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Elrond

2012-12-27T06:37:27Z

50.102.167.174: /* Third Age */ "Elrond examined the the swords..." ==> "Elrond examined the swords..."

{{Countdown}}
{{half-elf infobox
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Elrond 2.jpg|250px]]
| name=Elrond
| othernames=Elrond ''Peredhel'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "[[Half-elven]]") Master Elrond
| titles=Lord of [[Rivendell|Imladris]]
| position=Ring-bearer of [[Vilya]] Vice-regent and herald to [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Celeborn">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| location=[[Lindon]] [[Rivendell]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]<ref name="Languages">{{App|Elves}}</ref>
| birth={{FA|532}}
| birthlocation=[[Havens of Sirion]]
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=House of Eärendil
| heritage=[[Half-elven]] father and mother
| parentage=[[Eärendil]], father [[Elwing]], mother [[Maglor]], foster father
| siblings=[[Elros]]
| spouse=[[Celebrían]]
| children=[[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]] [[Arwen]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="meetings"/>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="meetings"/>
| clothing=Grey mantle<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Silver circlet<ref name="meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Elrond.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{Quote|He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="H3">{{H|3}}</ref>}}</center>
'''Elrond''' (b. {{FA|532}}) was the Lord of [[Rivendell]] and keeper of the great elven ring [[Vilya]].

==Appearance and traits==
Elrond is described to seem ageless, resembling neither old nor young, however one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable both like an old king, a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime.

As common with other Elves, he was dark-haired, while his eyes were grey shining like starlight. He could be seen wearing a circlet of silver.<ref name="FRMeetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref><ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren]] (a [[Men|Man]]) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Luthien), a Maia, and all three houses of the [[Edain]] ([[House of Hador|Hador]], [[House of Haleth|Haleth]] and [[House of Bëor|Bëor]]).

==History==
===First Age===
Elrond was born at the [[Havens of Sirion]] late in the [[First Age]]. His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]] and had a twin brother, [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].
[[File:Tuuliky - Little Half-elf.jpg|thumb|left|Maglor raises Elrond]]
When the [[Sons of Fëanor]] [[Third Kinslaying|attacked the Havens of Sirion]], Elwing was taken by [[Ulmo]]. The twins were carried off, but later found near a waterfall and they were named as such; Elrond was discovered in a cave. Taken captive by Maglor, they were subsequently raised by him.

Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice whether to be counted among the kindred of Elves or of Men. Elrond chose to belong to the [[Firstborn]], while Elros chose to become mortal. Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and loremaster.

===Second Age===
A fair being calling himself [[Annatar]], emmissary of the Valar, came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age. Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. They were correct, as proven in the later [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Elrond led Elves from [[Lindon]] in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]]. With them, and and other Elves who fled the destruction of [[Eregion]], he established Imladris in {{SA|1697}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>
[[File:Prologue Elves.jpeg|thumb|Elrond next to Gil-galad in battle.]]
Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the [[Battle of Dagorlad|last battle]] of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. At the conclusion of that battle, when [[Isildur]] cut [[the One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad.

It has been argued that following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title. Indeed, after the Second Age ended, there were very few Noldor left in Middle-earth for there to be a king over them.

===Third Age===
Following Isildur's death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur's son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance.

In {{TA|109}}, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in {{TA|130|n}}, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in {{TA|241|n}}.

During the late reign of [[Arveleg I]], [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by [[Angmar]] into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

Elrond along with others of the [[Wise]] were joined by the [[Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] who was sent by the Valar from the West. As they decided, Gandalf invaded [[Dol Guldur]]. The Necromancer withdrew and the [[Watchful Peace]] begun. In {{TA|2463}} the Wise formed the [[White Council]] with the Wizard [[Saruman]] as its head.
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur]]
Elrond would be separated by his wife when taken by [[Orcs]]; their sons rescued her but Elrond was unable to heal her. She had to leave for the [[West]] in {{TA|2510|n}}.

In {{TA|2851}} the White Council met to decide on whether to act on Gandalf's discovery of the identity of the [[Necromancer]] as Sauron, but [[Saruman]] dissuaded the others.

In {{TA|2933}}, Elrond took [[Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, and had Arwen live in [[Lorien]] with her Grandmother.

Elrond named Aragon ''[[Estel]]'' ("Hope") and concealing his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the [[Ring of Barahir]] and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of Gondor and Arnor. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.
[[File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Elrond and Thrór's Map.jpg|thumb|Elrond examines [[Thrór's Map]].]]
In {{TA|2941}} Elrond welcomed [[Thorin and Company]] into his home, the [[Last Homely House]] before the wild, in [[Rivendell]]. On midsummer eve - the night before the [[Dwarves]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and [[Gandalf]] continued on their journey eastward - Elrond examined the swords which they had found in the trolls' cave. He read the runes and revealed that [[Thorin|Thorin's]] sword was called [[Orcrist]], the "Goblin-cleaver", and that Gandalf sword was named [[Glamdring]], the "Foe-hammer". He told them that they were [[Elves|Elven]] swords from the ancient city of [[Gondolin]], long ago destroyed. He then looked at [[Thrór's Map]] and found that there were [[moon-letters]]. From the moon of that midsummer eve he could read the words, 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast'; and 'stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole'. This information proved vital for Bilbo and the Dwarves to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]] through its secret entrance.<ref name="H3"/>

During that same year, the [[White Council]] assailed [[Dol Guldur]] and rid [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Upon Bilbo and Gandalf's return to Rivendell, Elrond and the grey wizard discussed this and the events of the Lonely Mountain. They both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

The White Council last met in {{TA|2953}}, when Gandalf expressed his concerns that the One Ring was Bilbo's ring found in the [[Goblin-town]]. Saruman quieted him, insisting that the Ring has been swept out to sea.

====The War of the Ring====
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first left the Shire with the One Ring, it was always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counselled him to do so. Elrond healed Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then hosted the feast that was held when Frodo recovered.
[[File:Michael Kaluta - Elrond Recalls the Host of Gilgalad.jpg|thumb|left|''Elrond Recalls the Host of Gil-galad'', by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]
Elrond presided at the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrated what he knew of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identified Aragorn as the [[Heir of Isildur]], and when Frodo ultimately volunteered to carry the Ring, Elrond affirmed that decision as correct. Elrond also appeared to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], accepting [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dúnedain]] Rangers who rode to Rohan to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advised Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[The Last Debate|Last Debate]], Elrohir supported Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice. Following the [[War of the Ring]], Elrond escorted Arwen to Minas Tirith for her marriage to Aragorn, and parted from her in great sorrow.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Departure at the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''Departure at the Grey Havens'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Elrond was one of the Elves who took the [[White Ship]] to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo and the other [[Ringbearer]]s. The Third Age's end is marked by Elrond’s departure.

==Inspiration==
Elrond was created for ''[[The Hobbit]]''. Subsequently he became the only character to appear in all three of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

In the chapter ''[[A Short Rest]]'' of ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he “was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.” Note that in this description he is not identified as an elf himself, as Tolkien had not at this stage decided that Elrond of Rivendell was the same person as Elrond the son of Eärendil.

==Etymology==
The name '''Elrond''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelrond]}}) has been translated as "Star-dome",<ref name="SoF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]"</ref> and "Vault of Heaven"<ref name="Etym">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', "[[The Etymologies]]", page 384</ref> recalling the glory of [[Menegroth]] though at an earlier stage, it was supposed to mean "Elf of the Cave". His Quenya name was most likely '''Elerondo'''<ref>[[Petri Tikka]], "[http://www.geocities.com/petristikka/elvish/PE17.html Quenya words in Parma Eldalambaron 17]"</ref>, isolated from the patronymic ''Elerondiel'', "[[Arwen|daughter of Elrond]]".<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Gilson]] (ed.), "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (June 2007), page 56</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | CEL |y| GAL | | EAR |y| ELW |CEL=[[Celeborn]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | CBR |y| ELR | | | | ELS |ELR='''ELROND'''|CBR=[[Celebrían]]|ELS=[[Elros]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | ERH | | ELL | | ARW |~| ARA |ERH=[[Elrohir]]|ELL=[[Elladan]]|ARW=[[Arwen]]|ARA=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Elrond in Adaptations
|width=200
|height=150
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:Elrond.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Elrond in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|'''Elrond''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears in Rivendell, crowned with a ring of stars. He feeds the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]], and identifies [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. He needs little time to identify the latter.He is shown with a beard, although Tolkien clearly states [[elves]] do not have beards. His voice was provided by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Elrond, voiced by [[André Morell]], appears at the Council of Elrond. He sits on a raised chair, and narrates the scene. Not until the Ring is brought forward does he take an active part.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears roughly the same as in the first of [[Rankin/Bass]]' films. The premise of the film, a minstrel of Gondor who tells the tale of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers, and the Ring of Doom" at the birthday of Bilbo, allows Elrond to be a member of the audience. Because Ritchard had passed away, Rankin/Bass regular [[Paul Frees]] took over.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Elrond, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], first appears in the prologue as a commander of the army of Gil-galad in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking [[Isildur]] into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. [[Círdan]] is omitted.

:As in the book, Elrond heals Frodo's wound from Weathertop. Elrond then has a conversation with Gandalf, discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the film, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of Men, and gives the first hints about Aragorn's real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

:Elrond gains two additional scenes in the Extended Edition of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming king. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing Fellowship.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Though he had no scenes in the book, Elrond appears mainly in conversations with [[Arwen]], whose role is also greatly expanded. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to [[Valinor]]. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a telepathic communication with [[Galadriel]] discussing the [[War of the Ring|war]] that is about to start. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim|Men]] there, since when [[Haldir (elf of Lórien)|Haldir]] arrives at Helm's Deep he says that he brings "word from Elrond of Rivendell".

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:In the final installemnt of Jackson's film series, Elrond's first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying, Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the shards of Narsil re-forged, then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding, and he finally sails to Valinor with the Ringbearers.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Hugo Weaving]] will reprise his role as Elrond.<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Elrond is voiced by [[Garard Green]].<ref name="RT1674">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1674, [[9 December|December 9]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is voiced by [[John Pullen]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Hugh Dickson]] provided the voice of Elrond in this radio series. He appears only in the episode containing the [[Council of Elrond]], and appears unintroduced. Dickson showcases great trouble with pronouncing Elvish, and especially diphtongs. Gimli is the son of "[[Glóin son of Gróin|Gloo-in]]", who fought the dragon "[[Smaug|Sma-oog]]". Legolas is the son of "[[Thranduil|Thrandoo-uhl]]".

