the skilled, maybe, could still see and read.|[[Saruman]]'s description of the [[One Ring]], according to [[Gandalf]]}}

Not knowing what those marks might be, Gandalf figured that the only way this information could've reached Saruman was through some account by Isildur - the only person other than Sauron ever known to have definitely held the One Ring. Gandalf therefore set out to Gondor, to study their scrolls and archives. Denethor received him coldly, but allowed him to study the texts nevertheless.

Gandalf reveals that he had found a scroll written by Isildur himself after acquiring the Ring. Boromir confirms that it is common knowledge in Gondor that Isildur returned to Minas Tirith first, and lived with Meneldil for a while before setting off north - at which time he could have written such an account. Gandalf recites from the scroll, where Isildur specifically stated that he was taking the Ring to the northern kingdom and wanted to leave an account of it in Gondor, so that future generations would not forget.

According to the [[Scroll of Isildur]], the Ring had at first scorched Isildur's hand, but quickly cooled and shrank. Before it did, Isildur noted words inscribed into the Ring, which slowly faded over time. He could not read the inscription, which was written in the dark tongue of Mordor using Elvish script, but managed to copy it down before it disappeared. He surmised, correctly, that the script might re-appear if the Ring was ever reintroduced to a source of heat resembling Sauron's burning hand; but Isildur could not bring himself to do so, as the Ring was too valuable to him as an heirloom.

Upon learning this, Gandalf immediately left Minas Tirith heading north. On his way, he received messages from [[Lothlórien]] that Aragorn had managed to capture Gollum. This prompts Aragorn to tell his account of the hunt for Gollum. He had made it to the Black Gate and the [[Morgul Vale]], but could not find Gollum. He despaired and turned homewards, but then found the creature's tracks by chance and followed it into the [[Dead Marshes]], where he finally caught Gollum peering into the water. Gollum bit Aragorn, but would tell him nothing. Gollum was then bound and gagged, and made to walk all the way back to Mirkwood, where he was handed off to the Wood Elves for imprisonment. Gandalf soon arrived, and interrogated the creature at length.

Gandalf confirms that Gollums's story matches the one told by Bilbo just moments earlier. Furthermore, Gollum's interrogation revealed that he had found the ring in the Great River, and had kept it for hundreds of years - far longer than the lifespan of his race. Gandalf notes that only the Great Rings have the power to extend life to such magnitude. Gandalf hopes that this information would put Galdor's doubts to rest regarding the identity of the Ring. Nevertheless, he recounts the text that Isildur had copied down from the ring, and announces that he had performed the test of fire upon it and confirmed the appearance of the same words. Gandalf then recites the part of the [[Ring Verse]] that appeared, causing a shadow to briefly pass over Rivendell and forcing some of the Elves to stop their ears.

Finally, Gandalf reveals that Gollum had made it to Mordor, was captured and tortured there, and revealed all that he knew to Sauron. He surmises that Sauron has already figured out that the Ring is now in Rivendell.
Boromir asks what punishment was inflicted on Gollum. Gandalf says that Gollum had already suffered enough on account of the Ring and the torture in Mordor, and so was left as a prisoner in Mirkwood. He notes that Gollum was capable of much greater feats than his emaciated form might suggest on account of his burning desire for the Ring, and suspects that Gollum was released from Mordor's clutches in order to perform some unknown, nefarious task.

Legolas now joins the conversation for the first time, with alarming news: He was sent to Rivendell from Mirkwood to report that Gollum had escaped their prison. He says that, having learned of Gollum's sad story and heeded Gandalf's hopes that he might still be cured of his condition, the Elves took pity on the creature and moved him out of the dungeons. Glóin grumbles that he and [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's Company]] did not receive such tender mercy during their stay in the Elves' dungeon, forcing Gandalf to interject in order to prevent a quarrel about past grievances.

Legolas continues, describing Gollum's escape. He was taken out for a walk in the forest, and allowed to climb a tall tree he was fond of; however that day he refused to come down for many hours. The Elves stood guard at the bottom of the tree, but at night were suddenly attacked by a large group of Orcs from the mountains. When the Orcs were finally driven off, Gollum's guards were found slain, and he was gone. The Elves surmised that Gollum was somehow aware that the attack was going to occur that day, perhaps through one of Sauron's spies.

According to Legolas, the Elves began searching for Gollum immediately, and found his tracks among those of a large group of Orcs. Unfortunately, the tracks soon disappeared in the vicinity of Dol Guldur, and the Elves were reluctant to keep searching in that direction. He explains that Mirkwood has once again become full of the evil creatures that had previously been driven out after the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]]. Gandalf expresses frustration, but says that Gollum will now play whatever part was destined to him - hopefully one that Sauron has not foreseen.

Finally, Gandalf comes to the story of his own disappearance. In June he had left [[Hobbiton]] for the southern edge of The Shire, where he received news of Mordor's invasion of Ithilien. Hurrying east to [[Bree]], he ran into [[Radagast the Brown]], a fellow [[Wizard]], who had been seeking him. Radagast reported to Gandalf that Nazgûl had been sighted crossing the Great River in secret, on their way westwards, disguised as riders in black. According to Radagast, the Nazgûl had been asking anyone they came across about a land called "Shire". Radagast added that Saruman had sent him on this errand, offering to help if Gandalf wished it. Gandalf hoped that Saruman, who was wise in the ways of the Enemy, had found some weapon to help drive the Nazgûl away. Before Radagast could ride off, Gandalf asked him to have beasts and birds collect information and deliver it directly to [[Orthanc]].

Gandalf stayed that night in Bree, where he decided to ride to [[Isengard]] instead of back to the Shire. He wrote a message to Frodo and left it with his friend [[Barliman Butterbur]] at the [[Prancing Pony]]. He then rode south along the [[Misty Mountains]] to the [[Gap of Rohan]]. Gandalf continues to describe Isengard as a circle of sheer rock enclosing a valley at the southern edge of the Misty Mountains, with a lone tower at its center. As he rode through the heavily-defended gate in the rocky wall, he felt an unexplained trepidation. Reaching the tower, he was greeted by Saruman and let inside. He notes that Saruman was wearing a ring on his finger.

Gandalf asked Saruman for aid, but received only condescention in return. Saruman facetiously wondered what brought Gandalf out of The Shire, indicating that he knew Gandalf was keeping some very important secret from him. When Gandalf reported what he had heard from Radagast, Saruman insulted Radagast and revealed that he was only sent to lure Gandalf to Orthanc. Gandalf then noticed that Saruman was wearing a robe of many colors.

Saruman offered Gandalf a choice. Claiming that the time of the Elves was over, and that the time of Men was beginning, Saruman suggested that the Wizards should be the ones to rule in this new age. For this, he said, they needed to align themselves with the rising power of Middle Earth.

{{quote|A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Númenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.|[[Saruman]]}}

Saruman then revealed that he had already figured out that Gandalf had been protecting the One Ring in The Shire. He pressed Gandalf to reveal its whereabouts. Gandalf refused to reveal anything, realizing that Saruman and Sauron were now simply two sides of the same coin.

Gandalf was taken to the Pinnacle of Orthanc, where he saw that the once-green valley of Isengard was now filled with pits and forges. Saruman has been mustering an army of Orcs and Wolves, which Gandalf surmised would be used in rivalry to Sauron rather than at his service. He could not escape the tower, and was forced to spend his days in the cold and the smoke billowing from below. Frodo exclaims that he had seen this event in one of his dreams during his journey.

Gandalf's salvation came thanks to the uncorruptible Radagast, who had fortunately merely played the part of an unwitting pawn in Saruman's plans. Radagast did as Gandalf asked, riding east to seek allies. Eventually, he found the [[Great Eagles]], who began to scout the lands around the Misty Mountains and learned of the coming of the Nazgûl and of Gollum's escape from Mirkwood. [[Gwaihir]], fastest of the Great Eagles, came to Isengard to deliver this news, only to find Gandalf at the top of the tower and bear him away from there before Saruman could intervene.

Gwaihir could not take Gandalf very far, so Gandalf decided to be taken to nearby [[Rohan]] where he could acquire a fast horse for the journey back north. Gwaihir assured him that while Rohan had been sending horses as tribute to [[Mordor]], they had not yet allied with the Dark Lord. At [[Edoras]], Gandalf discovered that Saruman's lies had already taken hold, and he was received very coldly. The king ordered him to take a horse and be gone, so Gandalf chose the best steed in the land and rode off.

Aragorn laments this state of affairs in the land of Rohan, but Boromir stands up in their defense, claiming that the [[Rohirrim]] are honorable men and would never give away their beloved horses as tribute. Gandalf agrees, adding that the horse he had chosen is indeed one of their most precious horses: [[Shadowfax]], born in the early days of the world; a horse too fast even for Nazgûl horses to catch, never before ridden by any man. He says that Shadowfax bore him from Rohan all the way to The Shire in the time it took Frodo to reach the [[Barrow-downs]]. Nevertheless, Gandalf could not catch up with the Nazgûl, who were already well ahead of him.

Gandalf reached Hobbiton and had words with [[Gaffer Gamgee]], discovering that Frodo had already left less than a week earlier, and that Black Riders had come looking for him the same night. Gandalf rode on to [[Buckland]] and found it in uproar after the Nazgûl attack on [[Crickhollow]]. At the house, he found Frodo's cape (left there by [[Fatty Bolger]]) and thought the worst had happened. He tracked two Nazgûl to Bree, where he met with Barliman Butterbur. The innkeeper broke down immediately, apologizing for letting the Hobbits continue on with Strider, not realizing that Gandalf had hoped this would happen. Overjoyed at the knowledge that the Hobbits were not captured and were now with Aragorn, Gandalf rested a night at the Prancing Pony. That night, five Black Riders stormed right through Bree, heading east. He surmises that the Black Riders had made a tactical error in splitting their forces to attack Hobbiton and Buckland, leaving the way open to the east for a short time, accidentally letting the Hobbits and Strider through.

Gandalf rode after the Nazgûl in the morning, and intercepted them at Weathertop. The Nazgûl waited for nightfall, and finally attacked. The battle raged through the night, and at sunrise Gandalf escaped to the north, drawing four of the riders away for a while, though they eventually gave up and turned back. Unable to do anything more to help, Gandalf navigated his way across country to Rivendell, and eventually released Shadowfax partway there. He says that he had become good friends with the horse, and that Shadowfax would return to his aid, if he ever called. He finally reached Rivendell only three days before Frodo.

Now that all storied have finally been told, Elrond expresses his dismay at the fall of Saruman, who had been their trusted counsel. However he also expresses great marvel at the resilience of the Hobbits during their journey, and has found Frodo's story most interesting. In particular, he notes that he had forgotten all about [[Tom Bombadil]], whom he calls Iarwain Ben-adar, "oldest and fatherless". He laments not having invited Bombadil to the council, but Gandalf says he would not have come.

Erestor asks whether it would not be wise to give the Ring to Bombadil, on whom it has no effect. Gandalf explains that while Bombadil might agree, he would not understand the importance of the task, and might even lose the Ring eventually. In any case, Gandalf asserts that even Bombadil in his own little realm could not stand up to the full power of Sauron. Glorfindel adds that taking the Ring to Bombadil in secret would also be impossible now.

Galdor agrees with this assessment, claiming that any hope remaining is now here at Rivendell, or at the Grey Havens, or in Lothlórien. Elrond responds that neither he nor those other Elven lands have the power to endure the coming storm. Glorfindel concludes that there are only two options remaining: Send the Ring west over the sea, or destroy it. Elrond counters both options: For one, the Ring cannot be destroyed by any means they possess; and the people of Valinor would not accept the Ring into their care, as it is an evil belonging to Middle-Earth, and thus a problem that the people of Middle-Earth must solve for themselves.

Glorfindel then suggests throwing the Ring into the sea, subverting and fulfilling the lie that Saruman had told them about it. Gandalf counters this by saying that vile creatures in the deep might find and retrieve it, or that the seas might one day shift and bring it back to the surface. He is adamant that a permanent end to the problem must be found. Galdor again agrees, adding that it would be extremely difficult to get the Ring to the sea anyway, with the Enemy still watching the roads there. He asserts that the Nazgûl would soon return with faster riding beasts, and would be expecting the Ring to travel west. He doubts the ability of Gondor to keep the forces of Sauron at bay much longer, and they would eventually break through and come straight for the Grey Havens. Boromir defends his people, saying they still have the strength to fight, but Galdor notes that the Black Riders might bypass Gondor altogether.

Erestor concludes that Glorfindel's earlier assessment was correct: Either they hide the Ring, or find a way to destroy it. Elrond finally speaks, agreeing that the roads to the west are predictable and must be shunned. Therefore, they must go east, to Mordor, to destroy the Ring where it was made.

Boromir interjects, offering a third option: to use the Ring as a weapon, just as Saruman had planned to do for his own ends. Elrond states that the Ring cannot be used, as it is wholly evil and obeys only the Dark Lord who made it. He brings up Saruman's corruption as an example of a once-benevolent and powerful figure consumed by desire for the Ring. He says that even Sauron was not evil in the beginning, and that if any of the Wise were to take the Ring for themselves, they would simply replace him and become evil rulers themselves. He refuses to take the Ring, even to hide it, and so does Gandalf.

Boromir is dismayed, but expresses some hope that the Sword that was Broken might still come to Gondor's aid, if Aragorn proves to be made of the same mettle as his ancestors. He also hopes that others will fight as valiantly as his people do, and Elrond reassures him that they will.

Glóin suggests pooling together the efforts of their disparate kingdoms. In particular, he suggests using the other Rings of Power to aid them in the coming conflict. He notes that one Dwarf-ring - [[Ring of Thrór|Thrór's ring]] - might still be found in Moria, and that perhaps Balin has already found it there. Gandalf reports that this is impossible, as that ring was taken by Saruman from [[Thrór]]'s heir [[Thráin]] during his torture at Dol Guldur. Glóin asks about the Elven-rings, but Elrond dismisses the question offhand. He says that the Three Rings were made without Sauron's involvement, and would serve no purpose as weapons. He adds that if Sauron was ever to regain the One Ring, anything that was gained by the Three would be subverted and ruined anyway. He remarks that this was Sauron's plan all along, and laments that the Three Rings had been created in the first place.

