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Finarfin

2024-10-15T23:11:44Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Genealogy */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Finarfin
| image=Elena Kukanova - King of the Valinorian Noldor.jpg
| caption="King of the Valinorian Noldor" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[fiˈnarfin]}}
| othernames=''Arafinwë'' ([[Quenya|Q]],[[Father-name|fn]]), ''Ingoldo'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]])
| titles=[[King of the Noldor]] in [[Aman]]
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]]
| birth={{YT|1230}}
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule=From {{YT|1496}}
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Finwë]], founded the [[House of Finarfin]]
| parentage=[[Finwë]] and [[Indis]]
| siblings=[[Fëanor]] (half-brother), [[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]] and [[Írimë]]
| spouse=[[Eärwen]]
| children=[[Finrod]], [[Angrod]], [[Aegnor]] and [[Galadriel]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Golden
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}

{{quote|He was of his mother’s kind in mind and body, having the golden hair of the Vanyar, their noble and gentle temper, and their love of the Valar. As well as he could he kept aloof from the strife of his brothers and their estrangement from the Valar, and he often sought peace among the Teleri, whose language he learned.|''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[Shibboleth of Fëanor]]"}}

'''Finarfin''' was the youngest child and son of [[Finwë]] and [[Indis]] and the third [[King of the Noldor]] in [[Valinor]]. After the [[Flight of the Noldor]], he remained in [[Tirion]] and ruled the Noldor who remained in [[Aman]].<ref>{{S|Index}}, ''Finarfin''</ref>

==History==
Finarfin was born in [[Valinor]] in {{YT|1230}}.<ref name="MR|P2j">{{MR|P2j}}, p. 92</ref> He was the youngest of the five children of [[Finwë]], the [[High King of the Noldor]]. Finarfin's mother was [[Indis]], Finwë's second wife.<ref>{{S|Princes}}</ref> Finarfin's full siblings were [[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], and [[Írimë]] while his half-brother was the great [[Elves|Elf]] Lord [[Fëanor]]. Fëanor disapproved of his father's second marriage and had little love for Indis and her children, although Finarfin remained far from those disputes.<ref>{{S|Feanor}}</ref>

In {{YT|1280}} Finarfin married [[Eärwen]], daughter of [[Olwë]], King of the [[Teleri]] in [[Valinor]].<ref name="MR|P2j"/> They had four children: [[Finrod]], [[Angrod]], [[Aegnor]] and [[Galadriel]].<ref group="note">[[Orodreth]] appears as one of Finarfin's sons in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. In [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] writings, however, he was clearly marked as [[Angrod]]'s son. [[Christopher Tolkien]], the editor of ''The Silmarillion'', later admitted the mistake.</ref><ref>{{PM|Gil-galad}}, pp. 349-351</ref> Finarfin's mother was of the [[Vanyar]], and he inherited her fair hair, which he passed on to his children;<ref>{{PM|Case}}, p. 336</ref> this trait of the '''[[House of Finarfin]]''' was unique among the normally dark haired Noldor.<ref>{{PE|17}}, Q ''noldo'', p. 125</ref>

In {{YT|1495}}.<ref>{{MR|P2j}}, p. 100</ref> [[Morgoth|Melkor]] destroyed the [[Two Trees]],<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref> slaughtered Finarfin's father Finwë, and stole the [[Silmarils]] of Fëanor. Enraged, Fëanor came to the city of [[Tirion|Tirion upon Túna]] and, in a [[Speech of Fëanor|fiery speech]], convinced many of his kinsmen to leave Valinor for [[Middle-earth]], to recover the Silmarils and defeat Morgoth. Though Finarfin argued for calm and to avoid making a rash decision, the Noldor were persuaded by Fëanor and all but a tithe [[Exile of the Noldor|chose to leave Aman]] and return to Middle-earth.

The [[Noldor]] followed Fëanor in groups, and Fingolfin and Finarfin led the last host. As such they did not participate in the [[First Kinslaying]] or know its true cause at the time. While they were travelling up the coast of [[Araman]], the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Mandos]] appeared and pronounced the [[Doom of Mandos|Doom of the Noldor]]. Finarfin, dismayed by the prophecy and already contemplating return because of the tragedy of the Kinslaying of his wife's people at [[Alqualondë]], returned to Valinor with a small group of his people; his sons and daughter, though, would not forsake the sons of Fingolfin and went on.<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref>
[[File:Maureval - The War of Wrath.jpg|thumb|left|''The War of Wrath'' by Maureval]]
Eventually Finarfin came to [[Middle-earth]], leading the Valinorean Noldor in the [[War of Wrath]], near the end of the [[First Age]].<ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
{{Pronounce|Finarfin.mp3|Ardamir}}

The name ''Finarfin'' is the [[Sindarin]] version of his [[Quenya]] [[father-name]] ''Arafinwë''. The direct equivalence is '''''Arfin'''''.<ref name="PM|Finwe">{{PM|Finwe}}, p. 344</ref> Like his brother Fingolfin, the Sindarized name of his father ''fin'' was added at the beginning.<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 349</ref>

Finarfin's primary name being in Sindarin, a language indigenous to [[Middle-earth]], was a unique occurrence among the [[High Elves]] who remained in the [[Undying Lands]]. Other such Amanya High Elves who stayed behind were primarily known by their [[Quenya]] or [[Telerin]] names. This Sindarin naming was a result of the special position his children had among the Exiles, especially by their being related to King [[Thingol]], and their coming to be collectively known as ''[[Nost Finarfin]]'' ("the children of Finarfin").<ref>{{PM|XINotes}}, p. 360, note 31</ref>

==Other names==
His [[father-name]] was '''''Arafinwë''''', with the stem ''[[ara]]-'' ("noble") added to the name of his father.<ref name="PM|Finwe"/>

His [[Amilessë|mother-name]] was '''''[[Ingoldo]]''''', meaning "''the Noldo'', one eminent in the kindred", which also became the mother-name of [[Finrod]].<ref name=Ingoldo>{{PM|XINotes}}, p. 360, note 30</ref>

In earlier texts ''Ingoldo'' was the mother-name of Fingolfin, whereas Finarfin's was '''''Ingalaurë''''', given to him due his Vanyarin golden hair,<ref name=Ingoldo/> which was even more golden than the Vanyar.<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 118</ref> See also '''''[[Inglor]]''''', which is said to be the Sindarin version of this name.

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |y|~|~|~|~|~|~| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | OLW | | | | | | | |MIR=[[Míriel]] ''d. {{YT|1170}}''|FIN=[[Finwë]] ''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]] ''b. {{YT}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG | | IRM | | FRF |~|~|y|~|~| EAW | | SON | | | | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]] ''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]] ''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FRF='''FINARFIN''' ''b. {{YT|1230}}''|EAW=[[Eärwen]] ''b. {{YT}}''|SON=''unknown sons''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | FRD | | ANG |y| ELD | | AEG | | GAL |y| CEL | |FRD=[[Finrod]] ''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|465}}''|ANG=[[Angrod]] ''d. {{FA|455}}''|AEG=[[Aegnor]] ''d. {{FA|455}}''|GAL=[[Galadriel]] ''b. {{YT|1362}}''|ELD=[[Eldalótë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CEL=[[Celeborn]] ''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ORO | | | | | | ELR |y| CLB | | | |ORO=[[Orodreth]] ''d. {{FA|495}}''|CLB=[[Celebrían]] ''b. {{SA|300}}''|ELR=[[Elrond]] ''b. {{FA|532}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | FIL | | GIL | | ELL | | ELO | | ARW | |GIL=[[Gil-galad]] ''d. {{SA|3441}}''|FIL=[[Finduilas]][[Finduilas#Notes|NB]] ''{{FA|272}} - {{FA|495|n}}''|ELL=[[Elladan]] ''b. {{TA|130}}''|ELO=[[Elrohir]] ''b. {{TA|130}}''|ARW=[[Arwen]] ''{{TA|241}} - {{FoA|121}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
Finarfin was called ''[[Finrod]]'' in earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], and his son was named '''''[[Inglor Felagund]]'''''. As such he appears in the 1st edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as ''Finrod''. This was changed in later editions, but not all references to '''Inglor''' were removed (see [[Gildor|Gildor '''Inglor'''ion]]).

In some early works, his name is spelled ''Finarphin''.<ref>{{MR|P4}}</ref> An early version of [[Appendix F]], mentions the "royal house of Finarphir" which was corrected in later editions.<ref>The form "Finarphir" has an entry in {{HM|Guide}}</ref>
{{references|note}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=noldor
|house=[[House of Finwë]]
|born={{YT|1230}}
|died=
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Fëanor]] & [[Fingolfin]]
|list=3rd [[King of the Noldor]]
|dates=From {{YT|1496}}
|nvac=None
|next=Incumbent
}}
{{seq-end}}

[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Finarfin]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Aman]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

[[de:Finarfin]]
[[fi:Finarfin]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/finarfin]]

Elves

2024-10-13T05:53:59Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Celtic influence */ comma

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Elves
| image = Janka Latečková - Vanyar.jpg
| caption="Vanyar" by [[:Category:Images by Janka Latečková|Janka Latečková]]
| pronun=
| othernames=People of the Stars, Firstborn, Elder Children of Ilúvatar
| origin=Firstborn of the [[Children of Ilúvatar|Children]] of [[Ilúvatar]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]], [[Tirion]], [[Taniquetil]], [[Formenos]], [[Alqualondë]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Doriath]], [[Falas]], [[Hithlum]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Vinyamar]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Gondolin]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mouths of Sirion]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Lindon]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Orcs]], [[Dwarves]]
| language=Various [[Elvish]] languages, most notably [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]; [[Westron]]
| people=[[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], [[Teleri]], [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]], [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]], [[Falmari]], [[Avari]]
| members=[[Ingwë]], [[Thingol]], [[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Galadriel]], [[Finrod]], [[Sons of Fëanor]], [[Lúthien]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Idril]], [[Maeglin]], [[Círdan]], [[Celeborn]], [[Celebrimbor]]
| lifespan=[[Arda]]'s existence; near [[immortality]]
| distinctions=
| height=Tall
| skin=Pale, occasionally ruddy
| hair=Blond, black, brown, red, and occasionally silver
| clothing=
| weapons=Typically swords and bows
}}
{{quote|But the Quendi shall be the fairest of all earthly creatures, and they shall have and shall conceive and bring forth more beauty than all my Children; and they shall have the greater bliss in this world|[[Ilúvatar]] in ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Beginning of Days]]"}}
The '''Elves''' (''[[Quendi]]'') were the first of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], known also as the [[Firstborn]] for that reason. The Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the [[Men]] and the [[Dwarves]], especially by the fact of their near [[immortality]].

==History==
===Awakening===
{{main|Awakening of the Elves}}

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]] About the same time that [[Varda]], Queen of the [[Valier]], ended her labours in creating the [[Stars]], the Elves awoke beside the lake [[Cuiviénen]]. The first things they saw were the stars, and henceforth they adored them. The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, the noise and splash of water on the stones. And henceforth they loved water as well.

They made speech then, and called themselves the ''[[Quendi]]''. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among them. When one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanish. It is believed that Melkor may have created [[Orcs]] with the elves he captured.

[[Oromë]], the Huntsman of the [[Valar]], happened upon them when he heard their singing far-off. He was amazed to see them, and called them the ''Eldar'', "People of the Stars".

===Sundering===
{{main|Sundering of the Elves}}

[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg |thumb|right|250px|''Oromë espies the first Elves'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]] Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman, as the lies of Melkor claimed. He had the light of [[Aman]] in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.

After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]], [[Manwë]], King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him, beginning the [[Battle of the Powers]]. After a great battle and a siege against [[Utumno]], which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of [[Mandos]]. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them, they were captivated by the beauty of the elves.

At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]) agreed. But others, henceforth called the [[Avari]], declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of [[Middle-earth]]. So the Elves were first sundered. During the journey to [[Belegaer]], gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away. Some of the [[Teleri]] (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the [[Misty Mountains]], and settled in [[Anduin]] under the leadership of [[Lenwë]], to be called later the [[Nandor]]. Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the [[Noldor]] (kindred of Finwë) and [[Vanyar]] (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.

After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri. Some, under [[Olwë]], relented and followed. Others remained to continue to search for Elwë. Still others, under [[Círdan]], remained because in that time they had become devoted to [[Ossë]] and the Sea. Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the [[Sindar]]. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with [[Melian]], returned to claim lordship and establish them in [[Doriath]]. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of [[Tirion]] and [[Alqualondë]] (respectively) in Aman. The Vanyar dwelt in [[Valimar]], for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.

===Exile of the Noldor===
{{main|Exile of the Noldor}}

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Coming of Fingolfin'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]] Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the [[Silmarils]], captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] – and his own heart. After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar. In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into [[Beleriand]].

===Battles of Beleriand===
{{main|Battles of Beleriand}}

There were five great battles fought in Beleriand. The [[First Battle]] was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as [[Thingol]]). Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated [[Return of the Noldor]], the tables were reversed in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]. The third battle (“[[Dagor Aglareb]]”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from [[Angband]]. This only resulted in the vigilant [[Siege of Angband]]. Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, [[Dagor Bragollach]], which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them [[Fingolfin]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. The siege was broken. Several decades later, [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of [[Hithlum]]. It was not half a century later that [[Gondolin]], the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was [[Fall of Gondolin|destroyed]]. [[Doriath]], the centre of the [[Sindar]]in realm, was sacked by [[Dwarves]].[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and the Battle of Eagles and Dragons.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Eärendil and The Battle of Eagles and Dragons'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

===Salvation===
{{main|War of Wrath}}

With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the [[Mouths of Sirion]] and [[Isle of Balar|Balar]] and were led by Gil-galad and Círdan. Among them was [[Eärendil]], the son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]]. Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to [[Valinor]] to beg the pardon of the Valar. His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to [[Middle-earth]], and in the [[War of Wrath]] thrust Morgoth into the [[Void]] and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; some accepted, but many others, under [[Gil-galad]], chose to remain.

===Decline===

[[File:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|right|150px|''Celebrimbor'' by [[Angus McBride]]]] Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, [[Sauron]], his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.

During this time the Elves realized how [[Men]] were rising to take their place, and Sauron exploited their longing for the Undying Lands. [[Annatar]] corrupted [[Celebrimbor]], the grandson of Fëanor, to make the [[Rings of Power]], with the [[Three Rings]] being created specifically to preserve the Elves against the ravages of time. Annatar was a guise of Sauron who also forged a ring – [[the One Ring]]. However the Elves realised the deception and defied Sauron, who then [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged War against them]]. In the following centuries Elves continued to heed the invitation of the Valar, desire the Sea and depart for the Undying Lands. Realms such as [[Dol Amroth]] were deserted and gave their place to Men.

It was not until the end of the Third Age that the One Ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same time. In the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.

Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves apparently had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining at least in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lindon]]. [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]] appeared abandoned around the time of [[King Elessar]]'s and [[Arwen]]'s death.<ref name="AppTale">{{App|Tale}}</ref> The [[Last Ship]] of the Elves, carrying [[Cirdan]] and [[Celeborn]],<ref>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref> apparently sailed early in the [[Fourth Age]].<ref name="AppTale" />

The remaining Elves in [[Middle-earth]] eventually faded, as their spirits overwhelmed and consumed their bodies. By the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as ''Lingerers'', except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref> [[Ilúvatar]] had not revealed the role of the Elves after [[the End]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref>

==Life and customs==
:''Main articles: ''[[Elven characteristics]], [[Elven life cycle]], and [[Elven customs]]

Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair colour varied; but the basic rules were that the [[Noldor]] generally had dark hair (brown or black), the [[Vanyar]] golden, and the [[Teleri]] silver or dark. Their eyes are usually described as grey or blue.
[[File:Elena Kukanova - A child of the Elder Race.jpg|thumb|''A child of the Elder Race'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly. They were considered fully-grown at about a century. They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.

Their most distinguishing characteristic from the [[Mortals|Mortal]] races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow, they would live to the end of the world. Unlike Men whose [[fëar]] (spirits) left Arda when their bodies died, Elves' fëar were bound to Arda until its ending. If an Elf's hröa (body) died, its fëa would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where the Valar could re-embody the Elf in a hröa that was identical to the Elf's previous hröa. However, if an Elf committed evil acts during their lifetime and refused to repent, the Valar could delay the Elf's re-embodiment, impose conditions on it, or refuse it altogether.<ref name="P4i">{{MR|P4i}}, p. 339</ref><ref>{{PM|Last}}, pp. 380, 389</ref> An Elf could refuse the summons to Mandos or choose to remain disembodied,<ref name="P4i" /><ref>{{PM|XI2}}, p. 334</ref> but the Elf's houseless fëa would still be unable to leave Arda.

==Arts, crafts, powers and magic==
{{Main|Magic}}
Other races often spoke of 'Elf magic', or of objects made by Elves as if they contained enchantments. It is unclear how accurate it is to call Elvish arts and crafts 'magic' or 'enchanted'. Elves themselves only used these words when attempting to simplify or clarify how elvish-made things seemed to have a special quality that no other races were able to achieve. Powerful Elves seemed to have control over nature and the elements, their clothes seemed to shine with their own light, their blades seemed to never lose their sharpness. Less educated folks could not explain these effects, so they simply called them 'magic'.

Elf-minstrels had the gift to make visions of the things they sung before their audiences.<ref name="AppTale" />

==Major divisions==
{{familytree/start|align=center}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |QUE| | | | | | | | | | | | QUE=[[Quendi]] All Elves }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |)|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |ELD| | | || AVA| | | | | | ELD=[[Eldar]] West-elves|AVA=[[Avari]] The Unwilling }}
{{familytree | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | |VAN| | |NOL| | |TEL| | | | | | | | | VAN=[[Vanyar]] Fair-elves|NOL=[[Noldor]] Deep-elves|TEL=[[Teleri]] The Hindmost }}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| |!| | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |AMA| | | |EXI|!| | | | | | | | | | | AMA=Amanyar Noldor Noldor of [[Aman]]|EXI=[[Exile of the Noldor|Etyañgoldi]] Exiled Noldor }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |FAL| | |SIN| | |NAN| | | | | | FAL=[[Falmari]] Sea-elves of [[Aman]]|SIN=[[Sindar]] Grey-elves of [[Beleriand]]|NAN=[[Nandor]] Followers of [[Lenwë]] }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |LAQ| | | |SIL| | LAQ=[[Laiquendi]] Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]]|SIL=[[Silvan Elves]] Wood-elves }}
{{familytree/end}}

When Oromë invited the Elves to Valinor, those who followed him on the Great Journey were called the Eldar,<ref name="B">{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}} while those who refused were called the Avari.<ref name="S3">{{S|3}}</ref> The Eldar were divided into three clans−the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri.<ref name="S3" /> All of the Vanyar and Noldor reached Aman. Two groups of Teleri abandoned the Great Journey: the Nandor, who came to live in the [[Vale of Anduin]],<ref name="S3" /> and the Sindar, who remained in Beleriand.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref> The Nandor eventually split into the Laiquendi, who migrated into Beleriand and settled in [[Ossiriand]], and the Silvan Elves, who established realms in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]]. Those Teleri who completed the Great Journey and settled in Aman were called the Falmari.<ref name="S3" /> Those Noldor who later returned to Middle-earth in exile were called the ''Etyañgoldi''.<ref name="B">{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}}

==Languages==
{{main|Elvish}}

[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''Lore'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
The term ''quendi'' refers to all Elves, meaning "speakers", calling themselves so at Cuiviénen before having contact with any other race<ref name="B">{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|372}} as they were the first speaking beings. Their ancient language was divided in other languages and dialects after their sundering.

The Elves also invented the [[Cirth]] and [[Tengwar]] scripts to write them.
*'''[[Primitive Quendian]]'''
**'''[[Avarin]]'''
***'''Various Avarin languages''' (some later merged with Nandorin)
**'''[[Common Eldarin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Eldar]] of the Great Journey)
***'''[[Quenya]]''' (the language of the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]])
****''' ''[[Quendya]]'' (also ''Vanyarin Quenya'') ''' (daily tongue of the Vanyar: closest to archaic Quenya)
****''' ''Noldorin Quenya'' (also ''[[Exilic Quenya]]'') ''' (the "Elven Latin" of Middle-earth)
***'''[[Common Telerin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Lindar]])
****'''[[Telerin]]''' (the language of the [[Falmari]] who reached the [[Undying Lands]])
****'''[[Nandorin]]''' (languages of the [[Nandor]] — some were influenced by Avarin)
*****'''Original language of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]]'''
*****'''Original language of [[Lothlórien|Lórinand]]'''
****'''[[Sindarin]]''' (language of the [[Sindar]])
*****'''[[Doriathrin]]''' (dialect of [[Doriath]])
*****'''[[Falathrin]]''' (dialect of the [[Falas]] and [[Nargothrond]])
*****'''[[North Sindarin]]''' (dialects of [[Dorthonion]] and [[Hithlum]])
******'''[[Gondor Sindarin]]''' (dialect of [[Gondor]])

==Inspiration==
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Beleg.jpg|thumb|right|Detail of a [[:File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Fangorn Forest.jpg|drawing]] with [[Beleg]], a rare depiction of an Elf made by Tolkien]]
===Languages===
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] developed the Elves (and his whole [[legendarium]]) to serve as a setting for his languages that he constructed according to his [[lámatyávë|personal sense of beauty]]. His Elven languages are of special interest to many Tolkien scholars. His most developed are [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], along with more obscure dialects for which he invented (at best) a small vocabulary, usually in earlier stages of his creation.

===Germanic influence===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', a diminutive fairy-like race of elves had once been a great and mighty people who had "diminished" as Men took over the world.<ref name="bolt1" /><ref>{{HM|LT2}}</ref><ref name="Fimi">[[Dimitra Fimi]], [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2386/is_2_117/ai_n16676591 "Mad" Elves and "elusive beauty": some Celtic strands of Tolkien's mythology] in ''Folklore'', vol. 117, iss. 2, August 2006, pp. 156–170</ref> They were influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Elf|Elves]] of Northern European mythologies, especially the god-like and human-sized ''[[Wikipedia:Light elf|Ljósálfar]]'' of Norse mythology,<ref>[[Tom Shippey]], ''[[The Road to Middle-earth]]''</ref> also appearing in medieval works such as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'', the Welsh [[Pwyll Prince of Dyved|Mabinogion]], [[The Fall of Arthur|Arthurian romances]] and the legends of the [[Wikipedia:Tuatha Dé Danann|Tuatha Dé Danann]].<ref name="Anderson1">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and [[Douglas A. Anderson]] (ed.), ''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]'', p. 120</ref>

Terry Gunnell also claims that the relationship between beautiful ships and the Elves is reminiscent of Njörðr and Skíðblaðni, Freyr's ship.<ref name="Articles" />

===Celtic influence===
Tolkien expressed a dislike in Celtic legends and denied that his legendarium is "Celtic",<ref>{{HM|Bio}}, p. 26</ref> however it is believed that Celtic Mythology had a great influence on Tolkien's writings on Elves,<ref name="Articles">Terry Gunnell, "[http://www.hi.is/Apps/WebObjects/HI.woa/wa/dp?detail=1004509&name=nordals_en_greinar_og_erindi ''Tívar'' in a Timeless Land: Tolkien's Elves]" conference lecture delivered on 13 September 2002</ref><ref>[[John Garth]], ''[[Tolkien and the Great War]]'', p. 222</ref> and some of the stories Tolkien wrote as their 'legends' are directly influenced by it.<ref name="Fimi" /> For example, the [[Noldor]] are based on the Tuatha Dé Danann in the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'', and their migratory nature comes from early Irish/Celtic history.<ref name="Fimi" /> John Garth has also referenced the Tuatha Dé Danann in suggesting Tolkien was essentially rewriting Irish fairy traditions.

Tolkien also retains the usage of the Celtic and popular term 'fairy' for the same creatures.<ref>[[Marjorie J. Burns]], ''[[Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'' ([[2005]]), p. 22</ref> The Elves are also called fair folk (based on [[Welsh]] ''Tylwyth teg'' 'the beautiful kindred' = fairies)<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 757 cf. "Fair folk"</ref> although they are unrelated to fairies.

