Calben

Calben (pl. Celbin) was a term used amongst Sindar that lived in Beleriand. It was used of all Elves other than Avari, and it included the Sindar. After the Nandor were recognized to be from Lindarin origin, they were included in Celbin.

Since Calben was a term used only of Elves, the Three Houses of Men were given their own name, Edain (as they could not be called Morbin, cf. this).

Etymology

Calben, 'a light person' derives from Old Sindarin *kalapende.

It is composed from Sindarin words cal "light" and pen "someone, somebody".

Cognates

• Telerin Calapendi
• Quenya Calaquendi but used in a different context.

Source

• The War of the Jewels, 362; 376-377; 380; 408-409.