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'''Noldor''' (meaning ''those with knowledge'') are the second clan of the [[Elves (Middle-earth)|Elves]]. According to legend, the clan was founded by [[Tata (Middle-earth)|Tata]], the second Elf to awake at [[Cuiviénen]], his spouse Tatanyë and their 54 companions, but it was [[Finwë]], the first '''Ñoldo''' to come to Valinor with [[Oromë]], who became their king, and led most of them to [[Valinor]]. They speak [[Quenya]].
{{sources}}
{{race
|image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|250px]]
|name=Noldor
|dominions=[[Tirion]], [[Vinyamar]], [[Hithlum]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Dorthonion]], [[Gondolin]], [[East Beleriand]], [[Lindon]], [[Eregion]].
|languages=[[Quenya|Noldorin Quenya]].
|height=Tall.
|length=
|skincolor=White.
|haircolor=Dark, sometimes red.
|feathers=
|distinctions=Great skill with metal and gems, deep knowledge.
|lifespan=Immortal.
|members=[[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Finrod]], [[Fingon]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Turgon]], [[Galadriel]], [[Indis]], [[Celebrimbor]], [[Orodreth]].
}}
The '''Noldor''' ([[Third Age]] Exilic [[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnoldor]}}) or '''Ñoldor''' (older and [[Aman]]ya Q, pron. {{IPA|[ˈŋoldor]}}) were those of the second clan of the [[Elves]] who came to [[Aman]]. They were highly skilled in crafts and gained much knowledge, which they passed on to [[Men]] after their [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. Their [[High King of the Noldor|King]] was originally [[Finwë]], but he was slain by [[Morgoth]], leading his son [[Fëanor]] to avenge him and the theft of his [[Silmarils|jewels]] by making war upon Morgoth in [[Middle-earth]]. The war of the Noldor against Morgoth comprises many of the tales of the [[First Age]].


They are also known as ''Deep Elves'', ''Tatyar'', ''Gnomes'', ''Golodhrim'' and ''Golug''.  The singular form of the noun is ''Ñoldo'' and the adjective is ''Noldorin''. They are the Second Clan of the Elves in both order and size, the other clans being the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Teleri]]. They typically had dark hair (except for those who had Vanyarin blood, most prominently the members of the House of [[Finarfin]]).
==History==
According to legend, the clan was founded by [[Tata]], the second Elf to awake at [[Cuiviénen]], his spouse Tatië and their 54 companions, but it was [[Finwë]], the first
Ñoldor to come to [[Valinor]] with [[Oromë]], who became their King, and led most of them to Valinor.


The Noldor are accounted the greatest of the Elves in lore and smithcraft. [[Fëanor]] (son of Finwë by [[Míriel]]) was the greatest of their craftsmen, and their second and briefest-reigning High King. When [[Melkor]] killed Finwë and stole the [[Silmaril]]s, Fëanor renamed Melkor: ''Morgoth'' ("Black Enemy"), and persuaded the Noldor to pursue him to [[Middle-earth]] and wage war against him.
===The Noldor in Valinor===
The Noldor were accounted the greatest of the Elves and all the peoples in [[Middle-earth]] in lore, warfare and crafts. In Valinor "great became their knowledge and their skill; yet even greater was their thirst for more knowledge, and in many things they soon surpassed their teachers. The Noldor were changeful in speech, for they had great love of words, and sought ever to find names more fit for all things they knew or imagined". They were beloved of [[Aulë]] the Smith, and were the first to discover and carve gems. Their chief dwelling-place was the city of [[Tirion]] upon [[Túna]]. Among the wisest of the Noldor were [[Rúmil (elf of Tirion)|Rúmil]], creator of the first writing system and author of many books of lore. [[Fëanor]], son of Finwë and [[Míriel]], was the greatest of their craftsmen, "mightiest in skill of word and of hand", and creator of the [[Silmarils]].


The Noldor led by Fëanor went north and demanded that the [[Teleri]] let them use their ships. When the Teleri refused, the Noldor led by Fëanor destroyed the port of [[Alqualondë]], which had been built by the Teleri, committing the [[Kinslaying]]. The Noldor led by Fëanor then took possession of the ships. A messenger from the Valar came and delivered the [[Prophecy of the North]], pronouncing doom on the Noldor for the Kinslaying and warning that if they continued they would not recover the Silmarils and moreover that there would be great grief in the tragedy that would befall them. At this, some of the Noldor who had no hand in the Kinslaying, including [[Finarfin]] son of Finwë by [[Indis]], returned to [[Valinor]], and the Valar forgave them. Other Noldor led by [[Fingolfin]] son of Finwë by Indis (some of whom were blameless in the Kinslaying) remained determined to leave Valinor for Middle-earth. Prominent among these others was Finarfin's daughter, [[Galadriel]].
The Noldor earned the greatest hatred of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who envied their prosperity and, most of all, the Silmarils. So he went often among them, offering counsel, and the Noldor hearkened, being eager for lore. But amid his seemingly good advice, Melkor sowed lies to turn one House of the Noldor against another, and in the end the peace in Tirion was poisoned. After threatening his half-brother [[Fingolfin]], Fëanor was banished from Tirion by the [[Valar]], and with him went Finwë his father. Fingolfin remained as the ruler of the Noldor of Tirion.


