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File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg

2024-09-28T06:46:04Z

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=={{int:filedesc}}==
{{Information
|description=The Sundering of Elves and names given to their divisions

'''Legend:'''
* Rectangles colours:
*: {{legend|#DDD9C3|groups of elves mostly consisting of tribes}}
*: {{legend|#EBE6CF|comments}}
*: {{legend|#EEEBE1|initial clans and tribes which set out on the Great Journey and those which were created due to splits of those tribes}}
* Numbers – number of elves who joined a tribe / number of elves in a clan.
* Arrows – relocation of the elves from clans to tribes and transformation of one tribe into another.
|date=2015-12-14
|source={{own}}
|author=[[User:Agnaton|Agnaton]]
}}

=={{int:license-header}}==
{{self|cc-by-sa-4.0}}

[[Category:Elves]]

File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg

2024-09-27T10:10:23Z

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2024-09-26T15:42:25Z

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2024-09-26T11:36:08Z

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2024-09-26T11:21:34Z

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Great Journey

2024-09-25T18:21:28Z

Agnaton: /* General proceeding of the March */ new diagrams

{{events
| image = Steamey - Orome.jpg
| event=Great Journey
| othernames=Great March
| location=[[Middle-earth]], [[Belegaer]], [[Valinor]]
| date={{YT|1105}} to {{YT|1132|n}} ([[Minyar]] and [[Tatyar]]) and {{YT|1151}} ([[Nelyar]])
| result=The Eldar reach Valinor and found [[Eldamar]]; separation of [[Calaquendi]] and [[Moriquendi]]; many [[Teleri]] remain in [[Rhovanion]] and [[Beleriand]]
| partof=[[Sundering of the Elves]]
| participants=[[Valar]] (and [[Osse]]), [[Eldar]]
| description=[[Oromë]] leads the three clans of Elves westwards through Middle-earth and Belegaer.
}}
The '''Great Journey''', or the '''Great March''', was the migration the [[Elves]] underwent from their birthplace at [[Cuiviénen]] to the blessed realm of [[Aman]]. This epic journey was initiated by the [[Valar]] in order to bring the Elves closer to their protection and wisdom, and for the Valar themselves to enjoy the beauty of the Elves.

The journey resulted in multiple [[Sundering of the Elves|sunderings among the Elves]], dividing the initial three clans into various groups depending on if they completed the march ([[Amanyar]]: [[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], [[Falmari]]), abandoned it part way ([[Úmanyar]]: [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]]), or never departed Cuiviénen to begin with ([[Avari]]).

==History==
===Background===
In the [[Days before days]], the [[Valar]] fought a [[First War|titanic struggle]] against the malevolent [[Melkor]] over the shape of [[Arda]]. Eventually, following Melkor's destruction of the [[Two Lamps]], the Valar retreated to [[Aman]] in the west, where they created the [[Two Trees]], and left Melkor as the dominant power over [[Middle-earth]]. From his northern fortress of [[Utumno]], Melkor laboured and the evil things he perverted walked abroad, haunting the woods with monsters and shapes of dread.<ref name="s3">{{S|3}}</ref> The Valar seldom came to Middle-earth, save only [[Yavanna]] and [[Oromë]], the latter of whom as a mighty hunter pursued to the death Melkor's monsters and fell creatures. But even as Oromë passed the servants of Melkor would gather again; and the lands were filled with shadows and deceit.<ref name="captivity">{{S|Days}}</ref>

After many ages in the [[Years of the Trees]], the [[Awakening of the Elves|Elves awoke]] in [[Cuiviénen]]. They were first found by Melkor, who was ever watchful, and his shadows and spirits waylaid them; further, as Melkor greatly hated and feared the riding of Oromë, he instilled into the Elves the fear of a dark Rider that would capture and devour any who strayed.<ref name="aa2">{{MR|P2e}}</ref>{{rp|§43}} When Oromë eventually chanced upon the Elves while hunting, the noblest of them recognized that he was no shape of darkness and were drawn towards him, but others were filled with dread at his coming, and hid themselves or fled and were lost. Oromë named the Elves ''"[[Eldar]]"'', meaning "people of the stars" in [[Primitive Quendian|their own tongue]].<ref name="s3" />

After tarrying awhile among them, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] with tidings, and spoke of the shadows that troubled Cuiviénen. The [[Valar]] rejoiced at the coming of the Elves, but were in doubt and debated long on how to guard them from the shadow of Melkor. Oromë soon returned to abide with the Elves, but [[Manwë]] sat long in thought and, after taking council with [[Ilúvatar]], summoned the Valar to the [[Ring of Doom]] and declared that they would, at whatsoever cost, [[Battle of the Powers|once again wage war on Melkor]] to retake mastery of Arda and deliver the Elves from his shadow.<ref name="s3" />

[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Ingwe, Finwe and Elwe.jpg|thumb|right|''Ingwe, Finwe and Elwe'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
To protect the Elves, the Valar invited the them to reside in Aman. The Eldar, at first unwilling to hearken to the summons, sent Three Ambassadors on their behalf: [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]] from the [[Minyar]], [[Tatyar]], and [[Nelyar]] clans respectively. The Ambassadors journeyed to Aman and there were filled with awe by the glory and majesty of the Valar and the Trees. On their return to Cuiviénen the Elves held [[Debate of the Quendi|a great debate]] where the Ambassadors persuaded the most part of their peoples, but not all, to depart. Thus was the [[Sundering of the Elves#Eldar and Avari|First Sundering of the Elves]] with those who departed becoming known ever after as the ''Eldar'' and those who refused as the ''[[Avari]]'' ("Unwilling").<ref name="s3" />

===Preparations===
In preparation, the Eldar hoarded a great deal of food before they set out, and took light cultural tools.<ref name="economy" />{{rp|272}}

They also had weapons, initially made by [[Aulë]] and sent as gifts by the hand of Oromë to defend themselves from prowling evils which had beset them after Melkor discovered the places of their dwelling beside Cuiviénen; and more were sent later for their defence upon the Great March.<ref name="unrest">{{MR|P3II6}}</ref>{{rp|§52a}} Further, the Eldar knew some metallurgy and, owing to the teachings of Oromë, themselves fashioned weapons while in Cuiviénen.<ref name="economy" />{{rp|272}}