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Like his predecessor Hugh Dickson, [[Jim Piddock]] shows incredible difficulty with diphtongs. "Glau-win" and "Thrandool" dislike eachother, so too their sons.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:In a short cutscene between the levels "Roast Mutton" and "Over Hill and Under Hill", Elrond is briefly mentioned. An artful image on a manuscript can be seen, while the [[Tom Kane|narrator]] explains Elrond examined the map and the swords.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In an alternative, northern War of the Ring, Rivendell is the main base of operations for Glóin and Glorfindel. As such, Elrond is the source of missions and advice, and serves as the narrator throughout the game (Hugo Weaving reprises the role). Elrond is a playable character during the assault on [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Elrond is a non-playable character and can be found in the library of the Last Homely House in Rivendell. During the Elven Prologue set hundreds of years before the War of the Ring he participates in a battle in the refuge of Edhellion, in northern [[Ered Luin]]. Elrond is heavily involved in the game original storyline and the characters are frequently bidden to return to him after uncovering troubling sings of the Enemy or achieving notable victories.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Hugo Weaving once again reprises the role, serving as the narrator for both Good and Evil campaigns.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Early in the game Elrond sends his sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], to scout [[Fornost]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Inner Wards''</ref> He later interacts with main characters in Rivendell, guiding them on their path of defeating Argandaur.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Elrond|Images of Elrond]]
*[[Twins]]

{{References}}

[[Category:House of Eärendil]]
[[Category:House of Dior]]
[[Category:House of Elrond| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Elrond]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/semi-elfes/elrond]]
[[fi:Elrond]]

Elrond

2012-12-27T06:10:08Z

50.102.167.174: /* Second Age */ " It was was liberated ..." ==> " It was liberated ..."

{{Countdown}}
{{half-elf infobox
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Elrond 2.jpg|250px]]
| name=Elrond
| othernames=Elrond ''Peredhel'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "[[Half-elven]]") Master Elrond
| titles=Lord of [[Rivendell|Imladris]]
| position=Ring-bearer of [[Vilya]] Vice-regent and herald to [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Celeborn">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| location=[[Lindon]] [[Rivendell]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]<ref name="Languages">{{App|Elves}}</ref>
| birth={{FA|532}}
| birthlocation=[[Havens of Sirion]]
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=House of Eärendil
| heritage=[[Half-elven]] father and mother
| parentage=[[Eärendil]], father [[Elwing]], mother [[Maglor]], foster father
| siblings=[[Elros]]
| spouse=[[Celebrían]]
| children=[[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]] [[Arwen]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="meetings"/>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="meetings"/>
| clothing=Grey mantle<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Silver circlet<ref name="meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Elrond.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{Quote|He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="H3">{{H|3}}</ref>}}</center>
'''Elrond''' (b. {{FA|532}}) was the Lord of [[Rivendell]] and keeper of the great elven ring [[Vilya]].

==Appearance and traits==
Elrond is described to seem ageless, resembling neither old nor young, however one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable both like an old king, a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime.

As common with other Elves, he was dark-haired, while his eyes were grey shining like starlight. He could be seen wearing a circlet of silver.<ref name="FRMeetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref><ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren]] (a [[Men|Man]]) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Luthien), a Maia, and all three houses of the [[Edain]] ([[House of Hador|Hador]], [[House of Haleth|Haleth]] and [[House of Bëor|Bëor]]).

==History==
===First Age===
Elrond was born at the [[Havens of Sirion]] late in the [[First Age]]. His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]] and had a twin brother, [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].
[[File:Tuuliky - Little Half-elf.jpg|thumb|left|Maglor raises Elrond]]
When the [[Sons of Fëanor]] [[Third Kinslaying|attacked the Havens of Sirion]], Elwing was taken by [[Ulmo]]. The twins were carried off, but later found near a waterfall and they were named as such; Elrond was discovered in a cave. Taken captive by Maglor, they were subsequently raised by him.

Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice whether to be counted among the kindred of Elves or of Men. Elrond chose to belong to the [[Firstborn]], while Elros chose to become mortal. Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and loremaster.

===Second Age===
A fair being calling himself [[Annatar]], emmissary of the Valar, came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age. Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. They were correct, as proven in the later [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Elrond led Elves from [[Lindon]] in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]]. With them, and and other Elves who fled the destruction of [[Eregion]], he established Imladris in {{SA|1697}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>
[[File:Prologue Elves.jpeg|thumb|Elrond next to Gil-galad in battle.]]
Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the [[Battle of Dagorlad|last battle]] of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. At the conclusion of that battle, when [[Isildur]] cut [[the One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad.

It has been argued that following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title. Indeed, after the Second Age ended, there were very few Noldor left in Middle-earth for there to be a king over them.

===Third Age===
Following Isildur's death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur's son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance.

In {{TA|109}}, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in {{TA|130|n}}, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in {{TA|241|n}}.

During the late reign of [[Arveleg I]], [[Second Siege of Imladris |Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by [[Angmar]] into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

Elrond along with others of the [[Wise]] were joined by the [[Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] who was sent by the Valar from the West. As they decided, Gandalf invaded [[Dol Guldur]]. The Necromancer withdrew and the [[Watchful Peace]] begun. In {{TA|2463}} the Wise formed the [[White Council]] with the Wizard [[Saruman]] as its head.
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur]]
Elrond would be separated by his wife when taken by [[Orcs]]; their sons rescued her but Elrond was unable to heal her. She had to leave for the [[West]] in {{TA|2510|n}}.

In {{TA|2851}} the White Council met to decide on whether to act on Gandalf's discovery of the identity of the [[Necromancer]] as Sauron, but [[Saruman]] dissuaded the others.

In {{TA|2933}}, Elrond took [[Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, and had Arwen live in [[Lorien]] with her Grandmother.

Elrond named Aragon ''[[Estel]]'' ("Hope") and concealing his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the [[Ring of Barahir]] and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of Gondor and Arnor. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.
[[File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Elrond and Thrór's Map.jpg|thumb|Elrond examines [[Thrór's Map]].]]
In {{TA|2941}} Elrond welcomed [[Thorin and Company]] into his home, the [[Last Homely House]] before the wild, in [[Rivendell]]. On midsummer eve - the night before the [[Dwarves]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and [[Gandalf]] continued on their journey eastward - Elrond examined the the swords which they had found in the trolls' cave. He read the runes and revealed that [[Thorin|Thorin's]] sword was called [[Orcrist]], the "Goblin-cleaver", and that Gandalf sword was named [[Glamdring]], the "Foe-hammer". He told them that they were [[Elves|Elven]] swords from the ancient city of [[Gondolin]], long ago destroyed. He then looked at [[Thrór's Map]] and found that there were [[moon-letters]]. From the moon of that midsummer eve he could read the words, 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast'; and 'stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole'. This information proved vital for Bilbo and the Dwarves to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]] through its secret entrance.<ref name="H3"/>

During that same year, the [[White Council]] assailed [[Dol Guldur]] and rid [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Upon Bilbo and Gandalf's return to Rivendell, Elrond and the grey wizard discussed this and the events of the Lonely Mountain. They both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

The White Council last met in {{TA|2953}}, when Gandalf expressed his concerns that the One Ring was Bilbo's ring found in the [[Goblin-town]]. Saruman quieted him, insisting that the Ring has been swept out to sea.

====The War of the Ring====
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first left the Shire with the One Ring, it was always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counselled him to do so. Elrond healed Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then hosted the feast that was held when Frodo recovered.
[[File:Michael Kaluta - Elrond Recalls the Host of Gilgalad.jpg|thumb|left|''Elrond Recalls the Host of Gil-galad'', by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]
Elrond presided at the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrated what he knew of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identified Aragorn as the [[Heir of Isildur]], and when Frodo ultimately volunteered to carry the Ring, Elrond affirmed that decision as correct. Elrond also appeared to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], accepting [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dúnedain]] Rangers who rode to Rohan to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advised Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[The Last Debate|Last Debate]], Elrohir supported Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice. Following the [[War of the Ring]], Elrond escorted Arwen to Minas Tirith for her marriage to Aragorn, and parted from her in great sorrow.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Departure at the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''Departure at the Grey Havens'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Elrond was one of the Elves who took the [[White Ship]] to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo and the other [[Ringbearer]]s. The Third Age's end is marked by Elrond’s departure.

==Inspiration==
Elrond was created for ''[[The Hobbit]]''. Subsequently he became the only character to appear in all three of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

In the chapter ''[[A Short Rest]]'' of ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he “was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.” Note that in this description he is not identified as an elf himself, as Tolkien had not at this stage decided that Elrond of Rivendell was the same person as Elrond the son of Eärendil.

==Etymology==
The name '''Elrond''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelrond]}}) has been translated as "Star-dome",<ref name="SoF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]"</ref> and "Vault of Heaven"<ref name="Etym">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', "[[The Etymologies]]", page 384</ref> recalling the glory of [[Menegroth]] though at an earlier stage, it was supposed to mean "Elf of the Cave". His Quenya name was most likely '''Elerondo'''<ref>[[Petri Tikka]], "[http://www.geocities.com/petristikka/elvish/PE17.html Quenya words in Parma Eldalambaron 17]"</ref>, isolated from the patronymic ''Elerondiel'', "[[Arwen|daughter of Elrond]]".<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Gilson]] (ed.), "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (June 2007), page 56</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | CEL |y| GAL | | EAR |y| ELW |CEL=[[Celeborn]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | CBR |y| ELR | | | | ELS |ELR='''ELROND'''|CBR=[[Celebrían]]|ELS=[[Elros]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | ERH | | ELL | | ARW |~| ARA |ERH=[[Elrohir]]|ELL=[[Elladan]]|ARW=[[Arwen]]|ARA=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Elrond in Adaptations
|width=200
|height=150
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:Elrond.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Elrond in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|'''Elrond''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears in Rivendell, crowned with a ring of stars. He feeds the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]], and identifies [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. He needs little time to identify the latter.He is shown with a beard, although Tolkien clearly states [[elves]] do not have beards. His voice was provided by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Elrond, voiced by [[André Morell]], appears at the Council of Elrond. He sits on a raised chair, and narrates the scene. Not until the Ring is brought forward does he take an active part.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears roughly the same as in the first of [[Rankin/Bass]]' films. The premise of the film, a minstrel of Gondor who tells the tale of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers, and the Ring of Doom" at the birthday of Bilbo, allows Elrond to be a member of the audience. Because Ritchard had passed away, Rankin/Bass regular [[Paul Frees]] took over.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Elrond, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], first appears in the prologue as a commander of the army of Gil-galad in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking [[Isildur]] into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. [[Círdan]] is omitted.

:As in the book, Elrond heals Frodo's wound from Weathertop. Elrond then has a conversation with Gandalf, discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the film, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of Men, and gives the first hints about Aragorn's real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

:Elrond gains two additional scenes in the Extended Edition of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming king. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing Fellowship.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Though he had no scenes in the book, Elrond appears mainly in conversations with [[Arwen]], whose role is also greatly expanded. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to [[Valinor]]. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a telepathic communication with [[Galadriel]] discussing the [[War of the Ring|war]] that is about to start. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim|Men]] there, since when [[Haldir (elf of Lórien)|Haldir]] arrives at Helm's Deep he says that he brings "word from Elrond of Rivendell".

