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{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{objects
{{sources}}
| image=[[File:Raphael Rau - Palantir.jpg|250px]]
{{object infobox
| name=Palantíri
| name=Palantíri
| othernames=Seeing Stones
| image=[[File:John Howe - Saruman's Palantir.jpg|250px]]
| derivation=
| caption="Saruman's Palantir" by John Howe
| pronun={{respell|pa-lan|tear|ee}}
| othernames=
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| ownedby=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| owner=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| maker=[[Fëanor]]<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>
| type=Seeing stones
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| references=
| creator=[[Fëanor]]<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>
| created=
| createdlocation=
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
| gallery=palantíri
}}
}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]].  Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained.  But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote.  Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content.  Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]].  Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Palantír]]''}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]].  Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained.  But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote.  Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content.  Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]].  Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Palantír]]"}}
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world.  When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.  
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world.  When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.  


==History==
==History==
===Origin and early history===
===Origin and early history===
The ''palantíri'' were made by [[Fëanor]] in the [[Uttermost West]].<ref name="SIndex"/> Many ''palantíri'' were made, but the number is not known. Some of these were given to the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Númenor]] by [[Gil-galad]] as a gift during the [[Second Age]]. Of these, [[Elendil]] took seven with him in his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and in time they were distributed to seven different locations: four in [[Gondor]] and three in [[Arnor]].<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occurring throughout the respective realms.  Their existence was common knowledge, but no-one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.
The ''palantíri'' were probably made by [[Fëanor]] in the [[Uttermost West]].<ref name="SIndex" /> Many ''palantíri'' were made, but the number is not known. A [[Master-stone]] was in the [[Tower of Avallónë]]. The [[Eldar]] brought some of them to [[Amandil]] to comfort the [[Faithful]], as the [[Shadow]] fell upon [[Númenor]] and they couldn't visit them any more.<ref name=rings/>
 
[[Elendil]] took seven with him in his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and when the [[Realms in Exile]] were formed in {{SA|3320}}, they were distributed to seven different locations:<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> Elendil kept three in [[Arnor]], and four were given to his sons in [[Gondor]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref> They were used largely for mental communication ([[ósanwe]]), but also to see what was occurring throughout the respective realms, and know the plans of their enemies.  Their existence was never common knowledge, and no one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.


===Third Age and beyond===
===Third Age and beyond===
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in {{TA|1437}}. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in {{TA|1975|n}}, he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in {{TA|2002|n}}, the stone was assumed destroyed in general.  The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]].  As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in {{TA|2759|n}}, he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in {{TA|1437}}. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in {{TA|1975|n}}, he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in {{TA|2002|n}}, the stone was assumed destroyed in general.  The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]].  As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in {{TA|2759|n}}, he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.<ref name="ut" />


Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to look toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, upon Saruman's downfall, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] twisted it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone.
Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to look toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, in the final weeks of the War, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] wrested it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone. <ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref>


The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. Partially because of what he saw he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], though it is said that anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.
The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. However, he saw only what Sauron wanted him to see, and partially because of this he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. It is said that afterwards, anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see only the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.<ref>{{RK|Pyre}}</ref> This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]].{{fact}}


The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ringbearer]]s in {{TA|3021|n}} of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more.  The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.
The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ring-bearers]] in {{TA|3021|n}} of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more.  The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
*{{SA|3319}} - [[Downfall of Númenor]]; seven Stones are taken to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Faithful]]
*{{SA|3319}} - [[Downfall of Númenor]]; seven Stones are taken to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Faithful]].
*{{TA|861}} - Division of [[Arnor]]; the [[Amon Sûl-stone]] is contested by [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].
*{{TA|861}} - Division of [[Arnor]]; the [[Amon Sûl-stone]] is contested by [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].
*{{TA|1409}} -  The watchtower of [[Amon Sûl]] is destroyed by [[Angmar]]'s forces; the Amon Sûl-stone is taken to [[Fornost]]
*{{TA|1409}} -  The watchtower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]] is destroyed by [[Angmar]]'s forces; the Amon Sûl-stone is taken to [[Fornost Erain]].
*{{TA|1437}} - Burning of [[Osgiliath]]; the [[Osgiliath-stone]] falls into [[Anduin]]
*{{TA|1437}} - Burning of [[Osgiliath]]; the [[Osgiliath-stone]] falls into [[Anduin]].
*{{TA|1974}} - Fall of [[Arthedain]]; [[Arvedui]] salvages the Amon Sûl and [[Annúminas-stone]]s and takes them with him.
*{{TA|1974}} - Fall of [[Arthedain]]; [[Arvedui]] salvages the Amon Sûl and [[Annúminas-stone]]s and takes them with him.
*{{TA|1975}} - Amon Sûl and Annúminas-stones sink in [[Forochel]]
*{{TA|1975}} - Amon Sûl and Annúminas-stones sink in [[Forochel]].
*{{TA|2002}} - Sauron seizes the [[Ithil-stone]]. Gondorians stop using the [[Anor-stone]] and [[Orthanc-stone]].
*{{TA|2002}} - Sauron seizes the [[Ithil-stone]]. Gondorians stop using the [[Anor-stone]] and [[Orthanc-stone]].
*{{TA|2759}} - [[Saruman]] assumes the Orthanc-stone.
*{{TA|2759}} - [[Saruman]] assumes the Orthanc-stone.
*c. {{TA|3000}} - Saruman is corrupted by the Stone.
*c. {{TA|3000}} - Saruman is corrupted by the Stone.
*{{TA|3019}} - The Stone is thrown by [[Wormtongue]]; [[Aragorn]] twists the stone to his will.
*{{TA|3019}} - The Stone is thrown by [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]; [[Aragorn]] twists the stone to his will.
*{{TA|3021}} - The [[Elostirion-stone]] is taken West on the [[White Ship]]
*{{TA|3021}} - The [[Elostirion-stone]] is taken West on the [[White Ship]].