===General proceeding of the March===
[[File:Sundering_of_the_Elves.png|alt=The Great Journey of the Elves|center|thumb|950x950px|The Great Journey of the Elves]]
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Ambarkanta Map IV.jpg|thumb|right|Map IV from [[Ambarkanta]], showing an early representation of the March of the Eldar]]
Following Oromë, the Eldar went forth in three hosts, one for each kindred. First came those of the Minyar (aka ''[[Vanyar]]''), led by Ingwë, who were the smallest host and most eager for the road. Following them were the Eldar of the Tatyar clan, the ''[[Noldor]]'',<ref name="clan">{{WJ|C}}</ref>{{rp|484}} led by Finwë. Last came the Nelyar (aka ''[[Lindar]]''), which was the largest and therefore had two lords, both Elwë and his younger brother [[Olwë]].<ref name="annals3">{{MR|P2g}}</ref>{{rp|§58}} During the March the Lindar were given the nickname ''[[Teleri]]'' ("those at the end of the line", "the hindmost") as they were the least eager to depart and often lagged far behind the Vanyar and Noldor;<ref name="clan" />{{rp|506}} Olwë's host was ever the hindmost.<ref name="annals3" />{{rp|§62}}

Progression on the March went very slowly, for the leagues were weary and pathless. The Eldar also did not desire to hasten as they were filled with wonder at all they saw, and by many lands and rivers they would fain abide. Not a few rather feared their journey's end than hoped for it.<ref name="annals3" />{{rp|§59}} Additionally, they had to provide food, clothing, and such en-route. It proceeded mainly between late spring to early autumn alternating between a period of marching, and then another of halting for resting and activities such as providing repairs, making clothes, and curing fur;<ref name="march">{{NM|P1vii}}</ref>{{rp|57}} they would also use these periods of halt to forge additional weapons if they could find metals.<ref name="economy" />{{rp|272}}

[[File:March_of_the_Quendi_Airyyn.jpg|thumb|right|Infographic depicting the March of the Quendi, such as described by Tolkien in ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]'' (p.47, p.49-53). The picture shows the itinerary of the Quendi in Middle-earth (at the top) associated with a timeline (center) in valian years and in solar years from the Awakening, and the number of Eldar (bottom).]]

In the fragmentary survivals of the legends of the Great Journey there are mentions of several secessions from the march, either by accident (some small parties lost their way), deliberate abandonment of the journey through weariness and loss of hope,<ref name="silvan">{{NM|P3xvii}}</ref>{{rp|323}} or where during a prolonged sojourn some simply remained content and stayed behind.<ref name="economy">{{NM|P3v}}</ref>{{rp|272}} For the most part these secessions were made by groups of the Lindar.<ref name="silvan" />{{rp|323}}

===Cuiviénen to the Sea of Rhûn===
[[File:Mark_Fisher_-_Cuivienen.png|thumb|right|''Cuivienen'' by [[:Category:Maps by Mark Fisher|Mark Fisher]]]]
The Eldar began their long journey passing northward about the [[Sea of Helcar]] before they turned towards the west. Before them, effects of the War were visible, with great clouds hung black in the North, hiding the stars in that region. At this, not a few of the Eldar grew afraid and repented, and turned back, and are forgotten.<ref name="s3">{{S|3}}</ref>

At the end of the first [[löa]] (equivalent to a sun year) of travel, the Eldar covered a distance of approximately 450 miles and reached the shores of the [[Sea of Rhûn]]. At the time it was a very pleasant place, and many of the the Eldar were content and wished to beget children. The hosts resided there as their first settlement until the new generation of children were born and grew to an appropriate age for journeying of approximately ten [[olmendi]] (growth years).<ref name="march" />{{rp|57}} Here, the Teleri improved their boat-making, with their ships becoming larger and stronger.<ref name="last">{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|note 29}}

===Sea of Rhûn to Atyamar===
[[File:Mat%C4%9Bj_%C4%8Cadil_-_Greenwood_the_Great.jpg|right|thumb|''Greenwood the Great'' by [[Matěj Čadil]]]]
Once the children were able to journey, the Eldar travelled another 200 miles within a löa and camped in the wide grasslands, full of grain and food, which preceded the [[Great Forest]]. They were taught by Oromë how to sow and reap grain, and spent several löar doing so.<ref name="march" />{{rp|58}}

After this prolonged halt, the Eldar resumed and marched another 200 miles to reach the Great Forest. While it looked lovely, it was found to contain some of Melkor's lurking evils. Some of the Eldar were lost and the rest, now afraid, retreated 50 miles back to the grasslands to await help from Oromë. He returned after several more löar and drove off the evils, encouraging the Eldar to resume.<ref name="march" />{{rp|58}}

The Vanyar and Noldor then followed Oromë through the Great Forest, and emerged from the southern end into the [[Anduin Vale]]. At this point the Teleri began to straggle as not all had reached the east side of the Great Forest by the time the Vanyar and Noldor had gone through, and none had followed Oromë through it.<ref name="march" />{{rp|58}}

[[File:Ralph_Damiani_-_Across_Middle-earth_-_Lorien.png|right|thumb|''Across Middle-earth - Lorien'' by [[Ralph Damiani]]]]
The Vanyar and Noldor were delighted with the Anduin Vale and, in spite of the urging and discontent of Ingwë and Finwë, would not proceed any further. Their general thought was that this location, between wood and water, and rich in flowers and food, was where they should dwell and be guarded by the Valar. They thus settled on the east bank of the [[Anduin]], in the region that would later become [[Lothlórien]], and established [[Atyamar]] ("second home"). The Eldar enjoyed their life there, with the presence of the [[Maiar]] driving off evil, and they went through two periods of begetting children.<ref name="march" />{{rp|58–9}}

Around the time of the second begetting the Teleri, who went around the Great Forest instead of through it, began to arrive and, also liking Atyamar as a new home, settled and begat children themselves. Oromë and the chieftains were disturbed by this as the hosts could not be made to move until the children were old enough to travel.<ref name="march" />{{rp|59}}

===Anduin and the Misty Mountains===
[[File:Gianna_Michele_Kaye_-_The_Great_River_Anduin.jpg|right|thumb|''The Great River Anduin'' by [[:Category:Images by Gianna Michele Kaye|Gianna Michele Kaye]]]]
Either by chance, machinations of [[Sauron]], and/or because Oromë withdrew protection in the hopes of making the Eldar less content with Atyamar, the winters became hard and weather worsened. Though the host was burdened with many young children, with the youngest being many olmendi from maturation, the chiefs regardless ordered an advance across the Anduin, set for the spring after next. Over the course of the following loä, the Teleri, who already had a love of water and boats, completed a great boat-building and were ready with rafts and boats.<ref name="march" />{{rp|59}}

In the winter before the crossing, many Teleri fought against it. The Anduin was the wider than any river they had yet seen,<ref name="s3" /> and it was wild and flooded with great snowstorms from the Hithaeglir ([[Misty Mountains]]) which lasted far into the spring.<ref name="march" />{{rp|59}} From among the host of Olwë a numerous group of Teleri, led by [[Lenwë]], forsook the westward march to remain at Atyamar, becoming known as the [[Nandor]].<ref name="march" />{{rp|59}}

[[File:Darek_Zabrocki_-_Galloping_Boulders.jpg|right|thumb|''Galloping Boulders'' by [[Darek Zabrocki]]]]
The rest of the Eldar crossed though, and came to the feet of the Hithaeglir. These had been reared by Melkor to hinder the riding of Oromë, and were taller and more terrible than in later days, with sharp horns which seemed to pierce the realm of the stars.<ref name="s3" /> Here, differing tales emerge.