The Noldor led by Fëanor crossed the sea to Middle-earth leaving those led by Fingolfin, his half-brother, behind. Upon his arrival in Middle-earth, Fëanor had the ships burned. When the Noldor led by Fingolfin discovered their betrayal, they went farther north and crossed the sea by means of the [[Grinding Ice]]. Many of them died while crossing the ice. The departure of the Noldor out of the [[Undying Lands]] marked the beginning of the [[First Age]], and the years of the Sun.
But Melkor had yet other designs to accomplish. Soon after with the aid of [[Ungoliant]] he destroyed the [[Two Trees]], and coming to [[Formenos]] he killed Finwë, stole the Silmarils, and departed from Aman. Fëanor, driven by grief and desiring vengeance, rebelled against the Valar by coming back into Tirion and making a speech before the Noldor, in which he persuaded them to leave Valinor, follow Melkor to [[Middle-earth]], and wage war against him for the recovery of the Silmarils. He swore a terrible [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]], as did his [[Sons of Fëanor|sons]], to pursue Melkor and reclaim the Silmarils at all costs. Fëanor then claimed the title of the High King since his father was dead, but though the greater part of the Noldor still held Fingolfin as King, they followed Fëanor into [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]] due to their valor.


Fëanor's company was soon attacked by Morgoth. When Fëanor rode too far from his bodyguard during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|Battle under Stars]] (year 1 of the First Age) he was slain by [[Balrogs]].
====The Kinslaying====
The Noldor led by Fëanor demanded that the [[Teleri]] let them use their ships. When the Teleri refused, they took the ships by force, committing the first [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|kinslaying]]. A messenger from the Valar came later and delivered the [[Doom of Mandos]], pronouncing judgment on the Noldor for the Kinslaying and rebellion and warning that if they proceeded they would not recover the Silmarils and moreover would be slain or tormented by grief. At this, some of the Noldor who had no hand in the Kinslaying, including [[Finarfin]] son of Finwë and [[Indis]], returned to Valinor, and the Valar forgave them. Other Noldor led by Fingolfin (some of whom were blameless in the Kinslaying) remained determined to leave Valinor for Middle-earth. Prominent among these others was Finarfin's son, [[Finrod]].


Because Fëanor had taken the ships and left the Noldor led by his half-brother on the west side of the sea, the royal houses of the Noldor were feuding, but [[Fingon]] son of Fingolfin, whom Fëanor had left behind, saved [[Maedhros]], son of Fëanor, from Morgoth's evil and the feud was settled. Maedhros was due to succeed Fëanor, but he regretted his part of the Kinslaying and left the High Kingship of the Noldor to his uncle Fingolfin, who became the third High King of the Noldor. His brothers did not agree to this, and began to refer to themselves as the Displaced, because the High Kingship had passed them by.
===Exile to Middle-earth===
The Noldor led by Fëanor crossed the sea to Middle-earth, leaving those led by Fingolfin, his half-brother, behind. Upon his arrival in Middle-earth, Fëanor had the ships burned. When the Noldor led by Fingolfin discovered their betrayal, they went farther north and crossed the sea at the [[Grinding Ice]] which cost them many lives.


Fingolfin reigned long in the land of [[Hithlum]], and his younger son [[Turgon]] built the hidden kingdom [[Gondolin]]. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 75 of the First Age the Noldor started the [[siege of Angband]], the great fortress of Morgoth. But in the year 455 the siege was broken by Morgoth (in the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and Fingolfin rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat with him. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the fourth High King of the Noldor.
Fëanor's company was soon attacked by Morgoth. When Fëanor rode too far from his bodyguard during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]], several [[Balrogs|Balrogs]], including their Lord [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], fought him. Despite battling valiantly, Fëanor was mortally wounded and would have been captured and taken to Angband had it not been for the swift arrival of his sons. However, Fëanor died whilst being taken back to his own people.  


In the year 471, Maedhros organized an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. The battle was a great disaster for the Noldor, and Fingon the Valiant was slain. He was succeeded by his brother Turgon.
Because Fëanor had taken the ships and left the Noldor led by his half-brother on the west side of the sea, much enmity remained between the royal Houses of the Noldor. [[Fingon]] son of Fingolfin, saved [[Maedhros]] Fëanor's son from Morgoth's imprisonment, however, and the feud was settled. Maedhros was due to succeed Fëanor, but he regretted his part of the Kinslaying and left the High Kingship of the Noldor to his uncle Fingolfin, who became the first High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth. His brothers did not agree to this, and began to refer to themselves as ''the Dispossessed'', because the High Kingship had passed them by.


Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin and tried to keep the kingdom hidden from Morgoth. He was so successful that even most of the Noldor didn't know where it was located, and he was High King in name alone. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by [[Maeglin]] and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon had had no sons, so [[Gil-galad]], last surviving male descendant of a prince of the Noldor, became the sixth and last High King of the Noldor.
====Kingdoms of the Noldor====
In the north-west of Middle-earth the Noldor made alliance with the [[Sindar]], the Elves of [[Beleriand]], and later with Men of the Three Houses of the [[Edain]]. Fingolfin reigned long in the land of [[Hithlum]], and his younger son [[Turgon]] built the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]]. The Sons of Fëanor ruled the lands in Eastern Beleriand, while Finrod Finarfin's son was the King of [[Nargothrond]] and his brothers [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] held [[Dorthonion]]. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 60 of the First Age after their victory in [[Dagor Aglareb]] the Noldor started the [[Siege of Angband]], the great fortress of Morgoth. In the year 455 the Siege was broken by Morgoth in the [[Dagor Bragollach]], in which the north-eastern Elvish realms were conquered. Fingolfin in despair rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the second High King of the Noldor in Beleriand.