Glóin asks what would happen, then, if the One Ring was destroyed. Elrond responds that no one knows, but hopes that the Three would become free in that case, though they might lose all their power instead. Glorfindel remarks that the Elves are willing to take that risk, if it means ridding Middle-Earth of the threat of Sauron.

The conversation returns to the matter of destroying the Ring. Erestor comments that there is little chance of reaching the Fire where the Ring could be destroyed, calling the idea a "folly". Gandalf retorts that this might actually be an advantage: Sauron understands only the desire for power, and expects anyone who comes across the Ring to use it; he cannot understand a desire to destroy it. As such, the attempt to destroy it might catch him off-guard, at least for a while. Elrond agrees with this assessment, adding:

{{quote|This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.|[[Elrond]]}}

At this, Bilbo stands up, saying that he's received the hint, and volunteers to take the Ring to Mordor himself. He laments only that he might not get the chance to write the ending to his book, which would now have to be amended because he might not "live happily ever after to the end of his days". Boromir is amused by this, but quickly realizes that all others present regard Bilbo's offer with great respect. Gandalf thanks Bilbo for his bravery, but says that Bilbo's part in the story had already ended when he passed on the Ring, except to record the events in a sequel book when the chosen questers eventually come back.

Bilbo asks who those questers will be, then. Silence falls on the council as they ponder the question with heavy hearts. Frodo slowly comes to the realization that the course of events he had dreaded is now inevitable. With great difficulty, he finally speaks:

{{quote|I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.|[[Frodo Baggins]]}}

Realizing the implications, Elrond tells Frodo that the task may have been appointed for him, and that he might be the only one able to find the way. He ponders this unlikely turn of events, which none of the Wise had foreseen. He tells Frodo that the decision must be his alone, voluntarily, but that if he chose to go he would be counted among the greatest Elf-friends who ever lived, among the likes of [[Hador]], [[Húrin]], [[Túrin]] and [[Beren]].

Suddenly, Sam leaps up from his hiding place, protesting that Frodo must not be sent on this quest alone.

{{quote|No indeed! You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.|[[Elrond]]}}

At this, Sam sinks to the floor in embarrassment, realizing the pickle he and Frodo have landed themselves in.

==Composition==
Early drafts of the chapter probably were completed near the end of [[1939]]); in that version, the original Fellowship consisted of Gandalf, Boromir, and five Hobbits including "[[Trotter|Peregrin Boffin]]".<ref>{{CG|CG}}, p. xxii</ref>

Later drafts of the chapter were reworked around [[1940]]-[[1941]], with at least three new versions. New material included Aragorn as the [[Heir of Elendil]] and related additions; but since narration was too long,background information was removed to the [[Appendices]] and to another text called ''[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]''.<ref>{{CG|CG}}, p. xxiii</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters|Council of Elrond]]
[[fi:Elrondin neuvonpito (TSH)]]

The Council of Elrond

2024-07-21T21:10:21Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a quote at the top.

{{disambig-more|The Council of Elrond|[[The Council of Elrond (disambiguation)]]}}{{Quote|There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it. But you do not stand alone.
}}{{chapter
| image=Peter Xavier Price - The Lord of Rivendell.jpg
| title=The Council of Elrond
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=14
| event=The [[Council of Elrond]] is held; [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] volunteers to take the [[The One Ring|

Ring]] to [[Mordor]].
| date=[[25 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[Rivendell]]
| perspective=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| previous=Many Meetings
| next=The Ring Goes South
}}

'''The Council of Elrond''' is the second chapter of the second book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

In this chapter, the visitors to [[Rivendell]] assemble to discuss the matter of the [[One Ring]]. Each, in turn, tells news of their lands, recent events, and the reasons that had brought them to Rivendell. Finally [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] reveals the One Ring and its accompanying doom. [[Gandalf]] describes the capture of [[Gollum]], and his own imprisonment at [[Orthanc]]. A decision is made to take the One Ring to [[Mordor]], where it must be destroyed. Frodo volunteers to carry the Ring there, and when [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] objects to him going alone, he is drafted to accompany Frodo on his task.

==Summary==

The next morning, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] take a walk in [[Rivendell]] and run into [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]. Frodo wants to explore the wilderness around the town, but Gandalf says it will have to wait until after the [[Council of Elrond|great council]], which is about to commence. At that moment, a bell rings out to summon all to the meeting. Sam follows the others even though he was not invited.

The council takes place on the same porch where Frodo had reunited with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] the previous evening. Among the many attendants, Frodo spots [[Elrond]], [[Glorfindel]] and [[Glóin]], as well as [[Strider]] wearing his worn travel clothes again. Gandalf introduces Frodo to the attendants:

{{quote|Here, my friends, is the hobbit, Frodo son of Drogo. Few have ever come hither through greater peril or on an errand more urgent.|[[Gandalf]]}}

Gandalf points out several important figures to Frodo: Glóin's son, [[Gimli]]; [[Erestor]], Elrond's chief counselor; [[Galdor]], a messenger from [[Cirdan the Shipwright]] of the [[Grey Havens]]; and [[Legolas]], son of [[Thranduil]], King of the Elves of [[Mirkwood]]. Frodo also notes a [[Men|Man]] sitting apart from the others, wearing rich but travel-worn clothes, and holding a [[Great Horn|great horn]]. Gandalf says the man's name is [[Boromir]], and that he had arrived that morning from the south, seeking counsel.

Many tales are told about the goings-on in the greater world to the south and east. Frodo had already heard some of this information before, but pays close attention when Glóin begins to speak. Glóin explains that the [[Dwarves]] of [[Erebor]] had grown disquiet, and some decided to attempt to reconquer [[Moria]] under the [[Misty Mountains]].

{{quote|Moria! Moria! Wonder of the Northern world! Too deep we delved there, and woke the nameless fear. Long have its vast mansions lain empty since the children of Durin fled. But now we spoke of it again with longing, and yet with dread; for no dwarf has dared to pass the doors of Khazad-dûm for many lives of kings, save Thrór only, and he perished.|[[Glóin]]}}

Glóin explains that thirty years prior, against King [[Dáin]]'s wishes, [[Balin]] took [[Ori]] and [[Óin]] together with a multitude of other Dwarves on a quest to retake the city. While news at first indicated that they had been successful and prosperous, the messages soon ceased.

According to Glóin, one year ago a messenger from [[Mordor]] arrived at Erebor. The messenger wanted to forge a friendship between [[Sauron]] and the Dwarves. He began asking questions about creatures called [[Hobbits]] - what they were and where they lived - and indicated that Sauron knows that the Dwarves have met one.

{{quote|As a small token only of your friendship Sauron asks this: that you should find this thief, and get from him, willing or no, a little ring, the least of rings, that once he stole. It is but a trifle that Sauron fancies, and an earnest of your good will.|[[Sauron]]'s messenger to [[Erebor]]}}

In return for this information, the messenger promised Dáin three of the lost [[Seven Dwarf-rings|Dwarf-rings]], as well as a guarantee that Moria shall belong to the Dwarves forever. Dáin became very suspicious of this, and refused to give an answer immediately. The messenger gave a veiled threat and rode away. That messenger visited twice more and received the same answer, and then promised to come one final time before the end of the year. The Dwarves have since learned that similar messengers had also been sent to King [[Brand]] of [[Dale]].

The Dwarves and Men of the North now fear that Mordor is about to attack them. Dáin has sent Glóin to Rivendell to warn Bilbo that the Enemy might come for him, and to ask for Elrond's counsel on this matter. Elrond commends Dáin on his decision, but says that the Dwarves have no choice but to resist, with or without hope. He reassures them that they are not alone: the trouble belongs to all of the western world.

Elrond begins to explain the ancient history of [[The One Ring]] in full. First, he tells of how the [[Rings of Power]] were forged during the [[Second Age]] - a tale which we are told was only known in full to few of the listeners. According to Elrond, the Elves of [[Eregion]] and Dwarves of Moria were once friends; but the Elves' eagerness for knowledge made them susceptible to Sauron's charms, who at the time did not appear in his evil form. The Dark Lord learned their arts and crafted the One Ring in secret at [[Orodruin]] to control the others. Only [[Celebrimbor]] suspected him, and hid the [[Three Rings]] that he had created without Sauron's aid. A war ensued, during which the land of Eregion was destroyed and the gate of Moria was shut.

Throughout the rest of the morning, Elrond continues the story of the One Ring during the Second Age. He speaks of the fall of [[Númenor]] and the arrival of [[Men of the West]] in [[Middle-earth]]. He tells of [[Elendil]] and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], who founded the northern kingdom of [[Arnor]] and southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. Sauron assaulted their kingdoms, and the [[Last Alliance]] was forged between Elendil and [[Gil-Galad]] to defeat him.

Elrond says he remembers those days clearly. Frodo asks how this is possible, as it happened so long ago. Elrond briefly explains his lineage - descending from [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]] - saying that he has lived through all Three Ages of the world.

He goes on to describe the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], at which he was present: the armies of the Last Alliance stood before the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor, and could not be stopped by the evil forces. He tells of the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] that followed, where Gil-Galad and Elendil were killed. Isildur picked up his father's broken sword, [[Narsil]], and with it cut the Ring from Sauron's hand, destroying the Dark Lord and taking the Ring for himself.

At this, Boromir suddenly interjects, surprised to hear that Isildur took the Ring; the story had been forgotten to his people, who thought that the Ring had been destroyed that day. Elrond says that he witnessed the event personally: together with Cirdan he tried to convince Isildur to destroy the Ring, then and there; however Isildur refused, claiming the Ring as compensation for his father's and brother's deaths. Elrond then speaks of Isildur's ambush by [[Orcs]] at the [[Gladden Fields]], where he lost the Ring. He notes that Isildur's squire, [[Ohtar]], survived the ambush and brought the broken shards of Narsil back to Rivendell, where Isildur's heir [[Valandil]] lived under supervision, as he was only a child at the time.

Elrond concludes the story, saying that because the Ring was not destroyed, Sauron was not wholly destroyed either. He explains that Elves and Men have grown estranged since, and that the race of Númenor has decayed: now men live shorter lives, and the Elves are decreasing in numbers. The city of [[Annúminas]] fell into ruin, and the heirs of Valandil moved to [[Fornost]], which was eventually destroyed by the forces of [[Angmar]].

Elrond now describes the annals of the realm of Gondor to the south, which still endures. Its capital once resided in [[Osgiliath]], astride both sides of the [[Anduin|Great River]]. The Men of Gondor built [[Minas Ithil]], a tower on the western slopes of the [[Ephel Dúath|Mountains of Shadow]], to guard against the evil creatures of Mordor. They then built the corresponding tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the eastern end of the [[White Mountains]]. At the top of Minas Anor was planted a [[White Tree of Gondor|white tree]], descended from a tree that once grew in the [[Valinor|Uttermost West]] in the early days of the world. Eventually, the line of kings [[Anárion]] and [[Meneldil]] failed, Númenorean blood mingled with that of "lesser men", and the tree withered. The men of Gondor failed in their vigil against Mordor, resulting in foul creatures conquering Minas Ithil (now renamed [[Minas Morgul]], the Tower of Sorcery). Minas Anor was renamed [[Minas Tirith]] (the Tower of Guard), Osgiliath was evacuated of its population, and Gondor and Mordor have been at war with each other ever since.

As Elrond finishes speaking, Boromir rises and reveals that Gondor is his homeland. He proceeds to inform the others of its current state. He claims that the blood of Númenor has not yet been spent, and that only by the valor of his countrymen in their constant battle against Morgul are the lands beyond Gondor kept safe and peaceful. He warns that Gondor's day of defeat may not be far off, as evil has awoken in Mordor once more. In June earlier this year, the Forces of Mordor invaded and conquered [[Ithilien]] - Gondor's land to the east of the Anduin. Boromir claims that Mordor is now allied with the [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]], and that there is some great power strengthening their armies - a great black horseman whose mere presence inflicts fear on the bravest of men. The Gondorians have since scuttled the bridge connecting both sides of Osgiliath, cutting themselves off from Ithilien but also preventing the enemy from crossing the Anduin there. Boromir and his brother were present at the battle, and made it back across the river with only two soldiers remaining. Boromir fears that Gondor has no other ally now, except Rohan to its west.

Boromir now explains his arrival at Rivendell, saying that he has come to seek Elrond's counsel regarding a dream that he and his brother have experienced. In this dream, shadows and thunder came from the east, but in the west was still a pale light; then he heard a voice crying from the west:

{{quote|Seek for the Sword that was broken;    In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken    Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be shown a token    That Doom is near at hand, For Isildur's Bane shall waken    And the Halfling forth shall stand.|[[Boromir]]'s Dream}}

Boromir and his brother went to their father, [[Denethor]], Lord of Minas Tirith, and consulted with him about this dream. Denethor recognized the name "Imladris" as the home of Elrond, far away to the north. Boromir's brother volunteered to go seek it, but Boromir realized the dangerous nature of the journey and took the quest upon himself instead, despite his father's objections.

At this, Aragorn stands up and places his broken sword on the table, identifying it as the sword mentioned in Boromir's dream. Elrond introduces Aragorn to Boromir and the others as a direct descendant of Isildur himself. Frodo immediately exclaims that the Ring should be given to Aragorn, but Aragorn rejects ownership of it. Elrond instead bids Frodo hold up the Ring for all to see.

Fighting a strong reluctance to reveal the Ring, Frodo eventually does so. Elrond introduces the Ring to the others as "Isildur's Bane" - Sauron's Ruling Ring. Boromir is immediately dismayed, believing that it signals doom for his homeland. Aragorn asks Boromir whether he wishes for the House of Elendil to return to Gondor. Boromir doesn't give a clear answer; he seems desperate, but doubtful.

