Orodreth: Difference between revisions

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''(See also [[Orodreth of Gondor]])''
{{disambig-two|the Elf of Nargothrond|the Steward of Gondor|[[Orodreth (Steward of Gondor)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Marya Filatova - Orodreth.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Marya Filatova - Artaresto.jpg|250px]]
| name=Orodreth
| name=Orodreth
| quenya=''Artaresto''
| pronun=
| othernames=''Artaresto'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]])
| titles=[[King of Nargothrond]]
| titles=[[King of Nargothrond]]
| birth=[[YOTT]], [[Tirion]]
| position=Warden of [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]]<br/>({{FA|60}} - {{FA|457|n}})
| realm=[[Nargothrond]]
| location=[[Tirion]]; [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]]; [[Nargothrond]]
| death=[[FA 495]]
| affiliation=
| age=550+
| language=[[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| parentage=[[Angrod]] + [[Eldalótë]]
| birth=between {{YT|1300}} and {{YT|1495|n}}
| spouse=Unknown
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| children=[[Gil-galad]], [[Finduilas of Nargothrond|Finduilas]]
| rule={{FA|465}} - {{FA|495|n}}
| death={{FA|495}}<ref name="GAS275">{{GA|275}}</ref>
| deathlocation=[[Battle of Tumhalad]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Finarfin]]
| parentage=[[Angrod]] & [[Eldalótë]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Unnamed [[Sindar|Sindarin]] lady<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, ''The names of Finwë's descendants'', ''The parentage of Gil-galad''</ref>
| children=[[Gil-galad]] & [[Finduilas]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| hair=Dark
| height=
| ref=''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'', ''[[The Silmarillion]]''
| hair=
|}}
| eyes=
'''Orodreth''' was an [[Elves|Elf]] of the First Age, the son of [[Angrod]] and nephew of [[Finrod Felagund]]. [[Finduilas of Nargothrond|Finduilas]] was his daughter, and [[Gil-galad]] his son. After the death of Finrod, he was ruler of [[Nargothrond]].
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Orodreth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[oˈrodreθ]}}), son of [[Angrod]] was a [[Noldo]] and the [[King of Nargothrond]] in the [[First Age]]. His name in [[Quenya]] was '''Artaresto''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌartaˈresto]}}). He was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]].<ref name="Shib">{{PM|Shibboleth}}, ''The names of Finwë's descendants''</ref>


His name in [[Quenya]] was '''Artaresto'''. Orodreth was born in [[Valinor]].
==History==
===Early History===
During the [[Flight of the Noldor]], Orodreth, alone save [[Finarfin]] spoke softly and sought to calm the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref> After the return of the Noldor to [[Middle-earth]] and the completion of [[Nargothrond]], [[Finrod]] son of Finarfin gave the fortress of [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] to Orodreth's keeping.<ref>{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>
Orodreth held the fortress of Minas Tirith in the vale of [[Sirion]] until [[Sauron]], lieutenant of [[Morgoth]], overran the isle shortly after the [[Dagor Bragollach]] and turned it into [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], The Isle of Werewolves, in {{FA|457}}. Orodreth then fled south to [[Nargothrond]].<ref>{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>
 
===Arrival of Beren===
When [[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]] came to Nargothrond in {{FA|465}}, Finrod, the [[King of Nargothrond]], went with him on his [[Quest for the Silmaril|quest for the Silmaril]], fulfilling his oath. However, [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], the [[sons of Fëanor|Sons of Fëanor]], were also at Nargothrond at the time, and forced Finrod to help Beren with [[Edrahil]] and only ten companions, and without the help of the majority of his people. Orodreth took up the crown, ruling as a regent, but the sons of [[Fëanor]] held the real power. Curufin called him "a dullard slow" in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', and with his brother Celegorm plotted to take over Nargothrond if news came of Finrod's death. However when news came that Finrod had been killed and Tol-in-Gaurhoth destroyed, the sons of Fëanor were shamed and fell from power; the people cried out that the maiden [[Lúthien]] had done what the sons of Fëanor dared not. Orodreth returned to power and expelled Celegorm and Curufin from Nargothrond.<ref>{{S|Beren}}</ref>
 
