Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

ANGWA

2026-06-29T01:55:00Z

Jwc31:

'''ANGWA-''' or '''ANGU-''' are [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|roots]] signifying "snake".<ref name="LR349">{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 349</ref>

*[[Quenya]]: ''[[ango]]'';<ref name="LR349" /> ''[[angulóke]]'' ("dragon")<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 370</ref>
*[[Noldorin]] ([[Sindarin]]): ''am-'' (as in ''[[amlug]]'', "dragon")<ref name="LR349" />

==See also==

*[[LOK]]

{{references}}
[[Category:Roots]]

ANGA

2026-06-29T01:53:51Z

Jwc31:

'''ANGA-''', or '''ANGĀ-''', is a [[Primitive Quendian]] [[Sundocarme|root]] signifying "iron".<ref>{{PM|XI}}, p. 366 (note 61; root appearing as "ANGA")</ref><ref name="LR">{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 348 (root appearing as "ANGĀ-")</ref>
==Derivatives==
*[[Quenya]]: ''[[anga]]'' ("iron"); ''[[angaina]]'' ("of iron")<ref name="LR" />
*[[Noldorin]]: ''[[ang]]'' ("iron"); ''[[angren]]'' ("of iron")<ref name="LR" />
{{references}}
{{RMetals}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:ANGA}}
[[Category:Roots]]

ANA

2026-06-29T01:51:55Z

Jwc31: /* ANA1 */

'''ANA-''' is an [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|root]], with two different meanings.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 348</ref>

==ANA-1==

Meaning: "to, towards" (see also [[NĀ|NĀ1]])

*[[Primitive Quendian]]: ''anta-'' ("to present, give"), ''annā'' ("gift")<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|90}}
**[[Quenya]]: ''anta-'' ("give"); ''[[anna]]'', ''anwa'' ("gift"); ''ante'' (fem., "giver"), ''anto'' (masc., "giver"); ''anta'' ("face")
**[[Noldorin]]: ''anno'' ("to give"); ''[[ant]]'' ("gift")
**[[Sindarin]]: ''anha-, aned'' ("to give");,<ref name="PE17" />{{rp|93}}<ref>{{PE|22c}}, p. 163</ref> ''ann, anw'' ("gift")

Compounds:
*''[[Yavanna|Yav'''anna''']]''
*''Ary'''ante''''' ("Day-bringer")

==ANA-2==

Meaning: "be, exist" (see also [[NĀ|NĀ2]])

*[[Quenya]]: ''[[anwa]]'', ''[[nanwa]]''

{{references}}
[[Category:Roots]]

ANA

2026-06-29T01:51:21Z

Jwc31:

'''ANA-''' is an [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|root]], with two different meanings.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 348</ref>

==ANA1==

Meaning: "to, towards" (see also [[NĀ|NĀ1]])

*[[Primitive Quendian]]: ''anta-'' ("to present, give"), ''annā'' ("gift")<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|90}}
**[[Quenya]]: ''anta-'' ("give"); ''[[anna]]'', ''anwa'' ("gift"); ''ante'' (fem., "giver"), ''anto'' (masc., "giver"); ''anta'' ("face")
**[[Noldorin]]: ''anno'' ("to give"); ''[[ant]]'' ("gift")
**[[Sindarin]]: ''anha-, aned'' ("to give");,<ref name="PE17" />{{rp|93}}<ref>{{PE|22c}}, p. 163</ref> ''ann, anw'' ("gift")

Compounds:
*[[Yavanna|''Yav'''anna''''']]
*''Ary'''ante''''' ("Day-bringer")

==ANA2==

Meaning: "be, exist" (see also [[NĀ|NĀ2]])

*[[Quenya]]: ''[[anwa]]'', ''[[nanwa]]''

{{references}}
[[Category:Roots]]

ADC Art and Books

2026-06-28T22:08:56Z

Jwc31: Improved wording and punctuation

[[Image:adc.jpg|frame]]

'''ADC Art & Books''' is a British dealer in books, specialising in the works of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and Middle-earth inspired artwork. Under the name ''ADC Publications Ltd'', they also publish books and other media related to Tolkien and his legendarium.

ADC Art & Books is the agent for the following Tolkien-inspired artists: [[Ted Nasmith]], [[Ruth Lacon]], [[Jef Murray]], and [[Peter Pracownik]].