Finally the [[Valar]] came down to Middle-earth and in the year 583 the [[War of Wrath]] was fought and Morgoth was cast into the Void. But [[Beleriand]] sank into the sea, except for a part of [[Ossiriand]] (Lindon), and a few isles. The defeat of Morgoth marked the start of the [[Second Age]].
====The Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
In the year 472, Maedhros organised an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Betrayed by the new-come [[Easterlings]], the forces of the Noldor, Sindar and Edain were utterly defeated. Fingon the Valiant was slain; he was succeeded by his brother Turgon.  


Gil-galad founded a new kingdom at Lindon, and ruled throughout the [[Second Age]], longer than any of the High Kings except for Finwë. He was also accepted as High King by the Noldor of [[Eregion]]. But at the end of the Second Age his allies in [[Númenor]] lost their island and [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] came to Middle-earth and they founded the kingdoms of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]].
Morgoth scattered the remaining forces of the Sons of Fëanor, and in 495 Nargothrond was also overridden. Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin which was kept hidden from both Morgoth and other Elves. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by [[Maeglin]] and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however, many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon had no sons, so [[Gil-galad]], last surviving male descendant of Fingolfin, became the fourth and last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.


[[Sauron]] by this time had replaced his master Morgoth as the Dark Lord. He had deceived the Númenóreans and managed to return from Númenor to his refuge of [[Mordor]]. He hated the Númenóreans and Noldor, and attacked [[Eregion]], destroying it, and tried to do the same to Gondor before it could take root. But he didn't count on the growing power of Gil-galad.  Both Elendil and Gil-galad set out for Mordor and defeated Sauron in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and finally in the Siege of [[Barad-dûr]].  There Gil-galad perished, and so ended the High Kingship of the Noldor. No new High King was elected, as no one claimed the throne. For this reason the High Kingship of the Noldor was said to have passed overseas, to the Noldor of Valinor, ruled by Finarfin, the third son of Finwë who had never left. Because [[Tuor]] had been adopted by Turgon as a son, and had married his daughter [[Idril]], Tuor's mortal descendants claimed the title High King: therefore [[Elros]] became first High King of Númenor, signifying this with the prefix Tar- (and later in [[Adûnaic]] Ar-). After the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]], Elendil and his heirs of the older, northern line named themselves High Kings of [[Arnor]], later signifying this with the royal prefix Ar(a)- in their names. Tuor's heirs did not however have a valid claim to the High Kingship of the Noldor, although his heir [[Elrond]], who chose Elvish immortality, later was reckoned as a leader of the Noldor.
Finally the Valar came down to Middle-earth and in the years 545-583 the [[War of Wrath]] was fought and Morgoth was cast into the Void. But Beleriand sank into the sea, except for a part of [[Ossiriand]] (Lindon), and a few isles. The defeat of Morgoth marked the end of the [[First Age]] and the start of the [[Second Age|Second]].


In the [[Third Age]], the Noldor dwindled, and by the end of the [[Third Age]] the only Noldor remaining in Middle-earth were in [[Rivendell]], with the exception of Galadriel in [[Lothlórien]].
===The Second Age===
Most of the Noldor sailed back to Aman at the End of the First Age; but some, like [[Galadriel]] daughter of Finarfin or [[Celebrimbor]] grandson of Fëanor, refused the pardon of the Valar and remained in Middle-earth. Gil-galad founded a new kingdom at Lindon, and ruled throughout the Second Age, longer than any of the High Kings except for Finwë. But after a while [[Sauron]] had replaced his master Morgoth as the Dark Lord. With the aid of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] he fortified [[Mordor]] and began the long war with the remaining Elves. He attacked Eregion, destroying it, but was withstood in [[Rivendell]] and Lindon. With the aid of the [[Númenóreans]], the Noldor managed to defeat him for a time.


==High Kings==
However, in the year 3319 of the Second Age Númenor fell due to [[Ar-Pharazôn]]'s rebellion against the Valar, in which Sauron had a great part. When [[Elendil]] with his sons escaped to Middle-earth and established the realms of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Sauron tried to conquer Gondor before it could take root. Both Elendil and Gil-galad set out for Mordor in the [[Last Alliance]] of Men and Elves and defeated Sauron in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and finally in the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. There Gil-galad perished, and so ended the High Kingship of the Noldor. Of the descendants of Finwë in Middle-earth, only Galadriel and [[Elrond]] Half-elven remained (and the Númenórean Kings through Elrond's twin brother [[Elros]]).
# [[Finwë]], first High King
 
# [[Fëanor]], first son of Finwë  
===The Third Age===
# [[Maedhros]], first son of Fëanor,(''[[de jure]]'' only) Shortly after Fëanor's death Maedhros gave up his rights to Fingolfin, ending Fëanor's line.
In the [[Third Age]], the Noldor in Middle-earth dwindled, and by the end of the Third Age the only big communities of Noldor remaining in Middle-earth were in Rivendell and Lindon. Their further fate of fading utterly from the World was shared by all Elves.
# [[Fingolfin]], second son of Finwë.
 
==Kings of the Noldor==
* In Valinor:
# [[Finwë]], first King.
# [[Fëanor]], first son of Finwë; claimed the title after his father's death.
# [[Finarfin]], third son of Finwë; ruled the Noldor remaining in Aman.
 
