Teleri: Difference between revisions

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{{disambig-two|the Third Clan in general|the Teleri of Aman|[[Falmari]]}}
{{disambig-two|the Third Clan in general|Teleri of Aman|[[Falmari]]}}
{{race
{{people infobox
|image=[[Image:Anya Valle - Telerin Elf maiden.jpg|250px]]
| name=Teleri
|name=Teleri
| image=[[File:Marya Filatova - One of the Teleri.jpg|250px]]
|dominions=[[Alqualondë]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Doriath]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mithlond]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Mirkwood]]
| caption="[[:File:Marya Filatova - One of the Teleri.jpg|One of the Teleri]]" by [[Marya Filatova]]
|languages=[[Sindarin]], [[Common Telerin]], [[Nandorin]]
| pronun={{respell|tel|air-ee}}
|height=Tall
| othernames=Nelya, Lindar, Sea-elves
|length=
| origin=
|skincolor=White
| location=[[Alqualondë]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Doriath]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mithlond]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Mirkwood]]
|haircolor=Dark, silver
| affiliation=
|feathers=
| rivalry=
|distinctions=Adoration for the sea/forest
| language=[[Common Telerin]], [[Telerin]], [[Sindarin]], [[Nandorin]]
|lifespan=Immortal
| members=[[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], [[Celeborn]], [[Círdan]], [[Lenwë]]
|members=[[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], [[Celeborn]], [[Círdan]], [[Lenwë]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=Adoration for the sea/forest
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark, silver
| skin=White
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
}}
The '''Teleri''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈteleri]}}) were the third of the [[Elves|Elf]] clans who took the [[Great Journey]]. They were the ancestors of the [[Valinor]]ean Teleri (became known as the [[Falmari]]), and the [[Sindar]], [[Laiquendi]], and [[Nandor]] of [[Middle-earth]].
{{quote|The greatest host came last, and they are named the Teleri, for they tarried on the road, and were not wholly of a mind to pass from the dusk to the light of [[Valinor]]. In water they had great delight, and those that came at last to the western shores were enamoured of the sea. The Sea-elves therefore they became in the land of [[Aman]], the Falmari, for they made music beside the breaking waves.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]"}}
The '''Teleri''' were the third of the [[Elves|Elf]] clans who took the [[Great Journey]]. To them belonged the [[Valinor]]ean Teleri (known as the [[Falmari]]), and the [[Sindar]], [[Green-elves|Laiquendi]], and [[Nandor]] of [[Middle-earth]].


The '''[[Nelyar]]''' ("The Third") were the largest of the three houses of the Elves. According to legend, the Teleri were descended from [[Enel]], the third Elf to [[Awakening of the Elves|awake]] in [[Cuiviénen]], his spouse [[Enelyë]] and their seventy-two companions; most of the [[Avari]] originally belonged to this clan. But it was [[Elwë]], the first of the Teleri to come to Valinor, who became their king.  
At first they were known as '''[[Nelyar]]''' ("The Third"), and were the largest of the three houses of the Firstborn. According to legend, they were descended from [[Enel]], the third Elf to [[Awakening of the Elves|awake]] in [[Cuiviénen]], his spouse [[Enelyë]] and their seventy-two companions; half of the [[Avari]] originally belonged to this clan.<ref group=note>Specifically 28 of the 56 [[Tatyar]] and 28 of the 74 Nelyar became Avari. These values are proportions of 144, not headcounts.</ref><ref>{{WJ|C}}, pp. 380-83</ref>


In ancient times they named themselves '''[[Lindar]]''', or "Singers", because they were known for their fair voice.
In ancient times they named themselves '''[[Teleri#Names|Lindar]]''', or "Singers", because they were known for their fair voice.