==Publications==

*[[2005]]: ''[[The Art of Ruth Lacon]]''
*[[2007]]: ''[[The Hidden Door|The Hidden Door: Songs in the Key of Enchantment]]'' (cd)
*[[2009]]: ''[[Black & White Ogre Country|Black & White Ogre Country: The Lost Tales of Hilary Tolkien]]''
*[[2009]]: ''[[The Epic Realm of Tolkien]]''
*(Cancelled): ''[[Wheelbarrows at Dawn|Wheelbarrows at Dawn: Memories of Hilary Tolkien]]''

==Collectibles==

Furthermore, ADC Art and Books has manufactured a framed giclee of the battle between [[Éowyn]] and the [[Witch-king]]:

{| class="TGtable" style="width:80%;text-align:center;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;"
|-
! style="width:150px;" |Image
! style="width:200px;" |Name
! style="width:80px;" |Artist(s)
! style="width:80px;" |Product Type
! style="width:150px;" |Product Size
! style="width:150px;" |Weight
! style="width:100px;" |Note(s)
|-
|[[File:Ted Nasmith - Éowyn and the Nazgûl.jpg|200px]]
|Eowyn and the Nazgul fine art print
|[[Ted Nasmith]]
|Fine art print
|22.75" H (577.85mm) x 20.5" W (520.7mm)
|5.00 lbs (2.27 kg)
|Price: $449.99 Edition size: 100
|}

==External links==

*[http://www.adcbooks.co.uk/index.html ADC Art & Books website]

[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:British businesses]]

ABA

2026-06-28T22:03:28Z

Jwc31: Wording improved, clarified

'''AB'''/'''ABA''' is an [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarmë|Root]] related to refusal.

*[[Quenya]]: ''ava- ([[avaquétima]]), [[ava]], [[avanir]], [[apsenë]]''
*[[Telerin]]: ''aba- ([[abapétima]], [[aplat]]), [[aba]]''

*[[Adûnaic]]: ''[[bâ]]''

==ABAR==
'''ABAR''' is a related root having to do with one who refuses, directly related to the [[Avari]].
*[[Common Eldarin]]: ''[[ábārō]]''
*[[Quenya]]: ''[[Avari]], avar''
*[[Telerin]]: ''[[abar]], [[Abari]]''
*[[Old Noldorin]]: ''[[abóro]]''
*[[Sindarin]]: ''[[Afor]]'', ''[[Baravorn]]''
==See also==
*[[BA]]/[[BA3]]
*[[AWA]]
[[Category:Roots]]

A.R. Rahman

2026-06-28T22:02:12Z

Jwc31: Punctuation

'''Allah Rakha Rahman''' (born [[6 January|January 6]], [[1966]], as '''A.S. Dileep Kumar''') is an Indian composer and musical producer. For his music for ''[[wikipedia:slumdog Millionaire|Slumdog Millionaire]]'', he won two Academy Awards. He composed the music for ''[[The Lord of the Rings (musical)]]'', along with [[Värttinä]] and [[Christopher Nightingale]].

==External links==
*'''[http://www.arrahman.com/v2/ Official website]'''
*{{WP|A. R. Rahman}}
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006246/ A.R. Rahman] at [http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]

[[Category:Composers|Rahman, A.R.]]
[[Category:Indian people|Rahman, A.R.]]
[[Category:People by name|Rahman, A.R.]]

A-affection

2026-06-28T22:00:14Z

Jwc31: Improved wording and punctuation

'''A-affection''' or '''A-mutation''' is a phonology phenomenon in the [[Sindarin]] language through its evolution from [[Old Sindarin]], regarding the final vowels of a word.

The phenomenon is summarized as ''-iCa'' > ''-eC'': the final ''-a'' vowel caused the preceding ''i'' to slide into ''e''. It also caused the change of ''u'' into ''o''.

Since all final vowels disappeared in mature Sindarin, final ''-an'' also disappeared, leaving as a trace of its existence the change of the preceding vowel.

The phenomenon is seen mostly in adjectives ending in ''-ina'' resulting in the common Sindarin adjectival ending ''[[-en]]''. Other endings which possibly show A-affection are ''[[-eth]] (*-itta), [[-eb]] (*-ipa), [[-eg]] (*-ika).''
==Examples==
*[[OS]] ''[[rista]] > resta > [[rest]]''<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}} p.365</ref>
*OS ''[[berina]] > berena > [[beren]]''<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}} entry [[BER]]</ref>
*[[CE]] ''[[taika]] > taeka > [[taeg]]''<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}} p.309</ref>
*CE *''aklarikwâ<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 24, “*aklariquā = full of glory”</ref> > aklarepa > [[aglareb]]''
*OS *''kulda > kolda > [[coll]]''<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}} p.414</ref>

[[Mithrimin]] perhaps did not undergo the A-affection.<ref>{{PE|17}} pp.133,134</ref> Hence we have OS *''lâmina'' > S. ''[[loven]]'' but M. ''[[lómin]]''