* In Middle-earth:
# [[Fingolfin]], second son of Finwë; held to be the [[High King of the Noldor]] by the majority of the Noldor after Maedhros son of Fëanor gave up his claims.
# [[Fingon]], first son of Fingolfin.
# [[Fingon]], first son of Fingolfin.
# [[Turgon]], second son of Fingolfin. Turgon was Fingolfin's last male descendant.
# [[Turgon]], second son of Fingolfin.
# [[Gil-galad]], last male descendant of Finwë in Middle-earth.
# [[Gil-galad]], son of Fingon, son of Fingolfin.
 
It is not known exactly how Finwë became King: he may have been a descendant of the Noldorin primogenitor [[Tata]], or simply have been accepted as leader based on his status as ambassador to the Valar. The Noldor had many princely houses besides that of Finwë: [[Glorfindel]] of Gondolin and [[Gwindor]] of Nargothrond, while not related to Finwë, were princes in their own right. These lesser houses held no realms, however: all the Noldorin realms of Beleriand and later Eriador were ruled by a descendant of Finwë.


At Gil-galad's death, the High Kingship in Middle-earth under the [[Noldor]] came to an end. The [[Men (Middle-earth)|Mannish]] descendants of [[Elros]] (the [[Kings of Arnor]]) now claimed the title High King, alhough there is  no indication that this referred anything other than a High Kingship over the [[Dúnedain]]. It is unclear whether Elros and his brother [[Elrond]] were considered eligible, but Elrond never claimed Kingship, implying that they were not. But another possibility is that Elrond and Elros's father [[Eärendil]], who is the grandson of Turgon through his daughter [[Idril]] could have claimed the High Kingship of the Noldor. But at the time of his grandfather's death he was still just [[half-elven]] and the High Kingship passed to Gil-Galad his full blooded elven cousin from a far. But when Eärendil chose to be of elven kin when in [[Valinor]] and after Gil-Galad's death in the [[Last Alliance]] he could have claimed the Kingship through his grandfather Turgon. But this is purely speculation. Tolkien never mentioned nor did he hint to Eärendil making such a claim in any of his writings.
The [[Men|Mannish]] descendants of [[Elros]] (the [[Kings of Arnor]]) called themselves High Kings, although their authority was only over the [[Dúnedain]]. As descendants through the female line Elros and his brother Elrond were not considered eligible, and Elrond indeed never claimed Kingship.


As Finwë was never allowed to take bodily form again within [[Arda]] (as per the rules of the Statute of Finwë and [[Míriel]]), exactly who — if anyone — succeeded him as High King of the Noldor in [[Aman]] is in doubt. One possibility is that Finarfin, who had ruled over the Noldor of Tirion ever since the majority of the Noldor under Fëanor had left, now held the title. It is not known if Fingolfin or one of his sons were ever allowed to leave the [[Mandos|Halls of Mandos]] after their death. However, even if they had been allowed to return to life it is not likely that they regained the title. Another possibility is that in Aman there was no High King other than [[Ingwë]].
It is perhaps notable that Galadriel, the last of the House of Finwë in Middle-earth (other than the [[Half-elven]]) after the fall of Gil-galad, likewise never claimed a title, let alone that of High Queen. Indeed the only known Elven "kingdom" in Middle-earth after the Second Age was the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] realm of Mirkwood, ruled by the Sinda [[Thranduil]].


==The House of Finwë and the Noldorin descent of Aragorn and Arwen==
==The House of Finwë==
(Version deviates from the published ''Silmarillion'' — see note at end. High Kings are numbered.)
The leaders of the Noldor were all members of the House of Finwë. The descendants of this house were also many of the major historical figures of the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages, culminating in [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] and his wife [[Arwen]]. Below is a family tree showing the lines of descent from Finwë to the kings of Elves and [[Men]] in [[Middle-earth]] and [[Númenor]]. The names of the High Kings of the Noldor are in bold.


