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{{sources}}
{{sources}}
{{race
{{race
|image=[[Image:Marya Filatova - Sinda.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[Image:Marya Filatova - Sinda.jpg|250px]]
|name=Sindar
|name=Sindar
|dominions=[[Doriath]], the [[Falas]], [[Nan Elmoth]], much of [[Beleriand]].
|dominions=[[Doriath]], the [[Falas]], [[Nan Elmoth]], much of [[Beleriand]].
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|length=
|length=
|skincolor=White.
|skincolor=White.
|haircolor=Usually dark.
|haircolor=Usually dark, sometimes silver.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}: Sindar</ref>
|feathers=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Good singers, woodsmen, and shipbuilders.
|distinctions=Good singers, woodsmen, and shipbuilders.
|lifespan=Immortal.
|lifespan=Immortal.
|members=[[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], [[Lúthien]], [[Daeron]], [[Mablung]], [[Círdan]], [[Beleg]], [[Oropher]], [[Legolas]], [[Thranduil]].
|members=[[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], [[Lúthien]], [[Daeron]], [[Mablung]], [[Círdan]], [[Beleg]], [[Oropher]], [[Legolas]], [[Thranduil]], [[Celeborn]].
}}
}}
'''Sindar''' (meaning "Grey People", singular ''Sinda'', although the later term was not generally used by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]) were [[Elves]] of [[Teleri|Telerin]] descent.  They are also known as the '''Grey Elves'''.  Their language is [[Sindarin]]. The Kings of [[Doriath]], [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and his grandson [[Dior Eluchíl]], were the High Kings of the Sindar.
'''Sindar''' (meaning "Grey People"<ref group=note>The singular term would be ''Sinda'' but it was not generally used by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]</ref>) or '''Grey Elves''' were [[Elves]] of [[Teleri|Telerin]] descent who inhabited [[Beleriand]]. They were united under the King of [[Doriath]] [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], and later his grandson [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]].


Never having actually set foot in [[Valinor]], the Sindar were not counted among the [[Calaquendi|Elves of the Light]]. Neither were they [[Avari]], since they did accept the invitation and set out on the [[Great Journey]] (and therefore were technically counted among the [[Eldar]]). They are therefore sometimes referred to as '''"[[Elves of the Twilight]]"'''.
They belonged to the Teleri who did accept the invitation and set out on the [[Great Journey]] and were [[Eldar]], although [[Moriquendi]], never having actually set foot in [[Valinor]], with the [[Calaquendi]]. However they still became the fairest and most wise and skillful of the elves of Middle-earth under the rule of Thingol and [[Melian]] in Doriath, and they are therefore sometimes referred to as '''"Elves of the Twilight"'''.
==History==
===Origins===
The Teleri were the largest of the three hosts of the Eldar. They had two kings, the brothers [[Elwë]] (known as Elu Thingol in the Sindarin tongue) and [[Olwë]].  When the Teleri reached [[Beleriand]] during the [[Great Journey]] from [[Cuiviénen]], Thingol went wandering in the forests as was his wont.  In the forest of [[Nan Elmoth]] he encountered [[Melian]], one of the [[Maiar]]. They fell in love, and with Melian, Thingol stood spellbound in Nan Elmoth for several years.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref>


Why the Sindar had been called the "grey" yielded a discussion among the [[Lambengolmor|loremasters]]. One theory suggested that the term "grey" referred to [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]]'s, and those near akin to him, hair of silver hue (although most Sindar were dark-haired). Another theory suggested that the name was derived from the meaning of ''Thingol'' ([[Quenya |Q.]] ''[[Sindikollo]]''), "Grey-cloak" (the [[Mithrim|Northern Sindar]] were also said to have been clad much in grey).<ref name=WJQE11>{{HM|WJ}}, "Quendi and Eldar: Sindar" [also, Author's Note 11]</ref>
In the meantime, Olwë and many of the Teleri could not delay longer, and departed for [[Aman]] without Elwë and his following. Elwë's followers stayed in Beleriand, to search for their king. They later became known as the '''''[[Eglath]]''''' (the "Forsaken"). At long last he awoke from the spell and set up a kingdom in the midst of Beleriand: [[Eglador]] ("Land of the Forsaken" or "Land of the Elves"). The [[Dwarves]] of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] in the [[Blue Mountains]] were contracted to aid in the building of the city of [[Menegroth]].