{{references}}
[[Category:Sindarin]]
[[Category:Linguistic terms]]

A

2026-06-28T21:58:02Z

Jwc31: Punctuation

==Quenya==
'''''a''''' is used in [[Quenya]] as an interjection "O, Oh".
===Examples===
*''a Túrin Turambar turún’ ambartanen'' = (O master of doom by doom mastered)<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref>

==Sindarin==
'''''a''''' is [[Sindarin]] for "and"<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, (entry ''ar-'')</ref><ref name=L230/> as well as "[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/o#Interjection O!]".<ref name=L230>{{L|230}}</ref>

===Cognates===

*[[Quenya]] ''[[ar]]''

==Gnomish==

'''''a''''' is a [[Gnomish]] prefix, used to (1) cause an "initial consonant change; (2) form several adjectives and nouns".<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 17</ref>

{{references}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Sindarin words]]
[[Category:Gnomish affixes]]
__NOTOC__

Ungoliant

2026-06-28T19:52:25Z

Jwc31: Wording improved, clarified

{{Sources}}
{{infobox character
| name=Ungoliant
| image=Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Ungoliant and Melkor.png
| caption="Ungoliant and Melkor" by [[:Category:Images by Olanda Fong-Surdenas|Olanda Fong-Surdenas]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Gloomweaver
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Avathar]] [[Ered Gorgoroth]] "forgotten south of the [[Arda|world]]"
| affiliation=[[Melkor]] (formerly)
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation="forgotten south of the [[Arda|world]]"
| age=
| notablefor=Destroying the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse="other foul creatures of spider form"
| children=[[Spiders]] of [[Nan Dungortheb]] (including [[Shelob]])
| people=Unknown (possibly a [[Spirits|spirit]] in a [[Spiders|spider]]-form)
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Unlight]]
| steed=
}}
'''Ungoliant''' was a [[Spirits|spirit]] who took on the form of a monstrous [[Spiders|Spider]]. She was the destroyer of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]].

==History==
The origins of Ungoliant are shrouded in mystery. It was believed by some of the [[Eldar]] that she may have been among the [[Ainur]] whom [[Morgoth|Melkor]] had corrupted long ago in the [[Music of the Ainur|beginning]], yet she was not listed among the known Ainur.<ref name="Darkening">{{S|8}}</ref> It was later perceived by the [[Valar]] that she had come from "beyond [[Arda]]'"<ref name="Lammoth">{{S|9}}</ref> in the "[[Eä|darkness]]" lay around it when Melkor first gazed upon the [[Kingdom of Manwë]] in envy.<ref name="Darkening" />

During the [[Years of the Trees]], Ungoliant had disowned Melkor as her master to become the "mistress of her own lust". She desired to take everything she could in order to "feed her emptiness". Upon fleeing to the south, Ungoliant had coincidentally escaped "the [[Battle of the Powers|assaults]] of the [[Valar]] and the hunters of [[Oromë]]", as their vigilance ignored the south. Later, she made her way slowly towards [[Aman]], desiring the light yet hating it.<ref name="Darkening" />

Upon reaching the Blessed Realm, Ungoliant settled down secretly in a ravine within [[Avathar]], taking on the shape of "a spider of monstrous form". As she spun "her black webs in a cleft of the mountains", she sucked up all the light in the region, before spinning the light into "[[Unlight|dark nets of strangling gloom]]". Eventually, no more light was able to enter her abode. As a result, she grew famished.<ref name="Darkening" />

After Melkor fled [[Valinor]], he came to Avathar in "the form that he had worn as the tyrant of [[Utumno]]", and plotted his revenge with Ungoliant. However, upon understanding Melkor's true purpose of destroying the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], a great fear overcame her as she was unwilling to risk the power of the Valar and come out of hiding. It was only when Melkor had personally vowed to use both of his hands to satisfy her lust with whatever she demanded, that Ungoliant agreed to aid him.<ref name="Darkening" />

Upon shrouding both herself and Melkor in a cloak of [[Unlight]], she spun her webs as she slowly climbed upwards until they reached the summit of [[Hyarmentir]], overlooking [[Valinor]]. She then created a ladder of woven ropes, which Melkor used to climb up the mountain to enter Valinor.<ref name="Darkening" />

It was during a [[high feast]] when Ungoliant and Melkor came upon the [[Ezellohar]]. Ungoliant cast her Unlight against the roots of the Two Trees as Melkor slew the Two Trees with his black spear. The sap of the Two Trees poured like blood upon Ezellohar where Ungoliant sucked it up. She then drained each tree from their wounds, withering them. Yet the thirst of Ungoliant was still not satisfied, and she drained the [[Wells of Varda]] as well, belching black vapours as she drank, growing to a vast and hideous shape that terrified Melkor.<ref name="Darkening" />

After this terrible act, Ungoliant and Melkor fled [[Aman]] through [[Araman]] and [[Oiomúrë]], eventually crossing over the [[Helcaraxë]] to escape justice at the hands of the Valar.<ref name="Lammoth" />

[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|left|''The Killing of the Trees'' by [[John Howe]].]]