===Arrival of Túrin===
In {{FA|490}}<ref>{{GA|267}}</ref>, [[Gwindor]], a prince of Nargothrond, and an escaped thrall of Morgoth, returning from his captivity in [[Angband]], led [[Túrin]], son of [[Húrin]], a [[Man]] of the [[House of Hador]] to Nargothrond. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself ''[[Agarwaen]]'', son of ''[[Úmarth]]'' ("Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"). [[Finduilas]], daughter of Orodreth, fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so that she called him ''Thurin'' ("The Secret"). He was also called ''Adanedhel'' ("Man-Elf") because he was so alike to an Elf, though he was a Man.<ref name="CH10">{{CH|10}}</ref><ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
 
His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to Finduilas that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father Húrin. When the news of this reached Finduilas' father, Orodreth, King of Nargothrond, Túrin was given great honor and standing, but the revelation of Túrin's identity would also bring Morgoth's curse with him.<ref name="CH10">{{CH|10}}</ref><ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>


==History==
Túrin became a chief counselor of Orodreth, and was extremely influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the people of Nargothrond to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with [[Gurthang]], his black sword, he himself became known as ''Mormegil'' ("Black Sword").<ref name="CH10">{{CH|10}}</ref><ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>


Orodreth held the isle of [[Minas Tirith in Beleriand|Minas Tirith]] in the vale of [[Sirion]] until [[Sauron]] overran the isle and turned it into [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Orodreth then fled south to Nargothrond.
However, sometime after, two messengers, named [[Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)|Gelmir]] and [[Arminas]], sent there by [[Círdan]], arrived to Nargothrond, delivering the message from [[Ulmo]], Lord of Waters himself, to the King Orodreth, advising him to shut the doors of Nargothrond and destroy the bridge before its gates. At this time Orodreth relied upon the counsel of Túrin, who scorned the words of the messengers, for it was upon his advice that the bridge had been built and it was his policy for the King's forces to go forth openly to war, and sent them away.<ref name="Fall">{{CH|11}}</ref><ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>


When [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] came to Nargothrond, Finrod went with him on his quest for the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]]. However [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] the [[Sons of Fëanor]] were also at Nargothrond, and forced Finrod to help Beren alone,without his people. Orodreth took up the crown, ruling as regent, but the [[Sons of Fëanor]] held the real power.  Curufin called him "a dullard slow" in the [[Lay of Leithian]], and with his brother Celegorm plotted to take over Nargothrond if news came of Finrod's death.
This would prove to be a fatal mistake, since in {{FA|495}}<ref>{{GA|275}}</ref>, Morgoth unleashed his forces at Nargothrond and led by [[Glaurung]] the dragon, they devastated the army of Orodreth at the [[Battle of Tumhalad]]. In that battle Orodreth was slain, and after that the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] was inevitable, due to the bridge that allowed Glaurung and Morgoth's host to ravage the city, and most of its people were either enslaved or killed (including Orodreth's daughter Finduilas).<ref name="Fall">{{CH|11}}</ref><ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>


When news came that Finrod had been killed and Sauron's isle destroyed, the Sons of Fëanor lost their power, for the people cried out that a maiden [[Luthien]] had done what the Sons of Fëanor had not (thrown down Sauron). Orodreth, who regained his power, spared their lives but expelled from Nargothrond, and became its leader.
==Etymology==
The name ''Orodreth'' is glossed as "mountaineer".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 182</ref>


When [[Túrin Turambar]] arrived in Nargothrond he gradually became Orodreth's closest councillor.Turin forced Orodreth and the people of Nargothrond to abandon the secretive warfare and declare open war against [[Morgoth]].However this led to the destruction of Nargothrond. He later died fighting the hosts of [[Morgoth]] and [[Glaurung]] the [[Dragon]] in the [[Battle of Tumhalad]] during the [[Sack of Nargothrond]].
==Genealogy==


== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
<code>
{{familytree | | | | | | | FIN |y| EAR | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finarfin]]|EAR=[[Eärwen]]}}
          [[Finarfin]] = [[Eärwen]]
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
                  |
{{familytree | FIN | | ANG |y| ELD | | AEG | | GAL |FIN=[[Finrod]]|ANG=[[Angrod]]|ELD=[[Eldalótë]]|AEG=[[Aegnor]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]}}
    ______________|______________
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |}}
    |         |         |         |
{{familytree | | | | | | | ORO | | | | | | | | | | |ORO='''ORODRETH'''}}
    |         |         |         |
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | | | | |}}
[[Finrod]]   [[Angrod]]   [[Aegnor]]   [[Galadriel]]  
{{familytree | | | | | GIL | | FDL | | | | | | | | |GIL=[[Gil-galad]]|FDL=[[Finduilas]]}}
              |
{{familytree/end}}
              |
          '''Orodreth'''
              |
        ______|______ 
      |             |
  [[Gil-galad]]     [[Finduilas of Nargothrond|Finduilas]]    
           
</code>


== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
In earlier versions of ''[[the Silmarillion]]'' legendarium as detailed in [[the History of Middle-earth]] series, Orodreth was a more important character, and the original king of Nargothrond. However his importance diminished over time.
In earlier versions of ''The Silmarillion'' legendarium as detailed in ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series, Orodreth was a more important character, and the original king of Nargothrond. However, his importance diminished over time.