<div style="font-size:75%;">
     (1) [[Míriel]]      =               '''[[Finwë]]'''                         =        [[Indis]] (2)
<code>
     (1) [[Míriel]]      =             [[Finwë]]<sup>1</sup>                         =        [[Indis]] (2)
                     |                                              |
                     |                                              |
                     |                  --------------------------------------------------
                     |                  --------------------------------------------------
                     |                  |                  |              |            |
                     |                  |                  |              |            |
  [[Nerdanel]]  =  [[Fëanor]]<sup>2</sup>             [[Findis]]  [[Anairë]] = [[Fingolfin]]<sup>3</sup>       [[Irim&euml;]]      [[Finarfin]] = [[Eärwen]]   
  [[Nerdanel]]  =  '''[[Fëanor]]'''             [[Findis]]  [[Anairë]] = '''[[Fingolfin]]'''       [[Irim&euml;]]      [[Finarfin]] = [[Eärwen]]   
             |                                        |                                      |
             |                                        |                                      |
             |                ---------------------------          ---------------------------
             |                ---------------------------          ---------------------------
             |                |      |            |  |          |      |      |          |
             |                |      |            |  |          |      |      |          |
  [[Sons of Fëanor|Seven Sons of Fëanor]]      [[Fingon]]<sup>4</sup> [[Turgon]]<sup>5</sup> = [[Elenwë]] |  [[Argon (Middle-earth)|Argon]]      [[Finrod]] [[Angrod]] [[Aegnor]]      |
  [[Sons of Fëanor|Seven Sons of Fëanor]]      '''[[Fingon]]''' '''[[Turgon]]''' = [[Elenwë]] |  [[Argon]]      [[Finrod]] [[Angrod]] [[Aegnor]]      |
             :                              |        |                      |                  |
             :                              |        |                      |                  |
     [[Celebrimbor]]                          |      [[Aredhel]] = [[Eöl]]      [[Orodreth]]    [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]] = [[Galadriel]]
     [[Celebrimbor]]                          |      [[Aredhel]] = [[Eöl]]      [[Orodreth]]    [[Celeborn]] = [[Galadriel]]
                                           |              |              |              |
                                           |              |              |              |
                                   [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]]          [[Maeglin]]      -------------        |
                                   [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]]          [[Maeglin]]      -------------        |
                                       |                            |          |        |
                                       |                            |          |        |
                                   [[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]          [[Gil-galad]]<sup>6</sup>   [[Finduilas]]    |
                                   [[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]          '''[[Gil-galad]]'''   [[Finduilas]]    |
                                             |                                              |
                                             |                                              |
                               -----------------------------------------                    |
                               -----------------------------------------                    |
                               |                                      |                    |
                               |                                      |                    |
                             [[Elros]]                                  [[Elrond]]    =        [[Celebrian]]
                             [[Elros]]                                  [[Elrond]]    =        [[Celebrían]]
                               :                                              |
                               :                                              |
                               :                                  ------------------------
                               :                                  ------------------------
                               :                                  |                      |             
                               :                                  |                      |             
                           [[Aragorn]]            =              [[Arwen]]            [[Elladan and Elrohir]]
                           [[Aragorn]]            =              [[Arwen]]            [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]
                                             |
                                             |
                                     ----------------------
                                     ----------------------
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                           Kings of [[Reunited Kingdom]]
                           Kings of [[Reunited Kingdom]]


==Characteristics==
The Noldor were the Second Clan of the Elves in both order and size, the other clans being the [[Vanyar]], a smaller group, and the [[Teleri]], a much larger one. The Noldor typically had grey eyes and dark hair (except for those who had Vanyarin blood, most prominently the members of the [[House of Finarfin]]).
However, the Noldor were the proudest of the Elves; in the words of the [[Sindar]], they came to Middle-earth because "they needed room to quarrel in". It was this pride that Melkor used to turn the Houses of [[House of Fëanor|Fëanor]] and [[House of Fingolfin|Fingolfin]] against each other. The pride of the Noldor also led to their [[Fall of the Noldor|Fall]] and [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]] (and their continued quarrels in Middle-earth, as noted by the Sindar).
Of the three clans of the [[Eldar]] they are also the people who most favors sword and shield as their weapons.<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 215 footnote to §29</ref><ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 228 footnote to §49</ref>
==Etymology and Names==
The singular form of the [[Quenya]] noun is '''[[Noldo]]''' and the adjective is '''[[Noldorin]]'''.


''noldo'' is derived from the [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|root]] [[NGOL]].<ref name=WJC>{{WJ|C}}, p. 383</ref>


The Noldor were called '''[[Golodhrim]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[ɡoˈloðrim]}}) or '''Gódhellim''' ({{IPA|[ɡoˈðelːim]}}) by [[Sindarin]]-speakers and '''Goldoi''' by [[Falmari]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]; they are also known as ''Deep Elves'' ("deep" as in "wise, learned").  Additionally, the Sindarin singular '''[[Golodh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡoloð]}}) could be pluralized '''[[Golodhrim]]''', '''[[Gelydh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡelyð]}}, later {{IPA|[ˈɡelið]}}) or more archaicly '''[[Gœlydh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡølyð]}}).{{fact}}


</code></div>
Other names used for the Noldor included the Wise, the Golden, the Valiant, the Sword-elves, the Elves of the Earth, the Foes of Melkor, the Skilled of Hand, the Jewel-wrights, the Companions of Men, and the Followers of Finwë.<ref>{{HM|MR}}, p. 164</ref> It is also told that the Noldor were often called the Lispers by other native speakers of Quenya (such as the [[Vanyar]]), since they retained the medial "th" in their speech.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 34</ref>


==Other versions of the legendarium==
==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
In the early versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth [[legendarium]] (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), the '''Noldor''' were most often called '''Noldoli''' (not Ñoldoli) or '''[[Gnome (disambiguation)|Gnomes]]'''. They were still called Gnomes in early editions of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became [[Sindarin]] (then called Gnomish).
In the early versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), the Noldor were most often called ''Noldoli'' or ''[[Gnomes]]''. They were still called Gnomes in early editions of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became [[Sindarin]] (then called ''Gnomish'' or ''Noldorin'').


The spelling ''Noldor'' rather than ''Noldor'' is used in later writings, but even in earlier versions the name ''Ñoldo'' came from a [[Primitive Quendian]] stem *NGolod&#333;, which led to ''NGoldo'' (Ñoldo) in [[Quenya]] and ''''''Golodh'''''' in [[Sindarin]].
The spelling ''Ñoldor'' rather than ''Noldor'' was used by Tolkien in his later writings (the character ''ñ'' signifying the velar nasal, the sound found in the English word "si'''ng'''"), but even in earlier versions the name ''Ñoldo'' came from a [[Primitive Quendian]] stem *ñgolod&#333;, which led to Ñoldo in [[Quenya]] and ''Golodh'' in [[Sindarin]].


