Elfstone: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
m (Bot Message: changing link to Aragorn)
m (added disambiguation link)
Tags: Visual edit Disambiguation links
 
(54 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{cleanup}}
{{Disambig-more|Elessar|[[Elessar (disambiguation)]]}}__NOTOC__{{object infobox
'''Elfstone''', also known as the '''Elessar''' or the '''Stone of [[Eärendil]]''', is a famous green jewel that [[Galadriel]] gives as a gift to [[Aragorn]] just before the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] leaves the wood of [[Lothlórien]]. This stone, worn by Aragorn, later causes him to also be given the name of Elessar by the people of [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]].
| name=Elfstone
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar (Elfstone).jpg|250px]]
| caption=''Elessar (Elfstone)'' by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Elessar]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| location=[[Gondolin]], [[Havens of Sirion]], [[Valinor]]/[[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Rivendell]] [[Gondor]]
| owner=[[Enerdhil]]/[[Celebrimbor]], [[Idril]], [[Eärendil]], [[Galadriel]], [[Celebrían]], [[Arwen]], [[Aragorn]]
| type=Jewel
| appearance=A green gem set on a silver eagle-shaped brooch
| creator=[[Enerdhil]]/[[Celebrimbor]]
| created=late [[First Age]]
| createdlocation=[[Gondolin]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
| gallery=the Elessar of Eärendil
}}The '''Elfstone''' ([[Quenya|Q.]] '''[[Elessar]]'''), also known as the '''Stone of [[Eärendil]]''', was one, or possibly two, great green jewel(s) of healing power whose legends of creation are conflicting and complex.  


There are a variety of stories about the jewel's origin in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'':
== History ==
{{quote|There was in [[Gondolin]] a jewel-smith named [[Enerdhil]], and he was the greatest of that craft among the [[Noldor]] after the death of [[Fëanor]]... it came into his heart to make a jewel which the clear light of the sun should be imprisoned, but the jewel should be green as leaves. And he made this thing, and even the Noldor marvelled at it. For it is said that 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.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "The Elessar"}}
=== Origin ===
The Elfstone, or at least the first of them, was made in [[Gondolin]] during the late [[First Age]]. Some name [[Enerdhil]] the jewel-smith as its maker, but others say that it was his friend, [[Celebrimbor]] son of [[Curufin]].<ref name="CG">{{UT|6}}</ref> After the completion of the jewel, many [[Elves]], including the other Noldor, were astonished by it, for the stone was green as the leaves but had the clear light of the [[Sun]] imprisoned within it. It was said that any who looked upon the stone would see withered and aged things as whole and young again. It was also claimed that it granted any who wore the gem the power to heal any hurts of anyone that they touched.<ref name="CG" />{{rp|249}}
[[File:Tatyafinwe - Idril Celebrindal.jpg|left|thumb|347x347px|Elessar was in Gondolin in the First Age with the princess ''Idril Celebrindal'' by [[:Category:Images by Tatyafinwe|Tatyafinwe]]]]
The Elfstone was eventually given to [[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]], who wore it upon her breast, and as such, it was saved from perishing during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. Eventually, Idril passed it on to her son [[Eärendil]], whose first memory was of Idril wearing the gem while singing to him. At [[Havens of Sirion|Sirion's Haven]], Eärendil used the Elfstone to heal the hurts of many of the [[Men]], [[Elves]], and [[Kelvar|beasts]] that dwelled there. Eventually, Eärendil carried it with him on his voyages across the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm]].<ref name="CG" />{{rp|249}}


The gem was then given to [[Idril]] the fairest in Gondolin and she in turn gave it to her son Eärendil and he takes it to [[Valinor]] and never returns.  
A legend says that when the [[Wizards]] were sent from Valinor to Middle-earth in the [[Third Age]], [[Gandalf|Olórin]] brought back Eärendil's jewel as a token from [[Yavanna]] that the [[Valar]] had not forsaken them; as [[Gandalf]], he gave it to Galadriel, and remarked prophetically that she would only hold it for a little while, before she passed it to another, who will also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref name="CG" />{{rp|250}}


Here the story diverges into two versions:
However, another legend says that Celebrimbor, who was in love with [[Galadriel]], remade another version of the lost jewel during the [[Second Age]] and placed it within a great brooch of silver. It was said that this Elfstone was "''more subtle and clear''" yet had less power than the original. It was made at Galadriel's behest, pained at the state of [[Middle-earth]]. When she wore it, "''all things grew fair''" around her.<ref name="CG" />{{rp|251}}
# [[Gandalf]] brings back the jewel from Valinor and gives it to [[Galadriel]], as a token from [[Yavanna]] that the [[Valar]] have not forsaken Middle-earth. In this version Gandalf also remarks prophetically to Galadriel that she will only hold it for a little while, before she passes it to another, who will also be called Elessar.
# Galadriel is pained at the state of Middle-earth and wants something to help heal its wounds. [[Celebrimbor]], who is in love with Galadriel, remakes the jewel as her behest. It is interesting to note that Celebrimbor was also in Gondolin in the time of [[Enerdhil]] and learned much from him. Although we are more familiar with Celebrimbor (and his [[Rings of Power]]), he was actually overshadowed by the superior skill of Enerdhil, who was second only to Fëanor.  