===Eschatology===
The larger Elves are also inspired by Tolkien's [[Christianity|Christian theology]] — as representing the state of Men in Eden who have not yet "[[Wikipedia:Fall of Man|fallen]]" — similar to humans but fairer and wiser, with greater spiritual powers, keener senses, and a closer empathy with nature, freed from human limitations, immortal, with wills directly effective for the achievement of imagination and desire.<ref name="Carpenter" />

===Fairies===
Traditional "Victorian" dancing [[fairies]] and elves appear in Tolkien's early poetry,<ref name="bolt1">{{HM|LT1}}</ref> and have influence upon his later works<ref>[[Dimitra Fimi]], "[http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/working_with_english/Fimi_31_05_06.pdf Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay: Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien]". ''Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama''. Retrieved 11/01/08</ref> in part due to the influence of a production of J.M. Barrie's ''Peter Pan'' in [[Birmingham]] in 1910<ref name="Carpenter">[[Humphrey Carpenter]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''</ref> and his familiarity with the work of Catholic mystic poet, Francis Thompson<ref name="Carpenter" /> whose work Tolkien had acquired in 1914.<ref name="bolt1" />

In ''The Book of Lost Tales'' Tolkien includes both the more serious 'medieval' type of elves such as [[Fëanor]] and [[Turgon]] alongside the frivolous, "Jacobean-era" type of elves such as the [[Solosimpi]] and [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]].<ref name="Anderson1" />

Tolkien also developed the idea of children visiting [[Valinor]] in their sleep. Elves would also visit and comfort chided or upset children at night. This theme was largely abandoned.<ref>{{LT1|I}}</ref>

However after the publication of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien repeatedly expressed his misgivings concerning the undesirable associations of the name "elf" like those of ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', the Victorian notions of fairies or mischievous imps, the imaginations of Michael Drayton or the fanciful beings with butterfly wings.

He proposed that in [[translations of The Lord of the Rings|translations]] the "oldest available form of the name" be used for more elevated notions of beings "supposed to possess formidable magical powers in early Teutonic mythology" ([[OED]] viz. the [[Old English]] ''ælf'', from Proto-Germanic ''*albo-z''). Tolkien warned against associations to the debased English notion of ''elfin'' and suggested that Germans would not translate his ''Elves'' as ''Elfen'', which might retain the undesirable images. He rather suggested words such as ''Alp'' or ''Alb'', historically the more normal form and true cognate of English ''elf''.<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 756, s.v. "Elven-smiths".</ref> [[Margaret Carroux]] chose the word ''Elben'' (singular ''Elb'') in her translation.

{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Elben]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]
[[fi:Haltiat]]

Eldar

2024-10-13T05:51:58Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Inspiration */ spacing

{{people infobox
| name=Eldar
| image = Lída Holubová - Cuivienen.jpg
| caption="Cuivienen" by [[Lída Holubová]]
| pronun=
| othernames=West-elves
| origin=Elves who undertook the [[Great Journey]]
| location=[[Valinor]], [[Eldamar]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Beleriand]], [[Eriador]], [[Rhovanion]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Telerin]], [[Sindarin]], [[Nandorin]]
| members=[[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], [[Thingol|Elwë]], [[Olwë]], [[Lenwë]], etc.
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=
| height=over 6'6 (1.98 m) - for men, over 6 feet (1.83 m) - for women<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref>
| hair=dark brown, golden, silver
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
'''Eldar''' (singular '''Elda''') was the name given to the [[Elves]] by the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] when he first found them wandering in the starlight of [[Cuiviénen]]. At first, the name was applied to all Elves, but after the summons of the [[Valar]], it came to be used only for the '''West-elves'''<ref>{{App|Elves}}</ref> who followed the summons and began the [[Great Journey]].

The [[Three Kindreds]] of the Eldar were the [[Vanyar]], the [[Noldor]] and the [[Teleri]]. All of the Vanyar and Noldor went to [[Aman]], though many of the Noldor later returned to [[Middle-earth]] with [[Fëanor]].

Many of the Teleri also journeyed to Valinor, but twice a host of this people turned away from the Journey in Middle-earth; these two kindreds are called [[Úmanyar]], the Eldar not of Aman. The first of these were the [[Nandor]], who turned aside east of the [[Misty Mountains]], and travelled down the River Anduin. The second, the [[Sindar]], tarried in [[Beleriand]] seeking their lord, [[Elwë Singollo]].

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Eldar.mp3|Ardamir}}
:''See [[Elda#Etymology]]''

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] notes the accidental similarity between the word "Eldar" and "Elder" (as in "Elder Folk" or "[[Elder Days]]") and that it is unrelated to English and therefore should not be any attempt to imitate it.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, pp. 755-6 & 780</ref>

==In popular usage==
The name "Eldar" has been used for Elven-like races in later fiction. [http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Aeldari Eldar] is a humanoid being, descendant of an ancient interstellar Empire in the [[Wikipedia:Warhammer 40K|Warhammer 40K]] universe. [http://midkemia.wikia.com/wiki/Eldar Eldar] is also a race of Elves in the [http://midkemia.wikia.com/wiki/Midkemia Midkemia] cycle by [[Raymond E. Feist]].

{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Elven peoples]]
[[Category:Quenya demonyms]]
[[de:Eldar]]
[[fi:Eldar]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/eldar]]

Adar (episode)

2024-10-04T05:56:23Z

Jamie Eilat:

{{currentevent}}
{{disambig-more|Adar|[[Adar (disambiguation)]]}}
{{episode infobox
| name=Adar
| image = The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power - Adar.jpg
| caption=
| director=[[Wayne Che Yip]]
| writer=[[Jason Cahill]] [[Justin Doble]]
| screenplay=
| basedon=
| producer=
| starring=
| narrator=
| cinematography=
| editing=
| music=[[Bear McCreary]] Main Title by [[Howard Shore]]
| animator=
| studio=[[Amazon Studios]]
| distributor=
| released=[[9 September]] [[2022]]
| runtime=69 minutes
| country=
| language=
| budget=
| gross=
| website=
| imdb_id=11609034
| gallery=The Rings of Power (TV series)
| previous=[[Adrift]]
| next=[[The Great Wave]]
}}

{{Quote|[[Arondir]] finds himself a captive; [[Galadriel]] and [[Halbrand]] explore a legendary [[Númenor|kingdom]]; [[Elendil]] is given a new assignment; [[Nori]] faces the consequences.|Official Synopsis, [[Amazon Studios]]}}

'''Adar''' is the third episode of [[Amazon Studios]]'s television series, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', released on [[9 September]], [[2022]].

==Synopsis==
===The Southlands===
[[Arondir]] finds himself taken to an [[Orc]]s enslavement camp in trenches somewhere in the [[Mordor|Southlands]], where many other humans and Elves, including Médhor and Revion, had been brought after capture. After Revion argues with the taskmasters Lurka and Vrath about a tree that the Orcs want felled, a leader of the camp, Magrot, offers the Elves water before abruptly killing Médhor in jest as he just so happened to be the last to drink the water.

At the end of the episode, Arondir, Revion, and a few others attempt a rebellion in the trench, tripping the taskmasters with their chains. Arondir saves Revion from a warg that is loosed upon them and impales Magrot in the neck with a tree-root, but Revion is shot to death after briefly climbing free out of the camp. Their attempt is quelled, and while Arondir is pinned to the ground, Lurka tells another Orc to summon Adar. Before the credits, Adar comes out as Orcs bow to him and chant his name, while his face is seen in a blur.

===Númenor===
[[Galadriel]] and [[Halbrand]] find themselves on a ship captained by [[Elendil]], headed toward [[Númenor]]. They travel up the river [[Siril]] and arrive at the capital city of [[Armenelos]]. At the city's high palace, they meet [[Tar-Míriel|Queen Regent Míriel]] and her chief advisor [[Ar-Pharazôn|Chancellor Pharazôn]], amid a large company of other [[Númenóreans]], presumably the [[Council of the Sceptre]]. Galadriel and Halbrand introduce themselves, and Míriel refuses to allow the two - particularly an [[Elves|Elf]] - passage back to [[Middle-earth]] as Galadriel requests.

Elendil is reluctant to let Galadriel escape Númenor when she tells him she is set on doing so, but the two establish friendship. He takes her to the kingdom's [[Hall of Lore]], where Galadriel discovers that the sigil of Sauron she had seen is in fact an abstract, sideview map of the Southlands, which Sauron intends to make into a new, committed realm. This realm would be located within the Southlands.

A young [[Isildur]], Elendil's son, is seen on a ship at sea near the island, training as a naval cadet with his friends Valandil and Ontamo, and others to get into the [[Guild of Venturers|Sea Guard]]. During their current voyage, the Sail Master's son, [[Imrahil (The Rings of Power)|Imrahil]], is rescued from being blown overboard.

After briefly trying and failing to get an apprenticeship with a smithy, Halbrand attempts to steal a guild crest from a man named Tamar. When Tamar and three other men confront him to take back the crest, Halbrand defeats them all in a street fight and is then arrested. At the prison, later, Galadriel tries convincing Halbrand again to accompany her to Middle-earth in order to redeem their blood-lines, as Sauron's endurance is the fault of the Elves who had warred against Morgoth, and of Halbrand's [[Ulfang|ancestors]] who were Morgoth's allies.

===The Harfoots===
The evening before the [[Harfoots]]' next migration, from the [[Norfield Glen]] to an orchard called the [[Grove]], [[The Stranger]] accidentally exposes himself to them while they are gathered commemorating their dead. Shocked at this, and angry at [[Elanor Brandyfoot|Nori's]] secret-keeping, the Harfoots confer what to do. Nori speaks out against their law concerning strangers and the outside world. On account of her youth, [[Sadoc Burrows]] forgives her deeds.

In the back of caravan the next day, departing from the woods, [[Largo Brandyfoot|Largo]] and [[Marigold Brandyfoot]] finally let the Stranger come along with them after he helps the family with their wagon.

==Cast==
:''In order of appearance'' (in episode credits)
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Actor !! Role
|-
| [[Ismael Cruz Córdova]] || [[Arondir]]
|-
| [[Augustus Prew]] || [[Médhor]]
|-
| [[Simon Merrells]] || [[Revion|Watchwarden Revion]]
|-
| [[Morfydd Clark]] || [[Galadriel]]
|-
| [[Charlie Vickers]] || [[Halbrand]]
|-
| [[Lloyd Owen]] || [[Elendil|Captain Elendil]]
|-
| [[Cynthia Addai-Robinson]]|| [[Tar-Míriel|Queen Regent Míriel]]
|-
| [[Trystan Gravelle]]|| [[Pharazôn]]
|-
| [[Maxim Baldry]]|| [[Isildur]]
|-
| Anthony Crum || [[Ontamo]]
|-
| Alex Tarrant || [[Valandil (The Rings of Power)|Valandil]]
|-
| [[Ema Horvath]] || [[Eärien]]
|-
| [[Lenny Henry|Sir Lenny Henry]]|| [[Sadoc Burrows]]
|-
| [[Beau Cassidy]] || [[Dilly Brandyfoot]]
|-
| [[Markella Kavenagh]] || [[Elanor Brandyfoot|Elanor "Nori" Brandyfoot]]
|-
| [[Megan Richards]] || [[Poppy Proudfellow]]
|-
| [[Sara Zwangobani]] || [[Marigold Brandyfoot]]
|-
| [[Dylan Smith]] || [[Largo Brandyfoot]]
|-
| [[Daniel Weyman]] || [[The Stranger]]
|-
| [[Thusitha Jayasundera]] || [[Malva Meadowgrass|Malva]]
|-
| [[Maxine Cunliffe]] || [[Vilma]]
|-
| [[Joseph Mawle]] || [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]]
|-
| [[Jed Brophy]] || [[Vrath]]
|-
| Michael Morris || [[Númenóreans|Guardsman One]]
|-
| Antonio Te Maioha || [[Sail Master]]
|-
| Edward Clendon || [[Lurka]]
|-
| Luke Hawker || [[Magrot]]
|-
| Robert Strange || [[Orcs|Other Orc]]
|-
| Phil Grieve || [[Bazur]]
|-
| Preston O'Brien || [[Númenóreans|Guardsman Two]]
|-
| Phil Vaughan || [[Guild of Weaponsmiths|Smithy]]
|-
| [[Jason Hood]] || [[Tamar (The Rings of Power)|Tamar]]
|-
| Mana Hira Davis || [[Númenóreans|Worker One]]
|-
| Winham "Mu" Hammond || [[Númenóreans|Worker Two]]
|-
| Gabe Wright || [[Númenóreans|Messenger]]
|}

=== Uncredited ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Actor !! Role
|-
| Amand Weaver || [[Men|Imprisoned Farmer]]<ref>https://m.imdb.com/title/tt11609034/fullcredits/cast?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm</ref>
|-
| Unknown actor || [[Imrahil (The Rings of Power)|Imrahil]]
|-
| Unknown horse || [[Berek]]
|-
| Ken Blackburn || [[Tar-Palantir]] (Off-camera, but in-scene)
|}

==Trivia==
Below is a list of trivia from Amazon's "X-Ray" feature that accompanied the episode.
* Scene 2 - "Most of the details and elaborations told herein are derived from '[[The Lord of the Rings]]', its prologue entitled '[[Concerning Hobbits]]', and its [[Appendices]], [[Appendix A|A]] through [[Appendix F|F]], where the intrepid traveler may journey to discover even farther horizons."
* Scene 6 - "Once slaves of the Dark Power themselves, [[orcs]] have been known to enslave even their own kind, and have often forced their conquered enemies into hard labor at their cruel hands. (Book VI, Chapter 2)"
* Scene 14 - "The central wharf of [[Númenor]]'s capital city is towered over by a statue of [[Earendil]] the Mariner, the [[half-elven]] savior of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Elder Days]] and the forebear of this human kingdom's royal line. (Appendix A)"
* Scene 17 - "The ancestors of the [[Númenóreans]] were called the [[Edain]] - the men and women who first went west in [[Middle-earth]]. They were the allies of the [[elves]] in the [[First Age]] war against [[Morgoth]]. ([[Appendix A]])"
* Scene 20 - "[[Númenóreans]] are mariners of great renown, and lords of many ships on their island, which is also called [[Elenna]]. but they are forbidden from sailing [[west]] out of sight of their own shores, by the [[Ban of the Valar]], to prevent them from seeking the [[Undying Lands]] themselves. ([[Appendix F]]; [[Appendix A]])"
* Scene 23 - "It is a mark of evil things that came in the [[Great Darkness]] that they cannot abide the [[Sun]]. Some [[orcs]] can endure its light better than others, but they all hate it and only seldom will they journey in the open while the Sun shines. (Book III, Chapter 4)"
* Scene 25 - "[[Silvan]] elves hold a great love for trees, delighting in their wood and life within them, often watching them grow from acorns to ruinous old age. Given enough time, they say they might even hear the voices of the [[trees]] and understand their thoughts. (Book III, Chapter 8)"
* Scene 30 - "in contrast to the "lesser Men" or "low Men" who remained in [[Middle-earth]], the [[Númenóreans]] were gifted a life-span far greater than their cousins who were left behind - up to three times a normal human lifetime, in earlier days. ([[Appendix A]])"
* Scene 33 - "[[Elros]], the first king of [[Númenor]] who ruled under the name [[Tar-Minyatur]], was a half-elf like his brother [[Elrond]]. But when given the choice by the [[Valar]], he chose mortality and a human life. ([[Appendix A]])"
* Scene 35 - "[[Halflings]] delight in parties, and the Harvest Festival is a tradition meant to help the [[Harfoots]] prepare for the arduous migration that lies ahead."
* Scene 38 - "[[Harfoots]] use a pictographic "writing" system that uses symbols to convey meanings that can help to note important natural rhythms and tabulations which help them better prepare for future migrations."
* Scene 39 - "The wide-world is always around the [[Harfoots]]. They're vulnerable and unable to fence out the many dangers that exist for a small-sized creature like themselves."
* Scene 40 - "[[Sadoc Burrows]] is the [[Harfoot]]'s Trailfinder and leads the caravan. He uses his unique Star-book, passed down through the generations, to guide the [[Harfoots]] on the right course from one seasonal haven to the next."
* Scene 44 - "The [[Númenóreans]] love of the [[Sea]] extends to all elements of their culture. The statue in the center of this chamber is a personification of the Sea itself - as this was not, originally, a dungeon, but rather reappropriated as one sometime in the past."
* Scene 46 - "Everything the [[Harfoots]] own, they make or find and then carry with them inside their carts - their most valued possessions."
* Scene 48 - "[[Wargs]] are akin to [[wolves]], and are closely aligned with the [[orcs]] and the Darkness they serve. (Book II, Chapter 4)."

==Production==

==Deviations from Source Material ==
The ship that was shown at the very end of Episode 2 proves to be captained by Elendil. As in the last Episode, it is extremely unlikely humans would have been present in the part of the Sundering Seas where Elendil found Galadriel and Halbrand on the raft. The [[Númenóreans]] (the race to whom he belongs) were specifically forbidden from sailing so far West from their home that they could not see the shore. This prohibition was known as the [[Ban of the Valar]], which Elendil may have been in contravention of.

Other deviations from the source material pertaining to Númenor include:

* Míriel not knowing who Elendil was, when the source material notes they were, in fact, cousins and had known one another since childhood. In fact, Elendil's father was a member of her father's royal Council.
* Míriel was never Regent because her father Tar-Palantir was the reigning monarch until his death.
* Míriel speaks of a tradition which says that the White Tree of [[Nimloth (tree)|Nimloth]] would shed blossoms as a sign of the Valar's displeasure. No such tradition is mentioned in the source material. It is also worthy of note that in the books, the White Tree bore fruit, not blossoms.
* There is no indication in the source material that Galadriel ever travelled to Númenor. She also can be heard telling the people that the Elves gave the island to men. This is incorrect: the Valar themselves created the Island of Númenor, drawing it out of the sea as a gift to men for their bravery in opposing Morgoth during the First Age.

==== Other People, Places and Things ====
There is no indication in the source material that a stranger , possibly one of the Istari, landed in a meteorite and was found by Hobbits in the Second Age. Where references do exist to any the persons known as Wizards appearing on Middle Earth at this time, they always came among the Elves or among Men, and for a specific purpose. (See History of Middle Earth, Volume XII, "Late Writings".<ref>J.R.R Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien ed. The History of Middle Earth Vol XII: ''The Peoples of Middle Earth'' "Part XIII Late Writings".</ref>

It is unlikely that Durin III and Durin IV were actually father and son as shown in the show, since they lived many hundreds of years apart. Durin III recieved one of the original Rings of Power given to the Dwarves, and Durin IV was alive at the time of the War of the Last Alliance, which happened over 1700 years later. Given that the average lifespan for Dwarves was just over 200 years, the former was a distant ancestor of the latter.

==Reception==
* [https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_rings_of_power/s01/e03 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews]

{{references}}
== External links ==
* [https://rop.digitaltolkien.com/S1E3/ Adar] at ROP Data
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hc4iK_t1Ek Episode analysis on Rings & Realms] (with [[Corey Olsen]])
* [https://bearmccreary.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-episode-103/ Scoring ''Adar''] by [[Bear McCreary]]

{{rop-episodes}}
{{title}}

[[Category:The Rings of Power (TV series) episodes|03]]

High King of the Noldor

2024-09-26T06:34:44Z

Jamie Eilat: /* First Age */

{{sources}}
{{disambig-more|High King|[[High King (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Christopher Tolkien - The Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar.jpg|250px|thumb|''The Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar'' by [[Christopher Tolkien]]]]
{{quote|If there lay no grievance between us, lord, still the kingship would rightly come to you, the eldest here of the house of [[Finwë]], and not the least wise.|[[Maedhros]] in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Return of the Noldor]]"}}
The '''High King of the Noldor''' was the head of the [[House of Finwë]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Its bearer was the nominal overlord of all the [[Noldor]]in realms, but had little practical authority due to the disunity of the Noldor. The [[House of Fëanor]] acknowledged the Kingship but paid it little heed, following their own agenda under the general leadership of [[Maedhros]].

==Earlier Kings==
{{main|King of the Noldor}}
[[File:Marya Filatova - Refusal - Maedhros.jpg|thumb|''Refusal - Maedhros'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
The founder of the [[House of Finwë]] and first '''[[King of the Noldor]]''' was [[Finwë]], the lord of the [[Tatyar]] who led his people in the [[Great Journey]] from [[Cuiviénen]] into [[Aman|the West]] to dwell in [[Valinor]]. He was slain by [[Morgoth]] at [[Formenos]].

His eldest son [[Fëanor]] succeeded to the Kingship and led the [[Rebellion of the Noldor]] to Middle-earth to avenge his father's death and recover the [[Silmarils]] from Morgoth.<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref> Fëanor died before establishing a realm, and the claim to the kingship passed to his eldest son [[Maedhros]], who was captured by Morgoth.

[[Fingon]], son of [[Fingolfin]], rescued Maedhros from his captivity in a daring raid on [[Thangorodrim]]. Out of gratitude to Fingon, and regret that Fëanor had abandoned the other Noldor in [[Araman]], Maedhros surrendered his house's claim to the Kingship to Fingolfin. At that time, Maedhros said: "''If there lay no grievance between us, lord, still the kingship would rightly come to you, '''the eldest''' here '''of the house of Finwë''', and not the least wise.''" Thus the Kingship passed from the [[House of Fëanor]] to the [[House of Fingolfin]], fulfilling the [[Doom of Mandos]] that the [[Sons of Fëanor]] would become the ''Dispossessed'', and the two Houses made peace. However, not all of the seven Sons of Fëanor accepted this in their hearts.<ref>{{S|Return}}</ref>

==History==
===First Age===
'''[[Fingolfin]]''' became the first High King of the Noldor, ruling from [[Hithlum]] as the "King of the North," mostly during the [[Siege of Angband]]. When Morgoth broke the leaguer in the [[Dagor Bragollach]] and slew many Noldor, Fingolfin rode in wrath to the gates of [[Angband]] and died in single combat with Morgoth.<ref name=Ruin>{{S|18}}</ref>

Fingolfin was succeeded by his eldest son '''[[Fingon]]''', whose short reign was consumed by endless war. He and Maedhros formed an [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] that brought together all the realms of the Noldor to make a [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad|final assault]] on Morgoth. The attempt ended in the slaughter of the Noldor and Fingon's death at the hands of [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], Lord of Balrogs.<ref name=Fifth>{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

Fingon's brother '''[[Turgon]]''' succeeded him, but he was High King in name only, as it was not possible for the "Hidden King" to rule the other Noldor from his [[Gondolin|Hidden City]], the location of which was unknown even to his own kin. When [[Maeglin]] betrayed this secret to Morgoth, the city swiftly [[Fall of Gondolin|fell]] and Turgon with it.

Gondolin was the last of the Noldorin realms in Beleriand and Turgon was the last son of the [[House of Fingolfin]]. With his death, the Kingship passed to the [[House of Finarfin]], which was by this time reduced to a single dynast: '''[[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]]''', the young son of [[Orodreth]]. Gil-galad had been sent to take refuge with [[Círdan]] after the fall of [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] in the aftermath of the Dagor Bragollach, and thus survived the ruin of the Noldor. Gil-galad was acclaimed High King when news of Turgon's death reached the [[Isle of Balar]], to which he and Círdan had fled from the fall of the [[Falas]].<ref>{{S|23}}</ref> Gil-galad lived to see the end of the [[War of the Jewels]] and held the Kingship throughout the [[Second Age]], far longer than any of his predecessors.

===Second Age===
After the cataclysmic [[War of Wrath]] that ended the [[First Age]] and destroyed Beleriand, the surviving [[Noldor]] who did not depart for the [[Undying Lands]] established the realms of [[Lindon]] and later [[Eregion]] in northwestern Middle-earth. In Lindon, Gil-galad was acknowledged as the "High King of the Elves of the West".<ref>{{App|B}}</ref> He was the chief enemy of [[Sauron]] in the [[Dark Years]], at the end of which he appointed Elrond as his vice-regent in [[Eriador]].<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] to destroy Sauron. In the ensuing [[War of the Last Alliance|war]] Gil-galad commanded the Elven forces, save for the host of [[Silvan Elves]] under [[Amdír]] and [[Oropher]]. After the Last Alliance broke into Mordor and [[Siege of Barad-dûr|besieged Barad-dûr]] for seven years, Sauron personally came forth and fought Gil-galad and Elendil. The battle ended in the deaths of all three, but Sauron's spirit and malice endured through the power of his [[One Ring]].<ref>{{UT|6b}}</ref>

===Legacy===
Gil-galad was the last High King of the Noldor, for he fathered no children. With his death, the [[House of Finwë]] was extinguished in the male line in Middle-earth. The only living descendants of Finwë remaining in Middle-earth at the dawn of the Third Age were [[Galadriel]], [[Celebrían]], [[Elrond]], and the descendants of [[Elros]], who were counted among the race of Men.<ref>{{App|A1i}}</ref><ref group="note">[[Maglor]]'s fate is unknown, so he may have been alive during the Third Age. Even if so, he was not seen again after end of the First Age.</ref>

==List of High Kings==

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! '''#''' !! '''Name''' !! '''Reign''' !! '''Lifespan''' !! '''Domain''' !! '''Note'''
|-
| 1. || [[Fingolfin]] || {{FA|7}} - {{FA|456|n}} || {{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}} || [[Hithlum]] || † Killed by [[Morgoth]]
|-
| 2. || [[Fingon]] || {{FA|456}} - {{FA|472|n}} || {{YT|1260}} - {{FA|472}} || Hithlum || † Killed by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
|-
| 3. || [[Turgon]] || {{FA|472}} - {{FA|510|n}} || {{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}} || [[Gondolin]] || † Perished at the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
|-
| 4. || [[Gil-galad]] || {{FA|510}} - {{SA|3441}} || c. {{FA|455}} - {{SA|3441}} || [[Lindon]] || † Killed by [[Sauron]]
|}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the published version of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Gil-galad is said to be the son of Fingon.<ref name="Ruin"/> However, in some of Tolkien's later notes, Gil-galad is said to be the son of Orodreth and thus a junior member of the [[House of Finarfin]],<ref>{{PM|XI5}}</ref> and Turgon's closest living relative in the male line (excluding the dispossessed House of Fëanor). Turgon's claim to the title of High King would be [[Gil-galad#Parentage|problematic]] if Gil-galad were descended from Fingon, but the issue is resolved through descent from Orodreth, which may explain the change.