The family tree given above is correct in the placement of [[Orodreth]] and [[Gil-galad]]: Orodreth was [[Angrod]]'s son, and [[Gil-galad]] was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of [[Angrod]] and great-grandson of [[Finarfin]], and brother to [[Finduilas]]. These are wrongly placed in the published ''Silmarillion''. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). [[Argon]], the third son of [[Fingolfin]], does not appear in the published ''Silmarillion'' at all.
The family tree given above is correct in the placement of [[Orodreth]] and [[Gil-galad]]: Orodreth was [[Angrod]]'s son, and [[Gil-galad]] was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of [[Angrod]] and great-grandson of [[Finarfin]], and brother to [[Finduilas]]. These are wrongly placed in the published ''Silmarillion''. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). [[Argon]], the third son of [[Fingolfin]], does not appear in the published ''Silmarillion'' at all.
==See also==
* [[Quenya]]
* [[Finwë]]
* [[House of Finwë]]
* [[Fëanor]]
* [[Fingolfin]]
* [[Silmarils]]
* [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]
* [[Doom of Mandos]]
* [[Exile of the Noldor]]
{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Noldor| ]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Noldor]]
[[fa:نولدور]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/noldor]]
[[fi:Noldor]]

Revision as of 07:29, 22 August 2014

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
Noldor
Race
Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg
General Information
MembersFinwë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finrod, Fingon, Gil-galad, Turgon, Galadriel, Indis, Celebrimbor, Orodreth.
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal.
DistinctionsGreat skill with metal and gems, deep knowledge.
Average heightTall.
GalleryImages of Noldor

The Noldor (Third Age Exilic Q, pron. [ˈnoldor]) or Ñoldor (older and Amanya Q, pron. [ˈŋoldor]) were those of the second clan of the Elves who came to Aman. They were highly skilled in crafts and gained much knowledge, which they passed on to Men after their Exile. Their King was originally Finwë, but he was slain by Morgoth, leading his son Fëanor to avenge him and the theft of his jewels by making war upon Morgoth in Middle-earth. The war of the Noldor against Morgoth comprises many of the tales of the First Age.

History

According to legend, the clan was founded by Tata, the second Elf to awake at Cuiviénen, his spouse Tatië and their 54 companions, but it was Finwë, the first Ñoldor to come to Valinor with Oromë, who became their King, and led most of them to Valinor.

The Noldor in Valinor

The Noldor were accounted the greatest of the Elves and all the peoples in Middle-earth in lore, warfare and crafts. In Valinor "great became their knowledge and their skill; yet even greater was their thirst for more knowledge, and in many things they soon surpassed their teachers. The Noldor were changeful in speech, for they had great love of words, and sought ever to find names more fit for all things they knew or imagined". They were beloved of Aulë the Smith, and were the first to discover and carve gems. Their chief dwelling-place was the city of Tirion upon Túna. Among the wisest of the Noldor were Rúmil, creator of the first writing system and author of many books of lore. Fëanor, son of Finwë and Míriel, was the greatest of their craftsmen, "mightiest in skill of word and of hand", and creator of the Silmarils.

The Noldor earned the greatest hatred of Melkor, who envied their prosperity and, most of all, the Silmarils. So he went often among them, offering counsel, and the Noldor hearkened, being eager for lore. But amid his seemingly good advice, Melkor sowed lies to turn one House of the Noldor against another, and in the end the peace in Tirion was poisoned. After threatening his half-brother Fingolfin, Fëanor was banished from Tirion by the Valar, and with him went Finwë his father. Fingolfin remained as the ruler of the Noldor of Tirion.

But Melkor had yet other designs to accomplish. Soon after with the aid of Ungoliant he destroyed the Two Trees, and coming to Formenos he killed Finwë, stole the Silmarils, and departed from Aman. Fëanor, driven by grief and desiring vengeance, rebelled against the Valar by coming back into Tirion and making a speech before the Noldor, in which he persuaded them to leave Valinor, follow Melkor to Middle-earth, and wage war against him for the recovery of the Silmarils. He swore a terrible oath, as did his sons, to pursue Melkor and reclaim the Silmarils at all costs. Fëanor then claimed the title of the High King since his father was dead, but though the greater part of the Noldor still held Fingolfin as King, they followed Fëanor into Exile due to their valor.

The Kinslaying

The Noldor led by Fëanor demanded that the Teleri let them use their ships. When the Teleri refused, they took the ships by force, committing the first kinslaying. A messenger from the Valar came later and delivered the Doom of Mandos, pronouncing judgment on the Noldor for the Kinslaying and rebellion and warning that if they proceeded they would not recover the Silmarils and moreover would be slain or tormented by grief. At this, some of the Noldor who had no hand in the Kinslaying, including Finarfin son of Finwë and Indis, returned to Valinor, and the Valar forgave them. Other Noldor led by Fingolfin (some of whom were blameless in the Kinslaying) remained determined to leave Valinor for Middle-earth. Prominent among these others was Finarfin's son, Finrod.

Exile to Middle-earth

The Noldor led by Fëanor crossed the sea to Middle-earth, leaving those led by Fingolfin, his half-brother, behind. Upon his arrival in Middle-earth, Fëanor had the ships burned. When the Noldor led by Fingolfin discovered their betrayal, they went farther north and crossed the sea at the Grinding Ice which cost them many lives.