There is also a third version that differs greatly from the first two. In that there is no mention of Enerdhil and instead it was Celebrimbor himself who in Gondolin made the original jewel. Eärendil takes this jewel to Valinor forever and in the [[Second Age]] Galadriel asks Celebrimbor to remake the jewel again.  
=== Third Age ===
Whatever the origins of Galadriel's Elfstone were, she gave it to her daughter [[Celebrían]], who in turn gave it to [[Arwen]].<ref name="CG"/>{{rp|251}}


All versions end with the jewel in Galadriel's possession. She then gives it to her daughter [[Celebrían]], who in turn gives it to [[Arwen]]. It nonetheless is in Galadriel's keeping in Lothlórien before she passes it on to Aragorn. According to J.R.R. Tolkien, this also held the function of a wedding gift from the family of the bride to the groom.
[[Bilbo Baggins]], during his stay in [[Rivendell]], was urged by [[Aragorn]] to include a green jewel in his ''[[Song of Eärendil]]'', possibly anticipating the symbolic importance that the gem would have in his life. Bilbo Baggins,obeying Aragorn, but seemingly unaware of the Elfstone's story, included an inaccurate reference to an emerald.<ref>{{FR|II1}}, p. 237</ref> [[File:Tatyafinwe - Galadriel wearing the Elessar.jpg|thumb|''Galadriel wearing the Elessar'' by [[:Category:Images by Tatyafinwe|Tatyafinwe]]|337x337px]]


Another point of note, is that Aragorn urged [[Bilbo Baggins]] to include a green jewel in his poem about Eärendil, possibly anticipating the symbolic importance that the gem would have in his life. Bilbo Baggins, obeying Aragorn but seemingly unaware of the Elfstone's story, included an inaccurate reference to an emerald.
When the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] visited the wood of [[Lothlórien]], the Elfstone was again under Galadriel's possession. When the Fellowship departed and Galadriel offered them [[gifts of Galadriel|her gifts]], the Elfstone was the gift for Aragorn.<ref name=Farewell>{{FR|II8}}, p. 375</ref> This giving held the function of a wedding gift from the family of the bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}, p. 211</ref>


The Elfstone was worn by Aragorn ever after, and as foretold, he took the name of ''Elessar, the Elfstone of the [[House of Elendil]]''.<ref name=Farewell/> Thus, when he manifested his royal blood at [[Minas Tirith]], he used Elessar, the [[Quenya]] word for Elfstone, as one of his royal names,<ref>{{RK|V8}}, p. 863</ref> being crowned as King Elessar.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}, p. 967</ref>
== Other versions of the legendarium ==
An early concept for the Elfstone was the '''Green Stone of [[Fëanor]]'''. This stone was given from Fëanor to his eldest son [[Maedhros|Maidros]] on his deathbed, and then later given from Maidros to [[Fingon]].<ref>{{WJ|Angband}}, pp. 176-7</ref> Christopher Tolkien noted that this was likely his father "pondering the previous history of the ''Elessar''", though this version of the story was not further expanded upon and likely dismissed in favor of the histories present in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''.
At one point during the development of "''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''", ''[[Eärnur|King Eärnur]]'', was named '''King Elessar''' in an abandoned draft and manuscript.<ref>{{WR|2|V}}, p. 153</ref>
== Portrayal in adaptations ==
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The Elfstone is worn by Aragorn on his cloak. Although it is never identified in film, it matches the books description.
{{references}}
{{Giftsofgaladriel}}
{{Giftsofgaladriel}}
[[Category:Gifts of Galadriel]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]


[[Category:Rings and Jewels]]
[[de:Elessar (Edelstein)]]
[[de:Elessar (Edelstein)]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/elessar]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/elessar]]
[[fi:Elessar (jalokivi)]]
[[fi:Elessar (jalokivi)]]

Latest revision as of 07:14, 2 January 2024

The name Elessar refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Elessar (disambiguation).
Elfstone
Jewel
John Howe - Elessar (Elfstone).jpg
Elessar (Elfstone) by John Howe
Other namesElessar (Q)
LocationGondolin, Havens of Sirion, Valinor/Eregion, Lothlórien, Rivendell Gondor
OwnerEnerdhil/Celebrimbor, Idril, Eärendil, Galadriel, Celebrían, Arwen, Aragorn
AppearanceA green gem set on a silver eagle-shaped brooch
CreatorEnerdhil/Celebrimbor
Gondolin, late First Age
GalleryImages of the Elessar of Eärendil

The Elfstone (Q. Elessar), also known as the Stone of Eärendil, was one, or possibly two, great green jewel(s) of healing power whose legends of creation are conflicting and complex.