In the published ''Silmarillion'', Orodreth is a son of Finarfin, with Quenya name '''Artanáro'''. In the earlier version Gil-galad, later High King of the Ñoldor, was his son, but in the published Silmarillion Gil-galad is made into [[Fingon]]'s son instead. An earlier idea was that Orodreth's son was named '''Hallas''', but Gil-galad replaced him. In [[The Children of Húrin]] Orodreth is once again the son of Finarfin, for reasons unstated. One can assume this was so as not to confuse readers already familiar with The Silmarillion.
In the published ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]'', Orodreth is a son of Finarfin, with Quenya name '''Artaresto'''. In the later version [[Gil-galad]], later [[High King of the Noldor]], was his son, but in the published ''Silmarillion'' Gil-galad is made into [[Fingon]]'s son instead. An earlier idea was that Orodreth's son was named '''Hallas''', but Gil-galad replaced him. Since this later revision wasn't integrated in any of his father's narratives, [[Christopher Tolkien]] didn't include it in the published text. However, unlike in the matter of Gil-galad, Christopher Tolkien believed that the decision to make Orodreth the son of Angrod was final.  


In his last writings, Tolkien changed Orodreth's name to '''[[Artaher]]''' (Quenya) / '''Arothir''' (Sindarin), but it was never introduced in any narratives, so Christopher Tolkien left the name Orodreth unchanged. It is probable the Sindarin name Orodreth would have been retained nonetheless: Tolkien seldom changed names after they had long been used, even if only in unpublished writings.
In his last writings, Tolkien changed Orodreth's name to '''[[Artaher]]''' ([[Quenya]]) / '''Arothir''' ([[Sindarin]]), but it was never introduced in any narratives, so Christopher Tolkien left the name Orodreth unchanged.<ref name="Shib">{{PM|Shibboleth}}, ''The names of Finwë's descendants''</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Orodreth|Images of Orodreth]]
* [[:Category:Images of Orodreth|Images of Orodreth]]


{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=noldor
|house=[[House of Finarfin]]
|born=during the [[Years of the Trees]]
|died={{FA|495}}
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Finrod]]
|nvac=None
|next=kingdom destroyed
|list=[[King of Nargothrond]]
|dates={{FA|465}} – {{FA|495|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finarfin]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[de:Orodreth (Elb)]]
[[fi:Orodreth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/orodreth]]

Revision as of 20:39, 18 July 2015

This article is about the Elf of Nargothrond. For the the Steward of Gondor, see Orodreth (Steward of Gondor).
Orodreth
Noldo
Marya Filatova - Artaresto.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesArtaresto (Q, fn)
TitlesKing of Nargothrond
PositionWarden of Minas Tirith
(F.A. 60 - 457)
LocationTirion; Minas Tirith; Nargothrond
LanguageQuenya and Sindarin
Birthbetween Y.T. 1300 and 1495
Tirion
RuleF.A. 465 - 495
DeathF.A. 495[1]
Battle of Tumhalad
Family
HouseHouse of Finarfin
ParentageAngrod & Eldalótë
SpouseUnnamed Sindarin lady[2]
ChildrenGil-galad & Finduilas
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Orodreth

Orodreth (S, pron. [oˈrodreθ]), son of Angrod was a Noldo and the King of Nargothrond in the First Age. His name in Quenya was Artaresto (pron. [ˌartaˈresto]). He was born in Valinor sometime during the Years of the Trees.[3]

History

Early History

During the Flight of the Noldor, Orodreth, alone save Finarfin spoke softly and sought to calm the Noldor.[4] After the return of the Noldor to Middle-earth and the completion of Nargothrond, Finrod son of Finarfin gave the fortress of Minas Tirith to Orodreth's keeping.[5] Orodreth held the fortress of Minas Tirith in the vale of Sirion until Sauron, lieutenant of Morgoth, overran the isle shortly after the Dagor Bragollach and turned it into Tol-in-Gaurhoth, The Isle of Werewolves, in F.A. 457. Orodreth then fled south to Nargothrond.[6]

