Ekkaia
The Outer Sea (also known as the Encircling Sea), called by the Elves Ekkaia, was the mighty sea that surrounded all the lands of Arda, Middle-earth and Aman alike. Its dark waters lapped the western shores of Valinor, and at its distant unknown edge stood the Walls of Night. Ulmo's halls were within the Outer Sea.[1]
During their time in Valinor Fëanor and his sons visited the shores of these waters.[2] The Helcaraxë was the narrow strait between the Outer Sea and Belegaer, where in the chilled waters clashed hills of ice amidst vast fogs of deathly cold.[3]
It is said that mortal Men made their last journey across this frigid ocean.[4]
Etymology
The name Ekkaia, commonly understood to be Quenya,[5][6] was not explained by Tolkien.
The first element is understood as an assimilated et "out". The second element could be gaya, historical version of ear "sea" (*et-gaya)[5]; it could also be the word haya "far" (*et-khaya)[6]. Cf. eccaira "remote".
See also
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Men"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/SILM/SILM_CE.html