History[edit | edit source]

Origin[edit | edit source]

The Elfstone, or at least the first of them, was made in Gondolin during the late First Age. Some name Enerdhil the jewel-smith as its maker, but others say that it was his friend, Celebrimbor son of Curufin.[1] After the completion of the jewel, many Elves, including the other Noldor, were astonished by it, for the stone was green as the leaves but had the clear light of the Sun imprisoned within it. It was said that any who looked upon the stone would see withered and aged things as whole and young again. It was also claimed that it granted any who wore the gem the power to heal any hurts of anyone that they touched.[1]:249

Elessar was in Gondolin in the First Age with the princess Idril Celebrindal by Tatyafinwe

The Elfstone was eventually given to Idril Celebrindal, who wore it upon her breast, and as such, it was saved from perishing during the Fall of Gondolin. Eventually, Idril passed it on to her son Eärendil, whose first memory was of Idril wearing the gem while singing to him. At Sirion's Haven, Eärendil used the Elfstone to heal the hurts of many of the Men, Elves, and beasts that dwelled there. Eventually, Eärendil carried it with him on his voyages across the Great Sea to the Blessed Realm.[1]:249

A legend says that when the Wizards were sent from Valinor to Middle-earth in the Third Age, Olórin brought back Eärendil's jewel as a token from Yavanna that the Valar had not forsaken them; as Gandalf, he gave it to Galadriel, and remarked prophetically that she would only hold it for a little while, before she passed it to another, who will also be called Elessar.[1]:250

However, another legend says that Celebrimbor, who was in love with Galadriel, remade another version of the lost jewel during the Second Age and placed it within a great brooch of silver. It was said that this Elfstone was "more subtle and clear" yet had less power than the original. It was made at Galadriel's behest, pained at the state of Middle-earth. When she wore it, "all things grew fair" around her.[1]:251

Third Age[edit | edit source]

Whatever the origins of Galadriel's Elfstone were, she gave it to her daughter Celebrían, who in turn gave it to Arwen.[1]:251

Bilbo Baggins, during his stay in Rivendell, was urged by Aragorn to include a green jewel in his Song of Eärendil, possibly anticipating the symbolic importance that the gem would have in his life. Bilbo Baggins,obeying Aragorn, but seemingly unaware of the Elfstone's story, included an inaccurate reference to an emerald.[2]

Galadriel wearing the Elessar by Tatyafinwe

When the Fellowship of the Ring visited the wood of Lothlórien, the Elfstone was again under Galadriel's possession. When the Fellowship departed and Galadriel offered them her gifts, the Elfstone was the gift for Aragorn.[3] This giving held the function of a wedding gift from the family of the bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.[4]

The Elfstone was worn by Aragorn ever after, and as foretold, he took the name of Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil.[3] Thus, when he manifested his royal blood at Minas Tirith, he used Elessar, the Quenya word for Elfstone, as one of his royal names,[5] being crowned as King Elessar.[6]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

An early concept for the Elfstone was the Green Stone of Fëanor. This stone was given from Fëanor to his eldest son Maidros on his deathbed, and then later given from Maidros to Fingon.[7] Christopher Tolkien noted that this was likely his father "pondering the previous history of the Elessar", though this version of the story was not further expanded upon and likely dismissed in favor of the histories present in Unfinished Tales.

At one point during the development of "The Lord of the Rings", King Eärnur, was named King Elessar in an abandoned draft and manuscript.[8]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

The Elfstone is worn by Aragorn on his cloak. Although it is never identified in film, it matches the books description.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings", p. 237
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Farewell to Lórien", p. 375
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar", p. 211
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing", p. 863
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King", p. 967
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Two. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Siege of Angband (Chapter 10)", pp. 176-7
  8. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Ring, "Part Two: The Ring Goes East", "V. Faramir", p. 153
Gifts of Galadriel
Andúril's sheath · Elfstone · Boromir's belt · Merry and Pippin's belts · Bow of the Galadhrim · Sam's garden box · Hair of Galadriel · Phial of Galadriel
Retrieved from "https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Elfstone&oldid=384345"