In one, legends speak of a sojourn of many years and long debates before the Vanyar and Noldor, after long exploration, began crossing by the pass under the shadow of the [[Caradhras|Red Mountain]],<ref name="silvan">{{NM|P3xvii}}</ref>{{rp|324}} guided by Oromë.<ref name="s3" /> With Oromë gone, the Teleri looked upon the shadowy heights and were afraid;<ref name="s3" /> and many of them abandoned the march and settled in the dense forests between the river and mountain.<ref name="silvan" />{{rp|324}}

In another, the Eldar found the Hithaeglir impassible, with some lost in the attempt. Eventually, over the course of four löar, they wandered south through woods into the plain of [[Calenardhon]]. The Vanyar and Noldor settled about the [[Isen]] and halted for a long period while the Teleri straggled in. They remained there for many years, going through two further rounds of begetting children. The Eldar waited until the youngest children were of age before setting out again, scheming to have no more until reaching Beleriand.<ref name="march" />{{rp|60}}

===Eriador and Beleriand===
[[File:Rob_Alexander_-_Blue_Mountain_Dwarf_Hold.jpg|right|thumb|''Blue Mountain Dwarf Hold'' by [[Rob Alexander]]]]
[[Eriador]] was crossed comparatively rapidly. In the span of four loär the Vanyar and the Noldor reached the [[Gwathló]] river; here they waited for the first of the lagging Teleri who upon arrival aided them to cross. Within another loä they progressed further to the [[Baranduin]] river, near the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="march" />{{rp|60}}

The Vanyar and Noldor came over the Blue Mountains and entered the land they would later name [[Beleriand]]. The foremost companies passed over the [[Vale of Sirion]] and came down to the shores of the [[Great Sea]] between [[Drengist]] and the [[Bay of Balar]]. When they beheld the sea though, a great fear come upon them, and many withdrew into the woods and highlands of Beleriand; at this, Oromë departed, and returned to Valinor to seek the counsel of Manwë.<ref name="s3" /> Many of the Noldor dwelt in the forests that were afterwards named [[Neldoreth]] and [[Region]].<ref name="t&m">{{S|4}}</ref>

[[File:Lída_Holubová_-_Nan_Elmoth.jpg|right|thumb|''Nan Elmoth'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
After several years, the host of the Teleri crossed over Eriador, coming at last to Beleriand, and dwelt in the eastward region between the Blue Mountains and the River Gelion. And they came unwillingly, being urged by Elwë their king; for he was eager to return to Valinor and wished not to be sundered from the Noldor or his great friendship with Finwë.<ref name="aa2" />{{rp|§64}} Elwë went often through the great woods to seek out Finwë, and during one such visit he came alone to the starlit wood of [[Nan Elmoth]]. There he heard the song of [[nightingales]] and the voice of [[Melian]], which filled his heart with wonder and desire. Forgetting all his people and all the purposes of his mind, he followed the birds deep into Nam Elmoth and was lost.<ref name="t&m" />

At some point the Eldar encountered the [[Petty-dwarves]], who had settled in Beleriand before the Elves came there,<ref name="dwarfname">{{WJ|AB}}</ref> dwelling furtively in small groups west of [[Sirion]].<ref name="dwarfnote">{{WJ|Author}}</ref>{{rp|note 7}} Relations were hostile as the Petty-dwarves at once attacked the Eldar in darkness and ambush<ref name="dwarfname" /> and the Elves, not recognizing them as [[Incarnates]], but instead thinking them to be some kind of cunning animal, hunted them in response.<ref name="dwarfnote" />

===Crossing the Great Sea===
[[File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg|thumb|A chart of the [[Sundering of the Elves]]]]
By the council of the Valar, [[Ulmo]] came to the shores of Middle-earth and spoke with the Eldar who waited there. Through his words and the music of [[Ulumúri|his horns]], their fear of the sea was turned instead to desire. Ulmo, with the aid of his servants, then uprooted [[Tol Eressëa|an island]] which was far from either shore and moved it to the Bay of Balar where it was anchored. The Vanyar and Noldor embarked upon that isle and were drawn over the sea, eventually arriving at Aman. During this voyage part of the island broke off, becoming the [[Isle of Balar]].<ref name="eldamar">{{S|5}}</ref>

As the Teleri were dwelling far from the sea in East Beleriand, they did not hear the summons of Ulmo until too late; and many were still searching for Elwë and unwilling to depart without him. On learning that the Vanyar and Noldor were gone though, the most part of the Teleri, in longing for their departed friends, pressed on to the shores of Beleriand and came to dwell near the [[mouths of Sirion]] and took Olwë to be their king. They remained there for a long time, and were befriended by [[Ossë]] and [[Uinen]], with Ossë instructing them in all manner of sea-lore and sea-music.<ref name="eldamar" />

After much time had passed, Finwë and the Noldor, grieved by their long sundering from the Teleri, besought Ulmo to bring them to Aman; Ulmo hearkened to these prayers and returned to Beleriand with the floating isle. While most of the Teleri proved willing to depart, some were persuaded by Ossë to remain voluntarily, and became known as the ''[[Falathrim]]''.<ref name="eldamar" /> Others, who wished to go, continued seeking for Elwë and were left behind when Ulmo and Olwë, after tarrying a full [[Valian Year]], departed; these then named themselves the ''[[Eglath]]'' ("the forsaken") and withdrew to the forests as the sea filled them with sorrow.<ref>{{GA|15}}</ref>

When the floating isle reached the [[Bay of Eldamar]], within sight of Aman, Ossë, who had been following, called to the people of Olwë. They knew his voice and begged Ulmo to stay their voyage. Ulmo, who understood the hearts of the Teleri and had spoken against the summons, granted this request and at his bidding Ossë rooted the island. Finwë was grieved that the Teleri came not, and yet more when he learned that Elwë was forsaken. The island, alone within the Bay of Eldamar, became known as [[Tol Eressëa]] (the Lonely Isle).<ref name="eldamar" />

===Aftermath and later migrations===
The Valar gave the Eldar a land and dwelling-place within Aman. In a deep valley east of the Two Trees, the Eldar raised a high green hill, [[Túna]], upon which they built their city [[Tirion]] where the Vanyar and the Noldor dwelt long in fellowship.<ref name="eldamar" />

Elwë eventually awoke from his long trance and came forth from Nam Elmoth with Melian. His people gathered about him in joy, and they were amazed; for fair and noble as he had been, now he appeared as it were a lord of the Maiar, his hair as grey silver, tallest of all the Children of Ilúvatar; and a high doom was before him.<ref name="eldamar" /> He and Melian would go on to establish the realm of [[Doriath]].