==See also==
*For other and earlier rulers of the Noldor, see [[King of the Noldor]].

{{References|Notes}}
[[Category:Elven titles]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Beleriand]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[de:Hoher König der Noldor]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/haut roi des noldor]]
[[fi:Noldorin Korkea Kuningas]]

Sauron

2024-08-27T21:48:31Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Other names */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age=
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees|Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Southrons]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Drowning of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, [[the Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[Kings of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organized themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for the [[One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the [[palantir]] of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the Palantir as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Melkor|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf the Grey|Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Men of the Mountains|Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''North King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of the [[One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160px" heights="160px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|[[Annatar|Antheron]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|[[Annatar]] in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''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)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dur]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'''''

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'''''

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'''''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'''''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise becoming frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Sauron

2024-08-27T21:45:04Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Other names */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age=
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees|Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Southrons]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Drowning of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, [[the Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[Kings of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organized themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for the [[One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the [[palantir]] of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the Palantir as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Melkor|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf the Grey|Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Men of the Mountains|Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower of Barad-dûr; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''North King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of the [[One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160px" heights="160px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|[[Annatar|Antheron]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|[[Annatar]] in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''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)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dur]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'''''

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'''''

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'''''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'''''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise becoming frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Red Book of Westmarch

2024-08-25T21:31:33Z

Jamie Eilat:

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Westmarch|[[Westmarch (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=Red Book of Westmarch
| image = Jeff Reitz - Red Book of Westmarch.jpg
| caption="Red Book of Westmarch" by Jeff Reitz
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Undertowers]], [[Westmarch]]
| owner=[[Baggins Family|Bagginses]], [[Gardner Family|Gardners]], [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]]
| type=Manuspript
| appearance=Several volumes bound together in red leather
| creator=[[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] & [[Frodo Baggins]]
| created={{TA|2942}} - {{TA|3021|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Bag End]], [[Rivendell]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Describing events of Quests [[Quest of Erebor|of Erebor]] and [[Quest of the Ring|for Mount Doom]] Containing [[Hobbitish]] [[Translations from the Elvish|translations]] of an Elvish lore
| audio=
| audiocaption=
| gallery=the Red Book of Westmarch
}}
{{quote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, [[Later Ages|years and years afterwards]]. And people will say: ‘Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring!’ And they’ll say: ‘Yes, that’s one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn’t he, dad?’ ‘Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that’s saying a lot.’|[[Sam Gamgee]]<ref>{{TT|IV8}}, p. 403</ref>}}

The '''Red Book of Westmarch''' (sometimes ''Red Book of the [[Hobbits|Perian]]nath'') is the book in which the [[legendarium]] of [[Middle-earth]] was written. It is bound in red leather.

==History==
The first Red Book was written as a diary by the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]] and recounted his quest for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], which he called ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Preparing to leave for [[Rivendell]] after [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|his farewell party]], he took the empty three red volumes with him.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Within it, he also compiled [[Elves|Elven]] lore while retired in [[Rivendell]], namely Bilbo's ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'', legends from the [[Elder Days]], and various Hobbit poems.

[[File:Miriam Ellis - Three Books of Lore.jpg|thumb|left|''Three Books of Lore'' by [[:Category:Images by Miriam Ellis|Miriam Ellis]]]]
Later, shortly before the end of the [[War of the Ring]], he gave the book to his kinsman and heir [[Frodo Baggins]]. The original first volume was Bilbo's private diary, and attached to it, in a single red case, were the three large volumes bound in red leather: the ''Translations'', which he gave to Frodo as a parting gift. Frodo took the book back to [[the Shire]], organized Bilbo's manuscript and used it to write down his own quest during the [[War of the Ring]].

The title page has many titles, several crossed out:
{|style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; max-width:25em;"
|-
|    <s>My Diary.</s> <s>My Unexpected Journey.</s> <s>There and Back Again. And What Happened After.</s>
|-
|    <s>Adventures of Five Hobbits.</s> <s>The Tale of the Great Ring, compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends.</s> <s>What we did in the War of the Ring.</s>
|-
|style="text-align: center;|'''THE DOWNFALL''' '''OF THE''' '''LORD OF THE RINGS''' '''AND THE''' '''RETURN OF THE KING'''
|-
|style="text-align: center;|(as seen by the Little People; being the memoirs of Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, supplemented by the accounts of their friends and the learning of the Wise.)
|-
|style="text-align: center;|Together with extracts from Books of Lore translated by Bilbo in Rivendell.
|}

A lot of background information on the realms of [[Arnor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Rohan]] was added to it by [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] from their contacts in Rohan and Gondor. Other material was provided by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left for [[Valinor]], the Red Book passed into the keeping of [[Samwise Gamgee]], the [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor of the Shire]]. When he also departed for the [[Sea]], he left the book to his eldest daughter, [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor Fairbairn]], and her descendants (the [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]] of the Towers or [[Warden of Westmarch|Wardens of Westmarch]]).<ref>{{app|Later}}</ref> While in the possession of the Fairbairns, a fifth volume was added containing commentaries, genealogical trees, and various other matter concerning the Hobbit members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref><ref>{{app|Gamgee}}</ref>

Several copies, with various notes and later additions, were made for the use of Samwise's descendants, and copies were passed on to future generations, of which one, the "''[[Thain's Book]]''", is the most important.

The original version of the Red Book contained the story of Bilbo's journey as it originally stood: thus, Gollum willingly gives [[the One Ring]] to Bilbo, and there is no trace of the Ring's hold over Gollum, something that he never corrected, and persisted in other copies and abstracts, as probably the keepers of the Book were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text out of respect. But other later copiers of the Book (based on notes by Frodo or Sam) wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]], in which Bilbo comes across the Ring by accident.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

Loose leaves record some poems, possibly from oral tradition, and many jesting nonsensical ones are written carelessly in margins and blank spaces by many hands. In the later [[Ages]] they were unintelligible or half-remembered fragments. Some were attributed to Samwise Gamgee or Bilbo himself, and others displayed contact with Elvish and [[Gondorian]] culture.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

In the first edition of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Tolkien's foreword claimed he had translated the Red Book from the original [[Westron]] into English, and that claim is still implied in later editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably in Appendix F, part II "On Translation". It therefore must be supposed that copies of the book survived through the [[Later Ages]]. Tolkien says nothing about how he gained access to one or more copies of the Red Book and how he learned Westron and other languages of [[Arda]].

==Inspiration==
{{quote|But most of all he [Tolkien] found delight in the Fairy Books of Andrew Lang, especially the '''Red Fairy Book''', for tucked away in its closing pages was the best story he had ever read. This was the tale of Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir: a strange and powerful tale set in the nameless North.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p. 22}}

Tolkien's inspiration for this repository of lore was the real [[Wikipedia:Red Book of Hergest|Red Book of Hergest]], the early 15th century compilation of Welsh history and poetry that contains the manuscript of the [[Mabinogion]]. Bound (and rebound) in red leather, in the [[Bodleian Library]], Oxford, the manuscript was well known to Tolkien. In the lecture "English and Welsh," published in [[The Monsters and the Critics]], he called it "one of the treasures of Medieval Welsh." Another possible echo is the [[Wikipedia:Black Book of Carmarthen|Black Book of Carmarthen]].<ref>{{AB|Comm}}</ref>

==Portrayals in adaptations==

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The framing device of the series is that Bilbo serves as a narrator and chronicler of the War of the Ring, writing new chapters and notes into the Red Book of Westmarch during his stay at Rivendell. It is also implied that Frodo eventually compiles his notes and storytelling into the final volume during the years before his and Bilbo's departure from Middle-earth and Frodo's entrusting of the Red Book to Sam.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the extended edition, Bilbo is writing in the book (working on the [[Concerning Hobbits|prologue]]) in [[Bag End]]. It reappears in [[Rivendell]], where he shows it to Frodo.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Frodo entrusts the book to Samwise just before he leaves Middle-earth.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As part of the framing of the movie, Bilbo starts the writing of the book.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:As part of the tutorial, [[Gandalf]] bring the Red Book of Westmarch to the player bar, and once every day, it allows you to play through a part of the history of Middle-earth, as well as gives you rewards in the form of resources as well as item used to recruit captains.

==External links==
* [https://www.schematax.org/schemata/tolkien/schematax_tolkien_tradition-legendarium.pdf Stages and Logic of the fictitious tradition of Tolkien’s Legendarium (Red Book of Westmarch)]
*[https://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/chron_en.html The Chroniclers of Arda] by [[Måns Björkman]]

{{References}}
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Rotes Buch der Westmark]]
[[fi:Länsikairan Punainen Kirja]]

The Complete Guide to Middle-earth

2024-04-08T05:03:13Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Accuracy */ spacing

{{book
| title=The Complete Guide to Middle-earth
| image=[[Image:Complete Guide us 1974.jpeg|275px]]
| author=[[Robert Foster]]
| illustrator=[[Ted Nasmith]] (2003 UK edition)
| publisher=[[Ballantine Books]] (US) [[George Allen & Unwin]] (UK)
| date=March [[1978]] (US) 1978 (UK)
| format=Hardcover; paperback; deluxe edition
| pages=298
| isbn=034524138X
}}
'''''The Complete Guide to Middle-earth''''' is a reference book for [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s fictional universe [[Middle-earth]], compiled and edited by [[Robert Foster]].

It was first published in [[1971]] under the title '''''A Guide to Middle-earth'''''. In [[1978]] it was revised and enlarged, changing its title to the one currently using. It received a third edition in [[2001]].

The book is widely recognized as an excellent reference book on Middle-earth.<ref>{{CG|Pr}}, p. xii</ref><ref>[[Michael Drout]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia]]''</ref> [[Christopher Tolkien]] has commended it himself as an "admirable work of reference".<ref>{{UT|Intro}}</ref>

A new edition was released on [[1 September|1st September]] [[2022]], by [[HarperCollins]].

==Book structure==
A standard entry in the book consists of: a name; the language it belongs to; its translation from [[Elvish]], [[Adûnaic]], and sometimes [[Old English]] when known; and known dates when a character flourished; the first lines of the entry usually give a general definition of the topic, like race, heritage, and role (in case of a character), leading to a chronological description or biography. The last paragraphs of the entry give a physical description or characteristics of the character with some speculations; the final paragraph gives the topic's alternative names, epithets, translation to other languages, and/or redirects to other entries.

The ''Guide'' is generally inclusive and there is no limitation to the topics it covers; it includes even obscure and little explored topics, like individual entries on each single name of the [[Tengwar]]. Many entries are simply epithets and only redirect to the names of their main entries.

The book begins with an introduction, an abbreviations legend, and concludes with two appendices. The first appendix is a [[Timeline/First Age|chronology]] of the [[First Age]] in order to complement the [[Appendix B|Tale of Years]], and contains a prologue on Foster's reasoning and calculations based solely on descriptions in the ''Silmarillion''; the second appendix is genealogical trees of the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]], the [[Kings of Númenor]], the [[Kings of Gondor]] and [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]], the [[House of Húrin]], and the [[Kings of Rohan]].

==Differences between editions==
=====US editions<ref>Edgecomb, Kevin P. (2022) "A Publication History of The Complete Guide to Middle-earth by Robert Foster," Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 2. Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol14/iss1/2 (Accessed 19 July 2022)</ref>=====
'''1971''' — ''A Guide to Middle-earth'', published by Mirage Press. This edition contained only information from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit]]'', as it was before the publication of ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. It was also included in a four-volume boxed set: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: the Man and His Myth]]''.

'''1978''' — ''The Complete Guide to Middle-earth'', published by [[Ballantine Books]]. This is the revised and expanded edition, incorporating content from ''The Silmarillion'' (1977). The book length is almost doubled, extending the number of entries from 2276 to 3257. However, as it does not include information on post-''Silmarillion'' material (i.e. ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), this edition contains some statements contradicted by later publications.

'''2001''' — further revised, including "further entries and information based on [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s efforts".<ref>Nelson, Charles W. Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, vol. 13, no. 2 (50), 2002, pp. 190–92. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43308582. (Accessed 19 July 2022)</ref> Published by Ballantine Books.

=====UK editions=====
'''1978 & 1993''' — first by [[George Allen & Unwin]] then by [[HarperCollins]], the text is based on the 1978 Ballantine edition. By the time of 1993 the editions of Tolkien’s works to which the references are keyed were long out of print.

'''2003''' — by HarperCollins. This edition is richly illustrated by [[Ted Nasmith]], with front cover and 50 interior illustrations. It includes an 8-page commentary on the illustrations, written by the artist. It has been well-received for its illustrations, paper, and binding. However, as pointed out by [[Christina Scull]],<ref>{{HM|A}}Hammond, Wayne G.; Scull, Christina, ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography]]''</ref> the book suffers from several issues: the relegation of all references formerly in the entries to an appendix, and an unfortunate inconsistency in italicization, which makes cross-referencing difficult.

'''2022''' — a new edition was released in [[1 September]], [[2022]], by HarperCollins. This edition includes several more of Ted Nasmith's illustrations, and has received some small revisions. It also comes with a deluxe version.<ref> {{webcite|articleurl=https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-complete-guide-to-middle-earth/robert-foster/ted-nasmith/9780008537814|articlename=The Complete Guide to Middle-earth: The Definitive Guide to the World of J.R.R. Tolkien (Hardback)|website=[https://www.waterstones.com/christmas Waterstones]|accessed=1-September-2022|accessed=16-October-2022}}</ref>

==Accuracy==
Since no edition of the book includes info on post-''Silmarillion'' material (i.e. ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series), in points it could be outdated or in error.
*'''Introduction''': It is explained that death dates of those who sailed to the West are not given in their characters' entries because "they may live still". While this can be true for [[Gandalf]] and the [[Elves]], this is also implied for [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Gimli]]. This may contradict Tolkien's concept that the Undying Lands do not grant [[immortality]].<ref>{{L|154}}</ref><ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

*'''[[Tar-Aldarion]]''': Foster speculates that the tragic relations with his [[Tar-Meneldur|father]] and [[Erendis|wife]] were because he left no male heirs. The later published text ''[[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife|Aldarion and Erendis]]'' gives a detailed account on their relationship, mostly owing to Aldarion's obsession with [[the Sea]].

*'''[[Ambar]]''': Foster relates the [[Elvish]] words ''ambar'' ("world") and ''[[umbar]]'' ("fate"). In the entry of Ambar, he mentions it is a concept related to fate of the world. The manuscript ''[[Parma Eldalamberon 17|Words Phrases and Passages]]'' later showed that while the two words are indeed related (through the [[Sundocarme|root]] ''[[MBAR]]'' "settle"), they are distinct in meaning.

*'''[[Elendilmir|Star of Elendil]]''': The royal symbol Elendilmir, and the [[Star of the Dúnedain]] given by [[Aragorn]] to [[Samwise Gamgee]], are considered to be the same. This was not agreed by [[Christopher Tolkien]].<ref>{{UT|7}}, Footnote 33, p. 284</ref>

*'''[[Buckland]]''': The date {{FoA|42}} is mentioned as the date when Buckland and the [[Westmarch]] were officially added to the [[Shire]] by the gift of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. There are two mistakes in this statement: 1. The date has been corrected as {{SR|1452}} in later editions of the ''Lord of the Rings''; 2. Tolkien did not mention that Buckland joined the Shire: in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings Prologue|Prologue]]'' a semi-colon is intended to show that the Westmarch was added, but not Buckland.<ref>See [[Buckland#Part_of_the_Shire.3F|here]] and the [[Talk:Buckland|discussion here]]</ref>

*'''[[Dolmed]]''': Foster suggests that the mountain was perhaps destroyed at the end of the [[First Age]] when the [[Gulf of Lune]], broke through the [[Blue Mountains]]; while this may be true, the text does not mention anything about it.<ref>[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/ Hiswelókë], "[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=en&pg=41 Mont Dolmed & cités naines]"</ref>

*'''[[Gollum]]''': Foster mentions that [[Déagol]] was [[Sméagol]]'s cousin while this is not mentioned in the texts. Tolkien went only as far as to suppose he was "evidently a relative (as no doubt all the members of the small community were)"<ref>{{L|214}}</ref>

*'''[[Gwaihir]]''': Foster reproduces the fan conception merging the character of the [[Great Eagle]] of ''The Hobbit'' to that of [[Gwaihir]], whereas nowhere is it implied in ''The Lord of the Rings'' that Gwaihir is [[Lord of the Eagles]].

==Publication gallery==
;US editions
{{Gallery
|width=120
|height=125
|lines=2
|File:Complete Guide us 1971.jpeg ‎|1971 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide us 1974.jpeg |1974 paperback
|File:Complete Guide us 1978.png |1978 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide us 1979.jpeg |1979 paperback
|File:Complete Guide us 1985.jpeg |1979 paperback 5th impression
|File:Complete Guide us 2001.jpeg |2001 paperback
|File:Complete Guide us 2003.jpg |2003 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide us 2001 new.jpeg |2001 paperback ?th impression
}}
*Mirage Press, hardcover ([[1971]]), pp. 298.
*[[Ballantine Books]] paperback ([[1974]]), ISBN 034524138X - (cover art by [[Tim Kirk]])
*[[Ballantine Books]] hardcover ([[1978]]), pp. 576. ISBN 0345275209 - (cover art by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]])
*[[Ballantine Books]] paperback ([[1979]]), ISBN 0345279751
**1979 paperback edition, 5th impression ([[1985]])
*[[Ballantine Books]] paperback ([[2001]]), ISBN 0345449762
*[[Ballantine Books]] hardcover ([[2003]]), ISBN 0345465296
**2001 paperback edition, ?th impression (?)

;UK editions
{{Gallery
|width=120
|height=125
|lines=2
|File:Complete Guide uk 1978 hc.jpeg ‎|1978 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide uk 1978 pb.jpeg |1978 paperback
|File:Complete Guide uk 1988.jpeg |1978 paperback ?th impression
|File:Complete Guide uk 1993.jpeg |1993 paperback
|File:Complete Guide uk 2003.jpeg |2003 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide uk 2022 hc.jpeg |2022 hardcover
|File:Complete Guide uk 2022 de.jpeg |2022 hardcover deluxe edition
|File:Complete Guide uk 2025 pb.jpg |2025 paperback
}}
*[[George Allen & Unwin]] hardcover ([[1978]]), pp. 468. ISBN 0048030023
*[[Unwin Paperbacks]] paperback ([[1978]]), ISBN 0048030015
**1978 paperback edition, ?th impression ([[1988]]?) - (cover art by [[Linda Garland]])
*[[HarperCollins]] paperback ([[1993]]), ISBN 0261102524
*[[HarperCollins]] hardcover ([[2003]]), pp. 528. ISBN 0007169426 - (illustrated by [[Ted Nasmith]])
*[[HarperCollins]] hardcover ([[2022]]), pp. 512. ISBN 000853781X - (illust. by T. N.)
*[[HarperCollins]] hardcover with slipcase ([[2022]]), ISBN 0008537828 - (illust. by T. N.)
*[[HarperCollins]] paperback ([[2025]]), ISBN 0008613214

==External links==
* [https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=42219#forumpost42219 Review of the 2022 edition] on [[Tolkienguide.com| Tolkien Collector's Guide]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYwcTE0nrgk&t=681s&ab_channel=TolkienCollector%27sGuide Robert Foster and Ted Nasmith Discuss The Complete Guide to Middle-earth new edition] (an interview with [[Tolkienguide.com| Tolkien Collector's Guide]])

{{references}}
{{Publishedmajorbooks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Complete Guide to Middle-earth, The}}
{{title|italics}}
[[Category:Publications by title]]
[[Category:Reference books]]
[[de:Das große Mittelerde-Lexikon]]
[[fi:The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]

Later Ages

2024-03-30T00:10:34Z

Jamie Eilat: /* The Nature of Middle-earth */ spacing

__NOTOC__
{{unnamed}}
{{expansion}}
{{History of Arda}}
This article concerns the '''later Ages''', defined for the purposes of this article as the [[Ages]] that took place after the ending of the [[Fourth Age]].

According to one of the drafts of the ''[[Appendices]]'', it is said of the Fourth Age:

{{blockquote|Of [[Eldarion]] son of [[Aragorn|Elessar]] it was foretold that he should rule a great [[Reunited Kingdom|realm]], and '''that it should endure for a hundred generations of [[Men]] after him, that is until a new age brought in again new things'''; and from him should come the kings of many realms in long days after.|''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', "[[The Tale of Years of the Third Age]]"<ref>{{PM|Third}}, pp. 244-5</ref>}}

== History ==
=== ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'' ===
In the ''[[Letter 211]]'' that [[Tolkien]] wrote on [[14 October]] [[1958]] to [[Rhona Beare]], he writes that the time gap between the fall of [[Barad-dûr]] (in {{TA|3019}}) and the present-day (as in 1958, at the time that Tolkien wrote the said letter) was c. 6,000 years.

Therefore, Tolkien concluded that in 1958, the world was nearer to the end of the '''Fifth Age''', if the subsequent Ages were of the same length as the [[Second Age|Second]] and the [[Third Age|Third]] Ages.

However, he ultimately concluded that the Ages have "quickened", and that the world was now (in 1958, that is) at the end of its '''Sixth Age''', or maybe even in the Seventh.<ref>{{L|211}}, ''footnote'', p. 283</ref>

=== ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]'' ===
[[File:Peter Bird - Middle-earth.jpg|thumb|Composite geophysical map of Middle-earth and modern Europe by Peter Bird.]]
In a [[1960]] text called ''[[The Awaking of the Quendi]]'', Tolkien explicitly calls the year 1960 AD (the year in which he was writing the text) as the year 1960 of the '''Seventh Age'''.

In that text Tolkien connects the beginning of the Seventh Age (i.e. {{SeA|1}}) with the [[Old Hope|incarnation]] of [[Ilúvatar]] (that is, the birth of [[wikipedia:Jesus|Jesus Christ]] in [[wikipedia:AD 1|1 AD]] according to the real-world ''[[wikipedia:Anno Domini|Anno Domini]]'' reckoning of the [[Christianity|Catholic Church]]).