Upon arriving in [[Middle-earth]], Ungoliant perceived that Melkor was hoping to escape from her to the ruins of [[Angband]]. As a consequence, she forced Melkor to halt in his tracks, and demanded that he fulfill his vow to satisfy her hunger with both of his hands. Inevitably, the Dark Lord indeed surrendered to her the many gems that the [[Noldor]] had at [[Formenos]].<ref name="Lammoth" /> However, as Ungoliant devoured them and grew larger and darker, she noticed that Melkor was only using his left hand to feed her. When she demanded that he open his right hand, Melkor refused, claiming that he named the [[Silmarils|objects in his right hand]] onto himself, and that he no longer needed her aid.<ref name="Lammoth" />

As a consequence, Ungoliant moved against Melkor, overpowering him and wrapping him in a "web of clinging throngs" in an effort to strangle him. The attempt on his own life caused Melkor to release an echoing cry of desperation through the mountains. The cry was so great and dreadful that the very land it was uttered in became known as [[Lammoth]] ever after. Unfortunately for Ungoliant, Melkor's cry of desperation had been heard by the [[Balrogs]] beneath Angband. As tempests of fire, the Balrogs came swiftly to Lammoth to save the return of their lord. The webs of Ungoliant were smote asunder by their whips of flame, and she fled in fear from them, covering herself with the black vapours which she belched.<ref name="Lammoth" />

Upon fleeing south from Lammoth, Ungoliant came to [[Beleriand]].<ref name="Lammoth" /> Under a "terror of darkness", she tried to enter the [[Forest of Neldoreth]] in the [[Doriath|realm]] of [[Thingol]], but was thwarted by the power of the [[Maiar|Maia]] [[Melian]]. Yet she made a dwelling in the mountains south of [[Dorthonion]], and no Elf went there, naming those mountains the [[Ered Gorgoroth]].<ref name="Doriath">{{S|10}}</ref> There, Ungoliant met, mated, and eventually devoured the "other foul creatures of spider form" who had dwelt there since Angband was first delved. She had many [[Spiders|offspring]] with them, including [[Shelob]], before she eventually departed from that place.<ref name="Lammoth" />

Ungoliant eventually went into the forgotten south of the world shortly before the rising of the [[Sun]], where she would disappear from history.<ref name="Lammoth" />

==Legacy==
While the fate of Ungoliant is not told in any tale, some have said that she eventually let her ever growing hunger overcome her and, "in her uttermost famine", devoured herself at last.<ref name="Lammoth" />

The offspring that Ungoliant had beneath Ered Gorgoroth eventually spread throughout the dark valley, giving it a reputation as a place of horror, as well as the name of [[Nan Dungortheb]].<ref name="Lammoth" />

At an unknown time after the [[Darkening of Valinor]], a [[Vanyar]]in [[Elves|Elf]] named [[Elemmírë (Elf)|Elemmírë]] wrote the [[Aldudénië]], which told of the role of Ungoliant's Unlight in the death of the Two Trees.<ref name="Darkening" />

==Etymology==
The name is pronounced {{IPA|[uŋˈɡoljant]}}. In the form ''Ungoliant'' the name is technically [[Sindarin]], but is a direct loan from [[Quenya]] '''Ungweliantë''' (''[[ungwë]]'' + ''liantë'': "dark spider"; pron. {{IPA|[uŋʷˌɡʷeliˈante]}}); the strictly Sindarin form being '''Delduthling''' "Horror Night Spider".

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | UNG |y| OTH | |UNG='''UNGOLIANT''' ''fl. {{YT|1495}}''|OTH=''other foul creatures of spider form''}}
{{familytree| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | |}}
{{familytree| | | NAN | | SHE |y| MIS | | | |NAN=''[[Spiders]] of [[Nan Dungortheb]]''|SHE=[[Shelob]] ''fl. {{TA|3019}}''|MIS=''"[[Spiders|miserable mates]]"''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |!| | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | LES| | |LES=''[[Spiders|lesser broods]] (including the spiders of [[Mirkwood]])''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Ungoliant's name was changed at various points in the legendarium's development, being called '''''Gwerlum''''' and '''''Ungoliante''''' at various points.