[[File:Alan_Lee_-_Swanhaven.jpg|right|thumb|''Swanhaven'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Teleri under Olwë dwelt on Tol Eressëa for a long age, but they were torn between the love of music of the waves, and the desire to see again their kindred and look upon the splendour of Valinor. In the end, their desire of the light was stronger, and Ulmo sent Ossë who taught them ship-building and gifted many strong-winged swans. The swans drew the white ships of the Teleri over the windless sea and they at last came to Aman.<ref name="eldamar" /> Olwë, with the aid of Finwë and the Noldor, built the city [[Alqualondë]] on the coast.<ref name="annals3" />{{rp|§76}} These Elves became known as the ''[[Falmari]]'' ("wave-folk").

A further group of [[Elves of Mithrim|Elves eventually settled in Mithrim]], in the north-west of Beleriand. While surviving traces of their language indicated that they must have been mainly Teleri in origin, a tradition lingered that some were in fact Noldor who had failed to embark; evidently because they had explored too far away from the shore, or had struck up friendships with the Teleri who came up behind.<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|134}}

Many of the Nandor remained at Atyamar for thousands of years, but others migrated, with some eventually going south down the Anduin and settling on the shores south of the [[White Mountains]] near what would later be [[Belfalas]]. One group, led by [[Denethor (king of the Laiquendi)|Denethor]], son of Lenwë, went along the coasts and eventually arrived in southeast Beleriand many years later;<ref name="foot7">{{NM|foot}}, VII The March of the Quendi</ref>{{rp|fn2}} they became known as the ''[[Laegrim]]'' ("Green-elves").

The Avari evidently continued to call themselves by derivations of the [[Primitive Quendian]] term ''"[[kwendī]]"'' ("the People"), but their use of the term excluded the Eldar as they regarded those who went away as deserters.<ref name="dwarfnote" />{{rp|note 9}}

When the Elves eventually met the greater [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], they recognized them as Incarnates for their skill in craft and ability to learn the Elven speech. Though the Elves were initially in doubt of them, believing them to be related to [[Orcs]] and creatures of Morgoth, they found that though proud and unfriendly, they could be trusted to keep their treaties and did not molest those who left them in peace.<ref name="dwarfnote" /> The greater Dwarves initially held grievance against the Elves for their hunting and slaying of their lesser, and despised, kin, but these were set aside through treaties and consideration of the lack of declaration on the part of the Petty-dwarves.<ref name="dwarfname" />

===Other notable Elves===
Nōwë, the Elf later known as [[Círdan]] ("shipwright"), and kinsman of Elwë and Olwë, was present on the Great March. Even in Cuiviénen, he was ever foremost and most inventive and skilful among the Teleri in boat-making.<ref name="last" />{{rp|note 29}} After the departure of the Vanyar and Noldor to Aman, Nōwë turned his thoughts to the making of ships as he and the other Teleri became impatient during the long waiting for the return of the floating isle. Nonetheless, for love of his kin and allegiance, Nōwë was the leader of those who sought for Elwë. After the floating isle eventually returned, Nōwë did not reach the shores until nearly all of Olwë's following had departed. As the isle was still visible in the distance, he determined to sail his own almost complete ship out to follow it. He was stayed, however, by a message from the Valar warning him that his skill was not yet enough to build a ship capable of crossing the Great Sea, and that his work in Middle-earth would be of utmost worth. He further received a vision of the [[Vingilot]], and from that night onward had foresight touching all matters of importance beyond the measure of all other Elves upon Middle-earth.<ref name="last" />{{rp|477–479}}

Among those those who initially refused to pass the Hithaeglir was [[Eöl]], though he too, along with a few others of like mood and averse to concourse of people, did eventually come to Beleriand.<ref name="maeglin">{{WJ|Maeglin}}</ref>{{rp|§9}}

[[Elmo]], younger brother to Elwë and Olwë, and grandfather of [[Celeborn]], was born during the March.<ref name="generationals">{{NM|P1xvii}}</ref>{{rp|132}} He stayed in Middle-earth and was beloved of Elwë with whom he remained.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>{{rp|307}}

==Ratio of Elvish clans==
According to Noldorin historians, the proportions (out of 144) of Elves who never undertook the Great Journey (Avari); of those who started but didn't complete it ([[Úmanyar]]); and of those who did complete it ([[Amanyar]]) were as follows:<ref name="clan" />{{rp|504}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" |Clan
! rowspan="2" |Avari
! colspan="2" |Eldar
! rowspan="2" |Total
|-
!Úmanyar
!Amanyar
|-
|Minyar||0||0||14 (Vanyar)||14
|-
|Tatyar||28||0||28 (Noldor)||56
|-
|Nelyar||28||26 ([[Sindar]] and [[Nandor]])||20 ([[Falmari]])||74
|-
!Total!!56!!26!!62!!144
|}

==Timelines==
[[Tolkien]]'s conceptions of how long the Great Journey lasted changed over time. The most detailed of these were provided in the ''[[The Annals of Aman]]'' (AAm) [c. 1958] and ''[[The March of the Quendi]]'' (MotQ) [c. 1959].

In the table below, the following legend is used:
*VY (AAm): Valian Year as per Annals of Aman, where provided
*VY (MotQ): Valian Year as per March of the Quendi, where provided
*AY (MotQ): Awakening Year, that is the number of [[coranar]]i (solar years) since the Awakening of the Elves
*Distance: Number of miles travelled, as per MoTQ
*Population: Approximate population of the Elves, as per MoTQ

