Oromë

Oromë is a Vala, the Huntsman of the Valar, the Great Rider. He is the brother of Nessa and the husband of Vána.

History

During the Years of the Trees, after most of the Valar had withdrawn completely from Middle-earth and hidden themselves in Aman, Oromë still hunted in the forests of Middle-earth on occasion. Thus, he was responsible for finding the Elves when they awoke at Cuiviénen, and was the first to name them the Eldar. Seeking to ensure their safety, Oromë accompanied the Elves from Cuiviénen to Beleriand. Being a powerful huntsman, he was active in the struggles against Morgoth. He has a great horn (the Valaróma) and a great steed (Nahar).

The Mearas of Rohan were believed to be descendants of Nahar.

Etymology

The name is said to be derived from his Valarin name Arōmēz.^[1]

It is however understood as "Loud Trumpeter" in Quenya, pronounced [ˈorome], from root ROM (Genitive Oromeo and possessive Oroméva). He is also known as Aldaron (Q. "Lord of Trees").

His Sindarin name is Araw ([ˈaraʊ]) or Tauron (S. "Lord of Forests").

He was known as Béma among the Northmen.

In Eriol's Old English translations, Orome is referred as Wadfrea "Huntinglord", Huntena frea "Hunting Lord and Lord of Hunters" and Wealdafrea "Lord of Forests". The name Beaming is a translation of Q. Aldaron.^[2]

See also

• Images of Oromë