The Teleri were the greatest host of the Eldar. They had two kings, the brothers [[Elwë]] (known as Elu Thingol in the Sindarin tongue) and [[Olwë]]. When the Teleri reached [[Beleriand]] during the [[Great Journey]] from [[Cuiviénen]], Thingol went wandering in the forests as was his wont.  In the forest of [[Nan Elmoth]] he met [[Melian]], one of the [[Maiar]]. They fell in love, and with Melian, Thingol stood spellbound in Nan Elmoth for several years.
Just before the arrival of the [[Noldor|Noldorin Exiles]], the Dark Lord [[Morgoth]] returned to his old stronghold of [[Angband]], and his activities increased. Thingol had Melian use her magic to create a girdle of bewilderment around Eglador, so that nobody could enter without the king's permission. Ever after it was known as [[Doriath]] ("Land of the Fence"). Thingol remained High King of the Sindar and nominal Overlord of Beleriand, although especially the Noldor following of the sons of [[Fëanor]] usually ignored his commands.
[[File:Tuuliky - Sindarin lady.jpg|right|thumb|Tuuliky - ''A Sindarin lady'']]
===Distribution===
Other than the Eglath, other Teleri also stayed behind: these were the friends of [[Ossë]] the [[Maia]], who had fallen in love with the shores of [[Middle-earth]], and did not wish to depart. Their leader was [[Círdan]], and they established cities at [[Eglarest]] and [[Brithombar]]. They were known as the [[Falathrim]], or "Elves of the [[Falas]]". They were not part of the realm of Eglador, but still took Thingol as their High King.


In the meantime, Olwë and many of the Teleri could not delay longer, and went to [[Aman]] without Elwë and his following. Elwë's followers stayed in Beleriand, to search for their king. They later became known as the '''''[[Eglath]]''''' (the "Forsaken"). At long last he awoke from the spell and set up a kingdom in the midst of Beleriand: [[Eglador]] ("Land of the Forsaken" or "Land of the Elves", the etymology is not clear). The [[Dwarves]] of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] in the [[Blue Mountains]] were contracted to aid in the building of the city of [[Menegroth]].
Yet other stray bands of Teleri settled in [[Nevrast]] and [[Hithlum]] to the north of Eglador, although these did not form any realms. Those were the [[Elves of Mithrim]].


Other Teleri also stayed behind: these were the friends of [[Ossë]] the [[Maia]], who had fallen in love with the shores of [[Middle-earth]], and did not wish to depart. Their leader was [[Círdan]], and they established cities at [[Eglarest]] and [[Brithombar]]. They were known as the [[Falathrim]], or "Elves of the [[Falas]]". They were not part of the realm of Eglador, but still took Thingol as their High King.
A last group of Teleri in Beleriand were the [[Laiquendi]] or "Green Elves". They were descended from the [[Nandor]], which had split from the Great Journey before the [[Misty Mountains]], and gone south along the [[Anduin|Great River]]. A part of them, under [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] son of [[Lenwë]], crossed the Blue Mountains eventually, and settled in [[Ossiriand]], or as it was later known [[Lindon]] ("Land of the Singers"). They remained a people apart for long, although many of them removed to Thingol's realm after Denethor was killed.


Yet other stray bands of Teleri settled in [[Nevrast]] and [[Hithlum]] to the north of Eglador, although these did not form any realms.
The Teleri of Eglador, the northlands, and the Falas were collectively known as the Sindar in later days, because they developed a civilisation all its own, which almost equalled that of the [[Calaquendi]] or Light Elves of [[Valinor]].
===Later history===
In the early [[Second Age]], after the [[War of Wrath]], some of the Sindar who had no desire to leave Middle-earth (or to be merged with the other Sindar dominated by the Noldor) came to the forest realm east of [[Misty Mountains]]<ref name="SE-UTb">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. They became the rulers of the [[Silvan Elves]] living there and established the Wooldland Realms of [[Greenwood the Great]] ([[Sindarin|S]] "Eryn Galen") and Lórinand (or Laurelindórenan). The Silvan Elves shared common heritage with the Sindar as both the Silvan Elves (originally known as the ''[[Nandor]]'') and the Sindar were of the [[Teleri]] clan. Sindar soon merged with the Silvan Elves and embraced and adopted their culture, wishing to experience a more "rustic" and "natural" way of life as was the case after their awakening in [[Cuiviénen]].<ref name="SE-UTb"/> Other Sindar had founded the haven of [[Edhellond]] in the south, and they were also joined by Silvan Elves who migrated there.<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}, p. 247</ref>