{{Quote|I was not sent to beg any boon, but to seek only the meaning of a riddle. Yet we are hard pressed, and the Sword of Elendil would be a help beyond our hope - if such a thing could indeed return out of the shadows of the past.|[[Boromir]]}}

Bilbo leaps up and recites the [[Riddle of Strider]] aloud, which concludes with the line "The crownless again shall be king." As he sits back down, he reveals to Frodo that it was he who had written that song after first meeting Aragorn.

Aragorn explains a little of his own background to Boromir, saying that Narsil has been passed down diligently from Valandil to each of his successive heirs, ending up with Aragorn. He forgives Boromir for doubting him, admitting that he seems nothing like Isildur or the kings of old, but claims to have made many journeys and fought many servants of the Enemy; just like Gondor in the South, the Dúnedain have been protecting the lands in the north. He tells Boromir that the Dúnedain's job has been even more thankless than Gondor's, as they are given scornful names by the very people they protect, and their work must always be kept secret from the simple folk.

Aragorn concludes by announcing that he will come to Minas Tirith to aid in the coming battle. Boromir expresses doubts about the Ring's identity, asking many questions about it and the story of its recovery. Bilbo asks to adjourn for refreshments before that story is told, but Elrond asks him to tell his story first. Before Bilbo begins his tale, he apologizes if any of those present (particularly Glóin) have heard him tell it differently before; he was simply hoping to keep the Ring for himself and avoid being called a "thief".

Bilbo recounts his encounter with Gollum in full, and is cut short by Elrond before he can describe his entire journey to Erebor. Elrond then asks Frodo to recount his own experience with the Ring since the day he received it. The other council-members ask many questions as he does so, until all details are recounted and considered. Bilbo remarks to Frodo that they should some day discuss the story in private so that Bilbo could write it down in a book.

Frodo is curious about Gandalf's absence during his journey from [[The Shire]] to Rivendell. Galdor joins Frodo in this inquiry, also asking to know why the [[Wise]] are so sure about the Ring's identity, given the long span of time that had passed between its loss and supposed reappearance. He asks about [[Saruman]]'s absence from the present council, wondering about the White Wizard's opinion on the matter at hand. Elrond calls on Gandalf as the last speaker, to answer these questions.

Gandalf first points out that there is only one ring left that Sauron might still be looking for, given that all of the others are either destroyed, in safe keeping, or in the hands of the [[Nazgûl]]. He also points out that Bilbo found his ring in the same year that Sauron (posing as the "Necromancer") was defeated at his fortress in [[Dol Guldur]] - a suspicious coincidence. Gandalf then reveals that Saruman had rejected the idea that the Ring would ever be found again - claiming it had rolled into the sea by now - and attempted to dissuade the other members of the [[White Council]] from taking any open actions against Sauron. This, Gandalf says, gave Sauron the chance to anticipate their actions and withdraw safely from Dol Guldur to Mordor, where he had already been at work building his strength. Saruman claimed that Sauron's belief that the Ring could still be found was an advantage for the White Council, as Sauron would waste effort trying to find it.

Lulled into inaction by Saruman's words, Gandalf set aside his worries about Bilbo's newfound ring; but doubt kept growing in him. Expecting Gollum to come out of his cave to seek the Ring, Gandalf did spot the creature; but when Gollum evaded him he decided to let the matter go, and did not discuss it with anyone for fear of stirring up needless trouble. However when various spies began congregating around The Shire after Bilbo's birthday party, Gandalf consulted Aragorn, who convinced him to act on his suspicions and go hunting for Gollum together.

Gandalf and Aragorn found traces of Gollum near Mordor, but could not find the creature himself. Then Gandalf was reminded of Saruman's description of the One Ring:

{{quote|The Nine, the Seven, and the Three had each their proper gem. Not so the One. It was round and unadorned, as it were one of the lesser rings; but its maker set marks upon it that the skilled, maybe, could still see and read.|[[Saruman]]'s description of the [[One Ring]], according to [[Gandalf]]}}

Not knowing what those marks might be, Gandalf figured that the only way this information could've reached Saruman was through some account by Isildur - the only person other than Sauron ever known to have definitely held the One Ring. Gandalf therefore set out to Gondor, to study their scrolls and archives. Denethor received him coldly, but allowed him to study the texts nevertheless.

Gandalf reveals that he had found a scroll written by Isildur himself after acquiring the Ring. Boromir confirms that it is common knowledge in Gondor that Isildur returned to Minas Tirith first, and lived with Meneldil for a while before setting off north - at which time he could have written such an account. Gandalf recites from the scroll, where Isildur specifically stated that he was taking the Ring to the northern kingdom and wanted to leave an account of it in Gondor, so that future generations would not forget.

According to the [[Scroll of Isildur]], the Ring had at first scorched Isildur's hand, but quickly cooled and shrank. Before it did, Isildur noted words inscribed into the Ring, which slowly faded over time. He could not read the inscription, which was written in the dark tongue of Mordor using Elvish script, but managed to copy it down before it disappeared. He surmised, correctly, that the script might re-appear if the Ring was ever reintroduced to a source of heat resembling Sauron's burning hand; but Isildur could not bring himself to do so, as the Ring was too valuable to him as an heirloom.

Upon learning this, Gandalf immediately left Minas Tirith heading north. On his way, he received messages from [[Lothlórien]] that Aragorn had managed to capture Gollum. This prompts Aragorn to tell his account of the hunt for Gollum. He had made it to the Black Gate and the [[Morgul Vale]], but could not find Gollum. He despaired and turned homewards, but then found the creature's tracks by chance and followed it into the [[Dead Marshes]], where he finally caught Gollum peering into the water. Gollum bit Aragorn, but would tell him nothing. Gollum was then bound and gagged, and made to walk all the way back to Mirkwood, where he was handed off to the Wood Elves for imprisonment. Gandalf soon arrived, and interrogated the creature at length.

Gandalf confirms that Gollums's story matches the one told by Bilbo just moments earlier. Furthermore, Gollum's interrogation revealed that he had found the ring in the Great River, and had kept it for hundreds of years - far longer than the lifespan of his race. Gandalf notes that only the Great Rings have the power to extend life to such magnitude. Gandalf hopes that this information would put Galdor's doubts to rest regarding the identity of the Ring. Nevertheless, he recounts the text that Isildur had copied down from the ring, and announces that he had performed the test of fire upon it and confirmed the appearance of the same words. Gandalf then recites the part of the [[Ring Verse]] that appeared, causing a shadow to briefly pass over Rivendell and forcing some of the Elves to stop their ears.

Finally, Gandalf reveals that Gollum had made it to Mordor, was captured and tortured there, and revealed all that he knew to Sauron. He surmises that Sauron has already figured out that the Ring is now in Rivendell.
Boromir asks what punishment was inflicted on Gollum. Gandalf says that Gollum had already suffered enough on account of the Ring and the torture in Mordor, and so was left as a prisoner in Mirkwood. He notes that Gollum was capable of much greater feats than his emaciated form might suggest on account of his burning desire for the Ring, and suspects that Gollum was released from Mordor's clutches in order to perform some unknown, nefarious task.

Legolas now joins the conversation for the first time, with alarming news: He was sent to Rivendell from Mirkwood to report that Gollum had escaped their prison. He says that, having learned of Gollum's sad story and heeded Gandalf's hopes that he might still be cured of his condition, the Elves took pity on the creature and moved him out of the dungeons. Glóin grumbles that he and [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's Company]] did not receive such tender mercy during their stay in the Elves' dungeon, forcing Gandalf to interject in order to prevent a quarrel about past grievances.

Legolas continues, describing Gollum's escape. He was taken out for a walk in the forest, and allowed to climb a tall tree he was fond of; however that day he refused to come down for many hours. The Elves stood guard at the bottom of the tree, but at night were suddenly attacked by a large group of Orcs from the mountains. When the Orcs were finally driven off, Gollum's guards were found slain, and he was gone. The Elves surmised that Gollum was somehow aware that the attack was going to occur that day, perhaps through one of Sauron's spies.

According to Legolas, the Elves began searching for Gollum immediately, and found his tracks among those of a large group of Orcs. Unfortunately, the tracks soon disappeared in the vicinity of Dol Guldur, and the Elves were reluctant to keep searching in that direction. He explains that Mirkwood has once again become full of the evil creatures that had previously been driven out after the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]]. Gandalf expresses frustration, but says that Gollum will now play whatever part was destined to him - hopefully one that Sauron has not foreseen.

Finally, Gandalf comes to the story of his own disappearance. In June he had left [[Hobbiton]] for the southern edge of The Shire, where he received news of Mordor's invasion of Ithilien. Hurrying east to [[Bree]], he ran into [[Radagast the Brown]], a fellow [[Wizard]], who had been seeking him. Radagast reported to Gandalf that Nazgûl had been sighted crossing the Great River in secret, on their way westwards, disguised as riders in black. According to Radagast, the Nazgûl had been asking anyone they came across about a land called "Shire". Radagast added that Saruman had sent him on this errand, offering to help if Gandalf wished it. Gandalf hoped that Saruman, who was wise in the ways of the Enemy, had found some weapon to help drive the Nazgûl away. Before Radagast could ride off, Gandalf asked him to have beasts and birds collect information and deliver it directly to [[Orthanc]].

Gandalf stayed that night in Bree, where he decided to ride to [[Isengard]] instead of back to the Shire. He wrote a message to Frodo and left it with his friend [[Barliman Butterbur]] at the [[Prancing Pony]]. He then rode south along the [[Misty Mountains]] to the [[Gap of Rohan]]. Gandalf continues to describe Isengard as a circle of sheer rock enclosing a valley at the southern edge of the Misty Mountains, with a lone tower at its center. As he rode through the heavily-defended gate in the rocky wall, he felt an unexplained trepidation. Reaching the tower, he was greeted by Saruman and let inside. He notes that Saruman was wearing a ring on his finger.

Gandalf asked Saruman for aid, but received only condescention in return. Saruman facetiously wondered what brought Gandalf out of The Shire, indicating that he knew Gandalf was keeping some very important secret from him. When Gandalf reported what he had heard from Radagast, Saruman insulted Radagast and revealed that he was only sent to lure Gandalf to Orthanc. Gandalf then noticed that Saruman was wearing a robe of many colors.

Saruman offered Gandalf a choice. Claiming that the time of the Elves was over, and that the time of Men was beginning, Saruman suggested that the Wizards should be the ones to rule in this new age. For this, he said, they needed to align themselves with the rising power of Middle Earth.

{{quote|A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Númenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.|[[Saruman]]}}

Saruman then revealed that he had already figured out that Gandalf had been protecting the One Ring in The Shire. He pressed Gandalf to reveal its whereabouts. Gandalf refused to reveal anything, realizing that Saruman and Sauron were now simply two sides of the same coin.

Gandalf was taken to the Pinnacle of Orthanc, where he saw that the once-green valley of Isengard was now filled with pits and forges. Saruman has been mustering an army of Orcs and Wolves, which Gandalf surmised would be used in rivalry to Sauron rather than at his service. He could not escape the tower, and was forced to spend his days in the cold and the smoke billowing from below. Frodo exclaims that he had seen this event in one of his dreams during his journey.

Gandalf's salvation came thanks to the uncorruptible Radagast, who had fortunately merely played the part of an unwitting pawn in Saruman's plans. Radagast did as Gandalf asked, riding east to seek allies. Eventually, he found the [[Great Eagles]], who began to scout the lands around the Misty Mountains and learned of the coming of the Nazgûl and of Gollum's escape from Mirkwood. [[Gwaihir]], fastest of the Great Eagles, came to Isengard to deliver this news, only to find Gandalf at the top of the tower and bear him away from there before Saruman could intervene.

Gwaihir could not take Gandalf very far, so Gandalf decided to be taken to nearby [[Rohan]] where he could acquire a fast horse for the journey back north. Gwaihir assured him that while Rohan had been sending horses as tribute to [[Mordor]], they had not yet allied with the Dark Lord. At [[Edoras]], Gandalf discovered that Saruman's lies had already taken hold, and he was received very coldly. The king ordered him to take a horse and be gone, so Gandalf chose the best steed in the land and rode off.

Aragorn laments this state of affairs in the land of Rohan, but Boromir stands up in their defense, claiming that the [[Rohirrim]] are honorable men and would never give away their beloved horses as tribute. Gandalf agrees, adding that the horse he had chosen is indeed one of their most precious horses: [[Shadowfax]], born in the early days of the world; a horse too fast even for Nazgûl horses to catch, never before ridden by any man. He says that Shadowfax bore him from Rohan all the way to The Shire in the time it took Frodo to reach the [[Barrow-downs]]. Nevertheless, Gandalf could not catch up with the Nazgûl, who were already well ahead of him.

Gandalf reached Hobbiton and had words with [[Gaffer Gamgee]], discovering that Frodo had already left less than a week earlier, and that Black Riders had come looking for him the same night. Gandalf rode on to [[Buckland]] and found it in uproar after the Nazgûl attack on [[Crickhollow]]. At the house, he found Frodo's cape (left there by [[Fatty Bolger]]) and thought the worst had happened. He tracked two Nazgûl to Bree, where he met with Barliman Butterbur. The innkeeper broke down immediately, apologizing for letting the Hobbits continue on with Strider, not realizing that Gandalf had hoped this would happen. Overjoyed at the knowledge that the Hobbits were not captured and were now with Aragorn, Gandalf rested a night at the Prancing Pony. That night, five Black Riders stormed right through Bree, heading east. He surmises that the Black Riders had made a tactical error in splitting their forces to attack Hobbiton and Buckland, leaving the way open to the east for a short time, accidentally letting the Hobbits and Strider through.

Gandalf rode after the Nazgûl in the morning, and intercepted them at Weathertop. The Nazgûl waited for nightfall, and finally attacked. The battle raged through the night, and at sunrise Gandalf escaped to the north, drawing four of the riders away for a while, though they eventually gave up and turned back. Unable to do anything more to help, Gandalf navigated his way across country to Rivendell, and eventually released Shadowfax partway there. He says that he had become good friends with the horse, and that Shadowfax would return to his aid, if he ever called. He finally reached Rivendell only three days before Frodo.