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:In the final installemnt of Jackson's film series, Elrond's first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying, Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the shards of Narsil re-forged, then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding, and he finally sails to Valinor with the Ringbearers.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Hugo Weaving]] will reprise his role as Elrond.<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Elrond is voiced by [[Garard Green]].<ref name="RT1674">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1674, [[9 December|December 9]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is voiced by [[John Pullen]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Hugh Dickson]] provided the voice of Elrond in this radio series. He appears only in the episode containing the [[Council of Elrond]], and appears unintroduced. Dickson showcases great trouble with pronouncing Elvish, and especially diphtongs. Gimli is the son of "[[Glóin son of Gróin|Gloo-in]]", who fought the dragon "[[Smaug|Sma-oog]]". Legolas is the son of "[[Thranduil|Thrandoo-uhl]]".

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Like his predecessor Hugh Dickson, [[Jim Piddock]] shows incredible difficulty with diphtongs. "Glau-win" and "Thrandool" dislike eachother, so too their sons.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:In a short cutscene between the levels "Roast Mutton" and "Over Hill and Under Hill", Elrond is briefly mentioned. An artful image on a manuscript can be seen, while the [[Tom Kane|narrator]] explains Elrond examined the map and the swords.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In an alternative, northern War of the Ring, Rivendell is the main base of operations for Glóin and Glorfindel. As such, Elrond is the source of missions and advice, and serves as the narrator throughout the game (Hugo Weaving reprises the role). Elrond is a playable character during the assault on [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Elrond is a non-playable character and can be found in the library of the Last Homely House in Rivendell. During the Elven Prologue set hundreds of years before the War of the Ring he participates in a battle in the refuge of Edhellion, in northern [[Ered Luin]]. Elrond is heavily involved in the game original storyline and the characters are frequently bidden to return to him after uncovering troubling sings of the Enemy or achieving notable victories.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Hugo Weaving once again reprises the role, serving as the narrator for both Good and Evil campaigns.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Early in the game Elrond sends his sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], to scout [[Fornost]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Inner Wards''</ref> He later interacts with main characters in Rivendell, guiding them on their path of defeating Argandaur.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Elrond|Images of Elrond]]
*[[Twins]]

{{References}}

[[Category:House of Eärendil]]
[[Category:House of Dior]]
[[Category:House of Elrond| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Elrond]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/semi-elfes/elrond]]
[[fi:Elrond]]

Fëanor

2012-12-27T05:40:57Z

50.102.167.174: /* Exile in Middle-earth */ In the last paragraph, "Fëanor" was missing the umlaut over the 'e'.

{{footnotes}}
{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Catherine Karina Chmiel - Feanor.jpg|250px]]
| name=Fëanor
| othernames=''[[Curufinwë]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]), ''Fëanáro'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]])
| titles=[[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]] in [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=[[Oath of Fëanor]]
| language=[[Quenya]]
| birth=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1169|1169]]
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1495|1495]] - [[Years of the Trees 1497|1497]]
| death=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1497|1497]]
| deathlocation=[[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]
| age=328 [[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]]/3142 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| house=[[House of Finwë]]
| parentage=[[Finwë]] & [[Míriel]]
| siblings=[[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Írimë]] and [[Finarfin]]
| spouse=[[Nerdanel]]
| children=[[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Black
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Feanor.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{quote|For Fëanor was made the mightiest in all parts of body and mind: in valour, in endurance, in beauty, in understanding, in skill, in strength and subtlety alike: of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and a bright flame was in him.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor]]}}

'''Fëanor''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈfe.anor]}}) was a prince of the [[Noldor]], eldest and most beloved son of [[Finwë]]. He had the greatest skill of word and hand, a renowned craftsman, gem-smith, and warrior. Fëanor created the [[Silmarils]], which was his most famous deed, and also wrought the [[palantíri]] and the [[Fëanorian lamps]]. In addition, he invented the widely-used [[Tengwar]] script. His passionate hatred of [[Morgoth]] and terrible [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]] led directly to the great triumphs and tragedies of the First Age.

== History ==
===Life in Tirion===
Fëanáro Curufinwë (as was his original name in [[Quenya]], pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˌfe.aˈnaːro ˌkuruˈfinwe]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˌɸe.aˈnaːro ˌkuruˈɸinwe]}}) was the eldest son of Finwë, the [[High King of the Noldor]], and his first wife [[Míriel|Míriel Serindë]]. He drew so much of Míriel's life energy when he was born that she grew weary of life, and departed to [[Lórien in Valinor|Lórien]], where she voluntarily left her corporeal form, and died. Finwë remarried, and had two more sons, Fëanor's half-brothers [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Írimë]]. Fëanor wedded [[Nerdanel]], daughter of [[Mahtan]], who bore him [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]]: [[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]].

At this time, [[Morgoth|Melkor]], the mightiest of the Valar and source of evil, had deceived the Valar into thinking that he had repented of his evil ways. Pardoned and residing in Valinor, he undertook to corrupt the Noldor and succeeded in making them instruments of his malice, particularly Fëanor. But Fëanor greatly mistrusted Melkor, which was part of Melkor's plan.

In the greatest of his achievements, Fëanor captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] to make the three Silmarils, also called the Great Jewels. He prized the Silmarils above all else, and grew increasingly suspicious that the Valar and other Eldar coveted them. He either vainly displayed the jewels or jealously guarded them from all except his immediate family.

===Feud with Fingolfin===
[[Image:Antti Autio - The Threat of Feanor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Fëanor's threat'' by [[Antti Autio]]]]Melkor greatly desired the Silmarils and his hatred for Fëanor grew, but the Valar still did not know of Melkor's true intentions. Melkor played upon Fëanor's temperament and pride to convince him that his own half-brother Fingolfin was not only planning to usurp his place as heir to Finwë, but also seize the jewels for himself. Fëanor's hostility grew to the point to where he threatened Fingolfin's life. (It was at this time that the Noldor first began to forge weapons.) For this, the Valar exiled him to Formenos. He took a substantial treasure with him, including the Silmarils, which he put in a locked box. In a show of support for his eldest son, Finwë withdrew to Formenos.

The Valar realized that Melkor was behind Fëanor's actions. They sent [[Tulkas]] to imprison him again, but he could not be found. Melkor was not seen for a long time, until he unexpectedly showed up at Formenos. Since with Finwë and Fëanor's absence Fingolfin had become king, it seemed that Melkor's lies were true. Melkor tried again to convince Fëanor of them, but he erred, and Fëanor realized that Melkor's true goal was to obtain the Silmarils. He shut the door in Melkor's face. In a rage, Melkor left. When the Valar heard of the incident, they started the hunt up again. But it was apparent that Melkor had fled from Valinor. He feigned to go north, but then turned south.

===Theft of the Silmarils===
After a time the Valar sought to mend the breach between Fëanor and Fingolfin, and invited them to Valinor to make peace. Fingolfin offered a hand to his half-brother, recognizing Fëanor's place as the eldest, which he grudgingly accepted.

[[image:Feanor emblema.png|right|120px|thumb|Fëanor's device.]]Meanwhile, Melkor stole away to [[Avathar]] in the south of Aman to seek out the evil, spider-like creature [[Ungoliant]]. Ungoliant helped Morgoth destroy the Two Trees, bringing darkness to Valinor. Morgoth and Ungoliant then went to Formenos, slew Finwë, and took all the gems there, including the Silmarils. They escaped by crossing the [[Helcaraxë]], or Grinding Ice, in the north to [[Beleriand]] in Middle-earth.

It was during the festivities where Fëanor and Fingolfin were being reconciled that the Trees were destroyed. The Valar knew that now the light of the Trees survived only in the Silmarils and [[Yavanna]] asked Fëanor to give them up so that they could restore the Trees. Fëanor emphatically stated that he would not give up his Silmarils of his own free will; if the Valar forced him, he said, they would be no better than Melkor. It was after this that the messenger came telling of the raid at Formenos.

According to the messenger, Melkor, surrounded by an impenetrable black fog, had come to Fëanor's vault in Formenos. Finwë the High King fought and lost against Melkor, and was the first elf to be slain in Valinor. Melkor ransacked the vault, taking many valuable jewels. Most notably, he was responsible for the thievery of the Silmarils.

===The Kinslaying===
[[Image:Tuuliky - Feanor.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Fëanor'' by Tuuliky]]The Valar and Eldar now fully understood the extent of Melkor's treachery. Fëanor, upon learning of his father's murder and the theft of his prized Silmarils, named Melkor "Morgoth", or "Black Enemy". Now King of the Noldor, Fëanor delivered the most impassioned speech ever given in Arda, which he unwittingly filled with Morgoth's taint. He railed against the Dark Lord, but because of Morgoth's influence, he also blamed the Valar for Morgoth's deeds. He persuaded most his people that because the Valar had abandoned them, the Noldor must follow him to Middle-earth and fight the Dark Lord. Fëanor then swore the terrible [[Oath of Fëanor]] which all seven of his sons also proclaimed, vowing to fight anyone and everyone—whether Elf, Man, Maia, or Vala—who withheld the Silmarils, and invoking even [[Ilúvatar]] as a witness. This Oath led to much conflict and later caused great tragedy among his seven sons.

Seeking a way to get to Middle-earth, he went to the shores of Aman, where the seafaring [[Teleri]] lived, and demanded the use of their ships. When Teleri refused to give or lend their ships, Fëanor ordered the Noldor to take the ships. The Teleri resisted, and a battle broke out, in which many of the Teleri were slain, for they were armed with mere hunting bows, agaist the fully armed Noldor.

In repentance of this act, Finarfin, Finwë's third son, took his host and turned back. They were accepted by the Valar, and Finarfin ruled as High-King of the Noldor in Valinor.

===Exile in Middle-earth===
There were not enough ships to carry all of the Noldor across the sea, so Fëanor and his sons led the first group. Upon arriving at Losgar, in the land of Lammoth, in the far west of Beleriand, where Morgoth and Ungoliant had passed not long before, they decided to burn the ships and leave the followers of Fingolfin behind. However, Fëanor accidentally left his son Amras in the ships, and he was burned alive. The earth being flat in those days, the remaining Noldor saw the flames, and perceived that if they were to go to Middle-earth, they had no choice but to cross the Helcaraxë. This they did under the leadership of Fingolfin, and suffered great losses along the way, which greatly added to the animosity they had for Fëanor and his sons. [[Image:Carlo_Pagulayan_-_Feanor_and_Gothmog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Fëanor and Gothmog'' by Carlo Pagulayan]]

Learning of the Noldor's arrival, Morgoth summoned his armies from his fortress of [[Angband]] and attacked Fëanor's encampment in [[Mithrim]]. This battle was called the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars"), for the Sun and Moon had not yet been made. The Noldor managed to win the battle and disperse Morgoth's armies. Fëanor, still in a great rage, pressed on toward Angband with his sons. He came even within sight of Angband, but was ambushed by a force of [[Balrogs]], with few elves about him. He fought mightily, hewing even after receiving several wounds from [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], lord of Balrogs.