==Appearance==
==Appearance==
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal.  The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear.  They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal.  The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear.  They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].<ref name="ut">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>


==The Stones==
==The Stones==
[[File:John Howe - Saruman's Palantir.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''[[Saruman]]'s Palantír'']]
[[File:John Howe - Saruman's Palantir.jpg|thumb|''Saruman's Palantír'' by [[John Howe]]]]
* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallonë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.
* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallónë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.


* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them.  It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]].  The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself.  It was too large for one man to carry.
* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them.  It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]].  The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself.  It was too large for one man to carry.<ref name="ut" />


* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]].  The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]].  Elendil used it to look back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallonë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor.  It could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.
* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]].  The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]].  Elendil used it to look back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallónë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor.  It could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.


* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]].  It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]].  Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."
* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]].  It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]].  Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."<ref name="ut" />


* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]].
* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]].
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==Usage==
==Usage==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Saruman]] with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar. All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favored for this use over long distances.  The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities.  The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything.  A technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|250px|thumb|Saruman with a ''palantír'' from Peter Jackson's ''The Lord of the Rings'']]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar.<ref name="ut" /> Stones were linked with each other and each could reveal what was near another stone, but those of strong will and mind could direct their gaze anywhere, both in space and [[time]].<ref name=rings/>


The user or "surveyer" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly.  Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewingThen the surveyer would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone.  The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about.  The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyer could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stoneThis concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations.  Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyers could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.
All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favoured for this use over long distancesThe great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities.  The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anythingA technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.<ref name="ut" />


To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversationThe surveyer would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his headThe surveyer and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.
The user or "surveyor" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly.  Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing.  Then the surveyor would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone.  The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about.  The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyor could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone.  This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situationsZooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scopeStronger and more skilled surveyors could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.<ref name="ut" />


The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the center of the world.  The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency.  Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.
To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyor would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyor and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.<ref name="ut" />
 
The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the centre of the world.  The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency.  Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.<ref name="ut" />


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The name '''''palantír''''' (pl. '''''palantíri''''') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far-seer",<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm|articlename=Quettaparma Quenyallo|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=14 October 2013}}</ref> containing the element ''[[palan]]'' ("far and wide").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, ''palan''</ref>
The name '''''palantír''''' (pl. '''''palantíri''''') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far-seer",<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm|articlename=Quettaparma Quenyallo|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=14 October 2013}}</ref> containing the elements ''[[palan]]'' ("far and wide") + ''[[tir]]'' ("to watch over").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, ''palan''</ref> It is translated as 'those that watch from afar'.<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>


The [[Sindarin]] name for the seeing-stones is '''''Gwahaedir'''''.<ref>{{PM|Second}}, p. 186 (n. 15)</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Didier Willis]]|articleurl=http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/online/sindar/dict-sd-en-strict.html|articlename=Hiswelókë's Sindarin Dictionary|dated=|website=[http://www.jrrvf.com/haut.shtml Jrrvf.com]|accessed=14 October 2013}}</ref>
The [[Sindarin]] name for the seeing-stones is '''''Gwahaedir'''''.<ref>{{PM|Second}}, p. 186, note 15</ref>
 
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of palantíri|Images of palantíri]]


==Inspiration==
The Palantír of Orthanc appeared in a draft of the story unexpectedly. Tolkien already had in his mind the rhyme "''[[Seven Stars]] and seven stones and one [[White Tree]]''" and associated it with one of the "seven stones".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. xxiv</ref><ref>{{L|163}}, p. 217</ref>
{{References}}
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[[Category:Palantíri| ]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
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Revision as of 19:31, 27 November 2021

The name Palantír refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Palantir (disambiguation).
"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.
Palantíri
Seeing stones
John Howe - Saruman's Palantir.jpg
"Saruman's Palantir" by John Howe
Pronunciationpa-lan-tear-ee
LocationVarious locations in Endor
OwnerElendil and his line, Ruling Stewards, Saruman
AppearanceSmooth, round, dark stones
CreatorFëanor[1]
GalleryImages of palantíri
"The palantír replied to each, but all those in Gondor were ever open to the view of Osgiliath. Now it appears that, as the rock of Orthanc has withstood the storms of time, so there the palantír of that tower has remained. But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to Saruman; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon Barad-dûr. Then he was caught!"
Gandalf, The Two Towers, "The Palantír"