In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Ungoliant's history is even more mysterious than what is implied in the published edition of ''The Silmarillion''. Here, even the Valar did not know of her origins, and she was portrayed as a primeval spirit of night, and believed to be a creature bred of the darkness of the Void.

Also, Melkor and his companions encounter Ungoliant in her lair (here, known as Arvalin) by coincidence while fleeing from the Valar.

Melkor and Ungoliant are shown to be on much friendlier terms with each other than what is shown in later versions of ''The Silmarillion'', as Melkor willingly offers the jewels that were stolen from the Elves, apart from the Silmarils (the Theft of the Silmarils occurring ''before'' the Darkening of Valinor, in this version).

She is wounded after the poisoning of the Golden Tree by a lone Elf named [[Daurin]], whose sword is poisoned by her blood. While Ungoliant is recovering from her wound, Melkor kills Daurin and uses his sword to mortally wound the Silver Tree. After the Darkening of Valinor, instead of fleeing with Melkor, Ungoliant immediately flees southwards towards her lair, and successfully eludes the Valar.

In an early sketch of the voyages of [[Eärendel]] in the ''Lost Tales'', Tolkien considered to have Eärendel meet her (as Wirilomë) in his travels. In outline C the encounter is placed on a the western voyage which Christopher Tolkien found surprising.<ref>{{LT2|V}}</ref> In the first sketch of the ''Silmarillion'' ([[1926]]) intended to "reboot" the legendarium, Earendel slew Ungoliant.<ref>{{SM|2}}</ref>

In the Later Silmarillion, as documented in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' and ''[[Battles of Beleriand|War of the Jewels]]'', Ungoliant is shown to fear her master, and hides desperately from Melkor when she first sees him approaching her lair. She initially refuses to emerge, believing that Melkor planed to murder her for deserting him, until he threatens to bury her within her lair, whilst enticing her with an assortment of gems he had stolen from the Noldor. She accepts his offer, and regains the strength needed to destroy the Two Trees, which she does alone while Melkor brings ruin elsewhere in Aman. Here she likewise drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]] and grew massive in power and hideous in form, and even Melkor was aghast to see her. Though he had planned to forsake his servant, she is able to find him and the two escape, her darkness setting the pursuing Valar into confusion and dismay. It is unclear in this version of events if Ungoliant ever turned on Melkor herself.<ref>{{MR|P3II6}}</ref>

In the [[Fall of Gondolin]], it is stated that Ungoliant devours herself in hunger after she goes south in the First Age.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
Ungoliant has not appeared in any adaptation of Middle earth works so far, and is mentioned only in the following adaptations:

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:While discussing the darkness that has fallen over [[Mirkwood]], [[Radagast]] describes the spiders there as "some kind of spawn of Ungoliant".

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Ungoliant is mentioned twice: The first time is in a memory attached to the "Crushed Ungol Egg" artifact, during which Sauron's servant addresses Shelob as the "last daughter of Ungoliant". She is mentioned again when [[Talion]] and the [[Celebrimbor|Wraith]] discuss the Ungol spiders that infest Mordor.

{{references}}

[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Enigmas]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Spiders]]
[[Category:Spirits]]

[[de:Ungoliant]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/animaux/araignees/ungoliant]]
[[fi:Ungoliant]]

Ainur

2026-06-28T19:48:12Z

Jwc31: Wording improved, clarified

{{short description|Divine Spirits and the First Beings created by Ilúvatar}}
{{race infobox
| name=Ainur
| image = Anna Kulisz - Ainulindale.jpg
| caption=Ainulindale by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun={{IPA|[ˈaɪnur]}}
| othernames=''Ayanûz'' ([[Valarin|V]]), Holy Ones, Great Ones,
| origin=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Arda]], [[Almaren]], [[Aman]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Khuzdul]], [[Black Speech]], [[Westron]], etc.
| people=[[Valar]], [[Maiar]]
| members=[[Melkor]], [[Manwë]], [[Ulmo]], [[Varda]], [[Aulë]], [[Yavanna]], [[Mandos]], [[Sauron]], [[Gothmog]], [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=[[Fana]]
| weapons=
}}
The '''Ainur''' (singular '''Ainu''') were divine [[spirits]], the "Holy Ones". They were the first beings created by [[Ilúvatar]], the "order" of the [[Valar]] and [[Maiar]], made before [[Eä]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
{{Main|Creation of the Ainur}}
The Ainur were the first, and mightiest, beings created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the beginning of the World. The Ainur were the "offspring of [[Ilúvatar]]'s thought", and each was given understanding only of that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which they came. The exception to this was [[Melkor]], the greatest of the Ainur, who had a part of the gifts of all the others.