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!VY (AAm)!!VY (MotQ)!!AY (MoTQ)!!Event!!Distance!!Population
|-
|{{YT|1105}}||1129/29||18605
|The March begins and reaches the Sea of Rhûn; it does not move on as many are content and desire to beget children. The March halts until the new children are old enough to join
|450||20,000
|-
|N/A||1130/15||18735
|The March resumes and reaches the grasslands before the Great Forest. It halts here for a few löar to harvest grain.
|650||22,000
|-
|N/A||1130/20||18740
|The March advances another 200 miles and reaches the Great Forest. Lurking evils cause fear and the Eldar retire 50 miles, back to the grasslands, and await help from Oromë.
|800||22,000
|-
|{{YT|1115}}||1130/26||18746
|The Vanyar and the Noldor follow Oromë through the Great Forest and reach the Anduin Vale. The Elves, asides from their Chiefs, are delighted with the place and wish to stay. They establish it as ''Atyamar''. The Teleri begin to straggle as not all had reached the east side of the Great Forest when the Vanyar and Noldor went through, and none followed.
|1050||22,000
|-
|N/A||1130/36||18756
|The Noldor and Vanyar complete a begetting of children at Atyamar.
|1050||24,000
|-
|N/A||1130/79||18799
|The Noldor and Vanyar complete another begetting of children at Atyamar. The Teleri begin to appear, having gone around the Great Forest instead of through it. They also like Atyamar, and are themselves eager for more children.
|1050||26,000
|-
|N/A||1130/89||18809
|The Teleri complete their begetting of children at Atyamar.
|1050||28,000
|-
|{{YT|1115}}||1130/90||18810
|Either by chance, machinations of Sauron, and/or because Oromë withdrew protection in the hopes of making the Eldar less content with Atyamar, winters become hard and weather worsens. Though the host is burdened with many young children, with the youngest not to reach maturation until 1131/65, the Chiefs regardless order an advance across the Anduin and the Teleri begin a great boat-building. 3000 of the Teleri refuse to leave Atyamar and become known as the Nandor.
|1050||28,000
|-
|N/A||1130/91||18811
|25,000 of the host moved across the Anduin and encounter the Misty Mountains; they find it impassible so instead they wander south into the plains. The Teleri lag behind again.
|1150||25,000
|-
|N/A||1130/95||18815
|The Vanyar and Noldor settle around the Isen after wandering for four löar. The main host halts for a long while while the Teleri straggle in.
|1850||25,000
|-
|N/A||1130/109||18829
|A begetting of children is completed.
|1850||28,500
|-
|N/A||1131/5||18869
|Another begetting of children completed. The women are having difficulties with children, so the host waits until the youngest are old enough to join the March.
|1850||30,500
|-
|N/A||1132/9||19017
|The Eldar scheme to beget no more children until they reach Beleriand. The Vanyar and Noldor move west until they reach the [[Gwathló]].
|2110||30,500
|-
|N/A||1132/11||19019
|The Vanyar and Noldor wait for the Teleri, the first of which come up in 1132/10 and then help the Vanyar and Noldor across. The Vanyar and Noldor reach the [[Baranduin]] and are now near the southern end of the [[Blue Mountains]].
|2310||30,500
|-
|{{YT|1125}}||1132/17||19025
|The Vanyar and Noldor are led to Eastern Beleriand, which is safe, in 1132/12. Over the next few years they migrate about 800 miles by drawing about Western Doriath. At about 1132/17 they reach the coast of Beleriand.
|3111||30,500
|-
|{{YT|1128}}||1132/20||19028
|The Teleri are eager for the [[Belegaer|Sea]] and push west to the [[Falas]] or [[Nevrast]]; the Vanyar and Noldor chiefly inhabit about [[Sirion]]. By this time all the Eldar are in Beleriand.
|3111||30,000
|-
|{{YT|1130}}||N/A||N/A
|Elwë is lost
|N/A||N/A
|-
|{{YT|1132}}||1133/17||19169
|Vanyar and Noldor depart across the Great Sea
|3111||N/A
|-
|{{YT|1133}}||1133/29||19181
|Vanyar and Noldor complete transit across the Great Sea. Teleri go to the shores and are befriended by Ossë.
|N/A||N/A
|-
|{{YT|1150}}||1134/?||N/A
|Olwë and part of the Teleri are taken off
|N/A||N/A
|}

A duration comparison, using dates converted into approximate number of coranari elapsed since the beginning of the March, is as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Event!!AAm!!MotQ
|-
|Great Journey begins||0||0
|-
|Elves reach Anduin Vale||96||141
|-
|Elves leave Anduin Vale; Nandor are sundered||96||205
|-
|Elves reach coast of Beleriand||192||420
|-
|Vanyar and Noldor depart||259||576
|-
|Olwë's Teleri depart||431||691 - 834
|}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Sequence of events===
In the published [[Silmarillion]], the Elves were invited to join the Valar in Aman after the [[Battle of the Powers]]. Even though Melkor had been captured, many evil things still lingered under the fortresses of [[Angband]] and Utumno, and others dispersed and fled into the dark and roamed in the waste, and Sauron had not been found.<ref name="s3" />

In later writings, Tolkien reconsidered this. Before the Awakening of the Elves, the Valar had avoided confronting Melkor as they feared that such a war would be ruinous, with Melkor possibly being able to so greatly damage Arda that the Children could not come or could not inhabit it.<ref>{{MR|P4q}}</ref>{{rp|487}} The war against Utumno was only undertaken by the Valar with reluctance, and without hope of real victory, but rather as a covering action or diversion, to enable them to get the Quendi out of his sphere of influence.<ref>{{MR|P5VI}}</ref>{{rp|521}} This "rescue of the Quendi" was therefore secret (as far as possible) and behind a screen of investment before the violent assault upon Utumno had begun.<ref>{{NM|P1vi}}</ref>{{rp|44–45}}

===Other variations===
In [[Morgoth's Ring]], the Avari were comprised of two distinct kindreds from those of Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë, and were led by [[Morwë and Nurwë]].<ref name="annals3" />{{rp|§57}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:First Age]]
[[Category:Elves]]

File:Sundering of the Elves.png

2024-09-25T18:17:36Z

Agnaton: Agnaton uploaded a new version of File:Sundering of the Elves.png

=={{int:filedesc}}==
{{Information
|description={{war|1=THE GREAT JOURNEY OF THE ELVES}}
|date=2024-09-24
|source={{own}}
|author=[[User:Agnaton|Agnaton]]
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=={{int:license-header}}==
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[[Category:Elves]]

File:Sundering of the Elves.png

2024-09-25T18:16:18Z

Agnaton: Agnaton uploaded a new version of File:Sundering of the Elves.png

Sundering of the Elves

2024-09-25T18:14:33Z

Agnaton: Diagram of The Great Journey of the Elves

The [[Elves]] were a race subjected to many sunderings and divided into many tribes and peoples. The name '''[[Quendi]]''' refers to ''all'' Elves, but even from their [[Awakening of the Elves|beginning]], elvenkind was divided.
[[File:Sundering of the Elves.png|alt=The Great Journey of the Elves|center|thumb|949x949px|The Great Journey of the Elves]]

==Minyar, Tatyar & Nelyar==
The unbegotten Elves who awoke at [[Cuiviénen]] were divided into three tribes, distinguished by appearance and temperament.
*The '''[[Minyar]]''' were golden-haired and loved poetry.
*The '''[[Tatyar]]''' had dark hair and grey eyes and loved craft and knowledge. They were noted as being especially quarrelsome.<ref name="WJ380">{{WJ|C}}, pp. 380-85</ref>
*The '''[[Nelyar]]''' were dark or silver of hair and loved song (this was the source of their alternate name, '''[[Lindar]]''', meaning "Singers"), the woods, and the Sea.