The palantíri (sometimes translated as "Seeing Stones") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

History

Origin and early history

The palantíri were probably made by Fëanor in the Uttermost West.[1] Many palantíri were made, but the number is not known. A Master-stone was in the Tower of Avallónë. The Eldar brought some of them to Amandil to comfort the Faithful, as the Shadow fell upon Númenor and they couldn't visit them any more.[2]

Elendil took seven with him in his flight to Middle-earth upon the Downfall of Númenor, and when the Realms in Exile were formed in S.A. 3320, they were distributed to seven different locations:[3] Elendil kept three in Arnor, and four were given to his sons in Gondor.[2] They were used largely for mental communication (ósanwe), but also to see what was occurring throughout the respective realms, and know the plans of their enemies. Their existence was never common knowledge, and no one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.

Third Age and beyond

One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The Osgiliath-stone fell into Anduin during the Kin-strife and burning of that city in T.A. 1437. When Arvedui, King of Arnor, was shipwrecked and his line ended in 1975, he drowned with the palantíri of Amon Sûl and Annúminas, the only communicating stones of Arnor. When Minas Ithil fell in 2002, the stone was assumed destroyed in general. The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the Anor-stone to prevent any contact with the Dark Lord. As the Elostirion-stone was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the Orthanc-stone, which became useless to the Gondorians. When Beren gave Saruman the deserted but secure Orthanc in 2759, he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.[4]

Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the War of the Ring. Previous to this, Saruman used his palantír to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to look toward Mordor. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, in the final weeks of the War, its rightful master Aragorn II wrested it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone. [5]

The second palantír to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. However, he saw only what Sauron wanted him to see, and partially because of this he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. It is said that afterwards, anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see only the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.[6] This stone was later used by King Aragorn II.[source?]

The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the Ring-bearers in 3021 of the Third Age, severing the last link of Middle-earth to Valinor. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the Reunited Kingdom and used officially once more. The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of Forochel, and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.

Timeline

Appearance

They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal. The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear. They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of Orodruin.[4]

The Stones

Saruman's Palantír by John Howe
  • The Osgiliath-stone was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them. It was placed in a prominent building in Osgiliath, the capital city of the kingdom of Gondor. The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (ost-giliath, the Dome of Stars) to the city itself. It was too large for one man to carry.[4]
  • The Amon Sûl-stone was placed in the watch-tower of Amon Sûl. It was the largest and most powerful of the Arnorian palantíri and the one most used in communication with Gondor. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."[4]
  • The Orthanc-stone was placed in the great tower built by the Dúnedain in the Second Age at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, Orthanc. It fell into the hands of the wizard Saruman, who used it to garner information on his neighbors and their activities. The stone was also partially responsible for Saruman's fall from grace, as he was using it when he came upon Sauron, and was ensnared by him. After the War of the Ring, the Orthanc-stone remained in the custody of the Kings of Gondor in the Fourth Age.
  • The Anor-stone was placed at Minas Anor, later renamed Minas Tirith and made the capital of Gondor. It was kept an unused secret by the Ruling Stewards until it was ultimately used by Steward Denethor II to watch his land, and he eventually even challenged Sauron in a battle of wills. Denethor did not become corrupted, but the great effort of will that this required of him led him to age quickly. Denethor was holding the stone when he committed suicide on a funeral pyre, and after this, only people of exceeding power could see in it anything other than two flaming hands.

Usage

Saruman with a palantír from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings

The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar.[4] Stones were linked with each other and each could reveal what was near another stone, but those of strong will and mind could direct their gaze anywhere, both in space and time.[2]

All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favoured for this use over long distances. The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities. The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything. A technique called shrouding was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.[4]

The user or "surveyor" of a palantír would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly. Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing. Then the surveyor would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone. The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about. The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyor could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone. This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations. Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyors could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.[4]

To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyor would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyor and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.[4]

The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the centre of the world. The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency. Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.[4]

Etymology

The name palantír (pl. palantíri) is Quenya, meaning "Far-seer",[7] containing the elements palan ("far and wide") + tir ("to watch over").[8] It is translated as 'those that watch from afar'.[9]

The Sindarin name for the seeing-stones is Gwahaedir.[10]

Inspiration

The Palantír of Orthanc appeared in a draft of the story unexpectedly. Tolkien already had in his mind the rhyme "Seven Stars and seven stones and one White Tree" and associated it with one of the "seven stones".[11][12]

References

Palantíri
 Stones of Arnor  † Annúminas-stone (Annúminas) · Elendil's Stone (Elostirion - Valinor) · † Amon Sûl-stone (Amon Sûl - Fornost)
Stones of Gondor   † Master Stone of Osgiliath (Osgiliath) · † Ithil-stone (Minas Ithil - Barad-dûr) · Anor-stone (Minas Tirith) · Orthanc-stone (Orthanc - Minas Tirith)
Other  Master-stone (Tower of Avallonë)