==History==
==History==
According to legend, the clan was founded by [[Enel]], the third Elf to awake at [[Cuiviénen]]. With him were his spouse [[Enelyë]] and their 72 companions, and this clan became known as the '''Nelyar'''.
=== During the Great Journey ===
=== During the Great Journey ===


When the [[Valar]] decided to bring the [[Quendi]] to [[Aman]], they chose three ambassadors. [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]] and [[Elwë]] traveled there and tried to convice their people to make the journey. Many of them, particularly of the Nelyar clan, refused, and were named [[Avari]], "The Unwilling".
When the [[Valar]] decided to bring the [[Quendi]] to [[Aman]], they chose three ambassadors. [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]] and [[Elwë]] travelled there and tried to convince their people to make the journey. Out of the original 74 Nelyar who awoke at Cuiviénen, 28 refused and became part of the [[Avari]], "The Unwilling".
 
The Teleri clan was so numerous that it was led both by Elwë and his brother [[Olwë]]. They were the last clan to depart, and the only ones who were unwilling to leave the wild lands of [[Middle-earth]] and were usually the hindmost of the [[Great Journey]]. In their earliest days they had begun the crafting of rafts and paddle-driven boats, and their ships became larger and stronger upon their need to traverse the [[Sea of Rhûn]] on their westward journey.<ref>{{PM|Last}} p. 391-392</ref>
 
Unlike their brethren who traversed [[Greenwood the Great]], the Teleri chose to circumvent it from the south, after travelling for many years, when they joined the other Clans who had settled in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. That land was called [[Atyamar]], until it was afflicted by evil weather and the Elves had to resume their Journey. The Teleri provided boats to cross the [[Anduin]] (which was wild and flooded due to the great snowstorms in the [[Misty Mountains]]). But many were against this, frightened by the river and the sight of the Mountains.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref> A group led by [[Lenwë]] departed from the journey and headed south. They were called the [[Nandor]] ("Those who turn back"). Eventually, the other Teleri passed the Misty Mountains and reached Eastern [[Beleriand]] near the river [[Gelion]].


The Teleri clan, led by Elwë and his brother [[Olwë]] was the last clan to depart, and they were the only ones who were unwilling to leave the wild lands of [[Middle-earth]]. After traveling for many years, the Teleri stopped near river [[Anduin]] being frightened by the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]] ([[Misty Mountains]]). Then a group led by [[Lenwë]] departed from the journey and headed south. They were called the [[Nandor]]. Eventually, the other Teleri passed the Misty Mountains and dwelt in eastern [[Beleriand]] near the river [[Gelion]].
That was the time when Elwë fell in love with [[Melian]] the [[Maiar|Maia]] and became separated from the Teleri, standing alone in the forest of [[Nan Elmoth]] for a long time only staring at her. Olwë became their leader, but some Teleri, especially Elwë's friends and close relatives were searching for him for a long time and refused to continue their journey without him, hoping to find him. Those in [[Sindarin]] were known as the [[Eglath]] as they forsook the Great Journey.


That was the time when Elwë fell in love with [[Melian]] the [[Maiar|Maia]] and became separated from the Teleri, standing in the forest of [[Nan Elmoth]] for a long time only staring at her. Some Teleri, especially his friends and close relatives were searching for him for a long time.
Being the hindmost, the Teleri were still near [[Gelion]] and failed to hear [[Ulmo]]'s call when the Vanyar and the Noldor travelled into the West. When they learned that the others had already departed, they headed to the shores of Beleriand near the mouth of the river [[Sirion]] waiting for [[Ulmo]]. The Maia [[Ossë]] kept them company while they waited, and became their friend. When they first beheld the sea, the Teleri became enamoured with it, and ever after desired to live close to the shore, being named 'Sea-elves' in Aman. <ref>{{S|3}}</ref>


When the Vanyar and the Noldor traveled into the West, the Teleri were living near the Gelion and did not hear [[Ulmo]]'s call. When they learned that the others had traveled, they headed to the shores of Beleriand near the mouth of the river [[Sirion]] waiting for [[Ulmo]]. The Maia [[Ossë]] kept them company while they waited, and became their friend. Seeing that Elwë had disappeared, they made Olwë their only High King.
Later, when Ulmo arrived again with the island ferry, most of the Teleri agreed to travel. Again, there were some who wanted to stay with Ossë, and they became known as [[Falathrim]] in Sindarin, with [[Círdan|Nowë]] as their leader.