Fëanor's company was soon attacked by Morgoth. When Fëanor rode too far from his bodyguard during the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, several Balrogs, including their Lord Gothmog, fought him. Despite battling valiantly, Fëanor was mortally wounded and would have been captured and taken to Angband had it not been for the swift arrival of his sons. However, Fëanor died whilst being taken back to his own people.

Because Fëanor had taken the ships and left the Noldor led by his half-brother on the west side of the sea, much enmity remained between the royal Houses of the Noldor. Fingon son of Fingolfin, saved Maedhros Fëanor's son from Morgoth's imprisonment, however, and the feud was settled. Maedhros was due to succeed Fëanor, but he regretted his part of the Kinslaying and left the High Kingship of the Noldor to his uncle Fingolfin, who became the first High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth. His brothers did not agree to this, and began to refer to themselves as the Dispossessed, because the High Kingship had passed them by.

Kingdoms of the Noldor

In the north-west of Middle-earth the Noldor made alliance with the Sindar, the Elves of Beleriand, and later with Men of the Three Houses of the Edain. Fingolfin reigned long in the land of Hithlum, and his younger son Turgon built the Hidden City of Gondolin. The Sons of Fëanor ruled the lands in Eastern Beleriand, while Finrod Finarfin's son was the King of Nargothrond and his brothers Angrod and Aegnor held Dorthonion. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 60 of the First Age after their victory in Dagor Aglareb the Noldor started the Siege of Angband, the great fortress of Morgoth. In the year 455 the Siege was broken by Morgoth in the Dagor Bragollach, in which the north-eastern Elvish realms were conquered. Fingolfin in despair rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the second High King of the Noldor in Beleriand.

The Nirnaeth Arnoediad

In the year 472, Maedhros organised an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Betrayed by the new-come Easterlings, the forces of the Noldor, Sindar and Edain were utterly defeated. Fingon the Valiant was slain; he was succeeded by his brother Turgon.

Morgoth scattered the remaining forces of the Sons of Fëanor, and in 495 Nargothrond was also overridden. Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin which was kept hidden from both Morgoth and other Elves. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by Maeglin and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however, many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon had no sons, so Gil-galad, last surviving male descendant of Fingolfin, became the fourth and last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.

Finally the Valar came down to Middle-earth and in the years 545-583 the War of Wrath was fought and Morgoth was cast into the Void. But Beleriand sank into the sea, except for a part of Ossiriand (Lindon), and a few isles. The defeat of Morgoth marked the end of the First Age and the start of the Second.

The Second Age

Most of the Noldor sailed back to Aman at the End of the First Age; but some, like Galadriel daughter of Finarfin or Celebrimbor grandson of Fëanor, refused the pardon of the Valar and remained in Middle-earth. Gil-galad founded a new kingdom at Lindon, and ruled throughout the Second Age, longer than any of the High Kings except for Finwë. But after a while Sauron had replaced his master Morgoth as the Dark Lord. With the aid of the Ruling Ring he fortified Mordor and began the long war with the remaining Elves. He attacked Eregion, destroying it, but was withstood in Rivendell and Lindon. With the aid of the Númenóreans, the Noldor managed to defeat him for a time.

However, in the year 3319 of the Second Age Númenor fell due to Ar-Pharazôn's rebellion against the Valar, in which Sauron had a great part. When Elendil with his sons escaped to Middle-earth and established the realms of Arnor and Gondor, Sauron tried to conquer Gondor before it could take root. Both Elendil and Gil-galad set out for Mordor in the Last Alliance of Men and Elves and defeated Sauron in the Battle of Dagorlad and finally in the Siege of Barad-dûr. There Gil-galad perished, and so ended the High Kingship of the Noldor. Of the descendants of Finwë in Middle-earth, only Galadriel and Elrond Half-elven remained (and the Númenórean Kings through Elrond's twin brother Elros).

The Third Age

In the Third Age, the Noldor in Middle-earth dwindled, and by the end of the Third Age the only big communities of Noldor remaining in Middle-earth were in Rivendell and Lindon. Their further fate of fading utterly from the World was shared by all Elves.

Kings of the Noldor

  • In Valinor:
  1. Finwë, first King.
  2. Fëanor, first son of Finwë; claimed the title after his father's death.
  3. Finarfin, third son of Finwë; ruled the Noldor remaining in Aman.
  • In Middle-earth:
  1. Fingolfin, second son of Finwë; held to be the High King of the Noldor by the majority of the Noldor after Maedhros son of Fëanor gave up his claims.
  2. Fingon, first son of Fingolfin.
  3. Turgon, second son of Fingolfin.
  4. Gil-galad, son of Fingon, son of Fingolfin.

It is not known exactly how Finwë became King: he may have been a descendant of the Noldorin primogenitor Tata, or simply have been accepted as leader based on his status as ambassador to the Valar. The Noldor had many princely houses besides that of Finwë: Glorfindel of Gondolin and Gwindor of Nargothrond, while not related to Finwë, were princes in their own right. These lesser houses held no realms, however: all the Noldorin realms of Beleriand and later Eriador were ruled by a descendant of Finwë.

The Mannish descendants of Elros (the Kings of Arnor) called themselves High Kings, although their authority was only over the Dúnedain. As descendants through the female line Elros and his brother Elrond were not considered eligible, and Elrond indeed never claimed Kingship.

It is perhaps notable that Galadriel, the last of the House of Finwë in Middle-earth (other than the Half-elven) after the fall of Gil-galad, likewise never claimed a title, let alone that of High Queen. Indeed the only known Elven "kingdom" in Middle-earth after the Second Age was the Silvan realm of Mirkwood, ruled by the Sinda Thranduil.