Now that all storied have finally been told, Elrond expresses his dismay at the fall of Saruman, who had been their trusted counsel. However he also expresses great marvel at the resilience of the Hobbits during their journey, and has found Frodo's story most interesting. In particular, he notes that he had forgotten all about [[Tom Bombadil]], whom he calls Iarwain Ben-adar, "oldest and fatherless". He laments not having invited Bombadil to the council, but Gandalf says he would not have come.

Erestor asks whether it would not be wise to give the Ring to Bombadil, on whom it has no effect. Gandalf explains that while Bombadil might agree, he would not understand the importance of the task, and might even lose the Ring eventually. In any case, Gandalf asserts that even Bombadil in his own little realm could not stand up to the full power of Sauron. Glorfindel adds that taking the Ring to Bombadil in secret would also be impossible now.

Galdor agrees with this assessment, claiming that any hope remaining is now here at Rivendell, or at the Grey Havens, or in Lothlórien. Elrond responds that neither he nor those other Elven lands have the power to endure the coming storm. Glorfindel concludes that there are only two options remaining: Send the Ring west over the sea, or destroy it. Elrond counters both options: For one, the Ring cannot be destroyed by any means they possess; and the people of Valinor would not accept the Ring into their care, as it is an evil belonging to Middle-Earth, and thus a problem that the people of Middle-Earth must solve for themselves.

Glorfindel then suggests throwing the Ring into the sea, subverting and fulfilling the lie that Saruman had told them about it. Gandalf counters this by saying that vile creatures in the deep might find and retrieve it, or that the seas might one day shift and bring it back to the surface. He is adamant that a permanent end to the problem must be found. Galdor again agrees, adding that it would be extremely difficult to get the Ring to the sea anyway, with the Enemy still watching the roads there. He asserts that the Nazgûl would soon return with faster riding beasts, and would be expecting the Ring to travel west. He doubts the ability of Gondor to keep the forces of Sauron at bay much longer, and they would eventually break through and come straight for the Grey Havens. Boromir defends his people, saying they still have the strength to fight, but Galdor notes that the Black Riders might bypass Gondor altogether.

Erestor concludes that Glorfindel's earlier assessment was correct: Either they hide the Ring, or find a way to destroy it. Elrond finally speaks, agreeing that the roads to the west are predictable and must be shunned. Therefore, they must go east, to Mordor, to destroy the Ring where it was made.

Boromir interjects, offering a third option: to use the Ring as a weapon, just as Saruman had planned to do for his own ends. Elrond states that the Ring cannot be used, as it is wholly evil and obeys only the Dark Lord who made it. He brings up Saruman's corruption as an example of a once-benevolent and powerful figure consumed by desire for the Ring. He says that even Sauron was not evil in the beginning, and that if any of the Wise were to take the Ring for themselves, they would simply replace him and become evil rulers themselves. He refuses to take the Ring, even to hide it, and so does Gandalf.

Boromir is dismayed, but expresses some hope that the Sword that was Broken might still come to Gondor's aid, if Aragorn proves to be made of the same mettle as his ancestors. He also hopes that others will fight as valiantly as his people do, and Elrond reassures him that they will.

Glóin suggests pooling together the efforts of their disparate kingdoms. In particular, he suggests using the other Rings of Power to aid them in the coming conflict. He notes that one Dwarf-ring - [[Ring of Thrór|Thrór's ring]] - might still be found in Moria, and that perhaps Balin has already found it there. Gandalf reports that this is impossible, as that ring was taken by Saruman from [[Thrór]]'s heir [[Thráin]] during his torture at Dol Guldur. Glóin asks about the Elven-rings, but Elrond dismisses the question offhand. He says that the Three Rings were made without Sauron's involvement, and would serve no purpose as weapons. He adds that if Sauron was ever to regain the One Ring, anything that was gained by the Three would be subverted and ruined anyway. He remarks that this was Sauron's plan all along, and laments that the Three Rings had been created in the first place.

Glóin asks what would happen, then, if the One Ring was destroyed. Elrond responds that no one knows, but hopes that the Three would become free in that case, though they might lose all their power instead. Glorfindel remarks that the Elves are willing to take that risk, if it means ridding Middle-Earth of the threat of Sauron.

The conversation returns to the matter of destroying the Ring. Erestor comments that there is little chance of reaching the Fire where the Ring could be destroyed, calling the idea a "folly". Gandalf retorts that this might actually be an advantage: Sauron understands only the desire for power, and expects anyone who comes across the Ring to use it; he cannot understand a desire to destroy it. As such, the attempt to destroy it might catch him off-guard, at least for a while. Elrond agrees with this assessment, adding:

{{quote|This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.|[[Elrond]]}}

At this, Bilbo stands up, saying that he's received the hint, and volunteers to take the Ring to Mordor himself. He laments only that he might not get the chance to write the ending to his book, which would now have to be amended because he might not "live happily ever after to the end of his days". Boromir is amused by this, but quickly realizes that all others present regard Bilbo's offer with great respect. Gandalf thanks Bilbo for his bravery, but says that Bilbo's part in the story had already ended when he passed on the Ring, except to record the events in a sequel book when the chosen questers eventually come back.

Bilbo asks who those questers will be, then. Silence falls on the council as they ponder the question with heavy hearts. Frodo slowly comes to the realization that the course of events he had dreaded is now inevitable. With great difficulty, he finally speaks:

{{quote|I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.|[[Frodo Baggins]]}}

Realizing the implications, Elrond tells Frodo that the task may have been appointed for him, and that he might be the only one able to find the way. He ponders this unlikely turn of events, which none of the Wise had foreseen. He tells Frodo that the decision must be his alone, voluntarily, but that if he chose to go he would be counted among the greatest Elf-friends who ever lived, among the likes of [[Hador]], [[Húrin]], [[Túrin]] and [[Beren]].

Suddenly, Sam leaps up from his hiding place, protesting that Frodo must not be sent on this quest alone.

{{quote|No indeed! You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.|[[Elrond]]}}

At this, Sam sinks to the floor in embarrassment, realizing the pickle he and Frodo have landed themselves in.

==Composition==
Early drafts of the chapter probably were completed near the end of [[1939]]); in that version, the original Fellowship consisted of Gandalf, Boromir, and five Hobbits including "[[Trotter|Peregrin Boffin]]".<ref>{{CG|CG}}, p. xxii</ref>

Later drafts of the chapter were reworked around [[1940]]-[[1941]], with at least three new versions. New material included Aragorn as the [[Heir of Elendil]] and related additions; but since narration was too long,background information was removed to the [[Appendices]] and to another text called ''[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]''.<ref>{{CG|CG}}, p. xxiii</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters|Council of Elrond]]
[[fi:Elrondin neuvonpito (TSH)]]

Strider (chapter)

2024-07-21T21:08:59Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed quote.

{{disambig-more|Strider|[[Strider (disambiguation)]]}}{{Quote|All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;}}{{chapter
| image=Matt Stewart - Strider.jpg
| title=Strider
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=10
| event=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] meets [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].
| date=[[29 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[The Prancing Pony]]
| previous=At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
| next=A Knife in the Dark
}}

'''Strider''' is the tenth chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

In this chapter, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] has a private conversation with [[Strider]], and receives [[Gandalf]]'s letter from [[Barliman Butterbur]]. Strider promises to protect the Hobbits. [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] alerts the others that he had spotted a [[Black Rider]] in [[Bree]].

==Summary==

[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] return to the [[Prancing Pony]]'s parlour to find [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] gone. They kindle the fire, only to discover that [[Strider]] had surreptitiously entered the room with them.

Strider offers Frodo information and advice. In return, he asks that the Hobbits allow him to accompany them until such time that he decides to leave. Frodo asks to know more about Strider before he makes his decision. Strider is pleased with the demand, finding it very prudent.

Strider checks the door to make sure no one is listening in. He reveals that he had seen the Hobbits with [[Tom Bombadil]], and observed them entering [[Bree]]. He'd also heard Frodo warning the others to call him "Underhill" instead of "Baggins", which piqued Strider's curiosity since he had been specifically waiting for a "Frodo Baggins" coming from [[The Shire]]. Frodo attempts to make excuses, but Strider seems to know a great deal about Frodo's "secret", claiming that he has a strong interest in ensuring that the secret doesn't get out. Strider adds that he had spotted two [[Black Riders]] passing through Bree earlier.

Frodo laments having left the Hobbits' room at all that evening, and casts aspersions on [[Barliman Butterbur]] for convincing him to go to the common-room. Strider vouches for Barliman's credibility, and acknowledges that he, himself, must look very suspicious as well.

Strider again chides Frodo for putting on [[The One Ring]] earlier, hinting that it would draw more Black Riders to Bree. He warns Frodo about [[Bill Ferny]], the local who'd slipped out of the common-room together with the suspicious southern visitor after Frodo's accident with the Ring.

{{quote|He would sell anything to anybody; or make mischief for amusement.|[[Strider]] on [[Bill Ferny]]}}

Strider explains that he would be a great asset for navigating out of Bree, since the Hobbits would have to avoid the road at all costs. Sam advises against this, warning that Strider may be planning to lead the Hobbits into a trap. Frodo considers this and finally rejects Strider's offer, but presses Strider to reveal more about himself. Strider once again seems pleased that Frodo is erring on the side of caution.

The conversation is cut short when Barliman Butterbur enters, and Strider retreats into the shadows. Barliman says that he now remembers what he had previously forgotten: He was supposed to expect a hobbit named "Baggins" going under the pseudonym "Underhill". He gives a description of Frodo as told to him by [[Gandalf]], whom he claims is his friend. Butterbur apologizes deeply, saying that Gandalf had instructed him to send a letter to [[Hobbiton]], which he forgot to do; only the Hobbits' arrival that night suddenly jogged his memory. He adds that Gandalf asked him to assist "Baggins" if he ever turned up, and to ask no questions of him.

Barliman mentions that Frodo may be in trouble, on account of dark men asking questions about him around Bree. He says that two of these dark men arrived the previous Monday and terrified his assistant. Butterbur turned them away, but they continued snooping around [[Bree-land]] for answers.

Barliman warns Frodo that Strider has also been asking questions about him. Strider steps out of the shadows, alarming Butterbur, who still insists that Frodo shouldn't trust the [[Ranger]]. Barliman implores Frodo to stay in Bree, but Strider advises strongly against this. He reveals that the Black Riders come from a land called "[[Mordor]]", a name which Butterbur recognizes with great alarm.

Strider asks Barliman to forget the name "Baggins". Barliman agrees, but warns that the rumor will get out quickly either way. He promises that he and his assistants will guard the inn that night, and will not let any Black Riders in.

After Barliman leaves, Frodo opens the letter from Gandalf and reads it to himself. In the letter, Gandalf instructs Frodo to leave The Shire before July {{TA|3018}}, and make for [[Rivendell]]. He asks Frodo to leave a message for him with Barliman Butterbur in case they haven't regrouped first. He vouches for both Barliman and for Strider; however he bids Frodo make sure that he encounters the ''real'' Strider, whose true name is Aragorn, adding a riddle that might help:

{{quote|All that is gold does not glitter,    Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither,    Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken,    A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken,    The crownless again shall be king.|The [[Riddle of Strider]]}}

The letter is signed with Gandalf's [[Angerthas]] rune for "G".

Frodo passes the letter to Sam and Pippin. He chides Strider about not revealing that he was Gandalf's friend to begin with. Strider answers that Frodo wouldn't have believed him. He also says he wanted to make sure Frodo was who he claimed to be, first. Finally he confides that he'd secretly hoped Frodo would trust him even without knowing he was Gandalf's friend.

Sam is still suspicious of Strider, suggesting he could've killed the real one and taken his place. Strider replies that if he'd wanted to take The One Ring at all, he could've done so immediately. With that, he springs to his feet and puts a hand on the hilt of his sword, appearing suddenly as a great danger to the Hobbits. However he quickly relaxes, revealing his full name as Aragorn son of [[Arathorn II|Arathorn]], and pledging his life to Frodo's protection.

Finally, Frodo accepts Strider's offer to serve as their guide.

{{quote|You have frightened me several times tonight, but never in the way that servants of the Enemy would, or so I imagine. I think one of his spies would — well, seem fairer and feel fouler, if you understand.|[[Frodo Baggins]] to [[Aragorn]]}}

This prompts Strider to quote the [[Riddle of Strider]], which Frodo recognizes from the letter. Strider says that the riddle is connected to his real name. He pulls out his sword, showing that it is indeed broken. He claims it will soon be time to reforge the sword, as the Riddle foretells.

Strider says he will lead the Hobbits to [[Weathertop]], halfway between Bree and Rivendell. When Frodo asks about Gandalf's whereabouts, Strider replies that he does not know. He tells of how he'd come with Gandalf to the area in the previous spring, and last seen him on [[1 May]], {{TA|3018}}, at the [[Sarn Ford]]. At the time, Gandalf was still expecting Frodo to leave The Shire in September. Thinking that Frodo was safe with Gandalf, Strider went off to take care of another errand. Strider later met [[Gildor Inglorion]], who told him that Frodo had left the Shire. Frodo worries that Gandalf might have been hurt by the Black Riders. Strider reassures him that Gandalf is much more powerful than the Hobbits know him to be.

Pippin is worried about Merry's absence. Just then, Merry returns together with Barliman's assistant [[Nob]]. He warns the others that he had seen a Black Rider here in Bree. Feeling an unexplained urge, he tried following it as it scampered away, but lost it near the south gate. He heard fell voices whispering in the dark, and turned quickly to run back to the inn, but was suddenly knocked out from behind. Nob then explains that he was sent out by Barliman to scout the area, and found Merry with two dark figures looming over him. Nob shouted at the figures, but they disappeared before he could identify them. Nob adds that the event occurred very near Bill Ferny's house.