Later, when Ulmo arrived again with the island ferry, most of the Teleri agreed to travel. Again, there were some who wanted to stay with Ossë, and they were known as [[Falathrim]], led by [[Círdan]]. After Elwë was found again and Círdan accepted him as King of Beleriand, the folk of both Elwë and Círdan became collectively known as the [[Sindar]], who also called themselves the[[Eglath]].
Out of the 46 original Telerin Eldar who began the Great Journey, only 20 among them arrived in Aman with their offspring, whereas the other 26 firstborn remained in Middle-earth as Sindar or Nandor.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}} p. 381</ref>


=== After the Great Journey ===
=== After the Great Journey ===
The island was stabilized by Ulmo near the [[Bay of Eldamar]], and it was named [[Tol Eressëa]], ''The Lonely Island''. The Teleri lived there for many years until they felt that they should see the other [[Eldar]] who lived in Aman proper. With the help of Ossë they built ships and travelled to the coasts of Aman, where they dwelt. There Olwë built [[Alqualondë]], the greatest city of Teleri, and its people were united with the people of [[Tirion]] and [[Finwë]].
In Beleriand, Elwë and Melian recovered from their enchantment. He united the Eglath who stayed back, and the Falathrim who accepted him as King of Beleriand. The folk of both Elwë and Nowë became collectively known as the [[Sindar]]. Later they were joined by the [[Laiquendi|Laegil]], the Nandor who resumed their journey to the west under [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]] and came to [[Ossiriand]].


The island was stabilized by Ulmo near the [[Bay of Eldamar]], and it was named [[Tol Eressëa]], ''The Lonely Island''. The Teleri lived there for many years until they felt that they should see the other [[Eldar]] who lived in Aman proper. With the help of Ossë they built ships and traveled to the coasts of Aman, where they dwelt. There Olwë built [[Alqualondë]], the greatest city of Teleri, and its people were united with the people of [[Tirion]] and [[Finwë]].
Later, when [[Morgoth|Melkor]] stole the [[Silmarils]], 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]]. For this reason few or none of the Teleri joined the host of the [[Valar]] which at the end of the [[First Age]] set out to capture [[Morgoth]] for good. It is recounted that the Teleri eventually forgave the Noldor for the Kinslayings, and the two kindreds were at peace again.


Later, when [[Melkor]] stole the [[Silmarils]], 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]]. For this reason few or none of the Teleri joined the host of the [[Valar]] which at the end of the [[First Age]] set out to capture [[Morgoth]] for good. It is recounted that the Teleri eventually forgave the Noldor for the Kinslayings, and the two kindreds were at peace again.
The Teleri valued silver above gold, and the Noldor admired the Teleri's silverwork.<ref>{{NM|P3xvi}}, p. 350</ref>


==Sundering of Teleri==
==Sundering of Teleri==
*'''[[Falmari]]'''. Led by [[Olwë]], they (along with [[Elwë]] and his direct descendants) were the only [[Calaquendi]] of the Teleri clan. They lived in Tol Eressëa and along the east shores of Aman.
[[File:Turner Mohan - Sea Elves.jpg|thumb|''Sea Elves'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
*'''[[Falmari]]''', led by [[Olwë]], they (along with [[Elwë]]) were the only [[Calaquendi]] of the Teleri clan. They lived in Tol Eressëa and along the east shores of [[Eldamar]].


*'''[[Nandor]]''' Teleri who abandoned the Great Journey near river Anduin, led by [[Lenwë]].
*'''[[Nandor]]''', those who abandoned the Great Journey near river Anduin, led by [[Lenwë]].
**'''[[Laiquendi]]''' The Elves of [[Ossiriand]], who were themselves Nandor led by [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]].
**'''[[Laiquendi]]''', the Elves of [[Ossiriand]], who were themselves Nandor led by [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]].
**'''[[Silvan]]''', the Wood Elves, primarily in the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]].