==Eldar and Avari==
Some time after the Elves awakened, the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] discovered them and invited them to come west to live in [[Aman]]. That invitation and the [[Great Journey]] that followed split the Elves into two main groups and many minor ones, which were never fully reunited.

The '''[[Avari]]''' (the "Unwilling") were those who refused the summons of Oromë. Half of the original Avari were of the [[Tatyar]] and the other half were of the [[Nelyar]].<ref name="WJ380" />

The '''[[Eldar]]''' were those who accepted the summons. Their name, "People of the Stars", was given to them by Oromë in [[Primitive Quendian|their own language]]. All the Minyar accepted the summons to Valinor and became known as the '''[[Vanyar]]'''. Those of the Tatyar and Nelyar who embarked on the Great Journey would come to be known as the '''[[Noldor]]''' and '''[[Teleri]]''' respectively.

===Sunderings of the Teleri===
Unlike the Vanyar and Noldor, the Teleri were subject to multiple sunderings along the Great Journey:

*Those who feared to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] and stayed in the vales of the [[Anduin|River Anduin]] were called the '''[[Nandor]]''' ("Those Who Go Back").<ref name="WJ412">{{WJ|Author}}, p. 412, Note 18</ref>
**A splinter group of the Nandor left the vales of Anduin under the leadership of [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and came to Beleriand before the Sun first rose. These were called the '''Laiquendi''' ("[[Green-elves]]").<ref name="WJ380" />

*Those who reached [[Beleriand]] west of the [[Blue Mountains]] but did not make the crossing to Aman were called the '''[[Sindar]]''' ("Grey-elves").
**Many chose to remain behind in order to look for their lord [[Thingol]], who disappeared near the end of the journey. These were known as the '''[[Eglath]]''' ("Forsaken"), because they were left behind when their kindred crossed the Sea.
**Those who came to the shores of the Great Sea but decided to stay there or, like [[Círdan|Nowë]], intended to cross to Aman but arrived too late to board the [[Tol Eressëa|island ferry]], were called the '''[[Falas|Falathrim]]''' ("People of the Shore").

*The Teleri under the lordship of [[Olwë]] who crossed the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] to reach Aman were known as the '''[[Falmari]]''' ("Wave-folk").

==Calaquendi and Moriquendi==
The Elves who completed the journey to Aman – the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Falmari – referred to themselves as '''[[Calaquendi]]''' ("Elves of Light"). They referred to the Avari, Nandor, and Sindar as '''[[Moriquendi]]''' ("Elves of Darkness") in recognition of the fact that they never saw the light of the [[Two Trees]]. The largest part of the Moriquendi were Nelyarin, since half of the original Avari were so, as were all of the Nandor and Sindar.<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>

===Amanyar and Úmanyar===
After the [[Darkening of Valinor]], most of the Noldor returned to Middle-earth with [[Fëanor]] and some remained there until the end of the [[Third Age]]. These became known as the '''[[Exile of the Noldor|Exiles]]''', and they lived near to the Sindar for the rest of their time in Middle-earth. The Sindar were insulted by the appellation "Moriquendi," so the Exiles instead generally referred to them as '''[[Úmanyar]]''' ("Those Not of Aman"). Over the ages, use of this term grew to include all those Elves who started on the Great Journey but did not complete it. The Exiles referred to themselves and those who still dwelt in Valinor as '''[[Amanyar]]''' ("Those of Aman").[[File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg|alt=A chart of the Sundering of the Elves|center|thumb|950x950px|A chart of the Sundering of the Elves]]
===Thingol===
Thingol was an exception to the usual overlap of the categories Calaquendi with Amanyar and Moriquendi with Úmanyar. This is due to the fact that he was one of the original three Elven ambassadors to Valinor and saw the light of the Two Trees, but did not complete the Great Journey and never dwelt in Valinor. As such, he alone was both Calaquendi and Úmanyar.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref>

==Reunions of the Elves==
In the great forests of Middle-earth, several new peoples were born from the unions of tribes that had once been sundered.

===Silvan Elves===
The '''[[Silvan Elves]]''' were a composite tribe of Nandor and Avari that emerged in the forests of [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]] (notably [[Eryn Galen]] and [[Lindórinand]]) before the end of the First Age.

The Nandor had lived in the forests that girdled the upper vales of the Anduin since the time they turned back from the Great Journey. Over time, tribes of Avarin Elves spreading westward from Cuiviénen reached the Anduin as well, where they reunited with their Nandorin kin. These peoples effectively "became merged together."<ref name="WJ380" />

By the end of the First Age, some Silvan Elves had migrated as far south as the [[Ethir Anduin]] and [[Edhellond]].

===Galadhrim===
The '''Galadhrim''' ("Tree-people")<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 50</ref> were a composite tribe of Silvan Elves, Sindar, and Noldor that emerged in the forest of [[Lindórinand]] in the [[Second Age]]. It is unclear when exactly the residents of Lindórinand began to refer to themselves as "Galadhrim," but this name came to include many elves of diverse origin that arrived in Lindórinand in multiple waves of immigration.

After the [[War of Wrath|sinking of Beleriand]], the Elves who had lived there and did not wish to leave for Valinor had to find new homes. Those Sindar and Laiquendi who preferred the forests to the sea shores (or who wished to distance themselves from the remaining Noldorin Exiles) went eastward to reunite with their Silvan kin who dwelt in the great forests of Eryn Galen and Lindórinand. In both forest realms, the native Silvan Elves took Sindar for their kings ([[Oropher]] and [[Amdír]], respectively) and underwent a process of "Sindarization" as they absorbed the culture of the Beleriandic immigrants. There were also Noldorin immigrants to the forest realms at this time, though evidently lesser in cultural impact than the Sindar.<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

Separately from Eryn Galen, Lindórinand experienced a second great wave of immigration after the [[Sack of Eregion]] in {{SA|1697}}. Many Elves of Eregion, who were primarily Noldor,<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> escaped [[Sauron]] by fleeing through [[Khazad-dûm]] and emerged from the eastern side of the Misty Mountains onto Amdír's very doorstep. Some traveled down Anduin to Edhellond to depart Middle-earth, but others remained in Amdír's realm and dwelt there.<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref> By the time [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] took up the [[Lord and Lady of Lórien|Lord and Ladyship]] of the realm in {{TA|1981}}, the Galadhrim had thoroughly absorbed these Noldorin refugees into their culture; there is no further mention of them as a distinct people within the Elves of Lórien.