His sons came upon the balrogs with great force of elves, and were able to drive them off. However, as Fëanor was being carried off the battlefield, he knew his wounds were fatal. He cursed Angband thrice, but with the eyes of death, he knew that his elves, unaided, would never throw down the dark towers. At the moment of his death the passing of his fiery spirit reduced his body to ashes. He was the only person to die this way, for no death like his was ever seen or heard.

His sons were still bound by the Oath to recover the Silmarils, which would determine the events of Middle-earth during the First Age.

Fëanor was also unique in that his spirit remained in the [[Halls of Mandos]] and was not reincarnated in Valinor. It is said that he will return only for [[Dagor Dagorath]], and will finally reclaim his beloved Silmarils, and then surrender them to [[Yavanna]].

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MHT | | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel]]|MHT=[[Mahtan]]}}
{{familytree| |`|.| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA='''FËANOR'''|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| MDH | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|MDH=[[Maedhros]]}}
{{familytree| | | MAG |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CEL | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Írimë]]|CEL=[[Celegorm]]}}
{{familytree| | | CAR |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |CAR=[[Caranthir]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CUR | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]|CUR=[[Curufin]]}}
{{familytree| | | AMD |(| |`|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | |AMD=[[Amrod]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |`| AMR | | CLB | | | | | | | |AMR=[[Amras]]|CLB=[[Celebrimbor]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Etymology ==
Fëanor's [[father-name]] was ''[[Curufinwë]]''', "Skillful Finwë", by adding ''[[curu]]'', the [[Quenya]] noun for "skill", to his father's name . He later gave his favorite son [[Curufin]] the same father-name. His [[Amilessë|mother-name]] was ''[[Fëanáro]]'', which translates as "Spirit of Fire", being formed by adding ''[[fëa]]'', a Quenya noun for "spirit" and ''[[Nár (Quenya)|nár]]'', "flame". Apparently, the masculine ending ''[[-o]]'' is also present. The name Fëanor is the [[Sindarin]] version of his mother-name.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Fëanor|Images of Fëanor]]

{{references}}
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Darkening of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Return of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Beleriand and its Realms]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Noldor in Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Index of Names]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Coming of the Elves and the Making of Kôr]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Theft of Melko and the Darkening of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Flight of the Noldoli]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[Gilfanon's Tale: The Travail of the Noldoli and the Coming of Mankind]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', [[The Nauglafring]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Annals of Aman]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.minastirith.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000635 What do you think of Fëanor?] - Discussion on MinasTirith.com

{{sequence
|prev=[[Finwë]]
|next=[[Fingolfin]]
|list=2nd [[High King of the Noldor]] (''de jure'') Y.T. 1495 – 1497
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Feanor}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:House of Fëanor| ]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Feanor]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/feanor]]
[[fi:Fëanor]]

Fëanor

2012-12-27T05:38:55Z

50.102.167.174: /* Exile in Middle-earth */ In "...for no death like his were ever seen...", make the subject and verb agree in number: "...for no death like his was ever seen..."

{{footnotes}}
{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Catherine Karina Chmiel - Feanor.jpg|250px]]
| name=Fëanor
| othernames=''[[Curufinwë]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]), ''Fëanáro'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]])
| titles=[[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]] in [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=[[Oath of Fëanor]]
| language=[[Quenya]]
| birth=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1169|1169]]
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1495|1495]] - [[Years of the Trees 1497|1497]]
| death=[[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]] [[Years of the Trees 1497|1497]]
| deathlocation=[[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]
| age=328 [[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]]/3142 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| house=[[House of Finwë]]
| parentage=[[Finwë]] & [[Míriel]]
| siblings=[[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Írimë]] and [[Finarfin]]
| spouse=[[Nerdanel]]
| children=[[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Black
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Feanor.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{quote|For Fëanor was made the mightiest in all parts of body and mind: in valour, in endurance, in beauty, in understanding, in skill, in strength and subtlety alike: of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and a bright flame was in him.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor]]}}

'''Fëanor''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈfe.anor]}}) was a prince of the [[Noldor]], eldest and most beloved son of [[Finwë]]. He had the greatest skill of word and hand, a renowned craftsman, gem-smith, and warrior. Fëanor created the [[Silmarils]], which was his most famous deed, and also wrought the [[palantíri]] and the [[Fëanorian lamps]]. In addition, he invented the widely-used [[Tengwar]] script. His passionate hatred of [[Morgoth]] and terrible [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]] led directly to the great triumphs and tragedies of the First Age.

== History ==
===Life in Tirion===
Fëanáro Curufinwë (as was his original name in [[Quenya]], pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˌfe.aˈnaːro ˌkuruˈfinwe]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˌɸe.aˈnaːro ˌkuruˈɸinwe]}}) was the eldest son of Finwë, the [[High King of the Noldor]], and his first wife [[Míriel|Míriel Serindë]]. He drew so much of Míriel's life energy when he was born that she grew weary of life, and departed to [[Lórien in Valinor|Lórien]], where she voluntarily left her corporeal form, and died. Finwë remarried, and had two more sons, Fëanor's half-brothers [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Írimë]]. Fëanor wedded [[Nerdanel]], daughter of [[Mahtan]], who bore him [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]]: [[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]].

At this time, [[Morgoth|Melkor]], the mightiest of the Valar and source of evil, had deceived the Valar into thinking that he had repented of his evil ways. Pardoned and residing in Valinor, he undertook to corrupt the Noldor and succeeded in making them instruments of his malice, particularly Fëanor. But Fëanor greatly mistrusted Melkor, which was part of Melkor's plan.

In the greatest of his achievements, Fëanor captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] to make the three Silmarils, also called the Great Jewels. He prized the Silmarils above all else, and grew increasingly suspicious that the Valar and other Eldar coveted them. He either vainly displayed the jewels or jealously guarded them from all except his immediate family.

===Feud with Fingolfin===
[[Image:Antti Autio - The Threat of Feanor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Fëanor's threat'' by [[Antti Autio]]]]Melkor greatly desired the Silmarils and his hatred for Fëanor grew, but the Valar still did not know of Melkor's true intentions. Melkor played upon Fëanor's temperament and pride to convince him that his own half-brother Fingolfin was not only planning to usurp his place as heir to Finwë, but also seize the jewels for himself. Fëanor's hostility grew to the point to where he threatened Fingolfin's life. (It was at this time that the Noldor first began to forge weapons.) For this, the Valar exiled him to Formenos. He took a substantial treasure with him, including the Silmarils, which he put in a locked box. In a show of support for his eldest son, Finwë withdrew to Formenos.

The Valar realized that Melkor was behind Fëanor's actions. They sent [[Tulkas]] to imprison him again, but he could not be found. Melkor was not seen for a long time, until he unexpectedly showed up at Formenos. Since with Finwë and Fëanor's absence Fingolfin had become king, it seemed that Melkor's lies were true. Melkor tried again to convince Fëanor of them, but he erred, and Fëanor realized that Melkor's true goal was to obtain the Silmarils. He shut the door in Melkor's face. In a rage, Melkor left. When the Valar heard of the incident, they started the hunt up again. But it was apparent that Melkor had fled from Valinor. He feigned to go north, but then turned south.

===Theft of the Silmarils===
After a time the Valar sought to mend the breach between Fëanor and Fingolfin, and invited them to Valinor to make peace. Fingolfin offered a hand to his half-brother, recognizing Fëanor's place as the eldest, which he grudgingly accepted.

[[image:Feanor emblema.png|right|120px|thumb|Fëanor's device.]]Meanwhile, Melkor stole away to [[Avathar]] in the south of Aman to seek out the evil, spider-like creature [[Ungoliant]]. Ungoliant helped Morgoth destroy the Two Trees, bringing darkness to Valinor. Morgoth and Ungoliant then went to Formenos, slew Finwë, and took all the gems there, including the Silmarils. They escaped by crossing the [[Helcaraxë]], or Grinding Ice, in the north to [[Beleriand]] in Middle-earth.

It was during the festivities where Fëanor and Fingolfin were being reconciled that the Trees were destroyed. The Valar knew that now the light of the Trees survived only in the Silmarils and [[Yavanna]] asked Fëanor to give them up so that they could restore the Trees. Fëanor emphatically stated that he would not give up his Silmarils of his own free will; if the Valar forced him, he said, they would be no better than Melkor. It was after this that the messenger came telling of the raid at Formenos.

According to the messenger, Melkor, surrounded by an impenetrable black fog, had come to Fëanor's vault in Formenos. Finwë the High King fought and lost against Melkor, and was the first elf to be slain in Valinor. Melkor ransacked the vault, taking many valuable jewels. Most notably, he was responsible for the thievery of the Silmarils.

===The Kinslaying===
[[Image:Tuuliky - Feanor.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Fëanor'' by Tuuliky]]The Valar and Eldar now fully understood the extent of Melkor's treachery. Fëanor, upon learning of his father's murder and the theft of his prized Silmarils, named Melkor "Morgoth", or "Black Enemy". Now King of the Noldor, Fëanor delivered the most impassioned speech ever given in Arda, which he unwittingly filled with Morgoth's taint. He railed against the Dark Lord, but because of Morgoth's influence, he also blamed the Valar for Morgoth's deeds. He persuaded most his people that because the Valar had abandoned them, the Noldor must follow him to Middle-earth and fight the Dark Lord. Fëanor then swore the terrible [[Oath of Fëanor]] which all seven of his sons also proclaimed, vowing to fight anyone and everyone—whether Elf, Man, Maia, or Vala—who withheld the Silmarils, and invoking even [[Ilúvatar]] as a witness. This Oath led to much conflict and later caused great tragedy among his seven sons.

Seeking a way to get to Middle-earth, he went to the shores of Aman, where the seafaring [[Teleri]] lived, and demanded the use of their ships. When Teleri refused to give or lend their ships, Fëanor ordered the Noldor to take the ships. The Teleri resisted, and a battle broke out, in which many of the Teleri were slain, for they were armed with mere hunting bows, agaist the fully armed Noldor.

In repentance of this act, Finarfin, Finwë's third son, took his host and turned back. They were accepted by the Valar, and Finarfin ruled as High-King of the Noldor in Valinor.