Tolkien also goes on to say that the time-gap between the year 1960 of the Seventh Age (i.e. 1960 AD) and the [[Years of the Sun|Year of the Sun]] {{FA|310|n}} of the [[First Age]]<ref group="note">{{FA|310}} was the year in which the first [[Men]], the [[Edain]], entered [[Beleriand]].</ref> was 16,000 years.<ref>{{NM|P1vi}}, p. 39</ref>

This makes it possible to calculate when some of the in-universe Ages happened in relation to the real-world chronology:

*1) The end of the First Age ({{FA|590}}) corresponds to the year [[wikipedia:Timeline of prehistory#Upper Paleolithic|13,760 BC]]
*2) The end of the Second Age ({{SA|3441}}) corresponds to the year [[wikipedia:Timeline of prehistory#Upper Paleolithic|10,319 BC]]
*3) The end of the Third Age ({{TA|3021}}) corresponds to the year [[wikipedia:8th millennium BC|7,298 BC]]

While the average duration of the Fourth through Sixth Ages would be c. 2,430 years.<ref>{{NM|P1vi}}, ''Notes'', Note 30, p. 43</ref>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
{{stub}}
Later in his life, Tolkien wrote about the possibility that during the [[Changing of the World]], the [[Valar]] and the [[Calaquendi]] left the world spiritually, while the landmass of [[Aman]] remained, and became the Americas.<ref>{{NM|P3xv}}</ref>
== Inspiration ==
{{stub}}
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''[[2000]]: ''[[Tolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopedia]]'':'''
[[David Day]] displays some chronological evolution of [[Arda]], from the "Age of the Lamps" to the Third Age, while in the later Ages the illustrations show how Middle-earth changed geologically to resemble modern Europe, while and a continent resembling the Americas forming west of [[Belegaer]].
{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Later Ages}}

[[Category:Ages]]
[[Category:Later Ages| ]]

Elves

2024-03-21T08:15:13Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Decline */ "At" → "By"

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Elves
| image=[[File:Janka Latečková - Vanyar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Vanyar" by [[:Category:Images by Janka Latečková|Janka Latečková]]
| pronun=
| othernames=People of the Stars, Firstborn, Elder Children of Ilúvatar
| origin=Firstborn of the [[Children of Ilúvatar|Children]] of [[Ilúvatar]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]], [[Tirion]], [[Taniquetil]], [[Formenos]], [[Alqualondë]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Doriath]], [[Falas]], [[Hithlum]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Vinyamar]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Gondolin]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mouths of Sirion]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Lindon]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Orcs]], [[Dwarves]]
| language=Various [[Elvish]] languages, most notably [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]; [[Westron]]
| people=[[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], [[Teleri]], [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]], [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]], [[Falmari]], [[Avari]]
| members=[[Ingwë]], [[Thingol]], [[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Galadriel]], [[Finrod]], [[Sons of Fëanor]], [[Lúthien]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Idril]], [[Maeglin]], [[Círdan]], [[Celeborn]], [[Celebrimbor]]
| lifespan=[[Arda]]'s existence; near [[immortality]]
| distinctions=
| height=Tall
| skin=Pale, occasionally ruddy
| hair=Blond, black, brown, red, and occasionally silver
| clothing=
| weapons=Typically swords and bows
}}
{{quote|But the Quendi shall be the fairest of all earthly creatures, and they shall have and shall conceive and bring forth more beauty than all my Children; and they shall have the greater bliss in this world|[[Ilúvatar]] in ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Beginning of Days]]"}}
The '''Elves''' (''[[Quendi]]'') were the first of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], known also as the [[Firstborn]] for that reason. The Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the [[Men]] and the [[Dwarves]], especially by the fact of their near [[immortality]].

==History==
===Awakening===
{{main|Awakening of the Elves}}

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]] About the same time that [[Varda]], Queen of the [[Valier]], ended her labours in creating the [[Stars]], the Elves awoke beside the lake [[Cuiviénen]]. The first things they saw were the stars, and henceforth they adored them. The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, the noise and splash of water on the stones. And henceforth they loved water as well.

They made speech then, and called themselves the ''[[Quendi]]''. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among them. When one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanish. It is believed that Melkor may have created [[Orcs]] with the elves he captured.

[[Oromë]], the Huntsman of the [[Valar]], happened upon them when he heard their singing far-off. He was amazed to see them, and called them the ''Eldar'', "People of the Stars".

===Sundering===
{{main|Sundering of the Elves}}

[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg |thumb|right|250px|''Oromë espies the first Elves'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]] Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman, as the lies of Melkor claimed. He had the light of [[Aman]] in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.

After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]], [[Manwë]], King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him, beginning the [[Battle of the Powers]]. After a great battle and a siege against [[Utumno]], which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of [[Mandos]]. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them, they were captivated by the beauty of the elves.

At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]) agreed. But others, henceforth called the [[Avari]], declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of [[Middle-earth]]. So the Elves were first sundered. During the journey to [[Belegaer]], gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away. Some of the [[Teleri]] (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the [[Misty Mountains]], and settled in [[Anduin]] under the leadership of [[Lenwë]], to be called later the [[Nandor]]. Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the [[Noldor]] (kindred of Finwë) and [[Vanyar]] (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.

After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri. Some, under [[Olwë]], relented and followed. Others remained to continue to search for Elwë. Still others, under [[Círdan]], remained because in that time they had become devoted to [[Ossë]] and the Sea. Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the [[Sindar]]. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with [[Melian]], returned to claim lordship and establish them in [[Doriath]]. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of [[Tirion]] and [[Alqualondë]] (respectively) in Aman. The Vanyar dwelt in [[Valimar]], for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.

===Exile of the Noldor===
{{main|Exile of the Noldor}}

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Coming of Fingolfin'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]] Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the [[Silmarils]], captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] – and his own heart. After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar. In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into [[Beleriand]].

===Battles of Beleriand===
{{main|Battles of Beleriand}}

There were five great battles fought in Beleriand. The [[First Battle]] was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as [[Thingol]]). Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated [[Return of the Noldor]], the tables were reversed in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]. The third battle (“[[Dagor Aglareb]]”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from [[Angband]]. This only resulted in the vigilant [[Siege of Angband]]. Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, [[Dagor Bragollach]], which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them [[Fingolfin]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. The siege was broken. Several decades later, [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of [[Hithlum]]. It was not half a century later that [[Gondolin]], the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was [[Fall of Gondolin|destroyed]]. [[Doriath]], the centre of the [[Sindar]]in realm, was sacked by [[Dwarves]].[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and the Battle of Eagles and Dragons.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Eärendil and The Battle of Eagles and Dragons'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

===Salvation===
{{main|War of Wrath}}

With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the [[Mouths of Sirion]] and [[Isle of Balar|Balar]] and were led by Gil-galad and Círdan. Among them was [[Eärendil]], the son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]]. Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to [[Valinor]] to beg the pardon of the Valar. His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to [[Middle-earth]], and in the [[War of Wrath]] thrust Morgoth into the [[Void]] and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; some accepted, but many others, under [[Gil-galad]], chose to remain.

===Decline===

[[File:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|right|150px|''Celebrimbor'' by [[Angus McBride]]]] Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, [[Sauron]], his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.

During this time the Elves realized how [[Men]] were rising to take their place, and Sauron exploited their longing for the Undying Lands. [[Annatar]] corrupted [[Celebrimbor]], the grandson of Fëanor, to make the [[Rings of Power]], with the [[Three Rings]] being created specifically to preserve the Elves against the ravages of time. Annatar was a guise of Sauron who also forged a ring – [[the One Ring]]. However the Elves realised the deception and defied Sauron, who then [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged War against them]]. In the following centuries Elves continued to heed the invitation of the Valar, desire the Sea and depart for the Undying Lands. Realms such as [[Dol Amroth]] were deserted and gave their place to Men.

It was not until the end of the Third Age that the One Ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same time. In the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.

Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves apparently had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining at least in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lindon]]. [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]] appeared abandoned around the time of [[King Elessar]]'s and [[Arwen]]'s death.<ref name=AppTale>{{App|Tale}}</ref> The [[Last Ship]] of the Elves, carrying [[Cirdan]] and [[Celeborn]],<ref>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref> apparently sailed early in the [[Fourth Age]].<ref name=AppTale/>

The remaining Elves in [[Middle-earth]] eventually faded, as their spirits overwhelmed and consumed their bodies. By the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as ''Lingerers'', except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref> [[Ilúvatar]] had not revealed the role of the Elves after [[the End]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref>

==Life and customs==
:''Main articles: ''[[Elven characteristics]], [[Elven life cycle]], and [[Elven customs]]''

Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair colour varied; but the basic rules were that the [[Noldor]] generally had dark hair (brown or black), the [[Vanyar]] golden, and the [[Teleri]] silver or dark. Their eyes are usually described as grey or blue.
[[File:Elena Kukanova - A child of the Elder Race.jpg|thumb|''A child of the Elder Race'' by Elena Kukanova]]
Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly. They were considered fully-grown at about a century. They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.

Their most distinguishing characteristic from the [[Mortals|Mortal]] races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow, they would live to the end of the world. Unlike Men whose [[fëar]] (spirits) left Arda when their bodies died, Elves' fëar were bound to Arda until its ending. If an Elf's hröa (body) died, its fëa would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where the Valar could re-embody the Elf in a hröa that was identical to the Elf's previous hröa. However, if an Elf committed evil acts during their lifetime and refused to repent, the Valar could delay the Elf's re-embodiment, impose conditions on it, or refuse it altogether.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}, p. 339</ref><ref>{{PM|Last}}, pp. 380, 389</ref> An Elf could refuse the summons to Mandos or choose to remain disembodied,<ref name=P4i></ref><ref>{{PM|XI2}}, p. 334</ref> but the Elf's houseless fëa would still be unable to leave Arda.

==Arts, crafts, powers and magic==
{{Main|Magic}}
Other races often spoke of 'Elf magic', or of objects made by Elves as if they contained enchantments. It is unclear how accurate it is to call Elvish arts and crafts 'magic' or 'enchanted'. Elves themselves only used these words when attempting to simplify or clarify how elvish-made things seemed to have a special quality that no other races were able to achieve. Powerful Elves seemed to have control over nature and the elements, their clothes seemed to shine with their own light, their blades seemed to never lose their sharpness. Less educated folks could not explain these effects, so they simply called them 'magic'.

Elf-minstrels had the gift to make visions of the things they sung before their audiences.<Ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref>

==Major divisions==
{{familytree/start|align=center}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |QUE| | | | | | | | | | | | QUE=[[Quendi]] All Elves }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |)|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |ELD| | | || AVA| | | | | | ELD=[[Eldar]] West-elves|AVA=[[Avari]] The Unwilling }}
{{familytree | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | |VAN| | |NOL| | |TEL| | | | | | | | | VAN=[[Vanyar]] Fair-elves|NOL=[[Noldor]] Deep-elves|TEL=[[Teleri]] The Hindmost }}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| |!| | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |AMA| | | |EXI|!| | | | | | | | | | | AMA=Amanyar Noldor Noldor of [[Aman]]|EXI=[[Exile of the Noldor|Etyañgoldi]] Exiled Noldor }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | |FAL| | |SIN| | |NAN| | | | | | FAL=[[Falmari]] Sea-elves of [[Aman]]|SIN=[[Sindar]] Grey-elves of [[Beleriand]]|NAN=[[Nandor]] Followers of [[Lenwë]] }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |LAQ| | | |SIL| | LAQ=[[Laiquendi]] Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]]|SIL=[[Silvan Elves]] Wood-elves }}
{{familytree/end}}

When Oromë invited the Elves to Valinor, those who followed him on the Great Journey were called the Eldar,<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}} while those who refused were called the Avari.<ref name=S3>{{S|3}}</ref> The Eldar were divided into three clans−the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri.<ref name=S3 /> All of the Vanyar and Noldor reached Aman. Two groups of Teleri abandoned the Great Journey: the Nandor, who came to live in the [[Vale of Anduin]],<ref name=S3 /> and the Sindar, who remained in Beleriand.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref> The Nandor eventually split into the Laiquendi, who migrated into Beleriand and settled in [[Ossiriand]], and the Silvan Elves, who established realms in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]]. Those Teleri who completed the Great Journey and settled in Aman were called the Falmari.<ref name=S3 /> Those Noldor who later returned to Middle-earth in exile were called the ''Etyañgoldi''.<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}}

==Languages==
{{main|Elvish}}

[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''Lore'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
The term ''quendi'' refers to all Elves, meaning "speakers", calling themselves so at Cuiviénen before having contact with any other race<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|372}} as they were the first speaking beings. Their ancient language was divided in other languages and dialects after their sundering.

The Elves also invented the [[Cirth]] and [[Tengwar]] scripts to write them.
*'''[[Primitive Quendian]]'''
**'''[[Avarin]]'''
***'''Various Avarin languages''' (some later merged with Nandorin)
**'''[[Common Eldarin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Eldar]] of the Great Journey)
***'''[[Quenya]]''' (the language of the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]])
****''' ''[[Quendya]]'' (also ''Vanyarin Quenya'') ''' (daily tongue of the Vanyar: closest to archaic Quenya)
****''' ''Noldorin Quenya'' (also ''[[Exilic Quenya]]'') ''' (the "Elven Latin" of Middle-earth)
***'''[[Common Telerin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Lindar]])
****'''[[Telerin]]''' (the language of the [[Falmari]] who reached the [[Undying Lands]])
****'''[[Nandorin]]''' (languages of the [[Nandor]] — some were influenced by Avarin)
*****'''Original language of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]]'''
*****'''Original language of [[Lothlórien|Lórinand]]'''
****'''[[Sindarin]]''' (language of the [[Sindar]])
*****'''[[Doriathrin]]''' (dialect of [[Doriath]])
*****'''[[Falathrin]]''' (dialect of the [[Falas]] and [[Nargothrond]])
*****'''[[North Sindarin]]''' (dialects of [[Dorthonion]] and [[Hithlum]])
******'''[[Gondor Sindarin]]''' (dialect of [[Gondor]])

==Inspiration==
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Beleg.jpg|thumb|right|Detail of a [[:File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Fangorn Forest.jpg|drawing]] with [[Beleg]], a rare depiction of an Elf made by Tolkien]]
===Languages===
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] developed the Elves (and his whole [[legendarium]]) to serve as a setting for his languages that he constructed according to his [[lámatyávë|personal sense of beauty]]. His Elven languages are of special interest to many Tolkien scholars. His most developed are [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], along with more obscure dialects for which he invented (at best) a small vocabulary, usually in earlier stages of his creation.

===Germanic influence===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', a diminutive fairy-like race of elves had once been a great and mighty people who had "diminished" as Men took over the world.<ref name="bolt1" /><ref>{{HM|LT2}}</ref><ref name="Fimi">[[Dimitra Fimi]], [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2386/is_2_117/ai_n16676591 "Mad" Elves and "elusive beauty": some Celtic strands of Tolkien's mythology] in ''Folklore'', vol. 117, iss. 2, August 2006, pp. 156–170</ref> They were influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Elf|Elves]] of Northern European mythologies, especially the god-like and human-sized ''[[Wikipedia:Light elf|Ljósálfar]]'' of Norse mythology,<ref>[[Tom Shippey]], ''[[The Road to Middle-earth]]''</ref> also appearing in medieval works such as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'', the Welsh [[Pwyll Prince of Dyved|Mabinogion]], [[The Fall of Arthur|Arthurian romances]] and the legends of the [[Wikipedia:Tuatha Dé Danann|Tuatha Dé Danann]].<ref name="Anderson1">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and [[Douglas A. Anderson]] (ed.), ''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]'', p. 120</ref>

Terry Gunnell also claims that the relationship between beautiful ships and the Elves is reminiscent of Njörðr and Skíðblaðni, Freyr's ship.<ref name="Articles"/>

===Celtic influence===
Tolkien expressed a dislike in Celtic legends and denied that his legendarium is "Celtic",<ref>{{HM|Bio}}, p. 26</ref> however it is believed that Celtic Mythology had a great influence on Tolkien's writings on Elves <ref>[[John Garth]], ''[[Tolkien and the Great War]]'', p. 222</ref><ref name="Articles">Terry Gunnell, "[http://www.hi.is/Apps/WebObjects/HI.woa/wa/dp?detail=1004509&name=nordals_en_greinar_og_erindi ''Tívar'' in a Timeless Land: Tolkien's Elves]" conference lecture delivered on 13 September 2002</ref> and some of the stories Tolkien wrote as their 'legends' are directly influenced by it.<ref name="Fimi"/> For example, the [[Noldor]] are based on the Tuatha Dé Danann in the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'', and their migratory nature comes from early Irish/Celtic history.<ref name="Fimi"/> John Garth has also referenced the Tuatha Dé Danann in suggesting Tolkien was essentially rewriting Irish fairy traditions.

Tolkien also retains the usage of the Celtic and popular term 'fairy' for the same creatures.<ref>[[Marjorie J. Burns]], ''[[Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'' ([[2005]]), p. 22</ref> The Elves are also called fair folk (based on [[Welsh]] ''Tylwyth teg'' 'the beautiful kindred' = fairies)<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 757 cf. "Fair folk"</ref> although they are unrelated to fairies.

===Eschatology===
The larger Elves are also inspired by Tolkien's [[Christianity|Christian theology]] — as representing the state of Men in Eden who have not yet "[[Wikipedia:Fall of Man|fallen]]" — similar to humans but fairer and wiser, with greater spiritual powers, keener senses, and a closer empathy with nature, freed from human limitations, immortal, with wills directly effective for the achievement of imagination and desire.<ref name="Carpenter"/>

===Fairies===
Traditional "Victorian" dancing [[fairies]] and elves appear in Tolkien's early poetry,<ref name = "bolt1">{{HM|LT1}}</ref> and have influence upon his later works<ref>[[Dimitra Fimi]], "[http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/working_with_english/Fimi_31_05_06.pdf Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay: Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien]". ''Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama''. Retrieved 11/01/08</ref> in part due to the influence of a production of J.M. Barrie's ''Peter Pan'' in [[Birmingham]] in 1910<ref name="Carpenter">[[Humphrey Carpenter]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''</ref> and his familiarity with the work of Catholic mystic poet, Francis Thompson<ref name="Carpenter" /> whose work Tolkien had acquired in 1914.<ref name="bolt1" />

In ''The Book of Lost Tales'' Tolkien includes both the more serious 'medieval' type of elves such as [[Fëanor]] and [[Turgon]] alongside the frivolous, "Jacobean-era" type of elves such as the [[Solosimpi]] and [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]].<ref name="Anderson1" />

Tolkien also developed the idea of children visiting [[Valinor]] in their sleep. Elves would also visit and comfort chided or upset children at night. This theme was largely abandoned.<ref>{{LT1|I}}</ref>

However after the publication of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien repeatedly expressed his misgivings concerning the undesirable associations of the name "elf" like those of ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', the Victorian notions of fairies or mischievous imps, the imaginations of Michael Drayton or the fanciful beings with butterfly wings.

He proposed that in [[translations of The Lord of the Rings|translations]] the "oldest available form of the name" be used for more elevated notions of beings "supposed to possess formidable magical powers in early Teutonic mythology" ([[OED]] viz. the [[Old English]] ''ælf'', from Proto-Germanic ''*albo-z''). Tolkien warned against associations to the debased English notion of ''elfin'' and suggested that Germans would not translate his ''Elves'' as ''Elfen'', which might retain the undesirable images.

He rather suggested words such as ''Alp'' or ''Alb'', historically the more normal form and true cognate of English ''elf''.<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 756, s.v. "Elven-smiths".</ref> [[Margaret Carroux]] chose the word ''Elben'' (singular ''Elb'') in her translation.

{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Elben]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]
[[fi:Haltiat]]

Elven life cycle

2024-03-21T08:09:39Z

Jamie Eilat: Correct that faded elves are not disembodied; see Talk:Elven life cycle#Corrections

{{quote|[[Yén]]i ve lintë yuldar avánier [...] lisse [[miruvor|Miruvóreva]] (The long years have passed like swift draughts of the sweet mead)|[[Namárië]]}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|300px|''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Owing to their longevity, the [[Elves]] had a very different '''Life cycle''' than [[Men]]. Most of the following information strictly refers only to the [[Eldar]]—but much could probably be applied to the [[Avari]] as well.

==Early life==
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Feanoreans - Family picture.jpg|thumb|left|''Family picture'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Elves are born about one year after their begetting.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|209-10}}
Elves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly.<ref name=Laws>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>{{rp|209-10}} In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill,<ref name=NotesB>{{MR|P3II3e}}</ref>{{rp|228}} whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}

Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}

==Sexuality, marriage, and parenthood==
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|''Love at First Sight'' by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]]]]
Elves marry for love, or at least with free will from both parties, typically early in life. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|229}} By their very nature, they are "seldom swayed by the desires of the body" or influenced by lust.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} They marry only once for it was ruled by Manwë that, "'since the Elves are by nature permanent in life within Arda, so also is their unmarred marriage.'"<ref name=marriage>{{MR|P3II3d}}</ref>{{rp|225}} [[Finwë]], the [[King of the Noldor]], was an exception. After his [[Míriel|first wife]] died, from passing the majority of her life into [[Fëanor]],<ref name=LawsA>{{MR|P3II3f}}</ref>{{rp|237}} and refused to be re-embodied, Finwë was permitted to marry again. This was pronounced by [[Mandos|Námo]] as the '[[Statute of Finwë and Míriel]]'.<ref name=marriage/>{{rp|226}}

Spouses may choose each other, in their youth, and be betrothed long before they are married. The betrothal is subject to parental approval from both houses unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon. At which point, the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange silver rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year. A betrothal is revocable by a public return of the rings, which will then be molten, but revocation was rarely needed because "the Eldar do not err lightly" in the choice of their partner.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.

Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings, which they keep, and receive "slender rings of gold" which are worn upon "the index of the right hand."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} In Noldor tradition, the bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn and the bridegroom's father gives a similar gift to the bride. These ceremonies and traditions were only a way for the parents to show their love and to mark a respectful recognition of the two houses which would be joined. While it was considered "ungracious and contemptuous of kin", in days of peace, "to forgo the ceremonies," it was completely lawful for a couple to be married without them.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The indissoluble union was completed solely by the "act of bodily union" which achieved marriage.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} Technically, without ceremony or witnesses, only blessings exchanged between the bride and groom, including speaking of the name of [[Eru]], and consummation are required for marriage.

[[File:Tuuliky - Lumen Melma.jpg|thumb|left|''Lumen Melma'' by [[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]]]]
The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special for "the union of love is indeed to them great delight and joy."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} Extra-marital sex would be against their nature because they can "read at once in the eyes and voice of another whether they be wed or unwed"; they would release their own spirit to Mandos before succumbing to rape, and premarital sex would create marriage which makes the term itself a misnomer.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}} "There is no record of any among the Elves that [actually] took another's spouse by force" though [[Maeglin]] made the wrongful attempt to steal [[Idril]].<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}}<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|169}}

Spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time. Though united in body and spirit, they remain individuals with different gifts of mind and body to pursue.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} However, a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood, such as by war, would be so grievous to the couple, and hurtful to the child, that they prefer to have children in peaceful times.<ref name=Rebirth>{{MR|P3II3c}}</ref>{{rp|221}}

Elves typically have four children or fewer. [[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]], who had [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]], were a notable exception.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 4}} Whenever the Eldar married, whether in youth or in later life, their children were produced within a relatively short time after their wedding. However, in mortal count, a century or two may pass before the begetting of the first child and even longer between child and child.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} After their time of children, the desire to procreate soon ceases. They turn their powers of body and mind to other tasks and arts. Nonetheless, they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest times of their lives.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}}

There are examples that appear to contradict this ideal. An example of extreme marital strife among the Eldar is the case of [[Eöl]] and [[Aredhel]], where Eöl tried to restrain his wife from living the life of her choice. As a result, Aredhel left Eöl without his knowing, and took their son, Maeglin, with her back to [[Gondolin]]. The end result was that Eöl sought revenge upon his own family, and while seeking to slay his rebellious son, slew his wife accidentally.<ref name="SilmMaeglin">{{S|Maeglin}}</ref> Another example of great discontent developed between Fëanor and Nerdanel after the theft of the [[Silmarils]]. Nerdanel did not wish to be parted from all her children nor did she wish to follow her husband against the [[Valar]]'s wishes. Fëanor's harsh response was that, if she would not follow him, she was an untrue wife for deserting both her husband and her children.<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Feanor}}</ref>{{rp|354}}

[[Celegorm]]'s pursuit of [[Lúthien]] and [[Maeglin]]'s attraction to [[Idril]] are cases of elves who sought disinterested partners. The desire for these unwilling wives was mixed with a desire for power. While unrequited love was known to happen, few of the Eldar responded so negatively to it.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} [[Indis]] loved [[Finwë]] with secret admiration but remained contently unwed because he was married.<ref name=LawsA/>{{rp|238}} [[Turgon]], Idril's father, denied Maeglin's suit for Idril's hand because he believed that Maeglin sought power more than the love of his daughter.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|165}} In Celegorm's case, he was motivated to claim Lúthien as his bride to force her father, [[Thingol]], to ally with the [[Fëanorians]] during the [[Siege of Angband]]. However, [[Huan]] and [[Beren]] defended Lúthien, against the attempted bride-stealing by Celegorm and the later attack by [[Curufin]].<ref name=Beren>{{S|Beren}}</ref>

==Daily life==
Elves preoccupy themselves with various arts, such as: smithwork, sculpture, weaving, music, lore, and healing. Males and females have equal skill in all things, not concerned with the bringing forth of children; however, the females often specialize in the arts of healing while the men go to war.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} This is because the Elves believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. Women who hunted would not specialize in healing, and men who healed would refrain from hunting and only fight when absolutely necessary, for "the virtue . . . in this matter [of healing] was due . . . to their abstaining from hunting or war."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213-4}}

==Later life==
[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|thumb|''[[Círdan]]'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
Eventually, if they did not die in battle or from some other cause, Elves, such as Noldor and [[Teleri]], of [[Middle-earth]] grew weary and desired to go to [[Valinor]], where the [[Valar]] sheltered their kind. This was known as the sea-longing.<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> Those who wished to leave for the Undying Lands went by ships provided at the [[Grey Havens]], where [[Círdan]] the Shipwright dwelt with his folk. Those, of any Elven people, who did not perish through bodily death or depart from Middle-earth across the sea would eventually fade. Fading occurred when their ''[[fëar]]'' 'consumed' their bodies and the body became merely a memory of the ''fëa''. Elves in this faded state were completely invisible to mortal eyes, except for those among Men "into whose minds they may [[ósanwë|enter directly]]".<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}}

=="Cycles of life" and ageing==
The Elves distinguished between two distinct modes within their lifecycle: a period of growth (olmië) where they go from conception to physical maturity, and a period of life (coivië) where they live and acquire skill, knowledge, and wisdom.<ref>{{NM|P1xii}}, p. 88</ref>

Elves had no beards, at least until their "third cycle of life", like [[Círdan]]. [[Mahtan]] was an exception, and had a beard in his early "second cycle".<ref>{{VT|41b}}</ref>{{rp|9}} The Elvish beardlessness could also be observed in Mannish lines with an Elvish strain (as in the princely house of [[Dol Amroth]]), which lacked beards.<ref>{{UT|6}}, "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 320 (HarperCollins paperback; 1998)</ref>

While the three cycles are not specifically defined, the first cycle is likely childhood and adolescence, which ended at the 100th year, the second is adulthood which could continue for Ages, and the third is for extremely old Elves; Círdan was the most ancient known Elf in Middle-earth. However, Elves who were not ancient could enter the third stage sooner due to tragic life events. When Lúthien wilfully released her spirit to follow Beren, her father saw her die, and "a winter, as it were the hoar age of mortal Men, fell upon Thingol."<ref name=Beren/>

Apparently, beards, though rare, were the only sign of further natural physical ageing beyond maturity.