==Ratio of Elvish clans==
According to Noldorin historians, the proportions (out of 144) of Elves who remained (Avari), who started but didn't complete the March ([[Úmanyar]]), and who completed the March ([[Amanyar]]) were as follows:<ref>{{WJ|C}}</ref>{{rp|504}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" |Clan
! rowspan="2" |Avari
! colspan="2" |Eldar
! rowspan="2" |Total
|-
!Úmanyar
!Amanyar
|-
|Minyar||0||0||14 (Vanyar)||14
|-
|Tatyar||28||0||28 (Noldor)||56
|-
|Nelyar||28||26 ([[Sindar]] and [[Nandor]])||20 ([[Falmari]])||74
|-
!Total!!56!!26!!62!!144
|}

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
The above ratio of the initial population of the Eldar, but without giving exact figures, derives from Tolkien's notes between [[1959]]-[[1960]], eventually published in a collection of essays titled ''[[Quendi and Eldar]]''.

Around the same time, or perhaps earlier (1959) Tolkien wrote several drafts of Elvish proportions and populations for the outset (and in one case, at the conclusion) of the Great March. They were eventually published in ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]''.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Scheme!!Total!!Avari!!Vanyar!!Noldor!!Teleri!!Other
|-
|"March" unnamed<ref name="march">{{NM|P1vii}}</ref>{{rp|56}}||15,000||5,000||1,000||3,500||5,500
|-
|"March" unnamed<ref name="march" />{{rp|56}}||29,000||9,060 (~ 9000)||2,000||7,000||11,000||At [[Atyamar]] the total Eldar population was 28,000, with 13,000 Teleri, of which 3,000 became [[Nandor]]
|-
|"Increase" Text 1<ref name="increase">{{NM|P1xiv}}</ref>{{rp|108}}||32,400||10,800||2,100||8,400||11,100||1/3 of Minyar become Avari
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 1<ref name="generation">{{NM|P1xv}}</ref>{{rp|123}}||26,244||8,748||1,701 (1,700)||6,804 (6,800)||8,991 (8,900)
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 2<ref name="generation" />{{rp|123}}||48,232 (48,168 with losses)||16,056||3,122 (3,100)||12,488 (12,400)||16,502 (16,500)
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 7<ref name="generation" />{{rp|131}}||27,000||9,000||1,750||7,000||9,250
|}

{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:First Age]]

File:Sundering of the Elves.png

2024-09-25T18:12:06Z

Agnaton: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard

File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg

2024-09-25T18:01:10Z

Agnaton:

Sundering of the Elves

2024-09-25T17:56:43Z

Agnaton: The Sundering of the Elves diagram

The [[Elves]] were a race subjected to many sunderings and divided into many tribes and peoples. The name '''[[Quendi]]''' refers to ''all'' Elves, but even from their [[Awakening of the Elves|beginning]], elvenkind was divided.
[[File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg|alt=A chart of the Sundering of the Elves|center|thumb|950x950px|A chart of the Sundering of the Elves]]
{{clear}}

==Minyar, Tatyar & Nelyar==
The unbegotten Elves who awoke at [[Cuiviénen]] were divided into three tribes, distinguished by appearance and temperament.
*The '''[[Minyar]]''' were golden-haired and loved poetry.
*The '''[[Tatyar]]''' had dark hair and grey eyes and loved craft and knowledge. They were noted as being especially quarrelsome.<ref name="WJ380">{{WJ|C}}, pp. 380-85</ref>
*The '''[[Nelyar]]''' were dark or silver of hair and loved song (this was the source of their alternate name, '''[[Lindar]]''', meaning "Singers"), the woods, and the Sea.

==Eldar and Avari==
Some time after the Elves awakened, the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] discovered them and invited them to come west to live in [[Aman]]. That invitation and the [[Great Journey]] that followed split the Elves into two main groups and many minor ones, which were never fully reunited.

The '''[[Avari]]''' (the "Unwilling") were those who refused the summons of Oromë. Half of the original Avari were of the [[Tatyar]] and the other half were of the [[Nelyar]].<ref name="WJ380" />

The '''[[Eldar]]''' were those who accepted the summons. Their name, "People of the Stars", was given to them by Oromë in [[Primitive Quendian|their own language]]. All the Minyar accepted the summons to Valinor and became known as the '''[[Vanyar]]'''. Those of the Tatyar and Nelyar who embarked on the Great Journey would come to be known as the '''[[Noldor]]''' and '''[[Teleri]]''' respectively.

===Sunderings of the Teleri===
Unlike the Vanyar and Noldor, the Teleri were subject to multiple sunderings along the Great Journey:

*Those who feared to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] and stayed in the vales of the [[Anduin|River Anduin]] were called the '''[[Nandor]]''' ("Those Who Go Back").<ref name="WJ412">{{WJ|Author}}, p. 412, Note 18</ref>
**A splinter group of the Nandor left the vales of Anduin under the leadership of [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and came to Beleriand before the Sun first rose. These were called the '''Laiquendi''' ("[[Green-elves]]").<ref name="WJ380" />

*Those who reached [[Beleriand]] west of the [[Blue Mountains]] but did not make the crossing to Aman were called the '''[[Sindar]]''' ("Grey-elves").
**Many chose to remain behind in order to look for their lord [[Thingol]], who disappeared near the end of the journey. These were known as the '''[[Eglath]]''' ("Forsaken"), because they were left behind when their kindred crossed the Sea.
**Those who came to the shores of the Great Sea but decided to stay there or, like [[Círdan|Nowë]], intended to cross to Aman but arrived too late to board the [[Tol Eressëa|island ferry]], were called the '''[[Falas|Falathrim]]''' ("People of the Shore").

*The Teleri under the lordship of [[Olwë]] who crossed the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] to reach Aman were known as the '''[[Falmari]]''' ("Wave-folk").

==Calaquendi and Moriquendi==
The Elves who completed the journey to Aman – the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Falmari – referred to themselves as '''[[Calaquendi]]''' ("Elves of Light"). They referred to the Avari, Nandor, and Sindar as '''[[Moriquendi]]''' ("Elves of Darkness") in recognition of the fact that they never saw the light of the [[Two Trees]]. The largest part of the Moriquendi were Nelyarin, since half of the original Avari were so, as were all of the Nandor and Sindar.<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>

===Amanyar and Úmanyar===
After the [[Darkening of Valinor]], most of the Noldor returned to Middle-earth with [[Fëanor]] and some remained there until the end of the [[Third Age]]. These became known as the '''[[Exile of the Noldor|Exiles]]''', and they lived near to the Sindar for the rest of their time in Middle-earth. The Sindar were insulted by the appellation "Moriquendi," so the Exiles instead generally referred to them as '''[[Úmanyar]]''' ("Those Not of Aman"). Over the ages, use of this term grew to include all those Elves who started on the Great Journey but did not complete it. The Exiles referred to themselves and those who still dwelt in Valinor as '''[[Amanyar]]''' ("Those of Aman").