*'''[[Sindar]]''' All Teleri who remained in Beleriand. The Sindar of [[Beleriand]] called themselves simply ''[[Sindar|Edhil]]'', which means ''Elves'', and is related to the Quenya word ''Eldar'' of the same meaning. Elwë was their King. These were further divided into:
*'''[[Sindar]]''', all Teleri who remained in Beleriand. The Sindar of [[Beleriand]] called themselves simply ''[[Sindar|Edhil]]'', which means ''Elves'', and is related to the Quenya word ''Eldar'' of the same meaning. Elwë was their King. These were further divided into:
**'''[[Iathrim]]'''<ref name="Q&E-B-S-3">{{HM|WJ}}, "[[Quendi and Eldar]]", B., ''Sindarin'', 3.</ref>, those who lived in [[Doriath]], the realm directly ruled by King [[Thingol]], that is Elwë.
**'''[[Iathrim]]''',<ref name="Q&E-B-S-3">{{WJ|B}}, 3</ref> those who lived in [[Doriath]], the realm directly ruled by King [[Thingol]], that is Elwë.
**'''[[Falathrim]]''', those who lived in the [[Falas]] ruled by [[Círdan]].
**'''[[Falathrim]]''', those who lived in the [[Falas]] ruled by [[Círdan]].
**'''Mithrim'''<ref name="Q&E-B-S-3"/>, or Sindar of the North, those who lived in Northern Beleriand: in [[Hithlum]], especially in the area called after them [[Mithrim]], in [[Dorthonion]] or in [[Nevrast]]. They suffered most from Morgoth's attacks before the first rising of the Sun, and their remnants were largely absorbed by the Noldor who afterwards occupied those lands.
**'''[[Elves of Mithrim|Mithrim]]''',<ref name="Q&E-B-S-3"/> or Sindar of the North, those who lived north of Beleriand: in [[Hithlum]], especially in the area called after them [[Mithrim]], in [[Dorthonion]] or in [[Nevrast]]. They suffered most from Morgoth's attacks before the first rising of the Sun, and their remnants were largely absorbed by the Noldor who afterwards occupied those lands.


==Language==
==Language==
Line 54: Line 72:


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
Teleri is the plural of Teler which means "last", root [[TEL]].  
''Teleri'' is the plural of ''Teler'' which means "last", root [[TEL]].{{fact}}
 
In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' the word ''Teleri'' refers both to the Third Clan in general, and that branch that made it to Aman, taken from the Vanyar and Noldor point of view; particularly the Teleri of Aman were called [[Falmari]].
 
==Other names==
Equivalent names of the Teleri were '''''[[Nelyar]]''''' and '''''Lindar'''''. ''Lindar'' ([[Quenya]] "singers", pron. {{IPA|[ˈlindar]}}) was the name by which the [[Teleri]] called themselves.
 
Another name was [[Sindarin]] '''''Glinnil''''' (sing ''Glinnel''), a name which appears to have been used only by the loremasters among the Eldar.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 378, 385</ref>


Equivalent names were ''[[Nelyar]], [[Lindar]]'' or ''[[Glinnel|Glinnil]]''
'''Sea-elves''' was yet another name of the Teleri, specifically those of that kin who came to [[Aman]] and dwelt at [[Alqualondë]] (the [[Falmari]]), for their love of the sea and reverence of [[Ulmo]]. The name "Sea-elves" was rendered ''Veaneldar'' in Quenya,<ref>{{LR|A1}}, p. 403</ref> consisting of ''vea(n)'' ("sea") + ''[[eldar]]'' ("elves").<ref>{{VT|36a}}, p. 20</ref>


In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' the word Teleri refers both to the Third Clan in general, and that branch that made it to Aman, taken from the Vanyar and Noldor point of view; particularly the Teleri of Aman were called [[Falmari]].  
The Teleri were also known by many other names: the Foam-riders, the Singers of the Shore, the Free, the Swift, the Arrow-elves (for their love of bow and arrow), the Elves of the Sea, the Ship-wrights, the Swanherds, the Gatherers of Pearl, the Blue Elves, and the people of Olwë.<ref>{{MR|P3I3}}, p. 164</ref>


==Other versions of the legendarium==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the early versions of Tolkien's mythology (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), they were known as '''''Solosimpi''''' ("Pipers of the Shores"), while the name ''Teleri'' was given to the clan of Elves known in the published version of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' as [[Vanyar]].
In the early versions of Tolkien's mythology (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), they were known as '''''Solosimpi''''' ("Pipers of the Shores"), while the name ''Teleri'' was given to the clan of Elves known in the published version of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' as [[Vanyar]].