===Exile in Middle-earth===
There were not enough ships to carry all of the Noldor across the sea, so Fëanor and his sons led the first group. Upon arriving at Losgar, in the land of Lammoth, in the far west of Beleriand, where Morgoth and Ungoliant had passed not long before, they decided to burn the ships and leave the followers of Fingolfin behind. However, Fëanor accidentally left his son Amras in the ships, and he was burned alive. The earth being flat in those days, the remaining Noldor saw the flames, and perceived that if they were to go to Middle-earth, they had no choice but to cross the Helcaraxë. This they did under the leadership of Fingolfin, and suffered great losses along the way, which greatly added to the animosity they had for Fëanor and his sons. [[Image:Carlo_Pagulayan_-_Feanor_and_Gothmog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Fëanor and Gothmog'' by Carlo Pagulayan]]

Learning of the Noldor's arrival, Morgoth summoned his armies from his fortress of [[Angband]] and attacked Fëanor's encampment in [[Mithrim]]. This battle was called the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars"), for the Sun and Moon had not yet been made. The Noldor managed to win the battle and disperse Morgoth's armies. Fëanor, still in a great rage, pressed on toward Angband with his sons. He came even within sight of Angband, but was ambushed by a force of [[Balrogs]], with few elves about him. He fought mightily, hewing even after receiving several wounds from [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], lord of Balrogs.

His sons came upon the balrogs with great force of elves, and were able to drive them off. However, as Fëanor was being carried off the battlefield, he knew his wounds were fatal. He cursed Angband thrice, but with the eyes of death, he knew that his elves, unaided, would never throw down the dark towers. At the moment of his death the passing of his fiery spirit reduced his body to ashes. He was the only person to die this way, for no death like his was ever seen or heard.

His sons were still bound by the Oath to recover the Silmarils, which would determine the events of Middle-earth during the First Age.

Feanor was also unique in that his spirit remained in the [[Halls of Mandos]] and was not reincarnated in Valinor. It is said that he will return only for [[Dagor Dagorath]], and will finally reclaim his beloved Silmarils, and then surrender them to [[Yavanna]].

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MHT | | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel]]|MHT=[[Mahtan]]}}
{{familytree| |`|.| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA='''FËANOR'''|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| MDH | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|MDH=[[Maedhros]]}}
{{familytree| | | MAG |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CEL | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Írimë]]|CEL=[[Celegorm]]}}
{{familytree| | | CAR |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |CAR=[[Caranthir]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CUR | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]|CUR=[[Curufin]]}}
{{familytree| | | AMD |(| |`|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | |AMD=[[Amrod]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |`| AMR | | CLB | | | | | | | |AMR=[[Amras]]|CLB=[[Celebrimbor]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Etymology ==
Fëanor's [[father-name]] was ''[[Curufinwë]]''', "Skillful Finwë", by adding ''[[curu]]'', the [[Quenya]] noun for "skill", to his father's name . He later gave his favorite son [[Curufin]] the same father-name. His [[Amilessë|mother-name]] was ''[[Fëanáro]]'', which translates as "Spirit of Fire", being formed by adding ''[[fëa]]'', a Quenya noun for "spirit" and ''[[Nár (Quenya)|nár]]'', "flame". Apparently, the masculine ending ''[[-o]]'' is also present. The name Fëanor is the [[Sindarin]] version of his mother-name.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Fëanor|Images of Fëanor]]

{{references}}
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Darkening of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Return of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Beleriand and its Realms]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Noldor in Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Index of Names]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Coming of the Elves and the Making of Kôr]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Theft of Melko and the Darkening of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[The Flight of the Noldoli]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]'', [[Gilfanon's Tale: The Travail of the Noldoli and the Coming of Mankind]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', [[The Nauglafring]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Annals of Aman]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.minastirith.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000635 What do you think of Fëanor?] - Discussion on MinasTirith.com

{{sequence
|prev=[[Finwë]]
|next=[[Fingolfin]]
|list=2nd [[High King of the Noldor]] (''de jure'') Y.T. 1495 – 1497
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Feanor}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:House of Fëanor| ]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Feanor]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/feanor]]
[[fi:Fëanor]]

Beleg

2012-12-27T05:06:26Z

50.102.167.174: /* With Túrin */ fixed type: "Gwindor, and Elf of Nargothrond" to "Gwindor, an Elf of Nargothrond"

{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[First Age]]|the King of Arthedain|[[Beleg (King of Arthedain)]]}}
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Beleg.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beleg
| othernames=''Cúthalion'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "Strongbow") "Beleg the Archer"<ref name="Archer">{{CH|8}}, p. 141</ref>
| titles=
| position=Chief of the marchwardens
| location=[[Doriath]]
| affiliation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]]
| language=[[Doriathrin]] ([[Sindarin]] dialect)
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|490}}
| deathlocation=[[Taur-nu-Fuin]]
| age=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Large cloak<ref name="Mim">{{CH|7}}, p. 139</ref>
| weapons=[[Anglachel]] and [[Belthronding]]
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Beleg Cuthalion.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Beleg Cúthalion''' was a [[Sinda]] who served King [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] of [[Doriath]]. He was considered to be the best archer and huntsman of his time.

==History==
Together with [[Mablung]], he was one of the great captains of the [[Sindar]]. Beleg was captain of the [[Marchwardens]] and therefore was usually on duty on Doriath's northern borders near [[Brethil]], [[Dimbar]] and [[Nan Dungortheb]]. Beleg carried a black bow named [[Belthronding]], to which his [[epessë]] (surname) referred, and an arrow called [[Dailir]].

If he went outside of Doriath, he was often accompanied by Mablung, e.g. when they went to the [[Mereth Aderthad]].<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> He and Mablung also were the only two Elves from Doriath who joined the hosts of the Noldor in [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]].<ref>{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

He took part in the [[Hunting of the Wolf]], together with King Thingol, Mablung, [[Beren|Beren Ercharmion]] and the great hound [[Huan]].
===With Túrin===
Later he became a good friend and brother-in-arms of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], and thus became ensnared in Túrin's accursed fate. For a long time Túrin joined Beleg in Dimbar.

When Túrin fled from [[Doriath]], Beleg received permission from Thingol to follow him into exile. He deemed his bow unsuited for this task and from Thingol's armoury chose the sword [[Anglachel]] that [[Eöl]] had forged and given to Thingol in tribute.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Returns to Find Beleg Being Held Captive.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Túrin Returns to Find Beleg Being Held Captive'']]
Beleg was captured by the band of outlaws Túrin led near [[Amon Rûdh]] and was tortured, because Túrin was not present. He brought word from Thingol to Túrin that he was free to return to Doriath, but Túrin neglected the offer. After returning to Thingol to bring the news, Beleg returned into the north marches, when winter came, he set out again to join Túrin.<ref>{{CH|6}}</ref>

The outlaws had meanwhile taken about at [[Bar-en-Danwedh]], the halls of [[Mîm]], the [[Petty-dwarf]].
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Helm and the Bow.jpg|thumb|Abe Papakhian - ''The Helm and the Bow'']]
Together with Túrin, Beleg became for a while a captain against Morgoth, and the place where they dwelt became known as [[Dor-Cúarthol]], the "Land of Bow and Helm". Mîm hated the Elves and Beleg especially, though there was no reason for this.

When Mîm was captured by Orcs, he revealed where the outlaws had their refuge. After fierce battle upon the top of Amon Rûdh all men were slain and Túrin captured. Beleg was bound and left back alive, as was demanded by Mîm who wanted to deal with the Elf personally. But Andróg, one of Túrin's men, was still alive and, though mortally wounded, chased Mîm away and cut Beleg's bonds.<ref>{{CH|8}}</ref>

Beleg was grievously wounded, but he was skilled in healing and after he had recovered, followed the [[Orcs]] into [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], where he met [[Gwindor]], an Elf of [[Nargothrond]] who had been captured in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad but escaped from slavery in [[Morgoth]]'s mines. With help from Gwindor, who had seen the passing by Orc-band, Beleg found the Orc-camp at night. He shot one by one the [[wolves]] who guarded the camp. He then was able to rescue Túrin, who was unconscious because of the torture he had endured, during a thunderstorm.

===Death===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Beleg is Slain.jpg|thumb|left|''Beleg is Slain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]Beleg carried Túrin away from the camp and cut his bonds with his sword. But the blade slipped away and cut into Túrin's flesh. Awaking suddenly and filled with terrible memories of past torture, Túrin only perceived a shape bent over him with a blade believing the Orcs were about to torture him again. Finding his hands unbound, in a sudden rage of self defense, Túrin wrested Anglachel from Beleg and killed him.

Beleg was buried along with his bow Belthronding by Túrin and Gwindor. Anglachel had turned black and blunt when spilling its master's blood. But Anglachel Gwindor took it with him, for he deemed it better to use the blade for vengeance agains Morgoth, than to rot in the earth.<ref>{{CH|9}}</ref>

Túrin afterwards made a song for Beleg, named ''[[Laer Cú Beleg]]'', the Song of the Great Bow.

== Etymology ==
''Beleg'' means "mighty" in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, ''beleg''</ref> His [[epessë]] ''Cúthalion'' means "Strongbow".

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beleg|Images of Beleg]]

{{references}}

[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Sindar]]

[[de:Beleg Cúthalion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:beleg]]
[[fi:Beleg (haltia)]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Blue Wizards

2012-12-27T03:51:54Z

50.102.167.174: /* Earlier writings */ The statement "They founded 'magic' cults..." must be qualified, based on the quote of Tolkien cited. Added "may have".

{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Blue Wizards Journeying East.jpg|250px]]
| name=Blue Wizards
| othernames=Ithryn Luin Earlier writings: Alatar and Pallando Later writings: Morinehtar and Rómestámo
| coming=Earlier writings: c. {{TA|1000}} Later writings: c. {{SA|1600}}
| duty=[[Wizards]] (Istari)
| gender=Male
| robes=Sea-blue
}}
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''') were two [[wizards]] sent to to contest the will of [[Sauron]] in the furthest regions of [[Middle-earth]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.

==History==
===Earlier writings===
The idea there there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wroth revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'',, the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] (Saruman) but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer''<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref> by [[Tom Cross]]]]
Here Tolkien, whilst unsure himself, made the explicit statement that the two Blue Wizards fell from their appointed mission, albeit in a different way to Saruman, and may have founded magic cults in the East and South of Middle-earth. If one were to consider the question of whether or not the Blue Wizards "failed" on this evidence alone, then undoubtedly the answer would be that they did. Indeed Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the Blue Wizards are placed alongside those of the other three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards are given no names, here they are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furtherest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the Blue Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

Based on the above material, the history of the Blue Wizards can be determined as the following:
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*The Blue Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
*The Blue Wizards travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the Blue Wizards do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*Together or independent of each other, Alatar and Pallando fall from their appointed task. They may have founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

===Later writings===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb|250px]]
Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the Blue Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the Blue Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the Blue Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Blue Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Tolkien no longer believed that they drifted from their mission; instead he makes it clear that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free Peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the Blue Wizards can be summarised as the following:
*The two Blue Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged the [[One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards journeyed into the East of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen of west of [[Mordor]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*There they became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*Morinehtar and Rómestámo ensured that the forces of the East did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free Peoples]] in [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="PMLast"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>


''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌroːmeˈstaːmo]}}; or ''Róme(n)star'') is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391 (note 28)</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team does not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=17 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Blue Wizards|Images of the Blue Wizards]]
*[[Radagast#Did Radagast fail?]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Blue Wizards

2012-12-27T03:48:39Z

50.102.167.174: /* Earlier writings */ The statement "They founded 'magic' cults..." must be qualified, based on the quote of Tolkien cited. Added "may have".