===Thingol===
Thingol was an exception to the usual overlap of the categories Calaquendi with Amanyar and Moriquendi with Úmanyar. This is due to the fact that he was one of the original three Elven ambassadors to Valinor and saw the light of the Two Trees, but did not complete the Great Journey and never dwelt in Valinor. As such, he alone was both Calaquendi and Úmanyar.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref>

==Reunions of the Elves==
In the great forests of Middle-earth, several new peoples were born from the unions of tribes that had once been sundered.

===Silvan Elves===
The '''[[Silvan Elves]]''' were a composite tribe of Nandor and Avari that emerged in the forests of [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]] (notably [[Eryn Galen]] and [[Lindórinand]]) before the end of the First Age.

The Nandor had lived in the forests that girdled the upper vales of the Anduin since the time they turned back from the Great Journey. Over time, tribes of Avarin Elves spreading westward from Cuiviénen reached the Anduin as well, where they reunited with their Nandorin kin. These peoples effectively "became merged together."<ref name="WJ380" />

By the end of the First Age, some Silvan Elves had migrated as far south as the [[Ethir Anduin]] and [[Edhellond]].

===Galadhrim===
The '''Galadhrim''' ("Tree-people")<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 50</ref> were a composite tribe of Silvan Elves, Sindar, and Noldor that emerged in the forest of [[Lindórinand]] in the [[Second Age]]. It is unclear when exactly the residents of Lindórinand began to refer to themselves as "Galadhrim," but this name came to include many elves of diverse origin that arrived in Lindórinand in multiple waves of immigration.

After the [[War of Wrath|sinking of Beleriand]], the Elves who had lived there and did not wish to leave for Valinor had to find new homes. Those Sindar and Laiquendi who preferred the forests to the sea shores (or who wished to distance themselves from the remaining Noldorin Exiles) went eastward to reunite with their Silvan kin who dwelt in the great forests of Eryn Galen and Lindórinand. In both forest realms, the native Silvan Elves took Sindar for their kings ([[Oropher]] and [[Amdír]], respectively) and underwent a process of "Sindarization" as they absorbed the culture of the Beleriandic immigrants. There were also Noldorin immigrants to the forest realms at this time, though evidently lesser in cultural impact than the Sindar.<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

Separately from Eryn Galen, Lindórinand experienced a second great wave of immigration after the [[Sack of Eregion]] in {{SA|1697}}. Many Elves of Eregion, who were primarily Noldor,<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> escaped [[Sauron]] by fleeing through [[Khazad-dûm]] and emerged from the eastern side of the Misty Mountains onto Amdír's very doorstep. Some traveled down Anduin to Edhellond to depart Middle-earth, but others remained in Amdír's realm and dwelt there.<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref> By the time [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] took up the [[Lord and Lady of Lórien|Lord and Ladyship]] of the realm in {{TA|1981}}, the Galadhrim had thoroughly absorbed these Noldorin refugees into their culture; there is no further mention of them as a distinct people within the Elves of Lórien.

==Ratio of Elvish clans==
According to Noldorin historians, the proportions (out of 144) of Elves who remained (Avari), who started but didn't complete the March ([[Úmanyar]]), and who completed the March ([[Amanyar]]) were as follows:<ref>{{WJ|C}}</ref>{{rp|504}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" |Clan
! rowspan="2" |Avari
! colspan="2" |Eldar
! rowspan="2" |Total
|-
!Úmanyar
!Amanyar
|-
|Minyar||0||0||14 (Vanyar)||14
|-
|Tatyar||28||0||28 (Noldor)||56
|-
|Nelyar||28||26 ([[Sindar]] and [[Nandor]])||20 ([[Falmari]])||74
|-
!Total!!56!!26!!62!!144
|}

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
The above ratio of the initial population of the Eldar, but without giving exact figures, derives from Tolkien's notes between [[1959]]-[[1960]], eventually published in a collection of essays titled ''[[Quendi and Eldar]]''.

Around the same time, or perhaps earlier (1959) Tolkien wrote several drafts of Elvish proportions and populations for the outset (and in one case, at the conclusion) of the Great March. They were eventually published in ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]''.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Scheme!!Total!!Avari!!Vanyar!!Noldor!!Teleri!!Other
|-
|"March" unnamed<ref name="march">{{NM|P1vii}}</ref>{{rp|56}}||15,000||5,000||1,000||3,500||5,500
|-
|"March" unnamed<ref name="march" />{{rp|56}}||29,000||9,060 (~ 9000)||2,000||7,000||11,000||At [[Atyamar]] the total Eldar population was 28,000, with 13,000 Teleri, of which 3,000 became [[Nandor]]
|-
|"Increase" Text 1<ref name="increase">{{NM|P1xiv}}</ref>{{rp|108}}||32,400||10,800||2,100||8,400||11,100||1/3 of Minyar become Avari
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 1<ref name="generation">{{NM|P1xv}}</ref>{{rp|123}}||26,244||8,748||1,701 (1,700)||6,804 (6,800)||8,991 (8,900)
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 2<ref name="generation" />{{rp|123}}||48,232 (48,168 with losses)||16,056||3,122 (3,100)||12,488 (12,400)||16,502 (16,500)
|-
|"Generation" Scheme 7<ref name="generation" />{{rp|131}}||27,000||9,000||1,750||7,000||9,250
|}

{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:First Age]]

File:The Sundering of the Elves.svg

2024-09-25T17:54:25Z

Agnaton: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard

=={{int:filedesc}}==
{{Information
|description={{war|1=The Sundering of Elves and names given to their divisions

'''Legend:'''
* Rectangles colours:
*: {{legend|#DDD9C3|groups of elves mostly consisting of tribes}}
*: {{legend|#EBE6CF|comments}}
*: {{legend|#EEEBE1|initial clans and tribes which set out on the Great Journey and those which were created due to splits of those tribes}}
* Numbers – number of elves who joined a tribe / number of elves in a clan.
* Arrows – relocation of the elves from clans to tribes and transformation of one tribe into another.}}
|date=2015-12-14
|source={{own}}
|author=[[User:Agnaton|Agnaton]]
|permission=
|other versions=
}}

=={{int:license-header}}==
{{self|cc-by-sa-4.0}}

[[Category:Elves]]