Strider speculates that Merry had been struck with the "Black Breath", confirming that the Riders are indeed here, and that Bill Ferny and the southerner must have tipped them off. He also suspects [[Harry Goatleaf|Harry the gatekeeper]]'s involvement. He doesn't believe the Riders would attack the inn just yet, and would instead gather their forces first, preferring to attack once the Hobbits leave Bree.

Strider advises the Hobbits not to return to their rooms. Instead, Nob ruffles up their clothes and places them in the Hobbits' beds, under the blankets, to simulate their sleeping bodies. Nob returns to his guard duties while Strider and the Hobbits bar themselves inside the parlour, shuttering the windows. They set up mattresses around the hearth and go to sleep, with Strider propped up in a chair against the door.

==External links==
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/BreeEvents.htm Rough time-line of events in Bree, September 29, SR 1418] by Alcuin
{{title}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]
[[fi:Konkari (TSH)]]

Strider (chapter)

2024-07-21T21:08:28Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a quote at the top.

{{disambig-more|Strider|[[Strider (disambiguation)]]}}{{Quote|All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;
}}{{chapter
| image=Matt Stewart - Strider.jpg
| title=Strider
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=10
| event=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] meets [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].
| date=[[29 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[The Prancing Pony]]
| previous=At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
| next=A Knife in the Dark
}}

'''Strider''' is the tenth chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

In this chapter, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] has a private conversation with [[Strider]], and receives [[Gandalf]]'s letter from [[Barliman Butterbur]]. Strider promises to protect the Hobbits. [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] alerts the others that he had spotted a [[Black Rider]] in [[Bree]].

==Summary==

[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] return to the [[Prancing Pony]]'s parlour to find [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] gone. They kindle the fire, only to discover that [[Strider]] had surreptitiously entered the room with them.

Strider offers Frodo information and advice. In return, he asks that the Hobbits allow him to accompany them until such time that he decides to leave. Frodo asks to know more about Strider before he makes his decision. Strider is pleased with the demand, finding it very prudent.

Strider checks the door to make sure no one is listening in. He reveals that he had seen the Hobbits with [[Tom Bombadil]], and observed them entering [[Bree]]. He'd also heard Frodo warning the others to call him "Underhill" instead of "Baggins", which piqued Strider's curiosity since he had been specifically waiting for a "Frodo Baggins" coming from [[The Shire]]. Frodo attempts to make excuses, but Strider seems to know a great deal about Frodo's "secret", claiming that he has a strong interest in ensuring that the secret doesn't get out. Strider adds that he had spotted two [[Black Riders]] passing through Bree earlier.

Frodo laments having left the Hobbits' room at all that evening, and casts aspersions on [[Barliman Butterbur]] for convincing him to go to the common-room. Strider vouches for Barliman's credibility, and acknowledges that he, himself, must look very suspicious as well.

Strider again chides Frodo for putting on [[The One Ring]] earlier, hinting that it would draw more Black Riders to Bree. He warns Frodo about [[Bill Ferny]], the local who'd slipped out of the common-room together with the suspicious southern visitor after Frodo's accident with the Ring.

{{quote|He would sell anything to anybody; or make mischief for amusement.|[[Strider]] on [[Bill Ferny]]}}

Strider explains that he would be a great asset for navigating out of Bree, since the Hobbits would have to avoid the road at all costs. Sam advises against this, warning that Strider may be planning to lead the Hobbits into a trap. Frodo considers this and finally rejects Strider's offer, but presses Strider to reveal more about himself. Strider once again seems pleased that Frodo is erring on the side of caution.

The conversation is cut short when Barliman Butterbur enters, and Strider retreats into the shadows. Barliman says that he now remembers what he had previously forgotten: He was supposed to expect a hobbit named "Baggins" going under the pseudonym "Underhill". He gives a description of Frodo as told to him by [[Gandalf]], whom he claims is his friend. Butterbur apologizes deeply, saying that Gandalf had instructed him to send a letter to [[Hobbiton]], which he forgot to do; only the Hobbits' arrival that night suddenly jogged his memory. He adds that Gandalf asked him to assist "Baggins" if he ever turned up, and to ask no questions of him.

Barliman mentions that Frodo may be in trouble, on account of dark men asking questions about him around Bree. He says that two of these dark men arrived the previous Monday and terrified his assistant. Butterbur turned them away, but they continued snooping around [[Bree-land]] for answers.

Barliman warns Frodo that Strider has also been asking questions about him. Strider steps out of the shadows, alarming Butterbur, who still insists that Frodo shouldn't trust the [[Ranger]]. Barliman implores Frodo to stay in Bree, but Strider advises strongly against this. He reveals that the Black Riders come from a land called "[[Mordor]]", a name which Butterbur recognizes with great alarm.

Strider asks Barliman to forget the name "Baggins". Barliman agrees, but warns that the rumor will get out quickly either way. He promises that he and his assistants will guard the inn that night, and will not let any Black Riders in.

After Barliman leaves, Frodo opens the letter from Gandalf and reads it to himself. In the letter, Gandalf instructs Frodo to leave The Shire before July {{TA|3018}}, and make for [[Rivendell]]. He asks Frodo to leave a message for him with Barliman Butterbur in case they haven't regrouped first. He vouches for both Barliman and for Strider; however he bids Frodo make sure that he encounters the ''real'' Strider, whose true name is Aragorn, adding a riddle that might help:

{{quote|All that is gold does not glitter,    Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither,    Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken,    A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken,    The crownless again shall be king.|The [[Riddle of Strider]]}}

The letter is signed with Gandalf's [[Angerthas]] rune for "G".

Frodo passes the letter to Sam and Pippin. He chides Strider about not revealing that he was Gandalf's friend to begin with. Strider answers that Frodo wouldn't have believed him. He also says he wanted to make sure Frodo was who he claimed to be, first. Finally he confides that he'd secretly hoped Frodo would trust him even without knowing he was Gandalf's friend.

Sam is still suspicious of Strider, suggesting he could've killed the real one and taken his place. Strider replies that if he'd wanted to take The One Ring at all, he could've done so immediately. With that, he springs to his feet and puts a hand on the hilt of his sword, appearing suddenly as a great danger to the Hobbits. However he quickly relaxes, revealing his full name as Aragorn son of [[Arathorn II|Arathorn]], and pledging his life to Frodo's protection.

Finally, Frodo accepts Strider's offer to serve as their guide.

{{quote|You have frightened me several times tonight, but never in the way that servants of the Enemy would, or so I imagine. I think one of his spies would — well, seem fairer and feel fouler, if you understand.|[[Frodo Baggins]] to [[Aragorn]]}}

This prompts Strider to quote the [[Riddle of Strider]], which Frodo recognizes from the letter. Strider says that the riddle is connected to his real name. He pulls out his sword, showing that it is indeed broken. He claims it will soon be time to reforge the sword, as the Riddle foretells.

Strider says he will lead the Hobbits to [[Weathertop]], halfway between Bree and Rivendell. When Frodo asks about Gandalf's whereabouts, Strider replies that he does not know. He tells of how he'd come with Gandalf to the area in the previous spring, and last seen him on [[1 May]], {{TA|3018}}, at the [[Sarn Ford]]. At the time, Gandalf was still expecting Frodo to leave The Shire in September. Thinking that Frodo was safe with Gandalf, Strider went off to take care of another errand. Strider later met [[Gildor Inglorion]], who told him that Frodo had left the Shire. Frodo worries that Gandalf might have been hurt by the Black Riders. Strider reassures him that Gandalf is much more powerful than the Hobbits know him to be.

Pippin is worried about Merry's absence. Just then, Merry returns together with Barliman's assistant [[Nob]]. He warns the others that he had seen a Black Rider here in Bree. Feeling an unexplained urge, he tried following it as it scampered away, but lost it near the south gate. He heard fell voices whispering in the dark, and turned quickly to run back to the inn, but was suddenly knocked out from behind. Nob then explains that he was sent out by Barliman to scout the area, and found Merry with two dark figures looming over him. Nob shouted at the figures, but they disappeared before he could identify them. Nob adds that the event occurred very near Bill Ferny's house.

Strider speculates that Merry had been struck with the "Black Breath", confirming that the Riders are indeed here, and that Bill Ferny and the southerner must have tipped them off. He also suspects [[Harry Goatleaf|Harry the gatekeeper]]'s involvement. He doesn't believe the Riders would attack the inn just yet, and would instead gather their forces first, preferring to attack once the Hobbits leave Bree.

Strider advises the Hobbits not to return to their rooms. Instead, Nob ruffles up their clothes and places them in the Hobbits' beds, under the blankets, to simulate their sleeping bodies. Nob returns to his guard duties while Strider and the Hobbits bar themselves inside the parlour, shuttering the windows. They set up mattresses around the hearth and go to sleep, with Strider propped up in a chair against the door.

==External links==
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/BreeEvents.htm Rough time-line of events in Bree, September 29, SR 1418] by Alcuin
{{title}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]
[[fi:Konkari (TSH)]]

Fog on the Barrow-downs

2024-07-21T21:07:05Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed quote.

{{Quote|There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow.}}{{chapter
| image=Paul Raymond Gregory - Fog on the Barrow Downs.jpg
| title=Fog on the Barrow-Downs
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=8
| event=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and his companions are captured by [[Barrow-wights]]; they are rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].
| date=[[28 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[Barrow-downs]]
| previous=In the House of Tom Bombadil
| next=At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
}}

'''Fog on the Barrow-downs''' is the eighth chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

The [[Hobbits]] journey to the [[Barrow-downs]], where they get lost and are captured by the [[Barrow-wights]]. [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] summons [[Tom Bombadil]], who rescues them and finds them each a sword from the Barrow-wights' stolen treasure. The Hobbits say farewell to Tom and set out towards [[Bree]].

==Summary==

The [[Hobbits]] sleep well that night at [[Tom Bombadil]]'s house. [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dreams of singing, rain, and grassy meadows. In the morning, the Hobbits once again eat breakfast alone. Tom bids them farewell, and they ride northwards towards the [[Barrow-downs]].

As they leave, Frodo suddenly remembers that they haven't said farewell to [[Goldberry]]; however she appears at the top of the hill ahead of them, dancing. They make their way to her, and observe that the mists that previously shrouded the landscape have cleared away, giving them a view all the way to the [[Brandywine]] to the west, [[Withywindle]] to the south, and even a hint of the [[Misty Mountains]] to the east. The Hobbits bow silently to Goldberry and proceed; she watches them until they are nearly out of sight.

The Hobbits continue over and around the hills in a north-eastward direction. Climbing up a taller hill, they see to the north what Merry identifies as a row of trees, marking the [[East Road]] as it runs east from the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. This surprises the Hobbits, as it would mean they had covered a much greater distance than they'd assumed. To their direct east they spot green mounds on top of the hills, marked with tall standing stones that make them somewhat uneasy. Below them in a small hollow is another such stone, and they rest upon its eastern side and eat the food given to them by Tom.

The heat of the midday sun quickly exhausts the Hobbits; they lose track of time and fall asleep. When they wake, they are horrified to discover that the sun is already setting, and the area has become covered in a thick fog, seemingly centered on the standing stone. They scramble onto their ponies and set off northwards immediately, hoping to go straight towards the trees they had seen earlier. The mist becomes colder and damper as they proceed, and darkness quickly falls.

The Hobbits ride in single file so as not to become separated in the dark mist, with Frodo at the front. He reaches what he thinks is the opening at the northern end of the Barrow-downs, only to discover that he'd reached a pair of huge standing stones he had not seen earlier from the hilltop. His pony rears up, throws him off, and runs away. Frodo discovers that he is completely alone.

Frodo calls out to his companions, and eventually hears someone calling out to him from the east. The call turns into a desperate cry for help, and finally falls silent. Frodo finds himself at the top of a hill, still surrounded by the thick fog. He realizes that he'd been going the wrong way, and is now standing in front of one of the great barrows.

Frodo calls out one last time, and is answered by a shrill voice that seems to come from the ground itself:

{{quote|Here! I am waiting for you!"|[[Barrow-wights|Mysterious voice]]}}

Frodo tries to run, but instead loses his strength and falls to the ground. He sees a dark figure staring down at him with cold, glowing eyes. The figure grips him like cold iron, and he falls unconscious.

Frodo wakes up to find himself lying on a stone slab inside the barrow. He immediately realizes that he has been taken by a [[Barrow-wight]], and is held motionless by its evil spell. He finds himself thinking about [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the little adventures they'd had together, and begins to wonder if this is the grim end to his adventure; however this gives him courage, and helps ward off the Wight's spell, allowing him to move a little.

Frodo notices an eerie glow emanating around him. He turns over, seeing [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] lying on stone slabs beside him. They are motionless and pale like the freshly-deceased, and are dressed in white robes, wearing golden crowns, with treasures strewn about them. A single, long sword lies naked across their necks.

Frodo begins to hear a murmuring song, an evil incantation, filling the chamber:

{{quote|Cold be hand and heart and bone, and cold be sleep under stone: never more to wake on stony bed, never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead. In the black wind the stars shall die, and still on gold here let them lie, till the dark lord lifts up his hand over dead sea and withered land.|[[Cold_Be_Hand_and_Heart_and_Bone|The Barrow-wight's Chant]]}}

Frodo spots a pale light coming from a passage at the back of the chamber. Through the passage comes a long arm, which crawls on its fingertips towards Sam. For a moment, Frodo considers putting on [[The One Ring]], escaping the barrow and abandoning his friends. He fights this desire, and eventually prevails. He leaps off the stone slab, grabbing a sword that was lying next to him, and hacks the hand off the ghostly arm. His sword shatters.

Frodo attempts to wake Merry, but to no avail. Suddenly, he remembers the song that Tom Bombadil had taught the Hobbits the night before, and begins singing it. Soon enough, he hears Tom's voice approaching, singing the next verse of his song. The wall of the barrow collapses, and sunlight streams in. Through the opening comes Tom Bombadil. He begins to sing a song commanding the Wights to disperse from this evil place. The sleeping Hobbits begin to stir.