{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Blue Wizards Journeying East.jpg|250px]]
| name=Blue Wizards
| othernames=Ithryn Luin Earlier writings: Alatar and Pallando Later writings: Morinehtar and Rómestámo
| coming=Earlier writings: c. {{TA|1000}} Later writings: c. {{SA|1600}}
| duty=[[Wizards]] (Istari)
| gender=Male
| robes=Sea-blue
}}
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''') were two [[wizards]] sent to to contest the will of [[Sauron]] in the furthest regions of [[Middle-earth]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.

==History==
===Earlier writings===
The idea there there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wroth revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'',, the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] (Saruman) but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer''<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref> by [[Tom Cross]]]]
Here Tolkien, whilst unsure himself, made the explicit statement that the two Blue Wizards fell from their appointed mission, albeit in a different way to Saruman, and may have founded magic cults in the East and South of Middle-earth. If one were to consider the question of whether or not the Blue Wizards "failed" on this evidence alone, then undoubtedly the answer would be that they did. Indeed Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the Blue Wizards are placed alongside those of the other three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards are given no names, here they are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furtherest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the Blue Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

Based on the above material, the history of the Blue Wizards can be determined as the following:
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*The Blue Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
*The Blue Wizards travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the Blue Wizards do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*Together or independent of each other, Alatar and Pallando fall from their appointed task. They founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

===Later writings===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb|250px]]
Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the Blue Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the Blue Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the Blue Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Blue Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Tolkien no longer believed that they drifted from their mission; instead he makes it clear that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free Peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the Blue Wizards can be summarised as the following:
*The two Blue Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged the [[One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards journeyed into the East of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen of west of [[Mordor]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*There they became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*Morinehtar and Rómestámo ensured that the forces of the East did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free Peoples]] in [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="PMLast"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>


''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌroːmeˈstaːmo]}}; or ''Róme(n)star'') is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391 (note 28)</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team does not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=17 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Blue Wizards|Images of the Blue Wizards]]
*[[Radagast#Did Radagast fail?]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Blue Wizards

2012-12-27T03:43:38Z

50.102.167.174: /* Earlier writings */ Added an 's' to 'name' to make it plural in the phrase "even their individual name...".

{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Blue Wizards Journeying East.jpg|250px]]
| name=Blue Wizards
| othernames=Ithryn Luin Earlier writings: Alatar and Pallando Later writings: Morinehtar and Rómestámo
| coming=Earlier writings: c. {{TA|1000}} Later writings: c. {{SA|1600}}
| duty=[[Wizards]] (Istari)
| gender=Male
| robes=Sea-blue
}}
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''') were two [[wizards]] sent to to contest the will of [[Sauron]] in the furthest regions of [[Middle-earth]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.

==History==
===Earlier writings===
The idea there there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wroth revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'',, the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] (Saruman) but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer''<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref> by [[Tom Cross]]]]
Here Tolkien, whilst unsure himself, made the explicit statement that the two Blue Wizards fell from their appointed mission, albeit in a different way to Saruman, and founded magic cults in the East and South of Middle-earth. If one were to consider the question of whether or not the Blue Wizards "failed" on this evidence alone, then undoubtedly the answer would be that they did. Indeed Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the Blue Wizards are placed alongside those of the other three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards are given no names, here they are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furtherest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the Blue Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

Based on the above material, the history of the Blue Wizards can be determined as the following:
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*The Blue Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
*The Blue Wizards travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the Blue Wizards do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*Together or independent of each other, Alatar and Pallando fall from their appointed task. They founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

===Later writings===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb|250px]]
Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the Blue Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the Blue Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the Blue Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Blue Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Tolkien no longer believed that they drifted from their mission; instead he makes it clear that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free Peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the Blue Wizards can be summarised as the following:
*The two Blue Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged the [[One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards journeyed into the East of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen of west of [[Mordor]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*There they became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*Morinehtar and Rómestámo ensured that the forces of the East did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free Peoples]] in [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="PMLast"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>


''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌroːmeˈstaːmo]}}; or ''Róme(n)star'') is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391 (note 28)</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team does not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=17 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Blue Wizards|Images of the Blue Wizards]]
*[[Radagast#Did Radagast fail?]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Blue Wizards

2012-12-27T03:39:28Z

50.102.167.174: /* Earlier writings */ In "Oromë chose Alatar to send Middle-earth..." the word "to" is missing before "Middle-earth". I inserted that.

{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Blue Wizards Journeying East.jpg|250px]]
| name=Blue Wizards
| othernames=Ithryn Luin Earlier writings: Alatar and Pallando Later writings: Morinehtar and Rómestámo
| coming=Earlier writings: c. {{TA|1000}} Later writings: c. {{SA|1600}}
| duty=[[Wizards]] (Istari)
| gender=Male
| robes=Sea-blue
}}
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''') were two [[wizards]] sent to to contest the will of [[Sauron]] in the furthest regions of [[Middle-earth]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.

==History==
===Earlier writings===
The idea there there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wroth revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual name were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'',, the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] (Saruman) but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer''<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref> by [[Tom Cross]]]]
Here Tolkien, whilst unsure himself, made the explicit statement that the two Blue Wizards fell from their appointed mission, albeit in a different way to Saruman, and founded magic cults in the East and South of Middle-earth. If one were to consider the question of whether or not the Blue Wizards "failed" on this evidence alone, then undoubtedly the answer would be that they did. Indeed Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the Blue Wizards are placed alongside those of the other three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards are given no names, here they are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furtherest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the Blue Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

Based on the above material, the history of the Blue Wizards can be determined as the following:
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*The Blue Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
*The Blue Wizards travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the Blue Wizards do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*Together or independent of each other, Alatar and Pallando fall from their appointed task. They founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

===Later writings===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb|250px]]
Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the Blue Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the Blue Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the Blue Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Blue Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Tolkien no longer believed that they drifted from their mission; instead he makes it clear that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free Peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the Blue Wizards can be summarised as the following:
*The two Blue Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged the [[One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards journeyed into the East of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen of west of [[Mordor]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*There they became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*Morinehtar and Rómestámo ensured that the forces of the East did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free Peoples]] in [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="PMLast"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>


''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌroːmeˈstaːmo]}}; or ''Róme(n)star'') is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391 (note 28)</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team does not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=17 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Blue Wizards|Images of the Blue Wizards]]
*[[Radagast#Did Radagast fail?]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Blue Wizards

2012-12-27T03:33:52Z

50.102.167.174: /* Earlier writings */ In "If one was to consider the question...", changed the mood from indicative to subjunctive, as required by the speculation: one did not actually in the past consider the question...

{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Blue Wizards Journeying East.jpg|250px]]
| name=Blue Wizards
| othernames=Ithryn Luin Earlier writings: Alatar and Pallando Later writings: Morinehtar and Rómestámo
| coming=Earlier writings: c. {{TA|1000}} Later writings: c. {{SA|1600}}
| duty=[[Wizards]] (Istari)
| gender=Male
| robes=Sea-blue
}}
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''') were two [[wizards]] sent to to contest the will of [[Sauron]] in the furthest regions of [[Middle-earth]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.

==History==
===Earlier writings===
The idea there there were two other [[wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman in his wroth revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the Keys of Barad-dûr itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards|[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}

Nothing more was said of these two wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual name were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'',, the Blue Wizards. It is said they travelled into the East with [[Saruman|Curunír]] (Saruman) but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]:
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}

[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer''<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref> by [[Tom Cross]]]]
Here Tolkien, whilst unsure himself, made the explicit statement that the two Blue Wizards fell from their appointed mission, albeit in a different way to Saruman, and founded magic cults in the East and South of Middle-earth. If one were to consider the question of whether or not the Blue Wizards "failed" on this evidence alone, then undoubtedly the answer would be that they did. Indeed Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the Blue Wizards are placed alongside those of the other three, [[Saruman|Curumo]] (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards are given no names, here they are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send [[Middle-earth]] (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furtherest regions of Middle-earth and hence that is where the Blue Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

Based on the above material, the history of the Blue Wizards can be determined as the following:
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the [[Valar]]. They decide to send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Oromë]] chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*The Blue Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>
*The Blue Wizards travel into the East of Middle-earth with [[Saruman]]. Saruman returns to the North West, but the Blue Wizards do not.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
*Together or independent of each other, Alatar and Pallando fall from their appointed task. They founded 'magic' cults amongst the peoples of the eastern and southern regions, which existed beyond the downfall of the [[Sauron|Lord of the Rings]].<ref name="Letter211"/>

===Later writings===
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb|250px]]
Towards the end of his life Tolkien returned to the issue of the Blue Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the Blue Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of Sauron in the East:

{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}

Therefore Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the Blue Wizards. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Blue Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Tolkien no longer believed that they drifted from their mission; instead he makes it clear that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper, and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free Peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast"/>

Based on these later writings, a history of the Blue Wizards can be summarised as the following:
*The two Blue Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the [[Valar]]), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged the [[One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards journeyed into the East of Middle-earth, where they remained; they were not heard or seen of west of [[Mordor]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*There they became known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, Darkness-slayer and East-helper.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*The Blue Wizards were able to hinder Sauron's operations in the East, aiding the defeat of [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref name="PMLast"/>
*During the early [[Third Age]] and until the end of the [[Watchful Peace]], they were tasked with finding where Sauron dwelt. They failed.<ref name="PMLast"/>
*Morinehtar and Rómestámo ensured that the forces of the East did not outnumber the West, thus helping secure victory for the [[Free Peoples]] in [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="PMLast"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref>


''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome"/> likely based on the [[Quenya]] words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref>

''Rómestámo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌroːmeˈstaːmo]}}; or ''Róme(n)star'') is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391 (note 28)</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.

:Since the film production team does not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=17 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Blue Wizards|Images of the Blue Wizards]]
*[[Radagast#Did Radagast fail?]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn_luin]]

Radagast

2012-12-27T03:13:06Z

50.102.167.174: /* Did Radagast fail? */ Corrected misspelling of "Saruman" in "He [Gandalf] differed from Radagast and Saurman..."