Elves did not physically age after they reached maturity, but they did age in a different sense than Men. They became ever more weary of the world and burdened by its sorrows.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref><ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> Círdan seemed to be aged himself since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the [[First Age]].<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> He had been one of the Teleri on the [[Great Journey]] who tarried on the shores of Middle-earth for Thingol's sake, and at the [[Valar]]'s behest, though he had greatly wished to go to Aman.<ref name=last>{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|385-6}} Another aged elf was [[Gwindor]], the people of [[Nargothrond]] had trouble recognizing him after he escaped from being a prisoner of [[Morgoth]] in the pits of [[Angband]] for fourteen years.<ref name=Gwindor>{{S|21}}</ref>

==Death and reincarnation==
[[File:Anna Kulisz - Valar - Mandos.jpg|thumb|250px|left|''Valar - Mandos'' by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]]]
Elves have "limitless serial longevity"<ref>{{L|208}}</ref> (often called [[immortal|immortality]], but true immortality is beyond Eä); like the Ainur, they are bound to Arda until its End. Elves are immune to all diseases, and they can recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|218-9}}

Nonetheless, Elves can be physically slain or die of grief and weariness. Death was unnatural for Elves; [[Ilúvatar]] intended for an Elf's spirit (''[[Fëa and hröa|fëa]]'') and body (''[[Fëa and hröa|hröa]]'') to remain united throughout the entire life of Arda, but this design was disrupted by evils of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{MR|P4g}}</ref>{{rp|330-331}} Should an Elf die, its spirit would be in a state "open to the direct instruction and command of the Valar", and would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]] in Aman as soon as they were disembodied.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|219}} Elves could refuse the summons, but this would suggest that they were tainted. Elves who went to the Halls were, after a period of time, typically given the opportunity to be reincarnated into a body identical to the one that died.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}} If the Elf accepted the opportunity, the Valar would then create the new body for the Elf's spirit; Elven spirits had no power to build such bodies for themselves.<ref name=last>{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|390-391}} But the Valar could, if an Elf committed evil acts and refused to repent or continued to feel ill-will towards others, delay the time of the reincarnation, impose conditions of an Elf's return, or refuse to re-embody an Elf altogether (as was done with Fëanor).<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}}<ref name=last />{{rp|380, 389}} An Elven spirit could also choose to remain disembodied; the Valar had no authority to force Elves to reincarnate.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}</ref>{{rp|339}}<ref>{{PM|XI2}}</ref>{{rp|334}}

Initially, Elves who died in Middle-earth and were re-embodied in Aman could return to Middle-earth if they wished,<ref name="last"/>{{rp|378, 381-382}} but few Elves did so, as the journey was dangerous and they risked dying again. However, while the Noldor were exiled in the First Age, the Valar physically barred travel between Aman and Middle-earth; the only Elf who died and was allowed to return to Middle-earth during this period was [[Lúthien]], and through the grace of Ilúvatar, she returned as a mortal.<ref name=P4i />{{rp|339-340}}<ref name=Beren/> After the Valar pardoned the exiled Noldor at the end of the First Age, travel from Aman to Middle-earth resumed. [[Glorfindel]], who died in the Fall of [[Gondolin]], was reincarnated and returned to Middle-earth, most likely in the Second Age by way of Númenor.<ref name=last />{{rp|377-382}} After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] and the removal of Aman and Tol Eressëa from the Circles of the World near the end of the Second Age, Ilúvatar decreed that Elves were no longer permitted to travel to Middle-earth.<ref name=last />{{rp|380-382}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Elves]]

Red Book of Westmarch

2024-03-20T00:24:25Z

Jamie Eilat: /* History */ Update titles to match the text as printed in LOTR

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Westmarch|[[Westmarch (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=Red Book of Westmarch
| image=[[File:Jeff Reitz - Red Book of Westmarch.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Red Book of Westmarch" by Jeff Reitz
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Undertowers]], [[Westmarch]]
| owner=[[Baggins Family|Bagginses]], [[Gardner Family|Gardners]], [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]]
| type=Manuspript
| appearance=Several volumes bound together in red leather
| creator=[[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] & [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Bagginses]]
| created={{TA|2942}} - {{TA|3021|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Bag End]], [[Rivendell]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Describing events of Quests [[Quest of Erebor|of Erebor]] and [[Quest of the Ring|for Mount Doom]] Containing [[Hobbitish]] [[Translations from the Elvish|translations]] of an Elvish lore
| audio=
| audiocaption=
}}
{{quote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, [[Later Ages|years and years afterwards]]. And people will say: ‘Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring!’ And they’ll say: ‘Yes, that’s one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn’t he, dad?’ ‘Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that’s saying a lot.’|[[Sam Gamgee]]<ref>{{TT|IV8}}, p. 403</ref>}}

The '''Red Book of Westmarch''' (sometimes ''Red Book of the [[Hobbits|Perian]]nath'') is the book in which the [[legendarium]] of [[Middle-earth]] was written. It is bound in red leather.

==History==
The first Red Book was written as a diary by the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]] and recounted his quest for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], which he called ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Preparing to leave for [[Rivendell]] after [[Bilbo's_Farewell_Party|his farewell party]], he took the empty three red volumes with him.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Within it, he also compiled [[Elves|Elven]] lore while retired in [[Rivendell]], namely Bilbo's ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'', legends from the [[Elder Days]], and various Hobbit poems.

[[File:Miriam Ellis - Three Books of Lore.jpg|thumb|left|''Three Books of Lore'' by [[:Category:Images by Miriam Ellis|Miriam Ellis]]]]
Later, shortly before the end of the [[War of the Ring]], he gave the book to his kinsman and heir [[Frodo Baggins]]. The original first volume was Bilbo's private diary, and attached to it, in a single red case, were the three large volumes bound in red leather: the ''Translations'', which he gave to Frodo as a parting gift. Frodo took the book back to [[the Shire]], organized Bilbo's manuscript and used it to write down his own quest during the [[War of the Ring]].

The title page has many titles, several crossed out:
{|style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; max-width:25em;"
|-
|    <s>My Diary.</s> <s>My Unexpected Journey.</s> <s>There and Back Again. And What Happened After.</s>
|-
|    <s>Adventures of Five Hobbits.</s> <s>The Tale of the Great Ring, compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends.</s> <s>What we did in the War of the Ring.</s>
|-
|style="text-align: center;|'''THE DOWNFALL''' '''OF THE''' '''LORD OF THE RINGS''' '''AND THE''' '''RETURN OF THE KING'''
|-
|style="text-align: center;|(as seen by the Little People; being the memoirs of Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, supplemented by the accounts of their friends and the learning of the Wise.)
|-
|style="text-align: center;|Together with extracts from Books of Lore translated by Bilbo in Rivendell.
|}

A lot of background information on the realms of [[Arnor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Rohan]] was added to it by [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] from their contacts in Rohan and Gondor. Other material was provided by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left for [[Valinor]], the Red Book passed into the keeping of [[Samwise Gamgee]], the [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor of the Shire]]. When he also departed for the [[Sea]], he left the book to his eldest daughter, [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor Fairbairn]], and her descendants (the [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]] of the Towers or [[Warden of Westmarch|Wardens of Westmarch]]).<ref>{{app|Later}}</ref> While in the possession of the Fairbairns, a fifth volume was added containing commentaries, genealogical trees, and various other matter concerning the Hobbit members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref><ref>{{app|Gamgee}}</ref>

Several copies, with various notes and later additions, were made for the use of Samwise's descendants, and copies were passed on to future generations, of which one, the "''[[Thain's Book]]''", is the most important.

The original version of the Red Book contained the story of Bilbo's journey as it originally stood: thus, Gollum willingly gives [[the One Ring]] to Bilbo, and there is no trace of the Ring's hold over Gollum, something that he never corrected, and persisted in other copies and abstracts, as probably the keepers of the Book were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text out of respect. But other later copiers of the Book (based on notes by Frodo or Sam) wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]], in which Bilbo comes across the Ring by accident.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

Loose leaves record some poems, possibly from oral tradition, and many jesting nonsensical ones are written carelessly in margins and blank spaces by many hands. In the later [[Ages]] they were unintelligible or half-remembered fragments. Some were attributed to Samwise Gamgee or Bilbo himself, and others displayed contact with Elvish and [[Gondorian]] culture.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

In the first edition of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Tolkien's foreword claimed he had translated the Red Book from the original [[Westron]] into English, and that claim is still implied in later editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably in Appendix F, part II "On Translation". It therefore must be supposed that copies of the book survived through the [[Later Ages]]. Tolkien says nothing about how he gained access to one or more copies of the Red Book and how he learned Westron and other languages of [[Arda]].

==Inspiration==
{{quote|But most of all he [Tolkien] found delight in the Fairy Books of Andrew Lang, especially the '''Red Fairy Book''', for tucked away in its closing pages was the best story he had ever read. This was the tale of Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir: a strange and powerful tale set in the nameless North.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p. 22}}

Tolkien's inspiration for this repository of lore was the real [[Wikipedia:Red Book of Hergest|Red Book of Hergest]], the early 15th century compilation of Welsh history and poetry that contains the manuscript of the [[Mabinogion]]. Bound (and rebound) in red leather, in the [[Bodleian Library]], Oxford, the manuscript was well known to Tolkien. In the lecture "English and Welsh," published in [[The Monsters and the Critics]], he called it "one of the treasures of Medieval Welsh." Another possible echo is the [[Wikipedia:Black Book of Carmarthen|Black Book of Carmarthen]].<ref>{{AB|Comm}}</ref>

==Portrayals in adaptations==

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The framing device of the series is that Bilbo serves as a narrator and chronicler of the War of the Ring, writing new chapters and notes into the Red Book of Westmarch during his stay at Rivendell. It is also implied that Frodo eventually compiles his notes and storytelling into the final volume during the years before his and Bilbo's departure from Middle-earth and Frodo's entrusting of the Red Book to Sam.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the extended edition, Bilbo is writing in the book (working on the [[Concerning Hobbits|prologue]]) in [[Bag End]]. It reappears in [[Rivendell]], where he shows it to Frodo.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Frodo entrusts the book to Samwise just before he leaves Middle-earth.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As part of the framing of the movie, Bilbo starts the writing of the book.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:As part of the tutorial, [[Gandalf]] bring the Red Book of Westmarch to the player bar, and once every day, it allows you to play through a part of the history of Middle-earth, as well as gives you rewards in the form of resources as well as item used to recruit captains.

==External links==
* [https://www.schematax.org/schemata/tolkien/schematax_tolkien_tradition-legendarium.pdf Stages and Logic of the fictitious tradition of Tolkien’s Legendarium (Red Book of Westmarch)]
*[https://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/chron_en.html The Chroniclers of Arda] by [[Måns Björkman]]

{{References}}
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Rotes Buch der Westmark]]
[[fi:Länsikairan Punainen Kirja]]

Dwarves

2024-03-19T21:55:43Z

Jamie Eilat: Fix repeated "the"

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image=[[File:Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]])''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]])''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]][[Belegost]][[Nogrod]][[Amon Rûdh]][[Nulukkizdîn]][[Erebor]][[Iron Hills]][[Aglarond]][[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]])[[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]])[[Gundabad]][[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]][[Union of Maedhros]][[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]][[Fellowship of the Ring]][[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]][[Dragons]][[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]][[Westron]][[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref>[[Iglishmêk]] (sign language)[[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images_by_Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name=pmxnotes>{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

* '''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
* '''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
* '''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
* '''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name=AppA3/>

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were 4.5–5 feet (1.35–1.52 m) tall and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name=wj13>{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name=rings/>

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name=S2/> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name=return>{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name=doriath>{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name=PMAiv/>

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name=PMAiv/> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name=PMAiv/> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name=PMAiv/> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name=PMAiv/>

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref><ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 29}} In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name=AppA3>{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name=AppA3/><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name=PMAiv/>

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë.<ref name="S10" /><ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name=S2/>

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'' ("the Stunted People").<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.
==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales.

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.
==Inspiration==
[[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|Dwarfs]] are beings of Germanic folklore, usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name=brackman/> Many the names of Dwarven characters in the [[Legendarium]] are taken or inspired from the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]''.

At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name=brackman/>

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardiness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name=brackman/>

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name=brackman/>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name=brackman>Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name=brackman/> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name=wjdwarves/>{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Red Book of Westmarch

2024-03-19T21:16:28Z

Jamie Eilat: /* History */ Change centered text to being in a table in order to prevent formatting clash with image

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Westmarch|[[Westmarch (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=Red Book of Westmarch
| image=[[File:Jeff Reitz - Red Book of Westmarch.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Red Book of Westmarch" by Jeff Reitz
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Undertowers]], [[Westmarch]]
| owner=[[Baggins Family|Bagginses]], [[Gardner Family|Gardners]], [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]]
| type=Manuspript
| appearance=Several volumes bound together in red leather
| creator=[[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] & [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Bagginses]]
| created={{TA|2942}} - {{TA|3021|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Bag End]], [[Rivendell]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Describing events of Quests [[Quest of Erebor|of Erebor]] and [[Quest of the Ring|for Mount Doom]] Containing [[Hobbitish]] [[Translations from the Elvish|translations]] of an Elvish lore
| audio=
| audiocaption=
}}
{{quote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, [[Later Ages|years and years afterwards]]. And people will say: ‘Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring!’ And they’ll say: ‘Yes, that’s one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn’t he, dad?’ ‘Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that’s saying a lot.’|[[Sam Gamgee]]<ref>{{TT|IV8}}, p. 403</ref>}}

The '''Red Book of Westmarch''' (sometimes ''Red Book of the [[Hobbits|Perian]]nath'') is the book in which the [[legendarium]] of [[Middle-earth]] was written. It is bound in red leather.

==History==
The first Red Book was written as a diary by the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]] and recounted his quest for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], which he called ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Preparing to leave for [[Rivendell]] after [[Bilbo's_Farewell_Party|his farewell party]], he took the empty three red volumes with him.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Within it, he also compiled [[Elves|Elven]] lore while retired in [[Rivendell]], namely Bilbo's ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'', legends from the [[Elder Days]], and various Hobbit poems.

[[File:Miriam Ellis - Three Books of Lore.jpg|thumb|left|''Three Books of Lore'' by [[:Category:Images by Miriam Ellis|Miriam Ellis]]]]
Later, shortly before the end of the [[War of the Ring]], he gave the book to his kinsman and heir [[Frodo Baggins]]. The original first volume was Bilbo's private diary, and attached to it, in a single red case, were the three large volumes bound in red leather: the ''Translations'', which he gave to Frodo as a parting gift. Frodo took the book back to [[the Shire]], organized Bilbo's manuscript and used it to write down his own quest during the [[War of the Ring]].

The title page has many titles, some crossed out:
{|style="text-align: center; margin:auto"
|-
|My Diary. My Unexpected Journey. '''There and Back Again.''' '''And What Happened After.''' Adventures of Five Hobbits. The Tale of the Great Ring, compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends. What we did in the War of the Ring. '''THE DOWNFALL''' '''OF THE''' '''LORD OF THE RINGS''' '''AND THE''' '''RETURN OF THE KING''' (as seen by the Little People; being the memoirs of Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, supplemented by the accounts of their friends and the learning of the Wise.) Together with extracts from Books of Lore translated by Bilbo in Rivendell.
|}

A lot of background information on the realms of [[Arnor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Rohan]] was added to it by [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] from their contacts in Rohan and Gondor. Other material was provided by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left for [[Valinor]], the Red Book passed into the keeping of [[Samwise Gamgee]], the [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor of the Shire]]. When he also departed for the [[Sea]], he left the book to his eldest daughter, [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor Fairbairn]], and her descendants (the [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]] of the Towers or [[Warden of Westmarch|Wardens of Westmarch]]).<ref>{{app|Later}}</ref> While in the possession of the Fairbairns, a fifth volume was added containing commentaries, genealogical trees, and various other matter concerning the Hobbit members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref><ref>{{app|Gamgee}}</ref>

Several copies, with various notes and later additions, were made for the use of Samwise's descendants, and copies were passed on to future generations, of which one, the "''[[Thain's Book]]''", is the most important.

The original version of the Red Book contained the story of Bilbo's journey as it originally stood: thus, Gollum willingly gives [[the One Ring]] to Bilbo, and there is no trace of the Ring's hold over Gollum, something that he never corrected, and persisted in other copies and abstracts, as probably the keepers of the Book were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text out of respect. But other later copiers of the Book (based on notes by Frodo or Sam) wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]], in which Bilbo comes across the Ring by accident.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

Loose leaves record some poems, possibly from oral tradition, and many jesting nonsensical ones are written carelessly in margins and blank spaces by many hands. In the later [[Ages]] they were unintelligible or half-remembered fragments. Some were attributed to Samwise Gamgee or Bilbo himself, and others displayed contact with Elvish and [[Gondorian]] culture.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

In the first edition of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Tolkien's foreword claimed he had translated the Red Book from the original [[Westron]] into English, and that claim is still implied in later editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably in Appendix F, part II "On Translation". It therefore must be supposed that copies of the book survived through the [[Later Ages]]. Tolkien says nothing about how he gained access to one or more copies of the Red Book and how he learned Westron and other languages of [[Arda]].

==Inspiration==
{{quote|But most of all he [Tolkien] found delight in the Fairy Books of Andrew Lang, especially the '''Red Fairy Book''', for tucked away in its closing pages was the best story he had ever read. This was the tale of Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir: a strange and powerful tale set in the nameless North.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p. 22}}

Tolkien's inspiration for this repository of lore was the real [[Wikipedia:Red Book of Hergest|Red Book of Hergest]], the early 15th century compilation of Welsh history and poetry that contains the manuscript of the [[Mabinogion]]. Bound (and rebound) in red leather, in the [[Bodleian Library]], Oxford, the manuscript was well known to Tolkien. In the lecture "English and Welsh," published in [[The Monsters and the Critics]], he called it "one of the treasures of Medieval Welsh." Another possible echo is the [[Wikipedia:Black Book of Carmarthen|Black Book of Carmarthen]].<ref>{{AB|Comm}}</ref>

==Portrayals in adaptations==

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The framing device of the series is that Bilbo serves as a narrator and chronicler of the War of the Ring, writing new chapters and notes into the Red Book of Westmarch during his stay at Rivendell. It is also implied that Frodo eventually compiles his notes and storytelling into the final volume during the years before his and Bilbo's departure from Middle-earth and Frodo's entrusting of the Red Book to Sam.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the extended edition, Bilbo is writing in the book (working on the [[Concerning Hobbits|prologue]]) in [[Bag End]]. It reappears in [[Rivendell]], where he shows it to Frodo.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Frodo entrusts the book to Samwise just before he leaves Middle-earth.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As part of the framing of the movie, Bilbo starts the writing of the book.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:As part of the tutorial, [[Gandalf]] bring the Red Book of Westmarch to the player bar, and once every day, it allows you to play through a part of the history of Middle-earth, as well as gives you rewards in the form of resources as well as item used to recruit captains.

==External links==
* [https://www.schematax.org/schemata/tolkien/schematax_tolkien_tradition-legendarium.pdf Stages and Logic of the fictitious tradition of Tolkien’s Legendarium (Red Book of Westmarch)]
*[https://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/chron_en.html The Chroniclers of Arda] by [[Måns Björkman]]

{{References}}
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Rotes Buch der Westmark]]
[[fi:Länsikairan Punainen Kirja]]

Red Book of Westmarch

2024-03-19T20:27:57Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Inspiration */ fix quotation marks

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Westmarch|[[Westmarch (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=Red Book of Westmarch
| image=[[File:Jeff Reitz - Red Book of Westmarch.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Red Book of Westmarch" by Jeff Reitz
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Undertowers]], [[Westmarch]]
| owner=[[Baggins Family|Bagginses]], [[Gardner Family|Gardners]], [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]]
| type=Manuspript
| appearance=Several volumes bound together in red leather
| creator=[[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] & [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Bagginses]]
| created={{TA|2942}} - {{TA|3021|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Bag End]], [[Rivendell]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Describing events of Quests [[Quest of Erebor|of Erebor]] and [[Quest of the Ring|for Mount Doom]] Containing [[Hobbitish]] [[Translations from the Elvish|translations]] of an Elvish lore
| audio=
| audiocaption=
}}
{{quote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, [[Later Ages|years and years afterwards]]. And people will say: ‘Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring!’ And they’ll say: ‘Yes, that’s one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn’t he, dad?’ ‘Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that’s saying a lot.’|[[Sam Gamgee]]<ref>{{TT|IV8}}, p. 403</ref>}}

The '''Red Book of Westmarch''' (sometimes ''Red Book of the [[Hobbits|Perian]]nath'') is the book in which the [[legendarium]] of [[Middle-earth]] was written. It is bound in red leather.

==History==
The first Red Book was written as a diary by the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]] and recounted his quest for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], which he called ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Preparing to leave for [[Rivendell]] after [[Bilbo's_Farewell_Party|his farewell party]], he took the empty three red volumes with him.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Within it, he also compiled [[Elves|Elven]] lore while retired in [[Rivendell]], namely Bilbo's ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'', legends from the [[Elder Days]], and various Hobbit poems.

[[File:Miriam Ellis - Three Books of Lore.jpg|thumb|left|''Three Books of Lore'' by [[:Category:Images by Miriam Ellis|Miriam Ellis]]]]
Later, shortly before the end of the [[War of the Ring]], he gave the book to his kinsman and heir [[Frodo Baggins]]. The original first volume was Bilbo's private diary, and attached to it, in a single red case, were the three large volumes bound in red leather: the ''Translations'', which he gave to Frodo as a parting gift. Frodo took the book back to [[the Shire]], organized Bilbo's manuscript and used it to write down his own quest during the [[War of the Ring]].

The title page has many titles, some crossed out:

<center>
My Diary. My Unexpected Journey. 
'''There and Back Again.''' '''And What Happened After.''' 
Adventures of Five Hobbits. 
The Tale of the Great Ring, 
compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends. 
What we did in the War of the Ring. 
'''THE DOWNFALL''' 
'''OF THE''' 
'''LORD OF THE RINGS''' 
'''AND THE''' 
'''RETURN OF THE KING''' 
(as seen by the Little People; being the memoirs of Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, 
supplemented by the accounts of their friends and the learning of the Wise.) 
Together with extracts from Books of Lore translated by Bilbo in Rivendell.
</center>

A lot of background information on the realms of [[Arnor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Rohan]] was added to it by [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] from their contacts in Rohan and Gondor. Other material was provided by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left for [[Valinor]], the Red Book passed into the keeping of [[Samwise Gamgee]], the [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor of the Shire]]. When he also departed for the [[Sea]], he left the book to his eldest daughter, [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor Fairbairn]], and her descendants (the [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]] of the Towers or [[Warden of Westmarch|Wardens of Westmarch]]).<ref>{{app|Later}}</ref> While in the possession of the Fairbairns, a fifth volume was added containing commentaries, genealogical trees, and various other matter concerning the Hobbit members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref><ref>{{app|Gamgee}}</ref>

Several copies, with various notes and later additions, were made for the use of Samwise's descendants, and copies were passed on to future generations, of which one, the "''[[Thain's Book]]''", is the most important.