==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Anya Valle - Telerin Elf maiden.jpg | A typical Telerin Elf maiden.
Image:Ted Nasmith - The Ships of the Teleri Drawn by Swans.jpg | [[Falmari]]
Image:Rob Alexander - Elven Cloak.jpg | [[Nandor]]
Image:Grant Gould - LotR Elf.jpg | [[Sindar]]
Image:PJ's LotR - Celeborn1.jpg | [[Celeborn]]
Image:Hope Hoover - Cirdan sketch.jpg | [[Círdan]]
Image:Marya Filatova - Earwen.jpg | [[Eärwen]]
Image:Grant Gould - Legolas.jpg | [[Legolas]]
Image:Sirielle OlweBeleriand.jpg | [[Olwë]]
Image:Thranduil from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg | [[Thranduil]] (just kidding)
Image:Anna Lee - Thranduil and Legolas.jpg | [[Thranduil]]
Image:Anya Valle - Celebrian.jpg | [[Celebrían]] (3/4)
Image:Anya Valle - Elwing.jpg | [[Elwing]] (5/8)
Image:Finduilas by lilie morhiril.jpg | [[Finduilas]] (5/8)
Image:Soni - Gil-galad at the Last Alliance.jpg | [[Gil-galad]] (5/8)
Image:Peter Jackson's Arwen.jpg | [[Arwen]] (17/32)
Image:Elladan - Farien Narquelie.jpg | [[Elladan]] (17/32)
Image:Hope Hoover - Elrohir.jpg | [[Elrohir]] (17/32)
Image:Marya Filatova - Aikanaro.jpg | [[Aegnor]] (1/2)
Image:Marya Filatova - Angrod son of Finarfin.jpg | [[Angrod]] (1/2)
Image:Anna Lee - Finrod.jpg | [[Finrod]] (1/2)
Image:Sylvia Polster - Galadriel.jpg | [[Galadriel]] (1/2)
Image:Anya Valle - Luthien.png | [[Lúthien]] (1/2)
Image:Elrond.jpg | [[Elrond]] (5/16)
Image:Hope Hoover - Elros sketch.jpg | [[Elros]] (5/16)
Image:Eldarion from Peter Jackson's The Return of the King.jpg | [[Eldarion]] (>17/64)
Image:Unknown Artist - Dior.jpg | [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] (1/4)
Image:Marya Filatova - Orodreth.jpg | [[Orodreth]] (1/4)
</gallery>
{{elves}}
{{elves}}
{{references}}<small>
{{references|notes}}
* {{HM|S}}, "[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]"
[[Category:Elven peoples]]
* {{HM|S}}, "[[Of Thingol and Melian]]"
* {{HM|S}}, "[[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]"
* {{HM|S}}, "[[Of the Sindar]]"
* {{HM|S}}, "[[Of Beleriand and its Realms]]"
</small>
 
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Teleri| ]]
[[Category:Teleri| ]]
[[category:Quenya nouns]]
[[Category:Quenya demonyms]]
[[de:Teleri]]
[[de:Teleri]]
[[fr:encyclo:peuples:elfes:teleri:teleri]]
[[fr:encyclo:peuples:elfes:teleri:teleri]]
[[fi:Teleri (kansa)]]
[[fi:Teleri (kansa)]]

Latest revision as of 12:36, 10 August 2022

This article is about the Third Clan in general. For the Teleri of Aman, see Falmari.
Teleri
People
Marya Filatova - One of the Teleri.jpg
"One of the Teleri" by Marya Filatova
General Information
Pronunciationtel-air-ee
Other namesNelya, Lindar, Sea-elves
LocationsAlqualondë, Isle of Balar, Ossiriand, Doriath, Tol Eressëa, Edhellond, Mithlond, Lothlórien, Mirkwood
LanguagesCommon Telerin, Telerin, Sindarin, Nandorin
MembersElwë, Olwë, Celeborn, Círdan, Lenwë
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal
DistinctionsAdoration for the sea/forest
Average heightTall
Hair colorDark, silver
Skin colorWhite
GalleryImages of Teleri
"The greatest host came last, and they are named the Teleri, for they tarried on the road, and were not wholly of a mind to pass from the dusk to the light of Valinor. In water they had great delight, and those that came at last to the western shores were enamoured of the sea. The Sea-elves therefore they became in the land of Aman, the Falmari, for they made music beside the breaking waves."
Quenta Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"