{{maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Radagast.jpg|250px]]
| name=Radagast
| othernames=[[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]]<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref> Radagast the Brown<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Radagast the Bird-tamer<ref group="note" name="note1">[[Saruman]] gave him this name to mock him.</ref><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Simple<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Fool<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
| coming=
| duty=[[Wizards|Wizard]]
| robes=Brown
| gender=Male
| appearance=An old man clad in earthen brown<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| hair=
}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Aiwendil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
<center>{{Quote|Radagast the Brown! [...] Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him.|[[Saruman]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}</center>

'''Radagast the Brown''', also known as '''Aiwendil''', was one of the [[wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]]. Originally a [[Maiar|maia]] of [[Yavanna]], he had a strong affinity for animals. He dwelt, for a time, at [[Rhosgobel]] on the western eaves of [[Mirkwood]], near the [[Gladden Fields]] on the [[Anduin|Great River]].<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>

==History==
[[File:Jef Murray - Mage of Rhosgobel.jpg|thumb|left|''Mage of Rhosgobel'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
Still concerned for the fate of [[Middle-earth]], [[Manwë]] summoned a council of the [[Valar]]. Here it was decided that they would send emissaries to [[Middle-earth]]. [[Aulë]] chose [[Saruman|Curumo]], Oromë chose [[Blue Wizards|Alatar]], and Manwë chose [[Gandalf|Olórin]]. [[Yavanna]] subsequently begged Curumo to take [[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]] with him. In c. {{TA|1000}}, the [[wizards]] arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth. However, it is said that Saruman arrived first and alone, and that Radagast arrived at the same time as Gandalf.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

According to Gandalf, Radagast was never much of a traveller.<ref name="FRCouncil"/> It is known that he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at least, at [[Rhosgobel]]. This meant that he lived on the western borders of [[Mirkwood]], somewhere between the [[Carrock]] and the [[Old Forest Road]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> It is likely that he became acquainted with the inhabitants of that region. It is clear that he was friends with the [[eagles|great eagles]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/> He also knew and was thought highly of by (the unsociable) [[Beorn]]:<ref name="HQueer">{{H|Queer}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|Yes; not a bad fellow as Wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again|[[Beorn]]<ref name="HQueer"/>}}

Following the {{TA|2851}} meeting of the [[White Council]], Saruman began to search the [[Gladden Fields]] for the [[One Ring]].<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Knowing nothing of Saruman's treachery, Radagast aided him with birds and beasts who acted as spies. Radagast did this in good faith for he believed this would help watch and hinder the [[Sauron|Enemy]].<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|''Radagast'' by Angelo Montanini]]Radagast's part in the [[War of the Ring]] was small, albeit important. In {{TA|3018}} on Midsummer, on his way to [[Bree]], Gandalf found Radagast sitting on the side of the [[Greenway]]. Radagast informed Gandalf that Saruman had sent him. He told Gandalf that the [[Nazgûl]] were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of [[the Shire]]. Radagast said that Saruman was willing to help Gandalf but that he had to seek him out at once. Before Radagast rode away, he agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to [[Orthanc]]. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood. Whilst Gandalf was imprisoned by Saruman, he did not believe that Radagast too had fallen. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of [[Gwaihir]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

Following the conclusion of the [[Council of Elrond]], many scouts were sent out from [[Rivendell]] to many different locations. Some passed over the [[Misty Mountains]] and eventually came to [[Rhosgobel]], but they found that Radagast was not there.<ref name="FRSouth">{{FR|South}}</ref>

==Did Radagast fail?==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] feelings on whether or not Radagast, and indeed the two [[Blue Wizards|"Blue Wizards"]], failed changed over time. The [[wizards]] that were sent to [[Middle-earth]] were tasked by the [[Valar]] to help the [[Free Peoples]] defeat [[Sauron]]. There is no question that, through his treachery and fall into evil, [[Saruman]] failed. There is also no question that [[Gandalf]] succeeded. But it was in emphasising this latter point that Tolkien denigrated the role of Radagast and the Blue Wizards.

In his efforts to produce an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'' in [[1954]], Tolkien wrote an essay on the [[Wizards|Istari]]. Therein he explicitly stated that Radagast had failed:
{{Blockquote|Indeed, of all the Istari, one only remained faithful [Gandalf], and he was the last-comer. For Radagast, the fourth, became enamoured of the many beasts and birds that dwelt in [[Middle-earth]], and forsook [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and spent his days among wild creatures.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

He even went as far as suggesting that only Gandalf returned to the [[Valinor|Uttermost West]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}

Under these terms, then, Radagast failed. However, not only does Tolkien's criticism of Radagast seem harsh in light of what is revealed in ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien's attitude towards Radagast and the Blue Wizards seems to have changed following the publication of ''[[The Return of the King]]''. In the Istari essay and in [[Letter 211]] Tolkien wrote that he was unsure what happened to the Blue Wizards and speculated that they possibly failed. In a later writing he turned this upside down and noted that they 'must have had very great influence on the history of the Second Age and Third Age in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would ... otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.'<ref name="PM">{{PM|Last}}, p. 385</ref>

According to [[John D. Rateliff]], Tolkien's feeling on Radagast's success or failure must have changed too. He speculates that Radagast had taken the area of and around [[Mirkwood]] under his protection (like the Blue Wizards had taken the east under their protection). He provides more solid evidence when he argues that Radagast and Gandalf were much alike:
*Radagast and Gandalf arrived at the same time in [[Middle-earth]];
*both were friends with the eagles (beings of [[Manwë]] and who would associate with few but the very important);
*both were considered closely linked from the outset - they were 'cousins' in ''The Hobbit''.

Indeed both were quite different creatures from Saruman:
{{Blockquote|His [Sauron's] cynicism ... seemed fully justified in Saruman. Gandalf he did not understand. But certainly he [Sauron] had already become evil, and therefore stupid, enough to imagine that his [Gandalf's] different behaviour [from Saruman's] was due simply to weaker intelligence and lack of firm masterful purpose. He [Gandalf] was only [in Sauron's view] a rather cleverer Radagast - cleverer, because it is more profitable (more productive of power) to become absorbed in the study of people than of animals.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref group="note">The pronouns in square brackets are as interpreted by John D. Rateliff in {{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref><ref>{{MR|Myths}}, p. 397</ref>}}

Rateliff thus concludes that Radagast was much like Gandalf; both were good wizards. But Radagast was weaker and his role overshadowed by Gandalf's achievements.<ref name="HHMedwed">{{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref>

Therefore it is difficult to conclude whether or not Radagast failed. But it is clear that Tolkien had doubts following his criticism of him in the Istari essay and Radagast certainly did not fall into evil. Indeed Radagast is such an elusive character that it is difficult to make any bold conclusions, such as whether or not he returned to [[Valinor]].

Tolkien gave a brief account of a council of the [[Valar]] where they decided to send emissaries to Middle-earth to contest the will of Sauron. Therein it is told 'that each Istar were chosen by each Valar for his innate characteristics'.<ref name="UTIstari"/> This is significant because it suggests [[Yavanna]] chose Aiwendil (Radagast) for his love of wild creatures, and that perhaps he was sent to [[Middle-earth]] by Yavanna to serve this purpose.<ref name="UTIstari"/> If this was Radagast's appointed mission then it would be inappropriate to claim that he failed. However, it is difficult to gauge how far the fulfilment of this task facilitated the downfall of [[Sauron]].

Perhaps the most explicit snapshot of Tolkien's feelings about Radagast can be be found in this quotation:
{{Blockquote|He [Gandalf] differed from Radagast and Saruman in that he never turned aside from his appointed mission ('I was the Enemy of Sauron') and was unsparing of himself. Radagast was fond of beasts and birds, and found them easier to deal with; he did not become proud and domineering, but neglectful and easygoing, and he had very little to do with Elves or Men although obviously resistance to Sauron had to be sought chiefly in their cooperation.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="RC.245">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]] (eds), ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 245</ref>}}

Here it is stated that both Saruman and Radagast turned away from the ultimate task of defeating Sauron. But where Saruman was proud and power-hungry (characteristics which brought about his own ruin), Radagast was neglectful and sought companionship with birds and beasts over co-operation with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Thus Radagast's innate characteristics meant that he could play no more than a small part in the downfall of the Lord of the Rings.

==Characteristics==
{{Blockquote|Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}
Little is known about Radagast apart from certain defining characteristics. Saruman was the chief of the Order of Wizards and Gandalf came next in the order; Radagast meanwhile held much less power and wisdom.<ref name="UTIstari"/>

As one of the [[maiar]] of [[Yavanna]], Radagast had a great interest in the [[kelvar]] and [[olvar]] of [[Middle-earth]] and was a friend to beasts and birds.<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
Gandalf, however, held greater respect from, and knowledge about, birds and beasts than Radagast.<ref name="RC.245"/>

==Etymology==
===Radagast===
In a manuscript written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] in [[1954]], the name ''Radagast'' is said to mean "tender of beasts" in [[Adûnaic]], the language of [[Númenor]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> However, in a later note Tolkien said that the name is in the language of the [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]], and that its meaning is not interpretable.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 4</ref>

As stated by [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]], several theories have appeared concerning the inspiration of the name ''Radagast''.<ref name=RC>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 240-1</ref> One such theory has been proposed by [[Douglas A. Anderson]], who notes the name [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegast_%28god%29 ''Redigast''] in Slavic mythology.<ref>{{HM|AH}}, p. 167</ref>

===Aiwendil===
The name ''Aiwendil'' (pron. {{IPA|[aɪˈwendil]}}) is [[Quenya]] for "lover of birds".<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref> It is perhaps derived from ''[[aiwe]]'' ("(small) bird") and ''ndil'' ("devoted to").<ref name=RC/><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 348, 378 (entries [[AIWĒ-]] and NIL-, NDIL-)</ref>

==Names==
It appears that in [[Valinor]] Radagast was known as "Aiwendil".<ref name="UTIstari"/>

As one of the [[wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]], he was known as "Radagast [[the Brown]]". [[Saruman]], when talking to [[Gandalf]], mocked Radagast by calling him "Radagast the [[Bird-tamer]]", "Radagast [[the Simple]]", and "Radagast [[the Fool]]".<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
From the first drafts of ''The Hobbit'', [[Gandalf|Bladorthin]] identifies Radagast as a fellow wizard and as his 'cousin'. [[John D. Rateliff]] notes that, at this stage in the development of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] [[legendarium]] there was no reason why a wizard could not have a cousin. Rateliff also suggests that it is likely that Tolkien considered explaining Gandalf's absence (following the departure of Thorin and Company from Beorn's house) by saying that he went to visit Radagast (who lived close by) to plan the attack on the [[Sauron|Necromancer]].<ref name="HHMedwed"/>

Early in the process of writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is clear that [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.<ref>{{RS|New}}, p. 379;{{RS|Elrond}}, p. 397</ref> He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.<ref name="TIC1.130-140">{{TI|C1}}, pp. 130-140</ref>

Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',<ref>{{TI|C1}}, p. 131</ref> as he did in ''[[The Hobbit]]'',<ref name="HQueer"/> but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.<ref>{{TI|C2}}, p. 149</ref> In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

Tolkien initially called him "Radagast the Grey", but in pencil he changed this to "Brown" and subsequently Saruman refers to him as "Radagast the Brown".<ref name="TIC1.130-140"/>

When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered handing over Isengard to Radagast.<ref>{{TI|Story}}, p. 212</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Radagast in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:Radagast (Mithril LR3).png|Radagast as a [[Mithril Miniatures|Mithril Miniature]]
|File:WiMe-Radagast&Hobbits-1.png|Radagast in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Radagast (Decipher).JPG|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRSBG).jpg|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRO).png|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Radagast in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Radagast.jpg|Radagast in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
}}
===Films===
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Radagast was entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, [[Gandalf]] goes to [[Isengard]] of his own accord (because he wanted council form [[Saruman]]) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]] by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the [[eagles]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Although Radagast is only briefly mentioned in ''The Hobbit'', Radagast will feature in ''The Hobbit'' films and will be played by [[Sylvester McCoy]].<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:After discovering that a shadow has fallen on [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], Radagast enters [[Dol Guldur]] and is attacked by the [[Witch-king]]. He finds that the fortress is occupied by a [[Sauron|Necromancer]] and travels to inform Gandalf. He finds [[Thorin and Company]] just west of [[Rivendell]] and hands Gandalf a [[Morgul blades|morgul blade]]. He draws a pack of [[wargs]] and their riders away so that Thorin and Company can flee in safety.