Although all Ainur are made of the thought of Ilúvatar, in heis mind some were siblings. Thus for instance, [[Melkor]] and [[Manwë]] were considered brothers.

The Ainur were "kindled with the [[Flame Imperishable]]". Ilúvatar instructed them in music, until he brought them together to make the [[Music of the Ainur]], the great song that created the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] and ultimately the world itself.<ref name="Ainu" />

===Within Eä===
Through the Music of the Ainur, Ilúvatar created a vision of the world, and explained much of its nature and destiny to them. Therefore, the Ainur have much knowledge of the world but are not omniscient. Then [[Ilúvatar]] granted the world true being. Many of the Ainur desired to descend into it and form it in readiness for the coming of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] ([[Elves]] and [[Men]]).<ref name="Ainu" /> Fourteen of these great Ainur became the [[Valar]], or Powers of [[Arda]].<ref>{{S|IIb}}</ref> The fifteenth, Melkor, turned aside from that path and became known as [[Morgoth]], the Dark Enemy.<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref> The many lesser Ainur that accompanied the Valar into [[Arda]] are known as [[Maiar]].<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref>

Those Ainur who entered the world at its beginning remain bound to it until its end.<ref name="Ainu" /> Though Melkor was eventually thrown into the [[Void]] by the others, he is prophesied to return before [[the End]].<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref> Little is known of the ultimate future of the Ainur, even by themselves, but it is said that, after the death of the world, they will make a [[Second Music of the Ainur|Second Music]], even greater, with the race of [[Men]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
The Ainur are [[immortal]] angelic beings. They do nevertheless possess gender. Those who later descended to Arda took on common male and female forms in which to appear to the Elves and have an inherent male or female gender even when formless. Their gender is based on their being, which is independent of any physical form they may assume.<ref name="Ainu" /> Unlike the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], they do not require [[hröa]]r. Nevertheless, they can take tangible physical form called '''''[[fana]]''''', but this is a manifestation of their spirit. They are not embodied in the same way as [[Elves]] and [[Men]]. As such, the Ainur cannot be truly killed. Their spirits can be weakened, however, so that their ability to manifest in the world or to affect the world can be greatly diminished. <ref>{{L|200}}</ref>

For example, [[Sauron]]'s spirit was repeatedly weakened by successive damage when he was defeated by [[Huan]] in the form of a [[Werewolf]];<ref>{{S|Beren}}</ref> in the [[Downfall of Númenor]] which destroyed his ability to take fair form;<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> his defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] when he lost the ability to take a physical form<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> and had to regain his power in the [[East]] for about 1,000 years;<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> and finally with the destruction of [[the One Ring]] which broke his ability to affect the world at all, reducing his spirit to a state that could no longer do harm.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref> None of these things killed Sauron outright. A similar fate faced [[Saruman]] when he was murdered by [[Gríma]] – because of his evil deeds, his spirit was allowed to fade as Sauron's spirit faded.<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>

In contrast, when [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] was killed by [[Durin's Bane]], not only was he brought back, but his spirit was significantly strengthened into an even more powerful manifestation who was named [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]].<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

[[Morgoth|Melkor]] was the most powerful of the Ainur, and his spirit, instead of fading away, was exiled from [[Arda]] altogether through the [[Door of Night]] into the [[Void]]. It is prophesied that Melkor will return at the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]] in Arda's last days for one final confrontation against the Valar and the Children of Ilúvatar. In this confrontation, it is stated that he will be destroyed.<ref name="Istari" />

==Line of Melian==
One of the [[Maiar]] named [[Melian]], alone of all the Ainur, wedded an [[Elves|Elf]], King [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] of [[Doriath]].<ref>{{S|Thingol}}</ref> From her, a strain of the Ainur entered the bloodlines of the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], passed down through generations. [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] were Melian's descendants as well as the [[Kings of Númenor]] and their heirs.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Ainur.mp3|Ardamir}}
The word ''Ainu'' is [[Quenya]] and is related to words for "holiness" such as ''[[aina]]'';<ref>{{S|Appendix}} ''aina''</ref> the female form is given as '''''Aini'''''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "AYAN"</ref>

It is derived from the original [[Valarin]] word for ''Ainur'', which was '''''Ayanûz'''''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 399</ref>

They are also referred to as '''Great Ones''' or '''Holy Ones'''.<ref name="Ainu" />

{{references}}
{{ainur}}
[[Category:Ainur| ]]
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Quenya demonyms]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[de:Ainur]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/ainur/ainur]]
[[fi:Ainur]]

Quenta Silmarillion

2026-06-25T13:23:29Z

Jwc31: Improved wording and punctuation

{{short description|Third Part of The Silmarillion}}
{{disambig-more|Quenta Silmarillion|[[Quenta Silmarillion (disambiguation)]]}}
{{silmarillion-chapters}}
'''''Quenta Silmarillion'': The History of the Silmarils''' is the third part of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]] from [[Tolkien|his father]]'s later texts.