The Teleri were the third of the Elf clans who took the Great Journey. To them belonged the Valinorean Teleri (known as the Falmari), and the Sindar, Laiquendi, and Nandor of Middle-earth.

At first they were known as Nelyar ("The Third"), and were the largest of the three houses of the Firstborn. According to legend, they were descended from Enel, the third Elf to awake in Cuiviénen, his spouse Enelyë and their seventy-two companions; half of the Avari originally belonged to this clan.[note 1][1]

In ancient times they named themselves Lindar, or "Singers", because they were known for their fair voice.

History[edit | edit source]

According to legend, the clan was founded by Enel, the third Elf to awake at Cuiviénen. With him were his spouse Enelyë and their 72 companions, and this clan became known as the Nelyar.

During the Great Journey[edit | edit source]

When the Valar decided to bring the Quendi to Aman, they chose three ambassadors. Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë travelled there and tried to convince their people to make the journey. Out of the original 74 Nelyar who awoke at Cuiviénen, 28 refused and became part of the Avari, "The Unwilling".

The Teleri clan was so numerous that it was led both by Elwë and his brother Olwë. They were the last clan to depart, and the only ones who were unwilling to leave the wild lands of Middle-earth and were usually the hindmost of the Great Journey. In their earliest days they had begun the crafting of rafts and paddle-driven boats, and their ships became larger and stronger upon their need to traverse the Sea of Rhûn on their westward journey.[2]

Unlike their brethren who traversed Greenwood the Great, the Teleri chose to circumvent it from the south, after travelling for many years, when they joined the other Clans who had settled in the Vales of Anduin. That land was called Atyamar, until it was afflicted by evil weather and the Elves had to resume their Journey. The Teleri provided boats to cross the Anduin (which was wild and flooded due to the great snowstorms in the Misty Mountains). But many were against this, frightened by the river and the sight of the Mountains.[3] A group led by Lenwë departed from the journey and headed south. They were called the Nandor ("Those who turn back"). Eventually, the other Teleri passed the Misty Mountains and reached Eastern Beleriand near the river Gelion.

That was the time when Elwë fell in love with Melian the Maia and became separated from the Teleri, standing alone in the forest of Nan Elmoth for a long time only staring at her. Olwë became their leader, but some Teleri, especially Elwë's friends and close relatives were searching for him for a long time and refused to continue their journey without him, hoping to find him. Those in Sindarin were known as the Eglath as they forsook the Great Journey.

Being the hindmost, the Teleri were still near Gelion and failed to hear Ulmo's call when the Vanyar and the Noldor travelled into the West. When they learned that the others had already departed, they headed to the shores of Beleriand near the mouth of the river Sirion waiting for Ulmo. The Maia Ossë kept them company while they waited, and became their friend. When they first beheld the sea, the Teleri became enamoured with it, and ever after desired to live close to the shore, being named 'Sea-elves' in Aman. [4]

Later, when Ulmo arrived again with the island ferry, most of the Teleri agreed to travel. Again, there were some who wanted to stay with Ossë, and they became known as Falathrim in Sindarin, with Nowë as their leader.

Out of the 46 original Telerin Eldar who began the Great Journey, only 20 among them arrived in Aman with their offspring, whereas the other 26 firstborn remained in Middle-earth as Sindar or Nandor.[5]

After the Great Journey[edit | edit source]

The island was stabilized by Ulmo near the Bay of Eldamar, and it was named Tol Eressëa, The Lonely Island. The Teleri lived there for many years until they felt that they should see the other Eldar who lived in Aman proper. With the help of Ossë they built ships and travelled to the coasts of Aman, where they dwelt. There Olwë built Alqualondë, the greatest city of Teleri, and its people were united with the people of Tirion and Finwë.

