Nameless things: Difference between revisions

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They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it.
They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it.
Some of such things, preferring darkness, have sneaked in the [[Elder Days]] into caves under Mountains, being their ancient inhabitants. Even when the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] dug around [[Goblin-town]], such slimy creatures withdrew to the darkest nitches, and lurked beyond their knowledge.<ref>{{H|5}}</ref>


The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>
The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>
It is also possible the [[Watcher in the Water]]<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> was one of these Nameless Things.


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Nameless Things can be found in the Foundation of Stones, the deepest location of Moria. They appear as humanoid creatures that are all black and faceless.  
:Nameless is a creature type categorized as "Ancient Evil". They have a variety of shapes, but most of them are humanoid, only with no eyes or no head at all. The [[Watcher in the Water]] is classified as Nameless, as is "Helchgam", another tentacled creature found in the sewers of [[Carn Dûm]].


==External links==
==External links==
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[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]
[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]
[[fi:Nimettömät olennot]]

Revision as of 17:11, 6 November 2020

This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
"Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day."
― Gandalf[1]
Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing

Nameless Things were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of Arda (though they are only known to have lived under the Misty Mountains). They tunnelled deeper than any dwarf would ever go.[1]

They were described by Gandalf as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the Ainulindalë[2] or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it.

Some of such things, preferring darkness, have sneaked in the Elder Days into caves under Mountains, being their ancient inhabitants. Even when the Orcs of the Misty Mountains dug around Goblin-town, such slimy creatures withdrew to the darkest nitches, and lurked beyond their knowledge.[3]

The Balrog known as Durin's Bane learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the Endless Stair. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.[1]

Portrayal in adaptations

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Nameless is a creature type categorized as "Ancient Evil". They have a variety of shapes, but most of them are humanoid, only with no eyes or no head at all. The Watcher in the Water is classified as Nameless, as is "Helchgam", another tentacled creature found in the sewers of Carn Dûm.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The White Rider"
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Riddles in the Dark"
Legendary races of Arda
 Animals:  Dumbledors · Gorcrows · Hummerhorns · Pards · Swans of Gorbelgod · Turtle-fish
Dragon-kind:  Sea-serpents · Spark-dragons · Were-worms
Evil Races:  Ettens · Giants · Half-trolls · Hobgoblins · Ogres · Snow-trolls · Two-headed Trolls
Other:  Badger-folk · Great beasts · Lintips · Mewlips · Nameless things · Spectres
Individuals:  Talking Gurthang · Talking purse · The Hunter · Lady of the Sun · Lonely Troll · Man in the Moon · The Rider · River-woman · Tarlang · Tim · Tom · White cow
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