Frodo and Tom carry the other Hobbits out of the barrow and into the morning sun. On the final trip inside, Frodo believes he saw the Wight's severed hand still wriggling. Finally, Tom goes in one last time and emerges with a pile of treasure, which he lays out on the grass.

Tom sings once again, commanding the Hobbits to wake up. As Merry regains consciousness, he initially seems to believe that he is one of the kings laid to rest in the barrow, and even recounts the final moments of his life. He quickly returns to himself.

Sam inquires as to the whereabouts of his clothes. Tom says that the clothes are lost forever, but bids the Hobbits take off the funeral shrouds that the Wight's spell had put on them and run naked through the grass, celebrating life. They do as he asked.

Tom dances away, singing the names of six ponies, calling them to return. He soon reappears with the Hobbits' five ponies, and a new, larger one called [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He explains that this is his pony, which he will ride as he accompanies the Hobbits to the East Road. The narrator tells us that the other five ponies (all owned by Merry) had previously had no names, but will answer the names that Tom gave them for the rest of their lives.

The Hobbits retrieve spare clothes from their saddle packs, and sit down to have a meal. As they do, Tom returns to the treasure pile. He says that the treasure is now free for all takers, and explains that this would break the Wight's haunting of the barrow. For himself, he picks a brilliant brooch, which he intends to give as a gift to Goldberry.

Tom then takes four leaf-shaped daggers from the pile, and hands one to each Hobbit to use as a short-sword. The daggers look brand new, but Tom explains that they were made by the [[Men of Westernesse]], a very long time ago. He says that these Men were once the enemies of [[Sauron]], but were defeated by the evil king of [[Carn Dûm]] in the land of [[Angmar]]. As Tom tells this story, the Hobbits appear to experience a vision in which they see a shadowy army marching across the Barrow-downs, and behind them a man with a star on his brow.

The Hobbits and Tom Bombadil set out northwards. Frodo looks for the two huge standing stones he'd encountered earlier, but sees them nowhere. Soon enough, they reach the gap at the northern edge of the downs. They quickly realize that they could never have reached it before nightfall on the previous day. What they thought were the trees lining the East Road was nothing more than a hedge at the top of an artificial ditch, which Tom says is the border of a long-gone kingdom.

As evening falls, the Hobbits finally reach the East Road, and immediately recall the danger of the [[Black Riders]] which had been forgotten days before. Tom explains that down the road to the east lies the village of [[Bree]]. He instructs them to look for [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of the [[Prancing Pony]] inn, vouching for his character. The Hobbits beg Tom to come have a drink with them at the inn, but Tom refuses, saying that this is the edge of his country; and that he must return to Goldberry. He bids them farewell and rides off, singing.

Night falls as the Hobbits ride towards Bree. Merry explains that both Hobbits and Men live there, and that [[Brandybucks]] visit the village occasionally as well. Sam hopes that the Prancing Pony will be similar to the [[Green Dragon]] back home. Frodo reminds the others that he is to be addressed by the name "Underhill", to keep his identity secret.

The chapter ends with the Hobbits finally spotting the village ahead, and make their way towards it through the darkness.

==Composition==
The chapter contains the phrase "[[Wiktionary:glister|glistered]] and sparkled on the grass". The typists miread [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s "r" as "n" and typed ''[[Wiktionary:glisten|glistened]]'', which has been twice corrected back to ''glistered'' by Tolkien and printed correctly in the first edition of [[1954]]; however it was reverted back to its mistaken form in the unauthorised resetting of the ''Fellowship'', and failed to be noticed in subsequent editions. The process has been detected by Steve Frisby, and it was finally corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th Anniversary Edition]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, pp. xlii, xliii</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]
[[fi:Sumua Hautakeroilla (TSH)]]

Fog on the Barrow-downs

2024-07-21T21:06:48Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a quote at the top.

{{Quote|There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow.
}}{{chapter
| image=Paul Raymond Gregory - Fog on the Barrow Downs.jpg
| title=Fog on the Barrow-Downs
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=8
| event=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and his companions are captured by [[Barrow-wights]]; they are rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].
| date=[[28 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[Barrow-downs]]
| previous=In the House of Tom Bombadil
| next=At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
}}

'''Fog on the Barrow-downs''' is the eighth chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

The [[Hobbits]] journey to the [[Barrow-downs]], where they get lost and are captured by the [[Barrow-wights]]. [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] summons [[Tom Bombadil]], who rescues them and finds them each a sword from the Barrow-wights' stolen treasure. The Hobbits say farewell to Tom and set out towards [[Bree]].

==Summary==

The [[Hobbits]] sleep well that night at [[Tom Bombadil]]'s house. [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dreams of singing, rain, and grassy meadows. In the morning, the Hobbits once again eat breakfast alone. Tom bids them farewell, and they ride northwards towards the [[Barrow-downs]].

As they leave, Frodo suddenly remembers that they haven't said farewell to [[Goldberry]]; however she appears at the top of the hill ahead of them, dancing. They make their way to her, and observe that the mists that previously shrouded the landscape have cleared away, giving them a view all the way to the [[Brandywine]] to the west, [[Withywindle]] to the south, and even a hint of the [[Misty Mountains]] to the east. The Hobbits bow silently to Goldberry and proceed; she watches them until they are nearly out of sight.

The Hobbits continue over and around the hills in a north-eastward direction. Climbing up a taller hill, they see to the north what Merry identifies as a row of trees, marking the [[East Road]] as it runs east from the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. This surprises the Hobbits, as it would mean they had covered a much greater distance than they'd assumed. To their direct east they spot green mounds on top of the hills, marked with tall standing stones that make them somewhat uneasy. Below them in a small hollow is another such stone, and they rest upon its eastern side and eat the food given to them by Tom.

The heat of the midday sun quickly exhausts the Hobbits; they lose track of time and fall asleep. When they wake, they are horrified to discover that the sun is already setting, and the area has become covered in a thick fog, seemingly centered on the standing stone. They scramble onto their ponies and set off northwards immediately, hoping to go straight towards the trees they had seen earlier. The mist becomes colder and damper as they proceed, and darkness quickly falls.

The Hobbits ride in single file so as not to become separated in the dark mist, with Frodo at the front. He reaches what he thinks is the opening at the northern end of the Barrow-downs, only to discover that he'd reached a pair of huge standing stones he had not seen earlier from the hilltop. His pony rears up, throws him off, and runs away. Frodo discovers that he is completely alone.

Frodo calls out to his companions, and eventually hears someone calling out to him from the east. The call turns into a desperate cry for help, and finally falls silent. Frodo finds himself at the top of a hill, still surrounded by the thick fog. He realizes that he'd been going the wrong way, and is now standing in front of one of the great barrows.

Frodo calls out one last time, and is answered by a shrill voice that seems to come from the ground itself:

{{quote|Here! I am waiting for you!"|[[Barrow-wights|Mysterious voice]]}}

Frodo tries to run, but instead loses his strength and falls to the ground. He sees a dark figure staring down at him with cold, glowing eyes. The figure grips him like cold iron, and he falls unconscious.

Frodo wakes up to find himself lying on a stone slab inside the barrow. He immediately realizes that he has been taken by a [[Barrow-wight]], and is held motionless by its evil spell. He finds himself thinking about [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the little adventures they'd had together, and begins to wonder if this is the grim end to his adventure; however this gives him courage, and helps ward off the Wight's spell, allowing him to move a little.

Frodo notices an eerie glow emanating around him. He turns over, seeing [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] lying on stone slabs beside him. They are motionless and pale like the freshly-deceased, and are dressed in white robes, wearing golden crowns, with treasures strewn about them. A single, long sword lies naked across their necks.

Frodo begins to hear a murmuring song, an evil incantation, filling the chamber:

{{quote|Cold be hand and heart and bone, and cold be sleep under stone: never more to wake on stony bed, never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead. In the black wind the stars shall die, and still on gold here let them lie, till the dark lord lifts up his hand over dead sea and withered land.|[[Cold_Be_Hand_and_Heart_and_Bone|The Barrow-wight's Chant]]}}

Frodo spots a pale light coming from a passage at the back of the chamber. Through the passage comes a long arm, which crawls on its fingertips towards Sam. For a moment, Frodo considers putting on [[The One Ring]], escaping the barrow and abandoning his friends. He fights this desire, and eventually prevails. He leaps off the stone slab, grabbing a sword that was lying next to him, and hacks the hand off the ghostly arm. His sword shatters.

Frodo attempts to wake Merry, but to no avail. Suddenly, he remembers the song that Tom Bombadil had taught the Hobbits the night before, and begins singing it. Soon enough, he hears Tom's voice approaching, singing the next verse of his song. The wall of the barrow collapses, and sunlight streams in. Through the opening comes Tom Bombadil. He begins to sing a song commanding the Wights to disperse from this evil place. The sleeping Hobbits begin to stir.

Frodo and Tom carry the other Hobbits out of the barrow and into the morning sun. On the final trip inside, Frodo believes he saw the Wight's severed hand still wriggling. Finally, Tom goes in one last time and emerges with a pile of treasure, which he lays out on the grass.

Tom sings once again, commanding the Hobbits to wake up. As Merry regains consciousness, he initially seems to believe that he is one of the kings laid to rest in the barrow, and even recounts the final moments of his life. He quickly returns to himself.

Sam inquires as to the whereabouts of his clothes. Tom says that the clothes are lost forever, but bids the Hobbits take off the funeral shrouds that the Wight's spell had put on them and run naked through the grass, celebrating life. They do as he asked.

Tom dances away, singing the names of six ponies, calling them to return. He soon reappears with the Hobbits' five ponies, and a new, larger one called [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He explains that this is his pony, which he will ride as he accompanies the Hobbits to the East Road. The narrator tells us that the other five ponies (all owned by Merry) had previously had no names, but will answer the names that Tom gave them for the rest of their lives.

The Hobbits retrieve spare clothes from their saddle packs, and sit down to have a meal. As they do, Tom returns to the treasure pile. He says that the treasure is now free for all takers, and explains that this would break the Wight's haunting of the barrow. For himself, he picks a brilliant brooch, which he intends to give as a gift to Goldberry.

Tom then takes four leaf-shaped daggers from the pile, and hands one to each Hobbit to use as a short-sword. The daggers look brand new, but Tom explains that they were made by the [[Men of Westernesse]], a very long time ago. He says that these Men were once the enemies of [[Sauron]], but were defeated by the evil king of [[Carn Dûm]] in the land of [[Angmar]]. As Tom tells this story, the Hobbits appear to experience a vision in which they see a shadowy army marching across the Barrow-downs, and behind them a man with a star on his brow.

The Hobbits and Tom Bombadil set out northwards. Frodo looks for the two huge standing stones he'd encountered earlier, but sees them nowhere. Soon enough, they reach the gap at the northern edge of the downs. They quickly realize that they could never have reached it before nightfall on the previous day. What they thought were the trees lining the East Road was nothing more than a hedge at the top of an artificial ditch, which Tom says is the border of a long-gone kingdom.

As evening falls, the Hobbits finally reach the East Road, and immediately recall the danger of the [[Black Riders]] which had been forgotten days before. Tom explains that down the road to the east lies the village of [[Bree]]. He instructs them to look for [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of the [[Prancing Pony]] inn, vouching for his character. The Hobbits beg Tom to come have a drink with them at the inn, but Tom refuses, saying that this is the edge of his country; and that he must return to Goldberry. He bids them farewell and rides off, singing.

Night falls as the Hobbits ride towards Bree. Merry explains that both Hobbits and Men live there, and that [[Brandybucks]] visit the village occasionally as well. Sam hopes that the Prancing Pony will be similar to the [[Green Dragon]] back home. Frodo reminds the others that he is to be addressed by the name "Underhill", to keep his identity secret.

The chapter ends with the Hobbits finally spotting the village ahead, and make their way towards it through the darkness.

==Composition==
The chapter contains the phrase "[[Wiktionary:glister|glistered]] and sparkled on the grass". The typists miread [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s "r" as "n" and typed ''[[Wiktionary:glisten|glistened]]'', which has been twice corrected back to ''glistered'' by Tolkien and printed correctly in the first edition of [[1954]]; however it was reverted back to its mistaken form in the unauthorised resetting of the ''Fellowship'', and failed to be noticed in subsequent editions. The process has been detected by Steve Frisby, and it was finally corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th Anniversary Edition]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, pp. xlii, xliii</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]
[[fi:Sumua Hautakeroilla (TSH)]]

Three is Company

2024-07-21T21:04:26Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a quote at the top.

{{chapter
| image=Peter Xavier Price - Meeting with the Elves.jpg
| title=Three is Company
| book=The Fellowship of the Ring
| number=3
| event=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] journey through [[the Shire]] and meet [[Gildor]].
| date=[[23 September|23]]-[[24 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}
| location=[[The Shire]]
| previous=The Shadow of the Past
| next=A Short Cut to Mushrooms
}}

{{quote|‘And it is also said,’ answered Frodo: ‘Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.’

‘Is it indeed?’ laughed Gildor. ‘Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.’|}}

'''Three is Company''' is the third chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

In this chapter [[Frodo Baggins]] leaves [[Hobbiton]] with [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Peregrin Took]], headed for [[Crickhollow]]. Along they way they evade a [[Black Rider]], and later meet a party of [[Elves]] led by [[Gildor Inglorion]].

==Summary==
[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Gandalf]] conclude their conversation about [[The One Ring]]. Frodo decides to leave [[The Shire]] immediately after his upcoming fiftieth birthday ([[22 September]], {{TA|3018}}). Gandalf suggests heading to [[Rivendell]]. Gandalf also suggests coming up with some plausible excuse to leave the Shire, and obfuscating the direction of the intended voyage in order to confuse any pursuers.

With the help of his cousin [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], Frodo purchases a small house in [[Crickhollow]], publicly pretending that he plans to settle there permanently. He then sells [[Bag End]] to [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins]]. Rumour around [[Hobbiton]] suggests that Frodo has run out of money and had to go live with his relatives. Some others insist that Frodo is only leaving because of some dark plot perpetrated by [[Gandalf]].