The Teleri of Eglador, the northlands, and the Falas were collectively known as the Sindar in later days, because they developed a civilisation all its own, which almost equalled that of the [[Calaquendi]] or Light Elves of [[Valinor]].
==Language==
{{main|Sindarin}}
The language of the Sindar evolved from [[common Telerin]] over the long ages they were sundered from their kin. Among themselves, their own language had no name, as it was the the only one that they ever heard, and didn't need any <ref>{{WJ|quendi}} p.376</ref> but in [[Quenya]], the language was designated as '''[[Sindarin]]'''. During the [[First Age]] there were several dialects that fell under the umbrella of Sindarin: [[Doriathrin]], [[Mithrimin]] and [[Falathrin]]. By the time the Noldor arrived in Beleriand, the languages between the two continents had become mutually unintelligible, but the Noldor were quick to learn it. Sindarin eventually replaced [[Quenya]] as the language used by the Noldor in [[Beleriand]], even in predominantly Noldorin settlements such as [[Gondolin]], although Quenya survived as a language of knowledge.


A last group of Teleri in Beleriand were the [[Laiquendi]] or "Green Elves". They were descended from the [[Nandor]], which had split from the Great Journey before the [[Misty Mountains]], and gone south along the [[Anduin|Great River]]. A part of them, under [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] son of [[Lenwë]], crossed the Blue Mountains eventually, and settled in [[Ossiriand]], or as it was later known [[Lindon]] ("Land of the Singers"). They remained a people apart for long, although many of them removed to Thingol's realm after Denethor was killed.
In the later [[Ages]], Sindarin was the [[Elvish]] tongue used in daily speech throughout [[Middle-earth]]. It was also adopted for daily use by the Men of the [[House of Beor]] and later the [[Númenóreans]], and remained somewhat in use in the realms-in-exile of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]].


Just before the arrival of the Noldorin exiles, the Dark Lord [[Morgoth]] returned to his old stronghold of [[Angband]], and his activities increased. Thingol had Melian use her magic to create a girdle of bewilderment around Eglador, so that nobody could enter without the king's permission. Ever after it was known as [[Doriath]] ("Land of the Fence"). Thingol remained High King of the Sindar and nominal Overlord of Beleriand, although especially the Noldor following of the sons of [[Fëanor]] usually ignored his commands.
When the Sindar came to the East to rule over the [[Silvan Elves]], their language was adopted by them who spoke a language of [[Nandorin]] origin. Sindarin soon influenced by Silvan language and this new dialect became known as [[Silvan Elvish]] (or "woodland tongue"). Names such as [[Lothlórien]], [[Caras Galadhon]], [[Amroth]], [[Nimrodel]] are possibly of Silvan origin, adapted to Sindarin.<ref>{{App|Elves}}</ref>


Some of the few Sindar left during the [[Third Age]] were [[Thranduil]], and possibly (though not probably) [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]].  While the subjects of Thranduil were [[Silvan]], and those of Celeborn [[Nandorin]], the Sindar were apparently recognized as the ruling class by the lesser green-elves.
==Etymology==
==Language==
The term ''Sindar'' ("the Grey" or "the Grey-elves") is not [[Sindarin]]: it is the [[Quenya]] name devised by the [[Noldor|Noldorin]] exiles, derived from [[Primitive Quendian|PQ]] ''[[thindi]]''. A less common Quenya name for this people was ''Sindeldi'' (sing. ''[[Sindel]]'').<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 117</ref><ref name=WJQE11/>
The language of the Sindar diverged from common Telerin over the long ages they were sundered from their kin, and became known as Sindarin. By the time the Noldor arrived in Beleriand, the languages had become mutually unintelligible, but the Noldor were quick to learn it. In the Second and Third Age, Sindarin became known as the "Noble Tongue", and became the [[Elvish]] tongue used in daily speech throughout [[Middle-earth]] (helped by the decree of Thingol, who forbade the use of [[Quenya]] in his realm). It was also adopted for daily use by the [[Númenóreans]], and remained somewhat in use in the realms-in-exile of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]].