The original version of the Red Book contained the story of Bilbo's journey as it originally stood: thus, Gollum willingly gives [[the One Ring]] to Bilbo, and there is no trace of the Ring's hold over Gollum, something that he never corrected, and persisted in other copies and abstracts, as probably the keepers of the Book were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text out of respect. But other later copiers of the Book (based on notes by Frodo or Sam) wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]], in which Bilbo comes across the Ring by accident.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

Loose leaves record some poems, possibly from oral tradition, and many jesting nonsensical ones are written carelessly in margins and blank spaces by many hands. In the later [[Ages]] they were unintelligible or half-remembered fragments. Some were attributed to Samwise Gamgee or Bilbo himself, and others displayed contact with Elvish and [[Gondorian]] culture.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

In the first edition of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Tolkien's foreword claimed he had translated the Red Book from the original [[Westron]] into English, and that claim is still implied in later editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably in Appendix F, part II "On Translation". It therefore must be supposed that copies of the book survived through the [[Later Ages]]. Tolkien says nothing about how he gained access to one or more copies of the Red Book and how he learned Westron and other languages of [[Arda]].

==Inspiration==
{{quote|But most of all he [Tolkien] found delight in the Fairy Books of Andrew Lang, especially the '''Red Fairy Book''', for tucked away in its closing pages was the best story he had ever read. This was the tale of Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir: a strange and powerful tale set in the nameless North.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p. 22}}

Tolkien's inspiration for this repository of lore was the real [[Wikipedia:Red Book of Hergest|Red Book of Hergest]], the early 15th century compilation of Welsh history and poetry that contains the manuscript of the [[Mabinogion]]. Bound (and rebound) in red leather, in the [[Bodleian Library]], Oxford, the manuscript was well known to Tolkien. In the lecture "English and Welsh," published in [[The Monsters and the Critics]], he called it "one of the treasures of Medieval Welsh." Another possible echo is the [[Wikipedia:Black Book of Carmarthen|Black Book of Carmarthen]].<ref>{{AB|Comm}}</ref>

==Portrayals in adaptations==

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The framing device of the series is that Bilbo serves as a narrator and chronicler of the War of the Ring, writing new chapters and notes into the Red Book of Westmarch during his stay at Rivendell. It is also implied that Frodo eventually compiles his notes and storytelling into the final volume during the years before his and Bilbo's departure from Middle-earth and Frodo's entrusting of the Red Book to Sam.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the extended edition, Bilbo is writing in the book (working on the [[Concerning Hobbits|prologue]]) in [[Bag End]]. It reappears in [[Rivendell]], where he shows it to Frodo.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Frodo entrusts the book to Samwise just before he leaves Middle-earth.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As part of the framing of the movie, Bilbo starts the writing of the book.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:As part of the tutorial, [[Gandalf]] bring the Red Book of Westmarch to the player bar, and once every day, it allows you to play through a part of the history of Middle-earth, as well as gives you rewards in the form of resources as well as item used to recruit captains.

==External links==
* [https://www.schematax.org/schemata/tolkien/schematax_tolkien_tradition-legendarium.pdf Stages and Logic of the fictitious tradition of Tolkien’s Legendarium (Red Book of Westmarch)]
*[https://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/chron_en.html The Chroniclers of Arda] by [[Måns Björkman]]

{{References}}
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Rotes Buch der Westmark]]
[[fi:Länsikairan Punainen Kirja]]

Red Book of Westmarch

2024-03-19T20:23:17Z

Jamie Eilat: /* History */ Citations for info regarding the fifth volume. Slight rephrasing + add to the end of prior paragraph.

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Westmarch|[[Westmarch (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=Red Book of Westmarch
| image=[[File:Jeff Reitz - Red Book of Westmarch.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Red Book of Westmarch" by Jeff Reitz
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Undertowers]], [[Westmarch]]
| owner=[[Baggins Family|Bagginses]], [[Gardner Family|Gardners]], [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]]
| type=Manuspript
| appearance=Several volumes bound together in red leather
| creator=[[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] & [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Bagginses]]
| created={{TA|2942}} - {{TA|3021|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Bag End]], [[Rivendell]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Describing events of Quests [[Quest of Erebor|of Erebor]] and [[Quest of the Ring|for Mount Doom]] Containing [[Hobbitish]] [[Translations from the Elvish|translations]] of an Elvish lore
| audio=
| audiocaption=
}}
{{quote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, [[Later Ages|years and years afterwards]]. And people will say: ‘Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring!’ And they’ll say: ‘Yes, that’s one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn’t he, dad?’ ‘Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that’s saying a lot.’|[[Sam Gamgee]]<ref>{{TT|IV8}}, p. 403</ref>}}

The '''Red Book of Westmarch''' (sometimes ''Red Book of the [[Hobbits|Perian]]nath'') is the book in which the [[legendarium]] of [[Middle-earth]] was written. It is bound in red leather.

==History==
The first Red Book was written as a diary by the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]] and recounted his quest for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], which he called ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Preparing to leave for [[Rivendell]] after [[Bilbo's_Farewell_Party|his farewell party]], he took the empty three red volumes with him.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Within it, he also compiled [[Elves|Elven]] lore while retired in [[Rivendell]], namely Bilbo's ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'', legends from the [[Elder Days]], and various Hobbit poems.

[[File:Miriam Ellis - Three Books of Lore.jpg|thumb|left|''Three Books of Lore'' by [[:Category:Images by Miriam Ellis|Miriam Ellis]]]]
Later, shortly before the end of the [[War of the Ring]], he gave the book to his kinsman and heir [[Frodo Baggins]]. The original first volume was Bilbo's private diary, and attached to it, in a single red case, were the three large volumes bound in red leather: the ''Translations'', which he gave to Frodo as a parting gift. Frodo took the book back to [[the Shire]], organized Bilbo's manuscript and used it to write down his own quest during the [[War of the Ring]].

The title page has many titles, some crossed out:

<center>
My Diary. My Unexpected Journey. 
'''There and Back Again.''' '''And What Happened After.''' 
Adventures of Five Hobbits. 
The Tale of the Great Ring, 
compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends. 
What we did in the War of the Ring. 
'''THE DOWNFALL''' 
'''OF THE''' 
'''LORD OF THE RINGS''' 
'''AND THE''' 
'''RETURN OF THE KING''' 
(as seen by the Little People; being the memoirs of Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, 
supplemented by the accounts of their friends and the learning of the Wise.) 
Together with extracts from Books of Lore translated by Bilbo in Rivendell.
</center>

A lot of background information on the realms of [[Arnor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Rohan]] was added to it by [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] from their contacts in Rohan and Gondor. Other material was provided by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left for [[Valinor]], the Red Book passed into the keeping of [[Samwise Gamgee]], the [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor of the Shire]]. When he also departed for the [[Sea]], he left the book to his eldest daughter, [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor Fairbairn]], and her descendants (the [[Fairbairn Family|Fairbairns]] of the Towers or [[Warden of Westmarch|Wardens of Westmarch]]).<ref>{{app|Later}}</ref> While in the possession of the Fairbairns, a fifth volume was added containing commentaries, genealogical trees, and various other matter concerning the Hobbit members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref><ref>{{app|Gamgee}}</ref>

Several copies, with various notes and later additions, were made for the use of Samwise's descendants, and copies were passed on to future generations, of which one, the "''[[Thain's Book]]''", is the most important.

The original version of the Red Book contained the story of Bilbo's journey as it originally stood: thus, Gollum willingly gives [[the One Ring]] to Bilbo, and there is no trace of the Ring's hold over Gollum, something that he never corrected, and persisted in other copies and abstracts, as probably the keepers of the Book were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text out of respect. But other later copiers of the Book (based on notes by Frodo or Sam) wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]], in which Bilbo comes across the Ring by accident.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

Loose leaves record some poems, possibly from oral tradition, and many jesting nonsensical ones are written carelessly in margins and blank spaces by many hands. In the later [[Ages]] they were unintelligible or half-remembered fragments. Some were attributed to Samwise Gamgee or Bilbo himself, and others displayed contact with Elvish and [[Gondorian]] culture.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

In the first edition of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Tolkien's foreword claimed he had translated the Red Book from the original [[Westron]] into English, and that claim is still implied in later editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably in Appendix F, part II "On Translation". It therefore must be supposed that copies of the book survived through the [[Later Ages]]. Tolkien says nothing about how he gained access to one or more copies of the Red Book and how he learned Westron and other languages of [[Arda]].

==Inspiration==
{{quote|But most of all he [Tolkien] found delight in the Fairy Books of Andrew Lang, especially the '''Red Fairy Book''', for tucked away in its closing pages was the best story he had ever read. This was the tale of Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir: a strange and powerful tale set in the nameless North.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p. 22}}

Tolkien's inspiration for this repository of lore was the real [[Wikipedia:Red Book of Hergest|Red Book of Hergest]], the early 15th century compilation of Welsh history and poetry that contains the manuscript of the [[Mabinogion]]. Bound (and rebound) in red leather, in the [[Bodleian Library]], Oxford, the manuscript was well known to Tolkien. In the lecture "English and Welsh," published in [[The Monsters and the Critics]], he called it "“one of the treasures of Medieval Welsh.” Another possible echo is the [[Wikipedia:Black Book of Carmarthen|Black Book of Carmarthen]].<ref>{{AB|Comm}}</ref>

==Portrayals in adaptations==

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The framing device of the series is that Bilbo serves as a narrator and chronicler of the War of the Ring, writing new chapters and notes into the Red Book of Westmarch during his stay at Rivendell. It is also implied that Frodo eventually compiles his notes and storytelling into the final volume during the years before his and Bilbo's departure from Middle-earth and Frodo's entrusting of the Red Book to Sam.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the extended edition, Bilbo is writing in the book (working on the [[Concerning Hobbits|prologue]]) in [[Bag End]]. It reappears in [[Rivendell]], where he shows it to Frodo.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Frodo entrusts the book to Samwise just before he leaves Middle-earth.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:As part of the framing of the movie, Bilbo starts the writing of the book.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:As part of the tutorial, [[Gandalf]] bring the Red Book of Westmarch to the player bar, and once every day, it allows you to play through a part of the history of Middle-earth, as well as gives you rewards in the form of resources as well as item used to recruit captains.

==External links==
* [https://www.schematax.org/schemata/tolkien/schematax_tolkien_tradition-legendarium.pdf Stages and Logic of the fictitious tradition of Tolkien’s Legendarium (Red Book of Westmarch)]
*[https://www.forodrim.org/gobennas/chron_en.html The Chroniclers of Arda] by [[Måns Björkman]]

{{References}}
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Rotes Buch der Westmark]]
[[fi:Länsikairan Punainen Kirja]]

Thranduil

2024-03-19T03:07:06Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Games */ fix link

{{sindar infobox
| name=Thranduil
| image=[[File:Lourdes Velez - King Thranduil.jpg|250px]]
| caption="King Thanduil" by [[:Category:Images by Lourdes Velez|Lourdes Velez]]
| othernames=The Elvenking
| titles=King of the [[Silvan Elves]] in northern Mirkwood<ref>{{UT|15}}</ref>
| position=
| location=[[Doriath]], [[Lindon]], [[Woodland Realm]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]
| language=[[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| birth=Before {{FA|507}} or early {{SA}}<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref><Ref group=note name=Birth>Thranduil's birth is unknown, but some things can be deduced from two passages in ''Unfinished Tales'' taken together: "Before the building of the Barad-dûr many of the Sindar passed eastward, and some established realms in the forests [...] Thranduil, king in the north of Greenwood the Great, was one of these," and "Oropher had come among them [the Elves of the Greenwood] with only a handful of Sindar, and they [...] came from Doriath after its ruin." Since Oropher's Sindar journeyed east from Doriath after its ruin and Thranduil was one of the Sindar who made the journey, Thranduil must have had his origins in Doriath prior to its ruin or somewhere in Middle-earth in the early Second Age.</ref>
| birthlocation=''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|See below]]''
| rule=From {{SA|3434}}
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=
| parentage=[[Oropher]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=[[Legolas]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Golden<ref name=H8>{{H|8}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}

<center>{{quote|In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Barrels Out of Bond]]"}}</center>
'''Thranduil''', also known as the '''Elvenking''', was a [[Sindar]]in [[Elves|Elf]]<ref name="Princes"/> and King of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] [[Elves of Mirkwood]] of the [[Woodland Realm]]. Thranduil was son of [[Oropher]] and father of [[Legolas]].

The Elvenking is a name used for the ruler of the [[Woodland Realm]], the realm of the [[Silvan Elves]] in the far northeast of [[Mirkwood]] by the late [[Third Age]].<Ref group=note>While he is nameless throughout the ''[[The Hobbit]]'', his name is first revealed in ''[[The Council of Elrond]]'' chapter of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as the father of [[Legolas]].</ref>

==History==
=== Early History ===
{{seealso|#Other versions of the legendarium}}

Thranduil's birth date and early life are not recorded. He may have been born in the First Age, or early Second Age. He was of Sindarin descent. His father [[Oropher]] was originally one of the [[Iathrim]] of [[Doriath]].<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>

[[Image:Anna Lee - Thranduil and Legolas.jpg|left|thumb|''Thranduil and Legolas'' by [[Anna Lee]]]]

Many of the Sindar left [[Lindon]] and travelled eastward before the building of the [[Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|1000}}.<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref> Thranduil is first recorded in this event, when he and his father, [[Oropher]], arrived "with only a handful of Sindar"<ref name="Princes"/> in {{SA|750}}, in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref name=foundation>{{PM|Second}}</ref> Oropher was taken by the [[Silvan Elves]] as their lord and founded the [[Woodland Realm]].<ref name="Princes"/>

The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] joined the [[Last Alliance]] and in {{SA|3434}}, Thranduil followed his father and numerous lightly armed Elves in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], Oropher was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, "rushing forward at the head of his most doughty warriors before Gil-galad had given the signal for the advance."<ref name="Princes"/> His son survived, but over the course of the war, two-thirds of his people had perished. After the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}, when [[Sauron]] was defeated, Thranduil led the remainder of his people north back to the Woodland Realm, where he was crowned king.<ref name="Princes"/>

=== Third Age ===
====The Shadow Returns====
Upon the return of [[Sauron]] - disguised as the [[Sauron|Necromancer]] - in around {{TA|1050}}, southern Greenwood became increasingly dangerous; evil creatures such as the great [[spiders]] came to dwell in it and the forest soon came to be known as "[[Mirkwood]]".<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> Thranduil's folk retreated to the north of the forest, where they established themselves near the [[Forest River]]. Thranduil had [[Elvenking's Halls|his halls]] delved underground, fashioned partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty, but long-lost, [[Menegroth]] of [[Doriath]].<ref group="note">In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the [[Dwarves]] aided in the making of Thranduil's halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref><ref name="Princes"/> In north-eastern Mirkwood, they were near the Forest River behind great, stone gates.

====Battle of Five Armies====
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Thorin and Thranduil.jpeg|thumb|right|''Thorin and Thranduil'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In {{TA|2941}}, Thranduil and some of his folk were feasting in the woods when they were repeatedly disturbed by [[Thorin and Company|a party]] of [[Dwarves]]. After the third disturbance, the Elves captured [[Thorin]] who refused to reveal to Thranduil the reason for their journey through Mirkwood.<ref name="Flies"/> Following their battle with the spiders, the rest of [[Thorin and Company|the company]] was also captured by the Elves. Following their repeated failure to explain their presence in Mirkwood, Thranduil placed all the Dwarves under lock and key. They escaped, however, with the aid of a Hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Baggins had evaded capture by Thranduil's people through the use of [[The One Ring|his magic ring]].

After the Dwarves' escape, Thranduil received word of what had transpired from the [[Raft-elves]] who returned up the [[Forest River]]. Thus he was now aware of the Dwarves' quest. Upon learning this, he stated, "no treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter."<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref> He believed the Dwarves were incapable of slaying the Dragon. However, he soon heard from his own messengers (including the birds) that the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] had been felled (and the [[Lake-town]] was destroyed).

Thranduil was aware that Smaug had a massive hoard of treasure. Believing the Dwarves to be dead, and desiring a share of the treasure, he set out towards the [[Lonely Mountain]] with a company of Elves. On the way, they met messengers from [[Bard]] who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil gave aid to these Men, as the [[Lake-men]] had been friends with the Wood-elves, and left elven craftsmen to aid in the labour and building of huts to fortify them against the coming winter.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> Together, Thranduil and Bard led their forces towards the Lonely Mountain and were surprised when they found out that the Dwarves not only survived Smaug's attacks, but had taken possession of the Mountain and its treasures; the [[King under the Mountain]] had returned.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Arkenstone.jpg|thumb|left|''The Arkenstone'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

As Thorin refused to give away any part of the treasure for [[Dale]] and Lake-town under armed threat, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain. After a few days, a Dwarvish host led by [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], who had been summoned by [[Ravens|raven]] messengers, approached to support Thorin. But, two evenings before his arrival, Bilbo came before Thranduil and Bard bringing the [[Arkenstone]], a great jewel that Thorin valued above all, in order to make Thorin open to negotiations again. Thranduil was impressed by Bilbo and urged him to remain in order to avoid Thorin's wrath, but Bilbo returned to his friends. The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay one-fourteenth share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, but when the forces of Dáin arrived the next day, before the trade had been made for the Arkenstone, the Dwarves proceeded to attack.

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Battle.jpeg|thumb|''The Battle'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
At that moment, the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march after the hoard, and he was accompanied by a cloud of great bats. After skirmishing among themselves, under the council of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all. So the [[Battle of Five Armies]] began, "upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves."<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Elves and allies were slain and things looked grim when the [[Eagles]] and [[Beorn]] arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won.

Thorin died soon after the battle. Thranduil laid [[Orcrist]] on Thorin's tomb, where it was said to glow in warning when foes approached.

The victors divided the treasure, with Bard giving Thranduil the emeralds of [[Girion]]. When Bilbo and [[Gandalf]] bade farewell to Thranduil, Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] the title [[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] and returned with the remainder of his host to his realm in Mirkwood.

====War of the Ring====
On [[21 March]], {{TA|3018}} [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] delivered [[Gollum]] as a prisoner to Thranduil; but in June he later escaped. Thranduil sent his son [[Legolas]] to Rivendell to inform [[Elrond]], and during the [[Council of Elrond]] Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref name="council">{{FR|II2}}</ref> Another member of the Company was the Dwarf, [[Gimli]], the son of [[Glóin]] of [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's company]], who had previously been imprisoned by Thranduil. The unprecedented friendship between Elf and Dwarf helped to reconcile Thranduil's people and the Dwarves.

On [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}, [[Sauron]]'s army from [[Dol Guldur]] attacked Mirkwood. There was a long [[battle under the trees]] and the woods were set on fire, but in the end Thranduil was victorious. And after the passing of Sauron, the [[Galadhrim|forces]] of the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]] stormed Dol Guldur and threw down its walls, finally cleansing the forest.<Ref name=great>{{App|Great}}</ref>

On [[6 April]]<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> (the [[Yestarë|day of the Elven New Year]]), the Elvenking met with [[Celeborn]] in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]'', "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the forest was divided; Celeborn claimed the southern part of the forest north to the Narrows, Thranduil took the northern part of the forest south to the [[Mountains of Mirkwood|Mountains]], and the two Elf-lords granted the middle to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]].<Ref name=great/>

=== Fourth Age ===
The partition of Eryn Lasgalen is the last reference to Thranduil in the histories of Middle-earth. It is not said that he joined his son Legolas in settling Ithilien or in departing over the Sea.<ref name="AppBLater">{{App|Later}}</ref> Presumably, he continued to rule the re-established Woodland Realm into the Fourth Age, but nothing of this is known for certain, as he could have sailed to the West at some unknown date.{{Fact}}<Ref group=note name=Departure>Thranduil's deeds during the Fourth Age are completely unknown and his fate remains uncertain; yet the later can be deduced by combining the conjecture made in regards of his birth (which is displayed in [note 1]) and a passage from ''[[Fellowship of the Ring]]''. "[...] but there is no record of the day when at last he [Celeborn] sought the [[Grey Havens]], and with him went the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in Middle-earth." If Thranduil had been born in Doriath prior its ruin, then it would be certain that he had journeyed to the West; being born during the "Elder Days". However, had he been born in the early Second Age, his possible departure would remain undetermined.</ref>

== Personality ==
[[Image:Marya Filatova - Thranduil.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''Thranduil'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
Although his concern was primarily for his realm, the memory of the end of the [[Second Age]] and what lay outside his borders haunted him:
{{blockquote|But there was in Thranduil's heart a still deeper shadow. He had seen the horror of [[Mordor]] and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves"}}

Thranduil lived in atunement with nature, wearing a crown of woodland flowers, or autumn berries and red leaves, according to the season.<ref name="Barrels">{{H|Barrels}}</ref> His banner was green in colour.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref> He loved the forest, though it was dark and dangerous in many parts; and enjoyed hunting and feasting among the trees with his people.<ref name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref> He was distrustful of strangers for the most part, although he had business dealings with the men of [[Lake-town]].<ref name="Barrels"/> He was mostly unconcerned with affairs of the world beyond Mirkwood unless a common enemy was shared or for trade with "their kinsfolk in the South, or [...] Men in distant lands."<ref name="Barrels"/>

He had a particular fondness for white gems and wanted to acquire more: "if the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems; and though his hoard was rich, was eager for more, since he had not yet as great a treasure as other elf-lords of old."<ref name="Flies"/> Despite this weakness, he was wise and would not wantonly go to war, risking his people's lives, over treasure. This was evidenced when the Elvenking said, "long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold [...] let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation."<ref name="Burst"/>

== Etymology ==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Thranduil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
The name '''''Thranduil''''' means "Vigorous spring" in [[Sindarin]], from ''[[tharan]]'' ("vigorous") and [[Lenition|lenited]] ''[[tuil]]'' ("spring"). Though the name is said to be of [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] origin, Tolkien's notes on ''tharan'' state it was used only in Sindarin.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 27, 187</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The published [[Appendix B]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', as well as one of its drafts,<ref name=foundation>{{PM|Second}}</ref> mention Thranduil as King of the Woodland realm, founded in {{SA|750}}, suggesting (but not explicitly mentioning) that he was possibly its founder and first king.

His father Oropher was invented later, while Tolkien was fleshing out the background of Thranduil and the history of the Silvan realms, given a far older origin, explicitly clarifying that Thranduil was not the founder of the realm, and he only succeeded his father after the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. Oropher and Thranduil's backstory were never incorporated in more "canonical" narratives, and the drafts exploring them were published in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''.<ref name="Princes"/><Ref group=note name=Birth></ref>

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]] ''d. {{SA|3434}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| |}}
{{familytree| THR |THR='''THRANDUIL''' ''Unknown''}}
{{familytree| |!| |}}
{{familytree| LEG |LEG=[[Legolas]] ''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Thranduil in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Thranduil.jpg|The "Elvenking" in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003 video game) - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Battle for Middle-earth II - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Thranduil - Rise to War.jpeg| Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Thranduil's description.jpeg|Thranduil's description in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Gollum]]''
}}

===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Thranduil is voiced by [[Otto Preminger]]. For some reason, in the movie, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] are portrayed as squat and ugly, as opposed to the noble Elves of [[Rivendell]]. Like Fenton before him, Preminger's Thranduil speaks with a German accent.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Thranduil is played by [[Lee Pace]] in the ''Hobbit'' [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Thranduil is first seen in the prologue paying homage to King [[Thrór]] inside within the [[Lonely Mountain]], though leaves in a huff when the [[Dwarves]] refuse to give him a box of white jewels. He is next seen with an army outside of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] riding an elk, seemingly ready to help during the [[Sack of Erebor]]. However, he decides not to help and turns away.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:Mentioning his past, Thranduil is portrayed as a widower and also an isolationist king who isn't concerned with the evil that happens beyond his borders. He has generously raised [[Tauriel]] for the last 600 years, and also mentions that he has fought the "[[cold-drakes|serpents of the North]]".
:When [[Thorin]] is taken before Thranduil in the [[Elvenking's Halls]], he surmises that he and his [[Thorin and Company|Company]] are going to try to reclaim the [[Lonely Mountain]] from [[Smaug]] (unlike in the book, where he had no idea as to their purpose). He offers a deal to Thorin, saying he will let the Company go if they will pay him the white jewels he desires inside the Mountain. When the Dwarf refuses and chastises him for not offering aid to the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]] the day of the Sack, the Elven-king reveals a large disfigurement on his face underneath his skin, mentioning his fighting against the 'great serpents of the North.'
:Later, an [[unseen|invisible]] Bilbo Baggins spies his discussion with Tauriel, having ordered her company of Elves to destroy the [[spiders]]'s nests, but not beyond the borders of the Woodland Realm, displaying his disregard for the outside world.
:He and Legolas interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured [[Orcs|Orc]] who claims that [[Sauron|"The One"]] is returning, and will unleash a powerful weapon (possibly Smaug). Despite his own promise to "set him free", he beheads the orc, and orders the kingdom to be completely sealed off from the outside world.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:After learning of [[Smaug]]'s demise, Thranduil leads his Elven army to claim the white jewels from the Dwarves of Erebor, even by force. It is revealed that these jewels were meant for his wife, who had been taken to [[Gundabad]] and tortured by Orcs to death many years prior. When the army arrives in [[Dale]], he forges an allegiance with [[Bard]], also offering the [[Lake-town]] refugees food and supplies. When Gandalf arrives at Erebor to warn them of the impending attack by the approaching Orc army, the Elven-king refuses to listen. Thranduil's soldiers come to clashes with those of [[Dáin Ironfoot]] right before the Orcs arrive, leading to the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Thranduil himself fights in the battle against the Orcs, but withdraws his forces when defence of Dale results in many Elven casualties. This leads to a confrontation between him and [[Tauriel]] before she and [[Legolas]] go to Thorin's aid at [[Ravenhill]]. The event causes a rift between Thranduil and his son, to the point where Legolas decides not to return to the kingdom. Thranduil then advises him to go and find the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] known as "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]" among the [[Dúnedain]]. The Elven-king also accepts Tauriel's love for [[Kíli]] when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.