The ''Quenta Silmarillion'' is the longest part in the book, to which gives its title, and consists of more than twenty chapters. The saga deals with the history of [[Arda]] following the entrance of the [[Ainur]] as the [[Valar]] (see ''[[Ainulindalë]]'').

In the fictional context of [[Middle-earth]], the ''Quenta'' is sometimes assumed to be a part of and derived from [[Bilbo Baggins]]'s ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'',<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Translations from the Elvish"</ref> which he composed from the sources available to him in [[Rivendell]], and became a part of the [[Red Book]].<ref>{{LT1|Foreword}}, pp. 5-6</ref>
==Synopsis==
After the Valar's arrival, Arda was still lifeless and had no distinct geographical features. The initial shape of Arda, chosen by the Valar, was of a symmetrical continent lit by two great lamps: one in the continent's north, and one in the south. The Lamps, however, were destroyed by the vicious [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. Arda was again darkened, and the fall of the Lamps spoiled the perfect symmetry of Arda's surface. Two main continents were created that are of concern to the story: [[Aman]] in the far West, and [[Middle-earth]] to the East, over the Great Ocean.

Following his destruction of the Lamps, Melkor hid himself from the Valar in an enormous fortress named [[Utumno]]. He also surrounded himself with horrible creatures, many of them [[Maiar]] in the form of fell beasts, known as [[Balrogs]]. Balrogs were to remain his most faithful servants and soldiers ever after.

The Valar then made for themselves a home in the utmost West, upon Aman. Then the Valar began to reshape Arda yet again, making it habitable and preparing it for the coming of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]: [[Elves]] and [[Men]]. Yet everywhere they went, Melkor followed them spoiling the fruit of their labour and damaging their achievements. Thus all of Arda was marred by Melkor's anger, envy, and lust for power.

Utumno did not protect Melkor, however. He was taken prisoner and sentenced to three ages (about 9,000 years) of imprisonment. Utumno was laid bare; but all its evil was not destroyed. Before Melkor was taken captive, Arda witnessed the [[Awakening of the Elves]], the first-born Children of Ilùvatar. Elves are described as anthropomorphic beings, who, however, are immortal and possess many virtues (beauty, health, ability to communicate with nature), beyond the share of Men. The Elves were met by the Valar and invited to join them in the West, but Melkor managed to reach some of the Elves even earlier. It is said that from them he bred the hideous race of [[Orcs]] whom both he and his follower [[Sauron]] used as soldiers.

Some of the Elves refused to go westward. They became known as the [[Avari]]. Two houses of the Elves, the [[Vanyar]] and the [[Noldor]], crossed the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] with the help of the Valar. A third house, called the [[Teleri]], lingered on the eastern shore of the Great Sea in the west of Middle-earth. Eventually many of the Teleri crossed the Great Sea, but some Teleri remained in Middle-earth. The groups of Teleri that remained were the [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]], and [[Falathrim]]. (See: [[Sundering of the Elves]]).

At some time between the imprisonment of Melkor and his release, the Valar created the Two Trees, [[Laurelin]] and [[Telperion]], which filled Valinor with light.

Then there arose a mighty Elf among the house of Noldor named [[Fëanor]]. Fëanor was skilled in crafts, and his greatest achievement has been the making of three wonderful jewels, the [[Silmarils]]. The Silmarils contained the light of the Two Trees of Valinor.

By the time of the creation of the Silmarils, Melkor's captivity was over, but he quickly returned to evil. Through a vicious design, he managed to destroy the Two Trees and to steal the Silmarils. Then he fled eastward, to the [[Middle-earth]].

The furious Fëanor followed Melkor, whom he renamed [[Morgoth]]. This pursuit was done against the will of the Valar, and during Fëanor's flight he slew many of the Teleri over their refusal to lend him their ships ([[First Kinslaying]]). For this grave act, he and his followers were forbidden to approach Aman ever again. Fëanor ignored this punishment and crossed the Great Ocean eastward. There he joined with the Sindar, who had been in Middle-earth all along. Years after this flight, in order to diminish the darkness, the Valar launched the Sun, so that it would dissolve Melkor's shadows.

