 | |
| City | |
| Esteldín | |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Other names | Dolindîr |
| Location | North Downs, Kingsfell |
| Type | City |
| Description | Hidden City in the North Downs |
| People and History | |
| Inhabitants | Rangers of the North |
Esteldín is the unofficial capital of the North Downs in the game The Lord of the Rings Online.
History
Esteldín is built upon the ruins of the city Dolindîr, one of the Five Towns of Arthedain. The Five Towns were once the most important of the North, but now all but Dolindîr are desterted. They were:[1]
- Dolindîr, now Esteldín
- Henneth Rhún, established in T.A. 1409
- Duintham, established in T.A. 1249
- Carnoglin, established between T.A. 1272 and T.A. 1349[2]
- Ost Ardúlin, now swarmed with orcs[3]
The Refuge of Esteldín itself was established long after the Five Towns had become ruins, by the Ranger named Arasuil, son of Arahad.[1] At the time of the War of the Ring, Halbarad was in command of the city. He sends the players out to help the inhabitants of the North Downs and eventually helps in the Battle of the Trestlebridge.[4]
Description
Esteldín is located in the mountains of Kingsfell in the North Downs. It is made in a vale in the mountains, and it lies hidden, not even being mentioned on the map. The main enterance lies in the west, where you come to the Forecourt after walking down the hidden street. Behind the Forecourt is the Central Courtyard, where Halbarand's library is, and behind that lies the Craftmen's Courtyard, where all the crafting facilities are. From here you can exit the city by the east entrance, leading you to Nan Amlug.[5]
The inhabitants are the Rangers of Esteldín, also a reputation faction in the game. They are the remnants of the people of Arthedain and Arnor. They are the only power, beside the Elves of Rivendell that might still offer resistance against the rise of Angmar.[6]
Etymology
Esteldín is said to mean "Hidden Hope" in Sindarin on the LOTRO-Wiki,[7] with estel meaning "hope" and dín maybe coming from din, meaning "silent".
Dolindîr is Sindarin made out of dolin, meaning "hidden"[8] and dîr, meaning "man". dîr is an agental ending not typically used for place names but may translate as "Hidden City of Men".
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Quest:Ruins of Arthedain". The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki. Retrieved 19 June 2023
- ↑ "During the reign of Malvegil"->J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Northern Line: Heirs of Isildur"
- ↑ "Merenost". The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki. Retrieved 19 June 2023
- ↑ "Halbarad". The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki. Retrieved 19 June 2023
- ↑ "Esteldín, Civic Structures and Facilities", The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki, accessed 19 June 2023
- ↑ "Rangers of Esteldín". The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki. Retrieved 20 June 2023
- ↑ "Esteldín". The Lord of the Rings Online Wiki. Retrieved 19 June 2023
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry gond