[[Gandalf]] stays at [[Bag End]] for two months while Frodo prepares. In late June of 3018 he suddenly announces that he'll be leaving immediately to go look into something beyond the southern borders of the Shire - refusing to specify what. He promises Frodo that he'll be back by 22 September; however, by September there's been no sign of him. [[Fredegar Bolger]], [[Folco Boffin]], [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] help Frodo pack up his belongings, and on 22 September Frodo holds a small birthday party for them at Bag End.

By next morning, Gandalf has not yet arrived. Frodo decides to wait until nightfall, but no further. In the meanwhile, Merry and Fatty ride out to Buckland with the last of the packs, to get the house ready in advance of Frodo's arrival. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins and her son [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] come to Bag End, even though it would not be theirs until midnight. They receive Frodo's spare key and leave in a huff. Frodo has one last meal at the house with Pippin and Sam before sundown. Sam has arranged to go with Frodo to Crickhollow under the pretense that he will be helping Frodo with his new garden for a while.

Frodo takes one last stroll outside, hoping that Gandalf might suddenly appear. He overhears [[Gaffer Gamgee]] speaking with some unknown, shrill-voiced individual. The Gaffer tells the unseen stranger that Frodo has already sold the house and gone off to [[Bucklebury]]. Frodo, Sam and Pippin leave Bag End after dark, through the fields instead of the main road.

The party heads out of Hobbiton, climbing a hill overlooking the town where Frodo gives it a final farewell. The party continues on in the direction of the [[Bucklebury Ferry]], until at Pippin's insistence they finally stop to sleep in the roots of a large fir tree.

The next morning the Hobbits continue onward along a narrow road. At lunch, Frodo spontaneously begins to sing "[[The Road Goes Ever On (song)|The Road Goes Ever On]]", though he doesn't know how or why he remembers the words.

By the afternoon, the three Hobbits reach [[Woody End]]. Behind them on the road, Sam hears a horse or pony approaching. Not wanting to be seen by strangers, Frodo resolves to hide from sight; reasoning that if it happens to be Gandalf coming, they could surprise him. The three Hobbits hide on the sides of the road - though for a moment Frodo feels some unexplained reluctance to do so. A large black horse appears on the road, ridden by a large man wrapped in black cloaks, his face shrouded in deep shadow under a black hood. The horse stops very near to Frodo, and the man appears to sniff the air as if searching for a scent. Frodo is almost tempted to use the Ring to disappear from sight, but before he can do so the rider hurries his horse up the road and disappears.

Frodo and Pippin wonder where the rider had come from and what he was looking for. Sam pipes up, saying that he'd talked with his Gaffer the previous night, and was told that a man had come around to ask questions about "Baggins". Sam says that the man described by the Gaffer seems to match the description of this rider. Frodo laments not waiting for Gandalf, but then realizes that waiting any longer might've put him in even more danger.

The Hobbits continue along the road, but keep their distance from it. After nightfall their fears begin to wane, and they sing [[A Walking Song|a walking song]] that Bilbo had once written. Suddenly, they once again hear hooves, and again dive for cover. A shadowy figure on a horse appears on the road, sniffing the air. It seems to fall off its horse to sniff the ground where the Hobbits had stood moments before, and then starts crawling directly towards Frodo's hiding place. Frodo feels an even stronger urge this time to put on the Ring, groping at it in his pocket. At that very moment they all hear the sounds of song and laughter. The dark figure quickly withdraws to its horse and disappears into the trees.

Sam exclaims that these are the voices of Elves, and nearly goes running towards them before being stopped by the other two Hobbits. The voices approach, with one voice being heard more clearly above the others as it sings the [[Elven Hymn to Elbereth]]. Frodo recognizes the name of Elbereth and concludes that these are [[High Elves]]. The Hobbits remain hidden and let the Elves pass, seeing them as though bathed in mysterious moonlight on a moonless night. The Elf bringing up the rear then stops and addresses Frodo by name, wondering what Hobbits might be doing along the road at this time of the night.

Frodo asks the Elf how he knows his name. The Elf introduces himself as [[Gildor Inglorion]] of the [[House of Finrod]], and says that his party are some of the last [[Ñoldor|Exiles]] remaining in Middle-earth, [[Wandering Companies|wandering the land]], destined to some day leave across the [[Great Sea]]. He tells Frodo that the Elves had observed him with Bilbo on occasion, though he never noticed their presence.

Frodo asks whether the Hobbits could walk with the Elves for company. The Elves laugh at this proposal, calling Hobbits "dull". Pippin suddenly interjects and asks the Elves to tell them about the Black Riders. The Elves turn serious as they hear the account of the Hobbits' encounters with two such riders. They tell the Hobbits to accompany them to a hill overlooking Woodhall, where they can sleep safely through the night. Gildor beseeches the Hobbits not to speak any secrets. Frodo thanks Gildor and utters a blessing in [[Quenya]] that he had learned from Bilbo:

{{quote|[[Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo]], a star shines on the hour of our meeting.|[[Frodo Baggins]]}}

The party proceeds in complete silence towards the hill Gildor spoke of. Sam is overtaken with joy at finally meeting Elves. They finally reach the hill and make camp. The Hobbits quickly fall asleep as the Elves converse among themselves in hushed voices.

Suddenly, the Elves burst into song and the trees glow with the light of a fire. The Hobbits are awoken and taken to a clearing in the wood, resembling a great hall of trees. The Elves dance and sing around a fire, providing the Hobbits with exquisite foods and a clear and golden draught. Frodo continues to impress the Elves by speaking what few words he knows in Quenya. Pippin quickly falls asleep again, and is placed by the Elves in a soft bed. Sam refuses to leave Frodo, falling asleep at his feet.

Frodo has a long conversation with Gildor. They speak of current events and history, and Gildor even mentions that he'd seen Bilbo twice since he left the Shire, though he does not elaborate. Gildor seems to have a general sense of Frodo's mission, though he doesn't know any of the details. He refuses to explain the Black Riders, arguing that if Gandalf hadn't told Frodo about them, he might be better off not knowing just yet. Frodo complains about the sudden danger that has overcome his homelands, but Gildor reminds him that he shares his land with creatures who had been there much longer than Hobbits.

{{quote|The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourself in, but you cannot for ever fence it out.|[[Gildor Inglorion]]}}

Frodo tells Gildor that Gandalf has missed the rendezvous and has not been seen for quite some time, asking Gildor for advice on how to proceed. Gildor becomes quite worried at this news, but tells Frodo that it is his decision whether to wait or continue on. Frodo retorts with an old saying:

{{quote|Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.|[[Frodo Baggins]]}}

This amuses Gildor, who finally relents and tells Frodo that he should probably continue on his way as soon as possible. He urges Frodo not to go on alone. He still refuses to explain the Black Riders, but stresses the danger that they pose as "servants of the Enemy". When Frodo asks Gildor for reassurance, Gildor replies:

{{quote|Courage is found in unlikely places.|[[Gildor Inglorion]]}}

Gildor dubs Frodo an "[[Elf-friend]]", and promises that any passing Wandering Company of Elves will watch over him and render assistance if they can. Frodo becomes sleepy, and is guided to a soft bed next to Pippin's, where he falls soundly asleep.

[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]
[[fi:Kolme kumppanusta (TSH)]]

Riddles in the Dark

2024-07-21T20:58:46Z

ProjetoTolkien: Fixed quote.

{{Quote|“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”}}{{chapter
|names=Riddles in the Dark
|map=
|image=David T. Wenzel - Bilbo finds the One Ring.jpg
|event=Bilbo finds [[The One Ring]] and meets [[Gollum]]
|book=The Hobbit
|title=Riddles in the Dark
|number=5
|location=[[Gollum's lake]]
|date=[[10 July|10]]—[[12 July]] {{TA|2941}}
|previous=Over Hill and Under Hill
|next=Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire
}}

'''Riddles in the Dark''' is the 5th chapter in ''[[The Hobbit]]''. In [[1951]] [[Allen and Unwin]] published a second edition of ''The Hobbit'' in which [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] substantially revised this chapter to bring the story of the [[The One Ring|ring]] and the character [[Gollum]] more into line with the forthcoming [[The Lord of the Rings|"New Hobbit"]].<ref group="note">For the publication history of ''The Hobbit'' see: {{HM|AH}}, "Introduction", pp. 1-25; [[Corey Olsen]], ''[[Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit]]'', "Introduction", pp. 1-15. To see how the original text compares with the revised text see: {{HM|AH}}, "Riddles in the Dark", pp. 115-36 (esp. notes 25 and 32). For an exploration of the re-writing of "Riddles in the Dark" see: {{HH|1947}}, pp. 731-62.</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Second edition===
After waking up in the dark goblin tunnels, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] discovers that he was all alone. He fumbles about on all fours, and he soon finds a little [[The One Ring|golden ring]], which he puts into his pocket almost without thinking. Through searching his pockets, he finds the [[Sting|dagger]] he had found in the troll hoard, and discovers by its pale glow that it too was an Elvish blade, and that goblins are around, but not close enough to worry about. He decides that his only choice is to go forward, so he travels down the goblin tunnel.

Bilbo's way is soon obstructed by an icy pool in the path, but before he could collect his wits, he is met by [[Gollum]], a dark creature, living down in the pool, who used his luminous eyes to catch fish, and always talked to himself, calling himself "my precious". He thought Bilbo might make a tasty treat, but he didn't want to attack while Bilbo was carrying a weapon. To gain time, he challenges Bilbo to a [[Riddle-game|game of riddles]], with very dangerous terms: if Gollum asked a riddle Bilbo could not answer, he would have to allow himself to be eaten. However, if Bilbo asked a riddle Gollum could not answer, he promised to show the hobbit the way out. Seeing that he had no choice, Bilbo agrees, and the two exchange several riddles, each getting harder and harder. At last, Bilbo is unable to think of a riddle, though Gollum presses him to ask just one more. Feeling about his pockets, he finds the ring he had found earlier and had forgotten about, and asks out loud to himself, "What have I got in my pocket?". Gollum is outraged, thinking it is a riddle, so Bilbo chooses it as his last riddle. Gollum guesses wrong three times, and is now forced to show Bilbo the way out.

[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''The Riddle Game'' by [[Darrell Sweet]].]]

However, years in the darkness had blackened Gollum's heart and made him sneaky. He asks Bilbo to be patient; he has to get necessary supplies, a "birthday present", as he said. As he paddles off, Bilbo thinks Gollum was not going to come back, but he is wrong. Away on the island in the middle of the lake on which he lived, Gollum kept something very precious: a magic, gold ring. Wearing it made the user invisible, and he often used it when he wanted to eat goblin instead of fish. With it, Gollum would be able to strike Bilbo without him knowing what had hit him. However, when Gollum returns to his cave, he finds that the ring has disappeared (he wore the ring a few hours earlier to catch a goblin, and didn't realise that he dropped it in a tunnel on his way back). His blood-curdling shriek sends shudders down Bilbo's spine, though he is not sure what was happening. Getting annoyed at the delay, and though Gollum pleads that he had to keep searching, Bilbo reminds him that he had never answered his last riddle. Suddenly, Gollum's mind jumps to a suspicious guess, and he demands the answer to Bilbo's riddle. He speeds back toward the shore, ready to murder the hobbit and reclaim his "precious".

Realizing that he is in danger, Bilbo runs back up the tunnel and puts his hand in his pocket, the ring slipping onto his finger. He trips on a snag and falls, but Gollum passed him, much to his surprise. Quietly, he listens to Gollum cursing Bilbo and now guessing that he had found his "birthday present". Through his talk, Bilbo deduces that Gollum's "precious" was a magic ring that made the wearer invisible, but Gollum did not think Bilbo knew what it did, and was "tricksy", saying that he did not know the way out, but knew a way in, so he must be off to the "back door". Gollum quickly runs off to head him off, Bilbo following quietly behind. Gollum stops at a low opening, but the loathsome creature stops right there, because he could sense goblins. To make matters worse, he is now aware that Bilbo might have been behind him, and ready for an attempt at escape. Bilbo, frantic to escape, thinks of stabbing Gollum and killing him, but when he considered how miserable the creature really was, he was moved to pity. Instead of killing him, he leaps over his head before Gollum could snatch at him. As he speeds off, Gollum's rage-filled cries echoes: "Thief! Thief! Baggins! We hates it! We hates it forever!"

At the end of the tunnel, Bilbo is relieved to see real sunlight, but forgets his joy when he sees armoured goblins watching the giant door it came through, and somehow, the ring has slipped off his finger and made him visible. Before they could catch him, he puts it back on and vanishes. As the angry goblins frantically search for him, he slips past them and reaches the door, but it was only open a crack. He tries to squeeze through, but he got his buttons caught in the space between the door and door-post. The goblins spot his shadow, but before they can catch him, Bilbo tears loose, ripping his buttons off, and allowing him to hurry out of the tunnels and back into the open. Bilbo had escaped out of the [[Misty Mountains]]!

===First edition===
[[File:Tim Kirk - Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''Riddle Game'' by Tim Kirk]]
Upon opening his eyes, Bilbo saw, heard, and felt nothing (except for the wall and the floor). He groped about on all fours, eventually finding a ring of metal on the floor; he put it in his pocket but it didn't help much. Miserable, he felt for his pipe and ''baccy'' pouch, both of which he found; however his hopes shattered as he failed to find any matches about himself. He then came across the hilt of his sword - acquired from the [[Trolls' lair]] - and upon drawing it he noticed that it shone dimly. Bilbo was comforted that he wore a blade of Gondolin, a place "which so many songs used to sing". Bilbo decided to get up and start moving forwards, with the sword in one hand and one hand feeling the wall.

Eventually, Bilbo felt icy cold water about his feet; he had stumbled across - what turned out to be - [[Gollum's lake]]. [[Gollum]] soon made his presence known to Bilbo, terrifying him. Gollum was curious about the hobbit, deciding to appear friendly whilst he considered whether Bilbo was alone, and whether he would be good to eat. Gollum soon suggested a game riddles; if Gollum won he would eat the Hobbit, if he lost he would give Bilbo a present. With some luck on his side, Bilbo managed to defeat Gollum; Gollum was not best pleased with the fairness of the winning riddle: "what have I got in my pocket?".