Morgoth, having returned to Middle-earth, fortified his previous secondary fortress, [[Angband]] with its capital at [[Thangorodrim]]. From there he waged war upon the Sindar. However, with the help of the Noldor who had just crossed the Ocean, the first onslaught of Morgoth's attack was thrown off.

Following this, the Noldor settled with the Sindar in the West of Middle-earth, known as [[Beleriand]]. They adopted the [[Sindarin]] language instead of their native [[Quenya]]. This period of relative peace and stability was short-lived (at least by the Elves' standards). One of the first victims of this war was Fëanor himself. As time passed, Morgoth gathered more and more force.

Three hundred years after the coming of the Noldor to Beleriand, Middle-earth witnessed the awakening of Men, the Secondborn (or the Followers). Most of them allied with the Elves in order to defend Beleriand from Morgoth. However neither Elvish skill, nor Mannish resolve succeeded in defying him. One after another, the domains of Elves and Men were destroyed and filled with evil.

At last, more than five centuries after the flight of the Noldor, [[Eärendil]], the son of an Elf-woman and a Man set sail to the West with the only Silmaril that his ancestors managed to recover. He was allowed to land in Aman, and to plead with the Valar for mercy towards the Elves and Men.

The Valar agreed to pardon the Noldor. They set out to fight Morgoth and were victorious. Morgoth was expelled from Arda. However during the conflict, the very continent of Beleriand was destroyed and sunk, thus forming a new shoreline for Middle-earth, hundreds of miles to the east.

The Valar offered Elves their forgiveness and the right to come to Aman. Many of them did indeed leave Middle-Earth, weary of centuries of warfare against the ever-growing evil. The tribes of Men that helped the Elves were given a whole island of their own, on which they founded the kingdom of [[Númenor]].

Eärendil, because he possessed both mortal and immortal heritage, was given the opportunity to choose his fate; a gift that was also given to all of his descendants who were born of an immortal parent. His Silmaril became a bright star. One Silmaril was sunk in the water of the Great Ocean, and the third was lost in the depths of the Earth. Thus other than the sun and moon above, no trace remained on Middle-earth of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]; but their influence lives on in the elements: air, water and fire/earth.

==Etymology==
''Quenta Silmarillion'' is [[Quenya]] for "The History of the Silmarils", from ''[[quenta]]'' ("tale") + ''[[Silmarilli]]'' + ''-on'' (genitive plural ending).{{fact}}

The [[Sindarin]] cognate was ''Pennas Silevril'' meaning the same.<ref>{{MR|P3II1}}, p. 200</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:The Silmarillion chapters]]
[[de:Quenta Silmarillion]]
[[fi:Quenta Silmarillion]]

Elves

2026-06-24T16:53:53Z

Jwc31: Punctuation

{{short description|Immortal Firstborn children of Ilúvatar}}
{{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=Black, brown, blond, red, and 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]]]] Although 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; and 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 behaviour, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest of all the Elves, 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 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]]]] Although 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]]. The Elves, however, 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, and never to return.

Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining 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}}

Since they came into the world long before [[Men|Men, the ''Aftercomers'']], it should be noted that the name '''Firstborn''' properly applied as a demonym to all Elves ''as a whole'',<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Firstborn"</ref> while the very first 144 Elves, who were awakened by Ilúvatar himself at Cuiviénen, were called the '''[[Eru-begotten]]'''.<ref>{{WJ|Appendix}}, pp. 420-1</ref>

==Languages==
{{Main|Elvish}}
[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore of the Ages.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''Lore of the Ages'' 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 of 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 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebor_Gab%C3%A1la_%C3%89renn 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}}, entry '''Fair Folk'''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:Incarnates]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Elben]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]
[[fi:Haltiat]]

Elves

2026-06-24T16:52:17Z

Jwc31: Wording, spacing, punctuation

{{short description|Immortal Firstborn children of Ilúvatar}}
{{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=Black, brown, blond, red, and 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]]]] Although 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; and 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 behaviour, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest of all the Elves, 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 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]]]] Although 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]]. The Elves, however, 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, and never to return.

Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining 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}}

Since they came into the world long before [[Men|Men, the ''Aftercomers'']], it should be noted that the name '''Firstborn''' properly applied as a demonym to all Elves ''as a whole'',<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Firstborn"</ref> while the very first 144 Elves, who were awakened by Ilúvatar himself at Cuiviénen, were called the '''[[Eru-begotten]]'''.<ref>{{WJ|Appendix}}, pp. 420-1</ref>

==Languages==
{{Main|Elvish}}
[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore of the Ages.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''Lore of the Ages'' 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 of 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 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebor_Gab%C3%A1la_%C3%89renn 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}}, entry '''Fair Folk'''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.

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