Sindarin eventually replaced [[Quenya]] as the language used by the Noldor in [[Beleriand]], even in predominantly Noldorin settlements such as [[Gondolin]], although Quenya survived as a language of knowledge.
The name that the Sindar used for themselves was simply '''''Edhil''''' ("Elves", singular ''[[Edhel]]'').


Why the Sindar had been called the "grey" yielded a discussion among the [[Lambengolmor|loremasters]]. One theory suggested that it referred to [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]]'s, and those near akin to him, hair of silver hue (although most Sindar were dark-haired). Another theory suggested that the name was derived from the meaning of ''Thingol'' ([[Quenya |Q.]] ''[[Sindikollo]]''), "Grey-cloak" (the [[Mithrim|Northern Sindar]] were also said to have been clad much in grey).<ref name=WJQE11>{{WJ|Quendi}}: Sindar" [also, Author's Note 11]</ref>


==Etymology==
{{References|n}}
The term ''Sindar'' ("the Grey" or "the Grey-elves") is not [[Sindarin]] in origin: it is the [[Quenya]] name devised by the [[Noldor|Noldorin]] exiles, derived from [[Primitive Quendian|PQ]] ''[[thindi]]''. A less common Quenya name for this people was ''Sindeldi'' (sing. ''Sindel'').<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 117</ref><ref name=WJQE11/>


The name that the Sindar used for themselves was simply '''''Edhil''''' ("Elves", singular ''Edhel'').
{{references}}
{{elves}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[Category:Sindar| ]]
[[Category:Sindar| ]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Sindar]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/teleri/sindar/sindar]]
[[fi:Sindar (kansa)]]

Revision as of 20:52, 22 October 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.
Sindar
Race
Marya Filatova - Sinda.jpg
General Information
MembersElu Thingol, Lúthien, Daeron, Mablung, Círdan, Beleg, Oropher, Legolas, Thranduil, Celeborn.
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal.
DistinctionsGood singers, woodsmen, and shipbuilders.
Average heightTall.
GalleryImages of Sindar

Sindar (meaning "Grey People"[note 1]) or Grey Elves were Elves of Telerin descent who inhabited Beleriand. They were united under the King of Doriath Elu Thingol, and later his grandson Dior Eluchíl.

They belonged to the Teleri who did accept the invitation and set out on the Great Journey and were Eldar, although Moriquendi, never having actually set foot in Valinor, with the Calaquendi. However they still became the fairest and most wise and skillful of the elves of Middle-earth under the rule of Thingol and Melian in Doriath, and they are therefore sometimes referred to as "Elves of the Twilight".

History

Origins

The Teleri were the largest of the three hosts of the Eldar. They had two kings, the brothers Elwë (known as Elu Thingol in the Sindarin tongue) and Olwë. When the Teleri reached Beleriand during the Great Journey from Cuiviénen, Thingol went wandering in the forests as was his wont. In the forest of Nan Elmoth he encountered Melian, one of the Maiar. They fell in love, and with Melian, Thingol stood spellbound in Nan Elmoth for several years.[1]

In the meantime, Olwë and many of the Teleri could not delay longer, and departed for Aman without Elwë and his following. Elwë's followers stayed in Beleriand, to search for their king. They later became known as the Eglath (the "Forsaken"). At long last he awoke from the spell and set up a kingdom in the midst of Beleriand: Eglador ("Land of the Forsaken" or "Land of the Elves"). The Dwarves of Nogrod and Belegost in the Blue Mountains were contracted to aid in the building of the city of Menegroth.

Just before the arrival of the Noldorin Exiles, the Dark Lord Morgoth returned to his old stronghold of Angband, and his activities increased. Thingol had Melian use her magic to create a girdle of bewilderment around Eglador, so that nobody could enter without the king's permission. Ever after it was known as Doriath ("Land of the Fence"). Thingol remained High King of the Sindar and nominal Overlord of Beleriand, although especially the Noldor following of the sons of Fëanor usually ignored his commands.