Obeying his promise to Bilbo, Gollum went back to his island to fetch Bilbo's present. To his horror, he could not find it; the present in question was [[The One Ring|a ring]] which he had been given as a birthday present. Bilbo worked this out, but thought that it was best not to tell Gollum that he already had his present. Instead he asked the pardon-begging Gollum if he would show him the way out as an alternative.

Together they went down the passages; Bilbo was very quiet, whilst Gollum was "flip-flapping along". Momentarily, Bilbo slipped on the ring, surprising Gollum as he lost sight of him. Eventually they came to the right passage ("six right, four left"), and it was here the two departed - Bilbo was quite glad of it.

Bilbo went down the new passage, eventually seeing a glimmer of day light from around the corner. He ran around the corner and first saw that the light was coming through a door, slightly open. He blinked and then saw goblins in full armour with swords - they saw him too. By accident or by some presence of mind, he slipped on the ring, disappearing from the sight of the goblins. He snook behind a big barrel as the goblins burst into activity trying to find him. Eventually he ran for the door, dodging countless goblins; he was knocked over by a confused goblin, slipped between the legs of a big goblin and ran for the door. He squeezed, but got stuck. Suddenly a goblin shouted "There's a shadow by the door, Somebody's outside!". Terrified, Bilbo burst his way through, letting his buttons fly off in all directions. He leapt down the steps and escaped.

==Composition==
Resuming work on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' with new ideas in [[1946]] and [[1947]], Tolkien made revisions to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' (then Books I and II). As the nature of the Ring is described as much darker and Gollum as more possessive, in the sequel, the original concept in ''The Hobbit'' now seemed inconsistent, and Tolkien decided to update it. He revised the account, which he sent (as a "specimen") to [[Allen & Unwin]] on [[21 September]] 1947.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. xxvii</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Riddles in the Dark|Images of Riddles in the Dark]]

==Further reading==
*{{HM|AH}}
*[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit]]''
*[[Corey Olsen]], ''[[Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit]]''

==External links==
*[http://www.ringgame.net/riddles.html A side-by-side comparison of the original and the revised version of "Riddles in the Dark"]

{{notes}}

[[Category:The Hobbit chapters]]
[[fi:Arvoituksia pimeässä]]
<references />

Riddles in the Dark

2024-07-21T20:58:19Z

ProjetoTolkien: Added a quote at the top.

{{Quote|“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”
}}{{chapter
|names=Riddles in the Dark
|map=
|image=David T. Wenzel - Bilbo finds the One Ring.jpg
|event=Bilbo finds [[The One Ring]] and meets [[Gollum]]
|book=The Hobbit
|title=Riddles in the Dark
|number=5
|location=[[Gollum's lake]]
|date=[[10 July|10]]—[[12 July]] {{TA|2941}}
|previous=Over Hill and Under Hill
|next=Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire
}}

'''Riddles in the Dark''' is the 5th chapter in ''[[The Hobbit]]''. In [[1951]] [[Allen and Unwin]] published a second edition of ''The Hobbit'' in which [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] substantially revised this chapter to bring the story of the [[The One Ring|ring]] and the character [[Gollum]] more into line with the forthcoming [[The Lord of the Rings|"New Hobbit"]].<ref group="note">For the publication history of ''The Hobbit'' see: {{HM|AH}}, "Introduction", pp. 1-25; [[Corey Olsen]], ''[[Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit]]'', "Introduction", pp. 1-15. To see how the original text compares with the revised text see: {{HM|AH}}, "Riddles in the Dark", pp. 115-36 (esp. notes 25 and 32). For an exploration of the re-writing of "Riddles in the Dark" see: {{HH|1947}}, pp. 731-62.</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Second edition===
After waking up in the dark goblin tunnels, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] discovers that he was all alone. He fumbles about on all fours, and he soon finds a little [[The One Ring|golden ring]], which he puts into his pocket almost without thinking. Through searching his pockets, he finds the [[Sting|dagger]] he had found in the troll hoard, and discovers by its pale glow that it too was an Elvish blade, and that goblins are around, but not close enough to worry about. He decides that his only choice is to go forward, so he travels down the goblin tunnel.

Bilbo's way is soon obstructed by an icy pool in the path, but before he could collect his wits, he is met by [[Gollum]], a dark creature, living down in the pool, who used his luminous eyes to catch fish, and always talked to himself, calling himself "my precious". He thought Bilbo might make a tasty treat, but he didn't want to attack while Bilbo was carrying a weapon. To gain time, he challenges Bilbo to a [[Riddle-game|game of riddles]], with very dangerous terms: if Gollum asked a riddle Bilbo could not answer, he would have to allow himself to be eaten. However, if Bilbo asked a riddle Gollum could not answer, he promised to show the hobbit the way out. Seeing that he had no choice, Bilbo agrees, and the two exchange several riddles, each getting harder and harder. At last, Bilbo is unable to think of a riddle, though Gollum presses him to ask just one more. Feeling about his pockets, he finds the ring he had found earlier and had forgotten about, and asks out loud to himself, "What have I got in my pocket?". Gollum is outraged, thinking it is a riddle, so Bilbo chooses it as his last riddle. Gollum guesses wrong three times, and is now forced to show Bilbo the way out.

[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''The Riddle Game'' by [[Darrell Sweet]].]]

However, years in the darkness had blackened Gollum's heart and made him sneaky. He asks Bilbo to be patient; he has to get necessary supplies, a "birthday present", as he said. As he paddles off, Bilbo thinks Gollum was not going to come back, but he is wrong. Away on the island in the middle of the lake on which he lived, Gollum kept something very precious: a magic, gold ring. Wearing it made the user invisible, and he often used it when he wanted to eat goblin instead of fish. With it, Gollum would be able to strike Bilbo without him knowing what had hit him. However, when Gollum returns to his cave, he finds that the ring has disappeared (he wore the ring a few hours earlier to catch a goblin, and didn't realise that he dropped it in a tunnel on his way back). His blood-curdling shriek sends shudders down Bilbo's spine, though he is not sure what was happening. Getting annoyed at the delay, and though Gollum pleads that he had to keep searching, Bilbo reminds him that he had never answered his last riddle. Suddenly, Gollum's mind jumps to a suspicious guess, and he demands the answer to Bilbo's riddle. He speeds back toward the shore, ready to murder the hobbit and reclaim his "precious".

Realizing that he is in danger, Bilbo runs back up the tunnel and puts his hand in his pocket, the ring slipping onto his finger. He trips on a snag and falls, but Gollum passed him, much to his surprise. Quietly, he listens to Gollum cursing Bilbo and now guessing that he had found his "birthday present". Through his talk, Bilbo deduces that Gollum's "precious" was a magic ring that made the wearer invisible, but Gollum did not think Bilbo knew what it did, and was "tricksy", saying that he did not know the way out, but knew a way in, so he must be off to the "back door". Gollum quickly runs off to head him off, Bilbo following quietly behind. Gollum stops at a low opening, but the loathsome creature stops right there, because he could sense goblins. To make matters worse, he is now aware that Bilbo might have been behind him, and ready for an attempt at escape. Bilbo, frantic to escape, thinks of stabbing Gollum and killing him, but when he considered how miserable the creature really was, he was moved to pity. Instead of killing him, he leaps over his head before Gollum could snatch at him. As he speeds off, Gollum's rage-filled cries echoes: "Thief! Thief! Baggins! We hates it! We hates it forever!"

At the end of the tunnel, Bilbo is relieved to see real sunlight, but forgets his joy when he sees armoured goblins watching the giant door it came through, and somehow, the ring has slipped off his finger and made him visible. Before they could catch him, he puts it back on and vanishes. As the angry goblins frantically search for him, he slips past them and reaches the door, but it was only open a crack. He tries to squeeze through, but he got his buttons caught in the space between the door and door-post. The goblins spot his shadow, but before they can catch him, Bilbo tears loose, ripping his buttons off, and allowing him to hurry out of the tunnels and back into the open. Bilbo had escaped out of the [[Misty Mountains]]!

===First edition===
[[File:Tim Kirk - Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''Riddle Game'' by Tim Kirk]]
Upon opening his eyes, Bilbo saw, heard, and felt nothing (except for the wall and the floor). He groped about on all fours, eventually finding a ring of metal on the floor; he put it in his pocket but it didn't help much. Miserable, he felt for his pipe and ''baccy'' pouch, both of which he found; however his hopes shattered as he failed to find any matches about himself. He then came across the hilt of his sword - acquired from the [[Trolls' lair]] - and upon drawing it he noticed that it shone dimly. Bilbo was comforted that he wore a blade of Gondolin, a place "which so many songs used to sing". Bilbo decided to get up and start moving forwards, with the sword in one hand and one hand feeling the wall.

Eventually, Bilbo felt icy cold water about his feet; he had stumbled across - what turned out to be - [[Gollum's lake]]. [[Gollum]] soon made his presence known to Bilbo, terrifying him. Gollum was curious about the hobbit, deciding to appear friendly whilst he considered whether Bilbo was alone, and whether he would be good to eat. Gollum soon suggested a game riddles; if Gollum won he would eat the Hobbit, if he lost he would give Bilbo a present. With some luck on his side, Bilbo managed to defeat Gollum; Gollum was not best pleased with the fairness of the winning riddle: "what have I got in my pocket?".

Obeying his promise to Bilbo, Gollum went back to his island to fetch Bilbo's present. To his horror, he could not find it; the present in question was [[The One Ring|a ring]] which he had been given as a birthday present. Bilbo worked this out, but thought that it was best not to tell Gollum that he already had his present. Instead he asked the pardon-begging Gollum if he would show him the way out as an alternative.

Together they went down the passages; Bilbo was very quiet, whilst Gollum was "flip-flapping along". Momentarily, Bilbo slipped on the ring, surprising Gollum as he lost sight of him. Eventually they came to the right passage ("six right, four left"), and it was here the two departed - Bilbo was quite glad of it.

Bilbo went down the new passage, eventually seeing a glimmer of day light from around the corner. He ran around the corner and first saw that the light was coming through a door, slightly open. He blinked and then saw goblins in full armour with swords - they saw him too. By accident or by some presence of mind, he slipped on the ring, disappearing from the sight of the goblins. He snook behind a big barrel as the goblins burst into activity trying to find him. Eventually he ran for the door, dodging countless goblins; he was knocked over by a confused goblin, slipped between the legs of a big goblin and ran for the door. He squeezed, but got stuck. Suddenly a goblin shouted "There's a shadow by the door, Somebody's outside!". Terrified, Bilbo burst his way through, letting his buttons fly off in all directions. He leapt down the steps and escaped.

==Composition==
Resuming work on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' with new ideas in [[1946]] and [[1947]], Tolkien made revisions to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' (then Books I and II). As the nature of the Ring is described as much darker and Gollum as more possessive, in the sequel, the original concept in ''The Hobbit'' now seemed inconsistent, and Tolkien decided to update it. He revised the account, which he sent (as a "specimen") to [[Allen & Unwin]] on [[21 September]] 1947.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. xxvii</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Riddles in the Dark|Images of Riddles in the Dark]]

==Further reading==
*{{HM|AH}}
*[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit]]''
*[[Corey Olsen]], ''[[Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit]]''

==External links==
*[http://www.ringgame.net/riddles.html A side-by-side comparison of the original and the revised version of "Riddles in the Dark"]

{{notes}}

[[Category:The Hobbit chapters]]
[[fi:Arvoituksia pimeässä]]
<references />

A Short Rest

2024-07-21T20:57:10Z

ProjetoTolkien:

{{Quote|Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.}}{{chapter
|book=The Hobbit
|name=A Short Rest
|number=3
|previous=Roast Mutton
|next=Over Hill and Under Hill
|image=The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Elrond and Thrór's Map.jpg
|map=
|events=[[Thorin and Company]] reach Rivendell. [[Elrond]] deciphers [[Thrór's Map]] and identifies their swords.
|date=c. [[29 May]]—[[Midyear's Day]], {{TA|2941}}
|location=[[Trollshaws]], [[Rivendell]]
}}
'''A Short Rest''' is the third chapter of ''[[The Hobbit]]''.

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Rivendell.jpg|thumb|left|The valley of Rivendell]]Following their ordeal with the three Trolls, the adventurers continued their journey eastward. As they came within (what they thought) a days journey to the feet of the [[Misty Mountains]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] asked "Is that ''The'' Mountain?". [[Balin]] explained that the Mountains ahead were merely one obstacle in the path towards the [[Lonely Mountain]].

[[Gandalf]] informed the party that hidden somewhere before them was the valley of [[Rivendell]] and that he had told his Elf-friends to expect their arrival. Gandalf led the way on a path - it seems - he knew very well. Just as the Dwarves and Bilbo were growing anxious, they came across unexpected valleys. Gandalf continued to lead them and eventually they saw a fair valley far below them. Following a slippery journey down a zigzag path they entered Rivendell, where the Elves greeted them with song and laughter from within the trees.

At last they came to the [[Rivendell|Last Homely House]],<ref>Around [[15 June|June 15]] {{TA|2941}} or earlier</ref> where they stayed (quite happily) for at least fourteen days.

On midsummer eve<ref>[[Lithedays|1 Lithe]]</ref>, [[Elrond]] inspected the swords which [[Thorin|Thorin]] and Gandalf had acquired from the [[Trolls' cave]]. The runes on Thorin's sword named it [[Orcrist]], the Goblin-cleaver; the runes on Gandalf's sword read [[Glamdring]], Foe-hammer - both were ancient blades forged in [[Gondolin]]. Elrond then inspected [[Thrór's Map]], he found Moon letters which read: "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of [[Durin's Day]] will shine upon the keyhole."

On [[Mid-year's Day]]'s morning, the adventurers departed from Rivendell for the Misty Mountains and the land beyond.
{{references}}
[[Category:The Hobbit chapters|Short Rest]]
[[fi:Lyhyt lepo]]