The House of Finwë

The leaders of the Noldor were all members of the House of Finwë. The descendants of this house were also many of the major historical figures of the Second and Third Ages, culminating in Aragorn II and his wife Arwen. Below is a family tree showing the lines of descent from Finwë to the kings of Elves and Men in Middle-earth and Númenor. The names of the High Kings of the Noldor are in bold.

   (1) Míriel      =               Finwë                          =         Indis (2)
                   |                                              |
                   |                  --------------------------------------------------
                   |                  |                   |              |             |
Nerdanel   =   Fëanor              Findis   Anairë = Fingolfin       Irimë       Finarfin = Eärwen   
           |                                        |                                       |
           |                 ---------------------------           ---------------------------
           |                 |       |             |   |           |      |       |          |
Seven Sons of Fëanor      Fingon  Turgon = Elenwë |  Argon      Finrod Angrod Aegnor       |
           :                              |        |                      |                  |
    Celebrimbor                           |       Aredhel = Eöl      Orodreth    Celeborn = Galadriel
                                          |               |               |               |
                                 Tuor = Idril          Maeglin      -------------         |
                                      |                             |           |         |
                                  Eärendil = Elwing           Gil-galad    Finduilas     |
                                           |                                              |
                             -----------------------------------------                    |
                             |                                       |                    |
                           Elros                                  Elrond     =         Celebrían
                             :                                               |
                             :                                  ------------------------
                             :                                  |                      |             
                         Aragorn            =               Arwen             Elladan and Elrohir
                                            |
                                   ----------------------
                                   |                    |
                                Eldarion       Numerous daughters
                                   :                
                         Kings of Reunited Kingdom

Characteristics

The Noldor were the Second Clan of the Elves in both order and size, the other clans being the Vanyar, a smaller group, and the Teleri, a much larger one. The Noldor typically had grey eyes and dark hair (except for those who had Vanyarin blood, most prominently the members of the House of Finarfin).

However, the Noldor were the proudest of the Elves; in the words of the Sindar, they came to Middle-earth because "they needed room to quarrel in". It was this pride that Melkor used to turn the Houses of Fëanor and Fingolfin against each other. The pride of the Noldor also led to their Fall and Exile (and their continued quarrels in Middle-earth, as noted by the Sindar).

Of the three clans of the Eldar they are also the people who most favors sword and shield as their weapons.[1][2]

Etymology and Names

The singular form of the Quenya noun is Noldo and the adjective is Noldorin.

noldo is derived from the Elvish root NGOL.[3]

The Noldor were called Golodhrim (pron. [ɡoˈloðrim]) or Gódhellim ([ɡoˈðelːim]) by Sindarin-speakers and Goldoi by Falmari of Tol Eressëa; they are also known as Deep Elves ("deep" as in "wise, learned"). Additionally, the Sindarin singular Golodh ([ˈɡoloð]) could be pluralized Golodhrim, Gelydh ([ˈɡelyð], later [ˈɡelið]) or more archaicly Gœlydh ([ˈɡølyð]).[source?]

Other names used for the Noldor included the Wise, the Golden, the Valiant, the Sword-elves, the Elves of the Earth, the Foes of Melkor, the Skilled of Hand, the Jewel-wrights, the Companions of Men, and the Followers of Finwë.[4] It is also told that the Noldor were often called the Lispers by other native speakers of Quenya (such as the Vanyar), since they retained the medial "th" in their speech.[5]

Other Versions of the Legendarium

In the early versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium (see: The History of Middle-earth), the Noldor were most often called Noldoli or Gnomes. They were still called Gnomes in early editions of The Hobbit. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became Sindarin (then called Gnomish or Noldorin).

The spelling Ñoldor rather than Noldor was used by Tolkien in his later writings (the character ñ signifying the velar nasal, the sound found in the English word "sing"), but even in earlier versions the name Ñoldo came from a Primitive Quendian stem *ñgolodō, which led to Ñoldo in Quenya and Golodh in Sindarin.

The family tree given above is correct in the placement of Orodreth and Gil-galad: Orodreth was Angrod's son, and Gil-galad was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of Angrod and great-grandson of Finarfin, and brother to Finduilas. These are wrongly placed in the published Silmarillion. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). Argon, the third son of Fingolfin, does not appear in the published Silmarillion at all.

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 215 footnote to §29
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 228 footnote to §49
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar: C. The Clan-names, with notes on other names for divisions of the Eldar", p. 383
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, p. 164
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Quenya Phonology", in Parma Eldalamberon XIX (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 34
Elves
(Quendi · People of the Stars · Firstborn · Elder Kindred)
Three Kindreds:
(Eldar · Eldalië · Edhil)
 Vanyar (Fair-elves · Minyar) · Noldor (Deep-elves · Tatyar) · Teleri (Lindar · Nelyar)
Calaquendi:
(High-elves · Amanyar)
 Vanyar · Noldor · Falmari
Úmanyar:  Sindar (Grey-elves · Eglath · Falathrim) · Nandor (Green-elves · Silvan Elves)
 Moriquendi:  Úmanyar · Avari (Cuind · Hwenti · Kindi · Kinn-lai · Penni · Windan)
See also:  Awakening of the Elves · Sundering of the Elves · Great Journey

fa:نولدور