===Radio series===
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Leonard Fenton]] provided the voice of Thranduil. He provides him with a Germanic accent.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:The Elven-king is played by Martin Hirthe.

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of the Elven-king is provided by Alfréd Swan. He is not identified by his personal name, in keeping with the original novel.

===Games===
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Thranduil is referred to as "Elvenking Thranduil", using both his title from ''The Hobbit'' and his name from ''The Lord of the Rings'', to accommodate players who have only read ''The Hobbit''. Thranduil first appears in the level "Barrels Out of Bond", in which he can be overheard speaking about the [[White Council]] and their attack on [[Dol Guldur]]. He returns as a conversation partner in the last level, "The Clouds Burst", in which he and Gandalf ask the player, in the persona of Bilbo, to deliver a message to Bard. No voice actor is specified for this part.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Thranduil is a hero for the Elven faction. In the good campaign, he shows up after the [[Battle of Dale]], and participates in the Siege of [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2017: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Thranduil's earliest appearances are during the War of the [[Last Alliance]]. He can be found during the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and later is seen during the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].

:In the present time, Thranduil is first encountered fighting in [[Mirkwood]] during the last days of the [[War of the Ring]]. He joins the forces of Lord [[Celeborn]] and Lady [[Galadriel]] and their combined host moves on [[Dol Guldur]] where Galadriel brings down the fortress. Afterwards he and Celeborn renamed the forest [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and divide it into three parts, giving the middle section to the [[Woodmen]]. Thranduil then returns to his halls in Felegoth where his son [[Legolas]] and the player join him after the [[One Ring]] is destroyed. Thranduil's people have to deal with an unexpected situation when most of spiders in Mirkwood, except for the very young or very old ones, suddenly depart the forest en masse, travelling south to answer the call of [[Shelob|their mother]]. In their place come the Wood-trolls from the north and Thranduil tasks the player with finding the source of the new threat and preventing it from reaching his borders.

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''
:Thraduil is a flawless rarity commander for the [[Lothlórien|Elves]] Faction and is extremely hard to get loyalty for.

{{references|note}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=sindar
|house=
|born=Before {{FA|507}}
|died=
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Oropher]]
|list=2nd King of the [[Woodland Realm]]
|dates={{SA|3434}} - after {{FoA|171}}
|nvac=None
|next=Heir apparent: [[Legolas]]
}}

{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Thranduil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/sindar/thranduil]]
[[fi:Thranduil]]

Dwarves

2024-02-29T08:53:21Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Characteristics */

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image=[[File:Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]])''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]])''[[Casari]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Descended from the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]][[Belegost]][[Nogrod]][[Amon Rûdh]][[Nulukkizdîn]][[Erebor]][[Iron Hills]][[Aglarond]][[Grey Mountains]] (incl. [[Dáin's hall]])[[Blue Mountains]] (incl. [[Thorin's hall]])[[Gundabad]][[Rhûn]] (possibly the [[Orocarni]])
| affiliation=[[Alliance of Dwarves and Men]][[Union of Maedhros]][[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]][[Fellowship of the Ring]][[Thorin and Company]]
| rivalry=[[Elves]][[Dragons]][[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]][[Westron]][[Sindarin]]<ref name="S10">{{S|10}}</ref>[[Iglishmêk]] (sign language)[[Dalish]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]] '''Cultures: '''[[Dwarves of Belegost]], [[Dwarves of Erebor]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Petty-dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=''[[#Lifespan|See below]]''
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=At least 4 feet (1.22 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, ''Heights'', p. 195</ref>
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue, red, and (when older) grey or white{{fact}}
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, bows, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}

The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivalled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were seven Houses of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==Origins==
{{main|Fathers of the Dwarves}}
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>
[[File:Artigas - The Seven Houses of the Khazad.jpg|thumb|The Seven Houses of the Khazad by [[:Category:Images_by_Artigas|Artigas]] ]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref name=pmxnotes>{{PM|XNotes}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<ref name="PMX">{{PM|X}}</ref>

* '''[[Longbeards]]''', ''Durin's Folk'', originally from [[Gundabad]].
* '''[[Firebeards]]''' and '''[[Broadbeams]]''', originally from the [[Blue Mountains]].
* '''[[Ironfists]]''' and '''[[Stiffbeards]]''', originated in the [[East]].
* '''[[Blacklocks]]''' and '''[[Stonefoots]]''', originated in the [[East]].

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

==History==
===First Age===
Sometime after the Elves had awakened at [[Cuiviénen]],<ref group="note">In one of the texts associated with the chapter ''[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]'' of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', it is said that the awakening of the Dwarves might have taken place at the time of the departure of the Eldar over the sea - in other words, either in c. {{YT|1132}} (when the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]] departed) or in c. {{YT|1150}} (when the [[Teleri]] departed).</ref><ref>{{WJ|13}}, pp. 211-212</ref> the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] were released from their stone chambers. The eldest of them, called [[Durin the Deathless|Durin]], wandered until he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] in the natural caves beneath three peaks: [[Barazinbar]], [[Zirakzigil]], and [[Bundushathûr]]. The city, populated by the Longbeards or [[Durin's Folk]], grew and prospered continuously through Durin's life (which was so long that he was called Durin the Deathless, also a reference to the belief by his people that he would be reincarnated seven times).

Far to the west of Khazad-dûm, the great Dwarf-cities of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] were founded in [[Ered Luin]] (the Blue Mountains) during the [[Years of the Trees]], before the arrival of the Elves in [[Beleriand]]. The [[Dwarves of Belegost]] were the first to forge mail of linked rings, and they also traded weaponry with the Sindar and carved the [[Menegroth|Thousand Caves of Menegroth]] for [[Thingol]], the Lord of Beleriand. In Nogrod, the Smith [[Telchar]] forged [[Narsil]] and [[Angrist]], two of the most fateful weapons in the history of Arda, as well as the famed [[Dragon-helm]] of [[Dor-Lómin]].

It is said that some Dwarves in the far [[East]] had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind when the ancestors of the [[Edain]] had encountered them.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #28</ref>

The [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains]] fought against the forces of Melkor during the First Age, and the Dwarves of Belegost were the only people able to withstand dragon-fire in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], when [[Lord of Belegost|Lord]] [[Azaghâl]], who died in the battle, stabbed Glaurung, the first dragon. The [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] fought against Melkor as well. However, they slew [[Thingol]] out of greed and stole the [[Silmaril]] they had been charged to set into the necklace called [[Nauglamír]]. A number of retaliatory actions ensued, and the Nogrod army was destroyed by a force of [[Laiquendi]] and [[Ents]]. Both dwarf kingdoms would eventually be destroyed, along with nearly all of Beleriand, after the [[War of Wrath]], with the dwarvish refugees mainly resettling in Khazad-dûm.

During those times of war in Beleriand, the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] prospered in relative peace colonizing the [[Iron Hills]] and the [[Grey Mountains]] and traded with the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, pp. 302-303</ref>

===Second Age===
In the [[Second Age]], around the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> the Firebeards and Broadbeams who lived in Nogrod and Belegost left the destruction behind and came to [[Khazad-dûm]], increasing its wealth and power.<ref name=AppA3/>

The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however, it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
As [[Sauron]]'s [[shadow]] became stronger around {{TA|1300}}, evil things like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began multiplying, harassing the Dwarves.<ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref>

In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór travelled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans, however, were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin, therefore, came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his [[Thorin's Halls|realm]] there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later history===
Not much is known about the Dwarves after the [[Third Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumoured that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendour, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<ref name="PMX" />

==Characteristics==
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in ''[[The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' game]]
They were 4.5–5 feet (1.35–1.52 m) tall and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and it is said that they could die of shame if they were subjected to shaving.<ref name=wj13>{{WJ|13}}</ref>

They had a tendency toward gold lust and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name=rings/>

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name="S10" />

===Wicked Dwarves===
Of the people of Middle-earth, Dwarves are the most resistant to corruption and influence of Morgoth and later Sauron. The seven rings of Power of the dwarves did not turn them to evil, but it did amplify their greed and lust for gold. It is said that very few wilfully served the side of darkness.<ref name="Other">{{App|Other}}</ref>

In the First Age, the [[Petty Dwarves]] that dwelt in [[Beleriand]] were descendants of Dwarves exiled for evil deeds from their great mansions of their kind.<ref>{{NM|P3}}, pp. 304-305</ref> And after their [[Awakening of Men|Awakening]], some [[Men]] had met Dwarves of the [[East]] who had fallen under the [[Shadow]] and were of evil mind and were distrustful of their race.<ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 28}} Of the Seven Houses, few fought on either side during the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the Second Age, and it's known that none from the House of Durin ever fought on the side of evil.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

During the early parts of the Third Age (or at least in legends of the previous), it is known that in some places wicked dwarves had made alliances with [[Orcs]].<ref>{{H|Hill}}</ref> Those most likely came from the Dwarves of the far eastern mansions.<ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 28}}

However, it is said that there was an enmity between some Dwarves and some Men of old (who were jealous of the Dwarves's wealth and works), and the latter alleged evil things about the Dwarves.<ref name="Other" />

===Skills and industries===
{{quote|For buying and selling and exchange were their delight, and the winning of wealth thereby; and this they gathered rather to hoard than to use, save in further trading.|''Quenta Silmarillion''<ref name=wjdwarves>{{WJ|13}}</ref>{{rp|p. 204}}}}
[[File:Lída Holubová - Dwarven smith.jpg|thumb|''Dwarven smith'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth. They were considered unrivalled in arts such as smithing, crafting, metalworking, and masonry, even by the [[Noldor]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

The Dwarves were the greatest miners ever to exist in [[Middle-earth]], building immense halls under mountains where they built their cities. They built many famed halls including [[Menegroth]], the fairest dwelling of any king that has been east of the [[Sea]],<ref name=S2/> [[Nargothrond]],<ref name=return>{{S|Return}}</ref> [[Khazad-dum]], the grandest mansions of the Dwarves,<ref name="S10" /> the [[Elvenking's Halls]],<ref group="note">In the ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the Dwarves aided in the making of [[Thranduil]]'s halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref> and the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]].

In the darkness of [[Arda]] already the Dwarves wrought great works for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver and gold.<ref name="S10" />

In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the [[Noldor]], and in the making of mail of linked rings, which was first contrived by the [[Dwarves of Belegost|smiths of Belegost]], their work had no rival. During the third age of the captivity of [[Melkor]], the Dwarves smithied for [[Thingol]]; for they were greatly skilled in such work, though none among them surpassed the [[Dwarves of Nogrod|craftsmen of Nogrod]], of whom [[Telchar]] the smith was greatest in renown.<ref name="S10" />

They were also capable masons and smiths - Dwarven smithing skills were said to be unrivalled, and their masonry creations were bested by none. The crafting skills of the Dwarves were unmatched; they crafted objects of great beauty out of gems and metals. They crafted many famed weapons, armours, and items of art and beauty, among them [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]] and the necklace [[Nauglamír]], the most prized treasure in [[Nargothrond]] and the most famed Dwarven work of the [[Elder Days]].<ref name=doriath>{{S|Doriath}}</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves wrought with patient craft works of metal and stone that now none can rival.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> However, as stated by [[Gloin son of Groin|Gloin]] at the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] have surpassed their predecessors in mining and building before [[Smaug]] descended on the [[Lonely Mountain]], but not in metal-work, smithing or the making of mail, as their predecessors' secrets have been long lost.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

The Dwarves are described as "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples"<ref name="PMX" /> — a warlike race who would fight fiercely against whoever aggrieved them including Dwarves of "other mansions and lordships".<ref name="S10" /> Highly skilled in the making of weapons and armour, their main weapon is the battle axe, but they also use bows, swords, shields, and mattocks.<ref>{{H|15}}</ref>

They are resistant to fire, more than Elves or Men.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name=PMAiv/>

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their "breed".<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref> The [[Longbeards]] were particularly long-lived,<ref name=PMAiv/> but by the Third Age, their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years.<ref name=PMAiv/> The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] named "Durin" were particularly long-lived.<ref name=PMAiv/> Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name=PMAiv/>

Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labour or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigour. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald.

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[Earth-bread]] was a root well known to Dwarves, but almost unknown to Elves or Men. [[Coffee]] was at least known to Hobbits and Dwarves.

The Dwarves didn't have relationships with animals, didn't harbour even [[dogs]] and wouldn't mount a [[horse]] willingly. For this reason they found the [[Northmen]] useful [[Alliance of Dwarves and Men|trade allies]] in the Second Age.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}</ref><ref name=pmxnotes/>{{rp|n. 29}} In earlier times, whenever the Dwarves were unable to barter for grain, they practiced agriculture using a plough-like tool that they invented. However, Dwarves did not enjoy doing such labour.<ref>{{NM|P3v}}, Second paragraph</ref>

===Family===
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than half, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name=AppA3>{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death, they returned to that stone.<ref name=AppA3/><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name=PMAiv/>

===Religion===
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë.<ref name="S10" /><ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old, the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name=S2/>

===Reincarnation===
The Dwarves believed that the reappearance of the person of one of the Dwarf-fathers (in the lines of their kings), is not one of re-birth, but of the preservation of the body of a former king, to which at intervals their spirit would return.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michaël Devaux]] (ed.), ''[[La Feuille de la Compagnie 3|La Feuille de la Compagnie, vol.3, J.R.R. Tolkien, l'effigie des Elfes]]'', "Fragments on elvish reincarnation", "III. Some notes on 'rebirth', reincarnation by restoration, among Elves. With a note on the Dwarves"</ref>

===Language===
{{main|Khuzdul}}
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called ''[[Khuzdul]]''. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbours. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

Certainly in the First Age when they first made contact with the Elves, the only tongue in Beleriand would have been Sindarin at that time as the Noldor had not yet returned from Aman. As a logical consequence, therefore, Sindarin was a language used by the dwarves.<ref name="S10" /> But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the [[Elven-tongue]] than to teach their own to those of alien race.<ref name="S10" /> In fact, the Dwarves were so impressed by the Elvish runes (The Cirth of Daeron) for writing Sindarin that they adopted them for use in their own tongue and used them forever more.

Dwarves had great interest in languages since their first contact with other peoples and had good hability to pronounce foreigner sounds from other languages. However, they could not conceal their voices, which were deep in tone, with laryngeal coloration, so among themselves they could even speak with a laryngeal whisper.<ref>{{NM|P3xix}}, p. 371</ref>

==Other names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this was adapted as '''''Hadhodrim''''' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''Casari''''' in [[Quenya]]. ''Casari'' was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'' ("the Stunted People").<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was '''''Aulëonnar''''' ("Children of Aulë").<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 391, fn. 22</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.
==Etymology==
Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar",<ref>{{L|17}}</ref> but in [[Appendix F]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of dwarves regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales.

The original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs''.<ref>{{L|138}}</ref>

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature.
==Inspiration==
[[Wikipedia:Dwarf (folklore)|Dwarfs]] are beings of Germanic folklore, usually associated with metallurgy.<ref name=brackman/> Many the names of Dwarven characters in the [[Legendarium]] are taken or inspired from the Old Norse ''[[Völuspá]]''.

At several points Tolkien noted that his Dwarves have jewish traits: both were "''at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue...''"<ref>{{L|176}}</ref> a tongue which he based on [[Hebrew]].

{{quote|The dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldn't you say that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic. [...] There's a tremendous love of the artefact, and of course the immense warlike capacity of the Jews, which we tend to forget nowadays.|J.R.R. Tolkien to [[Denys Gueroult]]<ref name=interview>''[[An Interview with J.R.R.T.]]''; the second phrase was edited out of the broadcast but published in Zak Cramer's "Jewish Influences in Middle-earth" (''[[Mallorn 44]]'' [[2006]]: p. 10).</ref>}}

Rebecca Brackman notes that the Dwarves's creation tale resembles the role between Jews and Christians: while the Jews held the holy Law and were God's first chosen people, according to early and medieval understanding, this role has been superseded and replaced by Christianity, much like how the Dwarves were created first, but were superseded by the Elves and Men as Children of Iluvatar, according to His plan.<ref name=brackman/>

According to Brackman Tolkien's Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' display some (anti-)semitic tropes following popular perception. Such tropes are the beards, the greed for gold, cowardiness and complaining for several things, serving as comic relief; they don't seem to participate in the heroic culture of the Elven and Mannish characters and have their own value system ("dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of [[money]]"<ref>{{H|12}}, p. 211</ref>). Those marginalizing stereotypes were circulating both in the medieval sources Tolkien was studying, but also in his contemporary culture.<ref name=brackman/>

Wayne Harden has noted that the war-cry of the Dwarves is similar to the historical [[Wikipedia:Gurkha|Gurkha]] cry, "The Gurkhas are upon you!"<ref name=brackman/>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] such as [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the dwarves were evil beings, not unlike the dwarfs of Norse mythology, and sometimes allied by [[Melko]].<ref name=brackman>Brackmann, Rebecca ([[2010]]) "[https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol28/iss3/ 'Dwarves are Not Heroes': Antisemitism and the Dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Writing]", [[Mythlore]]: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 28: No. 3, Article 7.</ref>

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

While the Dwarves in ''The Hobbit'' are comical, outside the heroic culture, with several unpleasant qualities stereotypically attributed to the Jews, Gimli in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is displayed heroic and steadfast and is not motivated by profit or revenge; it is also suggested that the monetary value Dwarves give to gold and gems actually comes from appreciation of their natural beauty, perceived as "greed" in ''The Hobbit''. The backstory laid out in [[Appendix A|"Durin's Folk"]] and ''[[The Quest of Erebor]]'' suggests that Thorin's aggressive and greedy behavior was stemming from his Dwarvish sense of duty, and perhaps spurred by the [[Ring of Thrór]], rather than inherited racial traits.<ref name=brackman/> Christine Chism argued that Tolkien, having Jews in mind, responded to the cultural turmoil around the time of WWII.<ref>Chism, Christine. "Middle-earth, the Middle Ages, and the Aryan Nation." In ''[[Tolkien the Medievalist]]''. Ed. [[Jane Chance]]. London: Routledge, [[2003]]. pp. 63-92.</ref>

Concerning the hostile views between Dwarves and Elves in the First Age, [[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that "the long enduring 'hostile' view has at last virtually vanished" in ''[[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref name=wjdwarves/>{{rp|p. 206}}

==External links==
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references|notes}}
{{dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

The One Ring

2024-02-27T05:39:52Z

Jamie Eilat: /* Effects */

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|The One Ring|[[The One Ring (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
| name=The One Ring
| image=[[File:John Howe - The One Ring 03.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The One Ring" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Ruling Ring, Master-ring, Great Ring, the One, Ring of Rings, Ring of Power, Ring of Doom, Isildur's Bane, the Burden, Precious
| location=
| owner=Primarily: [[Sauron]], [[Isildur]], [[Gollum]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
| type=Weapon/item of jewellery
| appearance=Plain gold ring with [[Black Speech]] inscription made visible by heat
| creator=[[Sauron]]
| created=c. {{SA|1600}}
| createdlocation=[[Mount Doom]]
| destroyer=[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]/[[Gollum]]
| destroyed={{TA|3019}}
| destroyedlocation=[[Mount Doom]]
| notablefor=
| gallery=the One Ring
| audio =[[File:J.R.R._Tolkien_-_The_Ring_Verse.mp3]]
| audiocaption = ''The Ring Verse'', recited by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]].
}}
{{Quote|Now the Elves made many rings; but secretly Sauron made One Ring to rule all the others, and their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only so long as it too should last.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}

The '''One Ring''' was an ancient artifact created by the [[Dark Lord]] [[Sauron]] in the [[Second Age]] for the purpose of ruling over the [[Free peoples]] of [[Middle-earth]], mainly the [[Elves]].

It was also known as the '''Ruling Ring''', '''Great Ring of Power''' and '''Isildur's Bane''' (due to it causing the death of [[Isildur]]). In the [[Ring Verse]] it is referred to as '''Ash Nazg''' in [[Black Speech]].<ref name=council/>

== History ==
=== Origin and creation ===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Forging of the One.jpg|thumb|left|''The Forging of the One'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
During the [[Second Age]], the Dark Lord [[Sauron]] persuaded [[Celebrimbor]] and his people, the [[Elves|Elven]] smiths of [[Eregion]], to forge the [[Rings of Power]]. Secretly, Sauron returned to [[Orodruin]] and forged the One Ring in its fires.<ref name=RoP>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

It was made as the Master Ring, the One Ring which would control all the others, and dominate their bearers. Sauron allowed much of his will and power to go into it.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|I2}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> Thus, he was at his most powerful when wearing the Ring; and although his power did not diminish if he was not in possession of it,<ref name=L131/> he would lose the ability to have a physical form once it was destroyed.<ref>{{L|200}}</ref>

Although it appeared to be made of simple gold, the Ring was virtually impervious to damage, and could only be destroyed in the very fires where it had originally been forged - [[Orodruin]].<ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

=== Dark Years ===
When Celebrimbor and the other Ring-bearers realized Sauron's treachery, they took off their Rings, as while they were wearing them, Sauron knew where they were, and went to war with him. This war, the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador. Sauron conquered and was able to claim all the Rings of Power (except the [[Three Rings|Three]]) and distribute them.<ref name=RoP/> During the era known as the [[Dark Years]], Sauron became master of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts and was known as the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]]. He raised [[Barad-dûr]] near [[Mount Doom]], constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim|Southrons]].

The power of the Ring allowed Sauron to link it with some of his works, such as [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name=council/> With the Ring he controlled the [[Nine Rings]] that were given to nine mortal Men, who were corrupted and turned into the [[Nazgûl]], his chief servants. However, he was unable to control the [[Seven Rings]] of the [[Dwarves|Dwarf-lords]], because of their different, more hearty nature, and natural resistance against domination by others--instead, the Rings increased the greed of the dwarves. <ref name=RoP />

Sauron's rise offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]], who attacked him with great force of arms. The forces of Sauron fled the onslaught, and Sauron realized that he could not overcome the Númenòreans through military might. Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]]. There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser. The King obviously knew nothing about the Ring and its significance<ref name=L211/> and Sauron corrupted many Númenóreans using the power of the Ring<ref name=L211>{{L|211}}</ref> and eventually convinced the king to rebel against the [[Valar]]. This resulted in the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. Sauron was diminished in the destruction and his spirit (presumably with the Ring<ref name=L211/>) fled back to Mordor, where he slowly rebuilt his strength.

=== First defeat of Sauron ===
When the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans founded the [[Realms in Exile]], Sauron began an offence against [[Gondor]], which was one of those realms; the Elves and the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] against Sauron, who was vanquished by [[Elendil]] and [[Gil-galad]]. Prince [[Isildur]] then cut the ring from his fingers and took it for himself.

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Ring has moved on.jpg|thumb|''The Ring has moved on'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
Isildur was corrupted by a great desire for the Ring, and he took it for his own, instead of destroying it as should have been done. Though he bought it "with great pain", Isildur considered the Ring a most precious heirloom of his house, and documented its properties upon the [[Scroll of Isildur|scroll he wrote]] in [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name=council/> He kept it secret even from his sons, except [[Heir of Isildur|his Heir]] [[Elendur (son of Isildur)|Elendur]] whom he trusted most.<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref> He kept it around his neck as he travelled back to [[Arnor]]; but his party was attacked by a group of [[Orcs]] during the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]. Isildur jumped into the [[Gladden River]] to escape, but the Ring betrayed him, and in an attempt to return to its master, it slipped off his finger,<ref name=shadow/> Isildur was revealed to the Orcs when he climbed out of the river, and he was shot. Although this happened as an attempt to return to Sauron,<ref name=shadow/> the Orcs didn't find the Ring, as it was lost in the [[Gladden River]].