===Radio series===
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Donald Gee]] provided the voice of Radagast. He is, however, not the person who sends the [[Eagles|eagle]] to save Gandalf from [[Orthanc]].

===Games===
'''1987-: ''[[Mithril Miniatures]]'':'''
:Radagast has been issued in a couple of different versions: figure LR3 "Radagast the Brown" is seen with a cat and an owl;<ref>[http://www.mithril.ie/races/index_wizards.html Mithril wizards Miniatures] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref> an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.<ref>[http://www.twilighttangents.com/minis_lotr_mith.htm Lord of the Rings (Mithril)] at [http://www.twilighttangents.com/index.html TwilightTangents.com] (accessed 8 October 2011; cf. [http://www.twilighttangents.com/images/art/radagast01.jpg Radgast (image)])</ref> There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.<ref>[http://mithril.ie/Fellowship/ms539_radagast.html 32mm Fellowship Figures - MS539 Radagast Mounted] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Radagast is a non-playable character in this game.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:The hero figure [[:File:SBG - Radagast.jpeg|Radagast the Brown]], is a user of subtle magics,in contrast to the more overt kinds used by Gandalf and Saruman. However, he has some unique powers nonetheless.<ref>[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod1060255 Radagast the Brown] at [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/home.jsp Games-Workshop-com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''2011-2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:A Decipher card was made by [[Weta Workshop|Weta]], with Weta's John Harding posing as Radagast.<ref>{{webcite|author=Kathy McCracken|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080906171452/http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072204lotrwetacasting.html|articlename=The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": Casting and Costuming|dated=22-July-2004|website=[http://archive.org/ Internet Archive: Wayback Machine]|accessed=30-June-2012}}</ref>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Radagast can be found encamped in the [[Lone-lands]], north along the Great Road. He is friendly to the local people, the [[Eglain]], and helps the to combat the rise of evil in the swamps of Agamaur.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/NPC:Radagast_the_Brown NPC: Radagast the Brown] at [http://my.lotro.com/home/ My.Lotro.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The characters [[Eradan]], [[Farin]] and [[Andriel]] travel to Mirkwood in search of Radagast and arrive just in time to rescue him from a giant spider. He thanks them for the rescue and provides them with information about the Dragon Urgost.<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/the-game/allies Allies] at [http://www.warinthenorth.com/ WarintheNorth.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Radagast|Images of Radagast]]

{{References|n}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Radagast]]
[[fa:راداگاست]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]

Wargs

2012-12-27T01:16:34Z

50.102.167.174: /* History */ Changed "Wargs appeared once more, rode by the Orcs" to use the correct past participle "ridden".

{{race
| image=[[File:John Howe - Wargs.jpg|225px]]
| name=Wargs
| dominions=Isengard, Anduin Vale
| languages=
| height=
| length=
| skincolor=
| haircolor=
| feathers=
| distinctions=
| lifespan=
| members=
}}

{{quote|So here you all are still! ... Not eaten up by Wargs or goblins or wicked bears yet I see|[[Beorn]]}}<ref name=Queer/>
'''Wargs''' or '''Wild Wolves'''<ref name=H17/> were a race of evil [[wolves]]<ref name=H6/>, as called by the [[Northmen]] of Rhovanion.<ref name=L297/>

==Characteristics==
Wargs were an evil breed of [[Demons|demonic]] wolves,<ref name=L297>{{L|297}}</ref><ref name=Gene>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Gene Wolfe 7 November 1966]]" (letter)</ref> suggesting that they were inhabited by evil spirits. The origin of the breed is unknown - perhaps they were among the creatures bred by [[Morgoth]] in the [[Elder Days]].<ref>{{HM|MB}}, p. 218</ref> In any case, [[Gandalf]] listed the Wargs among [[Sauron]]'s servants in the late [[Third Age]].<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref>

The Wargs were seen in [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]] and they were often allied with the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], and used as mounts. Wargs were sentient and used a tongue, the "''[[Warg-language|dreadful language of the Wargs]]''".<ref name=H6/>

==History==
[[File:Ron Walotsky - Wargs.jpg|thumb|left|''Wargs'' by Ron Walotsky]]
In {{TA|2941}}, the Wargs appeared once to meet the [[Orcs|Goblins]] and organize a raid to the nearby villages, in order to drive the [[Woodmen]] out and capture some slaves. As a pack of Wargs approached west of the [[Misty Mountains]] to meet them, [[Bilbo Baggins]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Thorin and Company]] were escaping the goblins. Gandalf seeing the pack coming, suggested to climb the trees and [[Dori]] helped Bilbo in the nick of time.

The Wargs, thinking that the Dwarves are allies of the Woodmen, surrounded the glade and didn't let them descend. Gandalf then used his [[magic]] to light up pinecones and hurl them against the Warg until he drove them out. The wolves that had caught fire fled into the forest and had set it alight in several places, since it was high summer, and on this eastern side of the mountains there had been little rain for some time. However the guards left under the trees did not go away. Eventually goblins showed up and lit the trees the Dwarves were onto, until the [[Eagles]] came to rescue them.<ref name=H6>{{H|6}}</ref>

The goblins and the wargs insisted on looking for the band, since Gandalf had killed the [[Great Goblin]], and also burnt the chief wolf's nose. They went as far as [[Beorn]]'s homestead, but he caught a pair of them and stuck the goblin's head outside the gate and nailed the warg-skin to a tree just beyond<ref name=Queer>{{H|7}}</ref>

Wargs appeared once more, ridden by the Orcs, at the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name=H17>{{H|17}}</ref> After this, the Wargs had vanished from the woods, so that men went abroad without fear.<ref>{{H|18}}</ref>

A band of Wargs, unaccompanied by Orcs, attacked the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]].<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>

==Etymology and names==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] derived the word ''warg'' from [[Old English]] ''wearg-'', Old High German ''warg-'', and [[Old Norse]] ''varg''-r.<ref name=Gene/><ref>[[Douglas A. Anderson]], ''[[The Annotated Hobbit: Revised and Expanded Edition]]'', pp. 146-7, note 9</ref> While Old English ''wearg'' was used only for an outlaw or hunted criminal, Norse ''vargr'' also meant "wolf".<ref>{{HM|SG}}, "Appendix C: Old English Poem of Attila", p. 373 (note 37)</ref>

In a list of Old English equivalents of [[Elvish]] words, ''[[Balrogs#Etymology|Balrog]]'' is glossed as having the equivalent ''Bealuwearg''. As noted by [[Christopher Tolkien]], the Old English word contains the elements ''bealu'' ("evil"; as in ''bale(ful)'') and ''wearg'' ("wolf, outlaw"; whence the ''Wargs'').<ref>{{SM|QA1}}, p. 209</ref>

==Inspiration and influences==

In Old Norse mythology, wargs (''vargr'', a term for "wolf", ''ulfr'') are in particular the wolf [[wikipedia:Fenrir|Fenrir]] and his sons [[wikipedia:Skoll|Skoll]] and [[wikipedia:Hati|Hati]].

Tolkien mentioned in a letter that the episode of wargs in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' was "''in part derived from a scene''" in [[Wikipedia:Samuel Rutherford Crockett|S. R. Crockett]]'s novel ''[[The Black Douglas]]''.<ref>{{L|306}}</ref>

Tolkien also noted that [[Gene Wolfe]], one of his readers, seems to have picked up his concept of the Wargs, which occurs in Wolfe's science fiction short story "Trip, Trap" (1967): "''There was also what looked like a very big wild dog or wolf, a'' Warg".<ref name=L297/><ref name=MB2257>{{HM|MB}}, p. 225, note 7</ref> [[John D. Rateliff]] has further commented that Tolkien's Wargs were likely influential on the creation of the wolf-like beasts ''[[Wikipedia:Worg (Dungeons & Dragons)|worgs]]'' in later literature related to [[Dungeons and Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]] and in other fantasy worlds.<ref name=MB2257/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|The Hobbit]]'':'''
:Wargs are seen as large wolves ridden by goblins. They do not have a fear of fire.

'''1982-1997: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Classified as Undead Beings, the Wargs are said to be bred from cursed wolves, inhabited by an evil spirit, "''being artificially long-lived''", and that their "''body dissipates when slain''". The Wargs are described as being larger, fiercer, and more intelligent than normal wolves.<ref>{{ICE|2012}}, p. 129</ref><ref>{{ICE|2016}}, p. 151</ref>

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:Wargs are a Hazard Creature. Different factions of Wargs are the ''Wargs of the Forochel'' and the ''Misty Mountain Wargs'', and related minions are the ''War-warg'' and ''The Warg-king''.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Wargs are taller and darker than regular wolves, but due to the progression in the game, pose less of a threat; whereas wolves are only encountered by a stick-wielding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], wargs appear only in levels in which the player is [[Gandalf]] or [[Aragorn]].

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Wargs are portrayed a large wolves. They only appear in cutscenes, and are non-fightable.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Wargs appear to be more like a "hyena-bear-wolf hybrid" rather than wolves, in an effort to distinguish them from regular wolves by presenting them as some sort of distant cousin. However, it should be noted that Tolkien never actually described Wargs beyond stating they were demonic wolves.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Non-player (NPC, computer controlled) wargs are found in a number of areas of Middle-earth. Players can play a warg in the Player-versus-Player (PvP) area of the [[Ettenmoors]] once the player reaches level ten. Wargs in Lord of the Rings Online have the ability to stealth and sneak up to attack players.

:The appearance of wargs vary from zone to zone for NPC wargs and from rank to rank for player controlled wargs. They all look like very large wolves with broad shoulders. They range in color from white to grey to black. Many of them have black eyes but some of the stronger wargs have red eyes.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Wargs|Images of Wargs]]
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[[de:Warge]]
[[fr:encyclo/biologie/faune/wargs]]
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Wolves]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]