In Beleriand, Elwë and Melian recovered from their enchantment. He united the Eglath who stayed back, and the Falathrim who accepted him as King of Beleriand. The folk of both Elwë and Nowë became collectively known as the Sindar. Later they were joined by the Laegil, the Nandor who resumed their journey to the west under Denethor and came to Ossiriand.

Later, when Melkor stole the Silmarils, 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. For this reason few or none of the Teleri joined the host of the Valar which at the end of the First Age set out to capture Morgoth for good. It is recounted that the Teleri eventually forgave the Noldor for the Kinslayings, and the two kindreds were at peace again.

The Teleri valued silver above gold, and the Noldor admired the Teleri's silverwork.[6]

Sundering of Teleri[edit | edit source]

Sea Elves by Turner Mohan
  • Sindar, all Teleri who remained in Beleriand. The Sindar of Beleriand called themselves simply Edhil, which means Elves, and is related to the Quenya word Eldar of the same meaning. Elwë was their King. These were further divided into:
    • Iathrim,[7] those who lived in Doriath, the realm directly ruled by King Thingol, that is Elwë.
    • Falathrim, those who lived in the Falas ruled by Círdan.
    • Mithrim,[7] or Sindar of the North, those who lived north of Beleriand: in Hithlum, especially in the area called after them Mithrim, in Dorthonion or in Nevrast. They suffered most from Morgoth's attacks before the first rising of the Sun, and their remnants were largely absorbed by the Noldor who afterwards occupied those lands.

Language[edit | edit source]

The Teleri spoke the Common Telerin language during the Journey, from which Sindarin (with its dialects of Doriathrin, Falathrin and North Sindarin) and Nandorin were derived, as well as the Telerin of Aman, often considered a dialect of Quenya (if only by virtue that it preserved more of the archaic Common Eldarin features than any other language and remained mutually intelligible with Quenya).

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Teleri is the plural of Teler which means "last", root TEL.[source?]

In The Silmarillion the word Teleri refers both to the Third Clan in general, and that branch that made it to Aman, taken from the Vanyar and Noldor point of view; particularly the Teleri of Aman were called Falmari.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Equivalent names of the Teleri were Nelyar and Lindar. Lindar (Quenya "singers", pron. [ˈlindar]) was the name by which the Teleri called themselves.

Another name was Sindarin Glinnil (sing Glinnel), a name which appears to have been used only by the loremasters among the Eldar.[8]

Sea-elves was yet another name of the Teleri, specifically those of that kin who came to Aman and dwelt at Alqualondë (the Falmari), for their love of the sea and reverence of Ulmo. The name "Sea-elves" was rendered Veaneldar in Quenya,[9] consisting of vea(n) ("sea") + eldar ("elves").[10]

The Teleri were also known by many other names: the Foam-riders, the Singers of the Shore, the Free, the Swift, the Arrow-elves (for their love of bow and arrow), the Elves of the Sea, the Ship-wrights, the Swanherds, the Gatherers of Pearl, the Blue Elves, and the people of Olwë.[11]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In the early versions of Tolkien's mythology (see: The History of Middle-earth), they were known as Solosimpi ("Pipers of the Shores"), while the name Teleri was given to the clan of Elves known in the published version of The Silmarillion as Vanyar.

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

Notes

  1. Specifically 28 of the 56 Tatyar and 28 of the 74 Nelyar became Avari. These values are proportions of 144, not headcounts.

References

  1. 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", pp. 380-83
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings" p. 391-392
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part One. Time and Ageing: VII. The March of the Quendi", pp. 50-51
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar" p. 381
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XVI. Galadriel and Celeborn", p. 350
  7. 7.0 7.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar: B. Meanings and use of the various terms applied to the Elves and their varieties in Quenya, Telerin, and Sindarin", 3
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar", pp. 378, 385
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Appendix: I. The Genealogies", p. 403
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Entu, Ensi, Enta Declension" (edited by Christopher Gilson), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 36, July 1994, p. 20
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (I) The First Phase: 3. Of the Coming of the Elves", p. 164