The true fate of the One Ring was unknown for many years. To the North, the Ring would be known as "'''Isildur's Bane'''" for the role it played in causing his death.<ref>{{FR|II2}} p. 317</ref>

=== Finding ===
The Ring remained hidden in the riverbed for over two millennia, despite [[Saruman]] and his many attempts to locate the ring, until it was discovered on a fishing trip by a [[Stoors|Stoor]] named [[Déagol]]. Once again, the Ring's evil powers acted upon Déagol's friend and relative, [[Sméagol]], who murdered Déagol and took the Ring for himself. Over many ages, Sméagol was changed by the Ring's influence into the creature called [[Gollum]] (which is what he called himself, as it was similar to a sound he made). The Ring manipulated Gollum into settling in the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Mirkwood]], near a [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|colony of Orcs]], where Sauron was beginning to resurface. But Gollum was too small and never left his deep pool so the Ring stayed with him for centuries. It was 500 years later, in the Third Age, when the "Necromancer" was awake once more in Mirkwood, sending his dark thoughts, and the Ring, wishing to be discovered by a new keeper, and so thus find its way back to its Master, fell off Gollum's finger<ref name=shadow/> as he was returning from hunting a [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblin]].
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Bilbo finds the One Ring.jpg|thumb|''Bilbo finds the One Ring'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''The Riddle-game'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
The Ring was discovered a few hours later lying on the floor of a tunnel by a hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]], who had been separated from his party of Dwarves and become lost in the caverns of the Misty Mountains, near Gollum's lair. After losing the [[Riddle-game]] to Bilbo, Gollum sneaked off to fetch his "[[Precious]]" (as he always called the One Ring), so that he could kill Bilbo and eat him. But when Gollum arrived at his island, he found that the Ring was missing, and he let out a great wail. Deducing from Bilbo's last question--"What have I got in my pocket?"--that Bilbo had taken it, Gollum chased the hobbit through the caves, not knowing that Bilbo had discovered the Ring's powers of invisibility and was following him to the cave's exit. Bilbo escaped Gollum and the Orcs who inhabited the Misty Mountains by remaining invisible (although he lost a few of his nice brass buttons.) But it seems that the Ring once more tried to betray its new master and slipped from his finger, allowing the pursuing goblins to see him.<ref name=Riddles>{{H|5}}</ref>

When he told the story to the [[Dwarves]] and Gandalf, however, he left the Ring out of the story. But Bilbo was aware that Gandalf suspected the presence of his magic Ring. Later on Bilbo was forced to tell the Dwarves about the Ring, to preserve their lives and continue their journey to Erebor.

Gollum, meanwhile, eventually left the Misty Mountains to track down and reclaim the Ring. He wandered for decades, only to be captured and interrogated by Sauron himself, to whom he revealed the existence of Bilbo and the Shire.
[[File:Paul Rivoche - Frodo and Gandalf.jpg|thumb|''Frodo and Gandalf'' by [[Paul Rivoche]]]]

=== Frodo's quest and destruction ===
In {{TA|3001}}, following Gandalf's counsel, Bilbo gave the Ring to his nephew and adopted heir [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. This first willing renunciation of the Ring in its history sparked the chain of events which eventually led to its unmaking. Gandalf was suspicious about the effect it had on Bilbo and went to [[Minas Tirith]] and found Isildur's account on the Ring, being lost since his death. He returned to [[Hobbiton]] and tested Frodo's Ring in fire, only to confirm his fears since the letters described by Isildur appeared upon it.

By this time Sauron had begun to regain his power, and the [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]] in Mordor had been rebuilt. The [[War of the Ring]] had begun. Gandalf urged Frodo to carry the Ring to [[Rivendell]] where the Wise would decide their actions. Despite Gandalf's warnings, Frodo did wear the Ring several times during his journey. On [[Weathertop]] he was tempted by the Ring to wear it and evade the Ringwraiths, only to make him more visible to them and to be wounded by a [[Morgul-knife]].

In order to prevent the recapture of the Ring, Frodo and eight other [[Fellowship of the Ring|companions]] set out from [[Rivendell]] for Mordor in an attempt to destroy the Ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]]. During the quest, Frodo gradually became more and more susceptible to the Ring's power, and feared that it was going to corrupt him. When he and Sam discovered that Gollum was on their trail and "tamed" him into guiding them to Mordor, he began to feel a strange bond with the wretched, treacherous creature, seeing a possible future of himself that he felt he had to save in order to save himself. Gollum gave in to the Ring's temptation, however, and betrayed them to the spider [[Shelob]] who stung Frodo. Believing Frodo to be dead, Sam bore the Ring himself for a short time, and glimpsed its power, although he never gave in to it.

Sam rescued Frodo from a band of Orcs at the Tower of [[Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him, but feared that the toll it was taking was too great; it nearly was. Although Frodo and Sam, followed by Gollum, eventually arrived at the [[Cracks of Doom]], Frodo decided to keep the Ring for himself and wore it rather than destroy it, evincing its corruptive nature. Seeing Frodo's footprints, Gollum pounced on the invisible Frodo and bit off the finger wearing the Ring. Having retrieved his long-lost "precious", Gollum rejoiced before tripping over the edge and falling into the lava pit with the Ring in hand, finally destroying it. The Ring's loss resulted in the permanent disembodiment of Sauron's spirit (''[[ëalar|ëala]]'') and crumbling of his structures, including [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Black Gate]].

== Characteristics ==
=== Appearance ===
Physically the Ring resembled a geometrically perfect circle of pure gold, this perfection and purity being part of its allure. Unlike the lesser Rings, it bore no gem. It seems to have been able to expand and contract, in order to fit its wearer's finger or slip from it treacherously. Its identity could be determined by a simple (though little-known) test: when heated in fire, fine lines of fire, forming a script, would appear running along on the inside and outside of the Ring.<ref name=shadow/> The letters were an [[Ring Verse|inscription]] in [[Tengwar]] of the [[Black Speech]] of Mordor, citing a section of poetry from part of its lore:
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - One Ring inscription.png|right|300px]]

{{blockquote|Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.}}

Which translates to:

{{blockquote|One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.}}

=== Effects ===
[[Image:Roger Thomasson - The One Ring.jpg|thumb|left|''The One Ring'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]

Like all Rings of Power, the One Ring enhanced the natural powers of its bearer, and it could also be used to decelerate decay and change in the world.<ref name=L131>{{L|131}}</ref> But unlike the other rings, the One Ring was forged by Sauron alone without any Elvish assistance<ref name=RoP /> and was entirely evil. A person who bore the Ring could more easily dominate and command others; for instance, Sauron used this power to help convince the Númenóreans to attack [[Valinor]],<ref>{{L|211}}</ref> and Boromir desired to use this power to gain loyal subjects who would attack Mordor.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The Ring also allowed its bearer to see and control the thoughts of anyone who wore any other Ring of Power.<ref name=RoP />

When [[Men]] wore the Ring, they would be partly "shifted" out of the physical realm into the [[wraith-world]]. A side effect (but usually the first noticed) of the Ring was that it made the wearer invisible to most inhabitants of the physical realm (but highly visible to the [[Nazgûl]]), it dimmed the wearer's sight, and it sharpened his hearing. When Men wore the ring, only their faint and shaky shadow could be seen, and only in the full light of the sun.<ref name=Riddles></ref> This "shadow world" was the world which Wraiths inhabited, but also where the [[Calaquendi]] (Elves of Light) lived at the same time as the normal world and held great power, as was evidenced by [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] viewing [[Glorfindel]] at the Ford of [[Bruinen]] near [[Rivendell]]<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> and later explained by [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref> If a bearer managed to consciously subdue the Ring's will with his own, he could wield the powers that Sauron had before he lost the Ring; notably, he could control the will of others.

Part of the nature of the Ring was that it slowly and inevitably corrupted its wearer, regardless of any intentions to the contrary. Whether this was specifically designed into the Ring's magic or was simply an artefact of its evil origins is unknown. (Sauron might be expected to endow his One Ring with such a property, but he probably never intended anyone besides himself to wear it. It may be a side-effect of the portion of Sauron's will that lies within the Ring, influencing the wearer.) Part of its essential deceit was filling minds with imaginations of supreme power<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> For this reason, the Wise, including [[Gandalf]], [[Elrond]] and [[Galadriel]], refused to wield it in their own defence, but instead determined that it must be destroyed.

It appears that Hobbits, being more pure of heart than Men and far less powerful than Elves, were the ideal vessels to resist its seductive power; this explains why Frodo and Bilbo bore it for long periods of time with very little ill effect; while Sam wore it, his mind was filed with fantasies of him as a hero marching to the overthrow of Barad-dûr with a flaming sword and Gorgoroth turning into a garden with flower and trees that grew fruits, but he rejected them;<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 901</ref> even Gollum had not turned into a Wraith after 500 years of bearing the Ring.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2463, p. 1087</ref><ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 25, p. 1094</ref>

Its power to lust was so great that it was impossible for anyone (even Sauron) to try to injure it<ref name=L131/> although unbreakable by itself.

The enigmatic [[Tom Bombadil]] was unaffected by the Ring, or rather, the Ring had no effect on him. This may be explained in many ways. (See the [[Tom Bombadil/Nature|article on Tom Bombadil]], which includes some theories.)

While in possession of the Ring, Sam encountered two different groups of Orcs. Finding he could understand their speech, he speculated that this was made possible by the Ring.<ref>{{TT|Choices}}, p. 735</ref> However, it is possible that both groups were using the [[Common Tongue]].<ref>{{App|Other}}, ''Orcs and the Black Speech.'', p. 1131</ref>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
While writing the first drafts of ''[[A Long-expected Party]]'' (December [[1937]]), Tolkien already had decided to link the finding of the Ring with the mysterious figure of the "[[Necromancer]]" of ''The Hobbit''. In those drafts Bilbo would be unable to let go the Ring, so on a holiday leaves the Ring to his son, "[[Bingo Baggins]]" as a parting gift, and then disappears. Bingo keeps the Ring hoping it will lead him to his father. Gandalf explains that they can "cheat" the Ring to guide them to Bilbo, if he also does the same, hence stages a "Farewell party".<ref>{{RS|1Iv}}</ref>

In order to counter the notion that ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' was inspired from [[wikipedia:World War II|World War II]], Tolkien himself provided a "what if" scenario in the Foreword to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' that shows what would happen should the Ring be used against [[Sauron]]. Tolkien explained that if he had WWII in mind, then the [[Free peoples]] would enslave Sauron with the power of the Ring against him, and occupy [[Mordor]]. [[Saruman]] (whose treachery would remain secret) would then use the Ring-lore found in Mordor to create a Great Ring of his own with which to challenge the self-styled Ruler of [[Middle-earth]].<ref>{{FR|Foreword}}</ref>

== Inspiration ==
Tolkien scholar [[John D. Rateliff]] has at length discussed five different rings of invisibility which occur in works that predate Tolkien's:
*Plato's [[Wikipedia:Ring of Gyges|Ring of Gyges]] (ca. 390 BC),
*the magic ring in [[Wikipedia:Chrétien de Troyes|Chrétien de Troyes]]' ''[[Wikipedia:Yvain, the Knight of the Lion|Yvain, the Knight of the Lion]]'' (ca. 1177);
*[[Wikipedia:Angelica (character)|Angelica]]'s ring, of French Renaissance literature;
*the Fairy's ring appearing in the tale "The Enchanted Ring" (by [[Wikipedia:François Fénelon|François Fénelon]]) in [[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang|Andrew Lang]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang's Fairy Books|The Green Fairy Book]]'' (a collection of fairy-tales referred to by Tolkien in his [[On Fairy-Stories|Andrew Lang lecture]]);<ref group=note>The "Fairy's ring" was first noted by [[Douglas A. Anderson]]. Cf. {{HM|AH}}, p. 133.</ref>
*the witch-maiden's ring in an Estonian folktale (ca. 1866) from the ''[[Wikipedia:Kalevipoeg|Kalevipoeg]]'', translated as "[[Wikipedia:The Dragon of the North|The Dragon of the North]]" in ''[[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang's Fairy Books|The Yellow Fairy Book]]'' (1894).

Rateliff's proposes that the ring most likely to have provided an inspiration for Tolkien is a version of Chrétien's tale, namely Owein's ring in the [[Welsh]] ''[[Wikipedia:Three Welsh Romances#Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain|Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain]]''. He also regards the rings in Fénelon's and Plato's stories as possible influences, but concludes that: "''the primary influence on Frodo's ring is in fact'' The Hobbit ''itself: here, as so often, Tolkien is his own main source''".<ref>{{HM|HHO}}, pp. 176-182</ref>

It has also been suggested that the One Ring may have been inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Ring of Silvianus|Ring of Silvianus]] and its inscribed curse. The hypothesis is based on Tolkien gaining knowledge about the Ring of Silvianus through the archaeologist [[Wikipedia:Mortimer Wheeler|Mortimer Wheeler]], for whom Tolkien wrote the text "[[The Name 'Nodens']]".<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/showthread.php?55657-A-Ring-with-a-Curse&p=563861#post563861|articlename=A Ring with a Curse|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=10 April 2013}}</ref> However, Tolkien scholars [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]] have pointed out that there is no "''evidence, or good reason to believe, that Tolkien was inspired by the Roman ring''".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406192552/https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mythsoc/conversations/topics/24198|articlename=Re:Tolkien and Nodens in the news this morning (message 24198)|dated=9 April 2013|website=Mythsoc|accessed=20 July 2023}}</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=The One Ring in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|Image:LOTR-vol2-ring1.png|The One Ring in ''[[The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|The One Ring in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo fingering the One Ring.jpg|The One Ring in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|Image:The Hobbit (2003) One Ring.JPG|The One Ring in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|Image:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - One Ring3.jpg|The One Ring in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|Image:Lego One Ring.png|The One Ring as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''[[1977]]: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In accordance with the novel, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] finds the One Ring in [[Gollum]]'s cave. However, in a departure from the book, [[Gandalf]] reveals that he knows of Bilbo's ownership of the Ring and that it is indeed the One, thus setting the scene for an adaptation of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. For some reason, a loud "vwoop!" sound is heard whenever the Ring is put on.<ref>''The Hobbit (1977 film)''</ref>

'''[[1980]]: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''

:The One Ring is unchanged from its appearance in the Rankin/Bass adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. In the [[Mount Doom (chapter)|Mount Doom scene]], oddly enough, the Ring itself can be seen even when [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] is invisible, allowing it to be easily located by Gollum with the result of him biting it off of Frodo's finger almost immediately.<ref>''The Return of the King (1980 film)''</ref>

'''[[2001]]-[[2003|3]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''

:The One Ring is voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. It is first mentioned in the Prologue narrated by [[Galadriel]] as the Ring that would rule all of the other [[Rings of Power]], and is portrayed, in accordance with the book, as a simple gold band which gains [[Ring Verse|fiery letters]] on the surface when exposed to fire (these letters being identical to those illustrated in the book). In the sequence of the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron channels the power of the Ring into his mace, sending many [[Last Alliance]] soldiers flying with every swing. It seems to have the ability to grow or shrink to fit the finger of whomever its master is, a trait touched upon in the novel, and is able to speak, albeit unintelligibly, into the mind of its bearer.<ref>''The Lord of the Rings (film series)</ref>

'''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The One Ring is shown in the introduction of the game. In [[the Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] refers to Frodo and the Ring as a "Hobbit with an important burden".<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''[[2012]]-[[2014|14]]: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The One Ring is first seen by Bilbo when it falls out of Gollum's pocket while the former is strangling a small [[Goblin]]. It is consistent in its appearance in the 2001-3 film series as a simple gold band. While wearing it, Bilbo gained the ability to understand the speech of the [[spiders]] of Mirkwood.<ref>''The Hobbit (film series)</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]
* [[Rings of Power]]
* [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]
* [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''

{{references|n}}

{{rings}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:One Ring, The}}
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Der Eine Ring]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/anneau_unique]]
[[fi:Sormusten Sormus]]

Angband

2024-02-26T06:01:46Z

Jamie Eilat: /* History */

{{expansion}}{{sources}}
{{disambig-two|a fortress of Morgoth|roguelike game|[[Angband (game)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Angband
| image=[[File:Pete_Amachree_-_Beren_and_Luthien_flee_Angband.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Beren and Luthien flee Angband" by Pete Amachree
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Ered Engrin]], beneath [[Thangorodrim]]
| type=Fortress
| description=Dark underground fortress
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]], [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]] and [[:Category:Servants of Melkor|other creatures]]
| created=Before {{YT|1090}}
| destroyed={{FA|587}}, [[War of Wrath]]
| events=
}}
{{Pronounce|Angband.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Angband''' was a mighty fortified citadel originally constructed by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] in the earliest days of the world as an outlying fortress to his northern stronghold of [[Utumno]]. Utumno was [[Battle of the Powers|destroyed]] by the [[Valar]] and Melkor imprisoned in [[Valinor]] for three ages, but on his return to [[Middle-earth]], he took Angband as the seat of his power and raised the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] above its gates.

Angband was besieged by the [[Noldor]] during the early part of the late [[First Age]], but the [[Siege of Angband|siege]] was broken at the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. It was finally destroyed by the forces of the Valar at the very end of the First Age, in the [[War of Wrath]].

==History==
Melkor built Angband during the [[Years of the Trees]], originally as an outlying fortress and armoury to his great northern citadel at [[Utumno]]. It was built near the northwestern shores of the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] in the range of the [[Iron Mountains]] as a first defence against any attack on Melkor's realm from the Valar in Aman. It was commanded by [[Sauron]], his lieutenant.<ref name=s3>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>{{S|Map}}</ref>

After the [[Battle of the Powers]], the Valar [[Captivity of Melkor|captured Melkor]] and took him in chains back to [[Valinor]], although beneath the ruins of [[Utumno]] and Angband lay many hidden chambers and vaults in which some of Melkor's servants escaped the Valar's assault. Sauron was one of these, as well as the [[Balrogs]].<ref name=s3/>

Angband re-entered history when Melkor escaped Valinor with the stolen [[Silmarils]]; he chose the ruined fortress as his new capital, and rebuilt the Hells of Iron as a base for the dark reign he intended for the lands of [[Middle-earth]].<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref>

Soon after the [[Return of the Noldor]] to [[Beleriand]] towards the end of the [[First Age]],<ref>{{App|Elves}}, p. 1128</ref> Melkor took [[Fëanor]]'s son [[Maedhros]] by deceit and trickery, and hung him by the wrist from the towers of Thangorodrim above Angband. He was rescued by [[Fingon]] and [[Thorondor]], but lost his right hand.<ref name="Return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

The third of the great battles in the [[Wars of Beleriand]], the [[Dagor Aglareb]], had profound consequences for Angband. Melkor sent out hosts of [[Orcs]] in the hope of taking the Noldor by surprise, but the Noldor chased these Orcs back to the very gates of Angband, and slew them to the last creature. From then until the Dagor Bragollach in {{FA|455}}, a period of almost 400 years, Angband was surrounded by the Noldor; this is the time known as the [[Siege of Angband]].<ref name=Return/>

==Appearance and Construction==
[[File:John Howe - Angband.jpg|right|thumb|Angband by [[John Howe]]]]
Angband was primarily an underground fortress, at least after its initial destruction by the Valar in the Years of the Trees. Like its prototype, Utumno, it had many hidden underground chambers and vaults far beneath the earth that not even the Valar could discover.<ref name=s3/> Its main features above ground were the three peaks of the Thangorodrim, mighty towers of ash and slag raised above Angband's gates.

The peaks of Thangorodrim were hollow, and from them channels and chimneys ran down to the deepest pits of Angband. So, Melkor could produce poisonous clouds and vapours, as indeed he sent against the Noldor in [[Mithrim]] during the first days after their Return.

==Etymology==

''Angband'' is [[Sindarin]], and means "Iron Prison" or "Hell of Iron", from ''[[ang]]'' + ''[[band]]''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 348, 350 (entries for [[Sundocarme|roots]] [[ANGA|ANGĀ-]] and [[BAD|BAD-]])</ref>

In [[Quenya]], Angband was called '''''Angamando'''''<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, ''band''</ref>, and means "Iron-gaol"<ref>{{VT|45a}}</ref>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==

In [[Qenya]], its name was ''Angamandu'' "Hell of Iron" or in plural ''Angamandi''.<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Angamandi"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''

: The dragon [[Smaug]] is said to have escaped the destruction of Angband at the end of the First Age.<ref>{{ICE|2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Caves]]
[[Category:Evil realms]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Gnomish locations]]
[[Category:Noldorin locations]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Angband]]
[[fi:Angband]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:angband]]

Precious

2024-02-25T21:51:24Z

Jamie Eilat: Fix link; also spacing between paragraphs

[[Image:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|thumb|225px|right|One of Gollum's few lines in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]].]]

{{quote|<nowiki>'</nowiki>It has been called that before,<nowiki>'</nowiki> ''he said'', 'but not by you.'|[[Gandalf]] to [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], ''[[A Long-expected Party]]''}}

'''"Precious"''', alternatively '''"the Precious"''', '''"my Precious"''' or '''"his Precious"''', was a name given to [[the One Ring]] by various [[Ring-bearers]]. Its use indicated the morbid covetousness induced in holders of the Ring by the Ring itself.

==History==
The very first Ring-bearer (besides [[Sauron]]) was the first to apply the term "precious" to the One Ring. In {{TA|2}},<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> [[Isildur]], who had taken the Ring from Sauron, wrote a [[Scroll of Isildur|scroll]] in which he described what he claimed as an heirloom for the [[Arnor|North Kingdom]]. At the end of the document he wrote:

:''But for my part I will risk no hurt to this thing: of all the works of Sauron the only fair. It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain.''<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref>

Centuries later, in {{TA|2463|n}}, [[Gollum]] took possession of the Ring after murdering [[Déagol]]. In {{TA|2470|n}}, Gollum hid in the [[Misty Mountains]], taking the Ring with him into darkness.<ref name="TA"/> When he began calling the Ring his "precious" is unknown, but by {{TA|2941|n}} when he met [[Bilbo Baggins]] he was referring to "my precious" constantly.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref> It is difficult to distinguish whether Gollum was referring to the Ring or to himself when he used this term, which seems to indicate how much the Ring dominated his mind.

On [[22 September]] {{TA|3001|n}} Bilbo held his [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Farewell Party]].<ref name="TA"/> After vanishing after his speech he returned to [[Bag End]] to make his final preparations to depart from [[the Shire]]. When [[Gandalf]] urged the old hobbit to leave the Ring for [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], Bilbo became angry. He announced:

:''It is mine, I tell you. My own. My precious. Yes, my precious.''<ref>{{FR|I1}}</ref>

Eventually Gandalf was able to persuade Bilbo to relinquish the Ring, but Bilbo's behavior and his use of the word "precious" alarmed the wizard and spurred him to investigate the history of Bilbo's magic ring, leading him to Isildur's scroll.<ref name="Council"/>

In the [[Cracks of Doom]] on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> Frodo claimed the Ring for himself and was immediately set upon by Gollum. Gollum won the fight and danced about with the Ring, shouting, "Precious, precious, precious! " He then slipped and fell into the chasm and the last word he wailed was "precious".<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category: Epithets]]
[[fi:Aarre]]

Frodo Baggins

2024-02-16T02:25:08Z

Jamie Eilat: Fix link

{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|the son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Frodo Baggins.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[Jenny Dolfen]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=[[Mithril coat]], [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]]
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=[[Strider (pony)|Strider]]
}}

{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name=party>{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|220px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.

The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}

After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.

[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.

Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.

Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril coat]] to to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.

On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].

Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[Fish|fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:John Howe - Mount Doom II.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Mount Doom'' by [[John Howe]] ]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.

They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name=chief>{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name=chief/> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "''a period of reflection and peace''" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "''a gaining of a truer understanding of his position...''"</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22nd, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider"/> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings"/> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave him an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]] that helped him blend in with his natural surroundings and a phial carrying the light of the [[Star of Eärendil]] to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
* Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
* [[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
* [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
* [[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
* [[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
* [[The Halfling]] - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream.
* [[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
* Nine-fingered Frodo\Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
* Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
* [[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
* [[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

* [[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
* ''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Frodo Baggins in adaptations
|width=170
|height=170
|lines=3
|File:Frodo.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|Frodo in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego LOTR logo.png|Frodo as a ''[[Lego]]'' minifigure
}}
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===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)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo_bessac]]