Guest-elves

From Tolkien Gateway
Guest-elves
People
General Information
OriginsGreen-elves
LocationsArthórien
MembersIthilbor, Saeros
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal

The Guest-elves were a branch of the Green-elves of Ossiriand.

History[edit | edit source]

When Denethor, leader of the Green-elves, was killed by Orcs on Amon Ereb in the First Battle of Beleriand, some of the Laiquendi fled westward to Doriath and settled in Arthórien. These became known as the Guest-elves.[1]

The Guest-elves had their own chief, Ithilbor, who had a permanent place in the council of Thingol. Some of the Guest-elves were "darkhearted", and they did not "mingle happily with the Teleri of Doriath". However, "this did not necessarily appear except under strain or provocation".[1] Neither were they friends to the Edain of Estolad—the mannish region situated just east of Arthórien, into which the Guest-elves often wandered by crossing the River Celon.[2]

References