Tuuliky - A Sindarin lady

Distribution

Other than the Eglath, other Teleri also stayed behind: these were the friends of Ossë the Maia, who had fallen in love with the shores of Middle-earth, and did not wish to depart. Their leader was Círdan, and they established cities at Eglarest and Brithombar. They were known as the Falathrim, or "Elves of the Falas". They were not part of the realm of Eglador, but still took Thingol as their High King.

Yet other stray bands of Teleri settled in Nevrast and Hithlum to the north of Eglador, although these did not form any realms. Those were the Elves of Mithrim.

A last group of Teleri in Beleriand were the Laiquendi or "Green Elves". They were descended from the Nandor, which had split from the Great Journey before the Misty Mountains, and gone south along the Great River. A part of them, under Denethor son of Lenwë, crossed the Blue Mountains eventually, and settled in Ossiriand, or as it was later known Lindon ("Land of the Singers"). They remained a people apart for long, although many of them removed to Thingol's realm after Denethor was killed.

The Teleri of Eglador, the northlands, and the Falas were collectively known as the Sindar in later days, because they developed a civilisation all its own, which almost equalled that of the Calaquendi or Light Elves of Valinor.

Later history

In the early Second Age, after the War of Wrath, some of the Sindar who had no desire to leave Middle-earth (or to be merged with the other Sindar dominated by the Noldor) came to the forest realm east of Misty Mountains[2]. They became the rulers of the Silvan Elves living there and established the Wooldland Realms of Greenwood the Great (S "Eryn Galen") and Lórinand (or Laurelindórenan). The Silvan Elves shared common heritage with the Sindar as both the Silvan Elves (originally known as the Nandor) and the Sindar were of the Teleri clan. Sindar soon merged with the Silvan Elves and embraced and adopted their culture, wishing to experience a more "rustic" and "natural" way of life as was the case after their awakening in Cuiviénen.[2] Other Sindar had founded the haven of Edhellond in the south, and they were also joined by Silvan Elves who migrated there.[3]

Language

Main article: Sindarin

The language of the Sindar evolved from common Telerin over the long ages they were sundered from their kin. Among themselves, their own language had no name, as it was the the only one that they ever heard, and didn't need any [4] but in Quenya, the language was designated as Sindarin. During the First Age there were several dialects that fell under the umbrella of Sindarin: Doriathrin, Mithrimin and Falathrin. By the time the Noldor arrived in Beleriand, the languages between the two continents had become mutually unintelligible, but the Noldor were quick to learn it. Sindarin eventually replaced Quenya as the language used by the Noldor in Beleriand, even in predominantly Noldorin settlements such as Gondolin, although Quenya survived as a language of knowledge.

In the later Ages, Sindarin was the Elvish tongue used in daily speech throughout Middle-earth. It was also adopted for daily use by the Men of the House of Beor and later the Númenóreans, and remained somewhat in use in the realms-in-exile of Gondor and Arnor.

When the Sindar came to the East to rule over the Silvan Elves, their language was adopted by them who spoke a language of Nandorin origin. Sindarin soon influenced by Silvan language and this new dialect became known as Silvan Elvish (or "woodland tongue"). Names such as Lothlórien, Caras Galadhon, Amroth, Nimrodel are possibly of Silvan origin, adapted to Sindarin.[5]

Etymology

The term Sindar ("the Grey" or "the Grey-elves") is not Sindarin: it is the Quenya name devised by the Noldorin exiles, derived from PQ thindi. A less common Quenya name for this people was Sindeldi (sing. Sindel).[6][7]

The name that the Sindar used for themselves was simply Edhil ("Elves", singular Edhel).

Why the Sindar had been called the "grey" yielded a discussion among the loremasters. One theory suggested that it referred to Elu Thingol's, and those near akin to him, hair of silver hue (although most Sindar were dark-haired). Another theory suggested that the name was derived from the meaning of Thingol (Q. Sindikollo), "Grey-cloak" (the Northern Sindar were also said to have been clad much in grey).[7]

Notes

  1. The singular term would be Sinda but it was not generally used by Tolkien

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Thingol and Melian"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 247
  4. p.376
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of the Elves"
  6. 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. 117
  7. 7.0 7.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar": Sindar" [also, Author's Note 11]
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