Arrival of Beren

When Beren, son of Barahir came to Nargothrond in F.A. 465, Finrod, the King of Nargothrond, went with him on his quest for the Silmaril, fulfilling his oath. However, Celegorm and Curufin, the Sons of Fëanor, were also at Nargothrond at the time, and forced Finrod to help Beren with Edrahil and only ten companions, and without the help of the majority of his people. Orodreth took up the crown, ruling as a regent, but the sons of Fëanor held the real power. Curufin called him "a dullard slow" in the Lay of Leithian, and with his brother Celegorm plotted to take over Nargothrond if news came of Finrod's death. However when news came that Finrod had been killed and Tol-in-Gaurhoth destroyed, the sons of Fëanor were shamed and fell from power; the people cried out that the maiden Lúthien had done what the sons of Fëanor dared not. Orodreth returned to power and expelled Celegorm and Curufin from Nargothrond.[7]

Arrival of Túrin

In F.A. 490[8], Gwindor, a prince of Nargothrond, and an escaped thrall of Morgoth, returning from his captivity in Angband, led Túrin, son of Húrin, a Man of the House of Hador to Nargothrond. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself Agarwaen, son of Úmarth ("Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"). Finduilas, daughter of Orodreth, fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so that she called him Thurin ("The Secret"). He was also called Adanedhel ("Man-Elf") because he was so alike to an Elf, though he was a Man.[9][10][11]

His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to Finduilas that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father Húrin. When the news of this reached Finduilas' father, Orodreth, King of Nargothrond, Túrin was given great honor and standing, but the revelation of Túrin's identity would also bring Morgoth's curse with him.[9][10][11]

Túrin became a chief counselor of Orodreth, and was extremely influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the people of Nargothrond to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, his black sword, he himself became known as Mormegil ("Black Sword").[9][10][11]

However, sometime after, two messengers, named Gelmir and Arminas, sent there by Círdan, arrived to Nargothrond, delivering the message from Ulmo, Lord of Waters himself, to the King Orodreth, advising him to shut the doors of Nargothrond and destroy the bridge before its gates. At this time Orodreth relied upon the counsel of Túrin, who scorned the words of the messengers, for it was upon his advice that the bridge had been built and it was his policy for the King's forces to go forth openly to war, and sent them away.[12][10][11]

This would prove to be a fatal mistake, since in F.A. 495[13], Morgoth unleashed his forces at Nargothrond and led by Glaurung the dragon, they devastated the army of Orodreth at the Battle of Tumhalad. In that battle Orodreth was slain, and after that the Fall of Nargothrond was inevitable, due to the bridge that allowed Glaurung and Morgoth's host to ravage the city, and most of its people were either enslaved or killed (including Orodreth's daughter Finduilas).[12][10][11]

Etymology

The name Orodreth is glossed as "mountaineer".[14]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
Finarfin
 
Eärwen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finrod
 
Angrod
 
Eldalótë
 
Aegnor
 
Galadriel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORODRETH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gil-galad
 
Finduilas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Other Versions of the Legendarium

In earlier versions of The Silmarillion legendarium as detailed in The History of Middle-earth series, Orodreth was a more important character, and the original king of Nargothrond. However, his importance diminished over time.

In the published Silmarillion, Orodreth is a son of Finarfin, with Quenya name Artaresto. In the later version Gil-galad, later High King of the Noldor, was his son, but in the published Silmarillion Gil-galad is made into Fingon's son instead. An earlier idea was that Orodreth's son was named Hallas, but Gil-galad replaced him. Since this later revision wasn't integrated in any of his father's narratives, Christopher Tolkien didn't include it in the published text. However, unlike in the matter of Gil-galad, Christopher Tolkien believed that the decision to make Orodreth the son of Angrod was final.

In his last writings, Tolkien changed Orodreth's name to Artaher (Quenya) / Arothir (Sindarin), but it was never introduced in any narratives, so Christopher Tolkien left the name Orodreth unchanged.[3]

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §275
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", The names of Finwë's descendants, The parentage of Gil-galad
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", The names of Finwë's descendants
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §267
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "Túrin in Nargothrond"
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Túrin Turambar"
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Narn i Hîn Húrin (The Tale of the Children of Húrin)"
  12. 12.0 12.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "The Fall of Nargothrond"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §275
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 182
Orodreth
House of Finarfin
Born: during the Years of the Trees Died: F.A. 495
Preceded by:
Finrod
King of Nargothrond
F.A. 465495
None
kingdom destroyed