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Hirilondë

2011-09-20T22:26:46Z

Noldor2:

'''Hirilondë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˌhiriˈlonde]}}), the "Haven-finder", was a ship built by [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] and the [[Guild of Venturers]] in the shipyards of [[Rómenna]], a seaport in [[Númenor]]. People wondered at its great size (about 550 ft.) and called it [[Turuphanto]], the 'Wooden Whale'.

Aldarion sailed with it to [[Middle-earth]] for the first time in [[Second Age 877|S.A. 877]] and returned after five years, [[Second Age 882|S.A. 882]].

There was a custom among the [[Númenóreans]]: when one of their ships set sail over the sea, a woman, usually a relative to the captain, placed a branch of [[oiolairë]] as the [[Green Bough of Return]] at the prow, but [[Erendis]], Aldarion's wife, refused to either set the bough or send one for Hirilondë. Instead, the wife of his captain at that time placed one on the ship.

After Aldarion became [[King of Númenor]] and left towards Middle-earth once again, in [[Second Age 883|S.A. 883]], there was no Green Bough of Return on Hirilondë's prow. There stood the image of an eagle with golden beak and jeweled eyes, given to him by [[Círdan]] during his previous journeys to the [[Grey Havens]].

==References==
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirilonde}}
[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Quenya Locations]]

Fell beasts

2011-07-19T15:24:44Z

Noldor2:

{{race
| image=[[Image:John_Howe_-_Nazgul.jpg|225px]]
| name=Fell beasts
| dominions=
| languages=
| height=15 ft.
| length=45 ft.
| skincolor=gray black
| haircolor=none
| feathers=none
| distinctions=wings
| lifespan=probable immortal
| members=
}}
'''Fell beasts''',<ref name=V6>{{RK|V6}}</ref> '''hell-hawks''',<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref> and '''Nazgûl-birds''',<ref>{{L|100}}</ref> were names used to describe the flying creatures on which the [[Nazgûl]] rode after being unhorsed at the [[Ford of Bruinen]].
==History==

The fell beasts were winged creatures with beak and claws, similar to birds but much larger than any other flying beast. The creature possessed a naked body without feathers, a long neck, and a vast hide between its horned fingers. Furthermore, the body of the creature gave off a stench.<ref name=V6/>

While the exact origin of the beasts is unknown, they were likely bred by Sauron from a creature of the [[Elder Days]], in order to supply the Nazgûl with steeds.<ref name=V6/>

It is never stated that ''all'' the Nazgûl rode these flying creatures, but some{{who}} infer that they did so.

On the River [[Anduin]] near [[Sarn Gebir]], [[Legolas]] shot one down in the night as it approached the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II9}}</ref>

During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], the Lord of the Nazgûl, rode his fell beast in battle against King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]]. The evil beast attacked and eventually killed [[Snowmane]], Théoden's horse (which fell on Théoden, crushing him). Dernhelm (who revealed herself as [[Éowyn]]) defended the dying Théoden, and challenged and killed the beast.<ref name=V6/>

==Inspiration==

Asked about the nature of the "steed of the Witch-king", [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] replied that the fell beast was not intended to be ''[[Wikipedia:pterosaur|pterodactylic]]'', but hesitantly acknowledges that it resembles a ''pterosaur'' and may have been a survivor of older geological eras.<ref>{{L|211}}</ref>

==Etymology==

Tolkien actually only used the name "fell beast" as a descriptor and not an actual name. However, since this creature lacked any real name, "fell beast" is often used to refer to it.{{or}}

As in the expression "fell things" occurring earlier in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'',<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref> the word ''[[Wiktionary:fell#Etymology_4|fell]]'' in this sense is an archaic English word meaning "dreadful, terrible".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 110</ref>

It may also be noted that the expression "fell beasts" is not used solely for the winged steeds of the Nazgûl: it was also used as a descriptor for various evil creatures of Mirkwood.<ref>{{FR|II10}}</ref>

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==

<center><gallery perrow=4>
File:File-Witchking and Fell beast (1980).png|<center>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980)]]
File:Fell beast (Liz Danforth).png|<center>"Fell beast" in ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]''
File:Wild Fell Beast.jpg|<center>"Wild Fell Beast" in ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:Fell Beast descends.jpg|<center>Fell beast descending in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''
File:SBG - Fell beast.jpeg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Hell-hawk.png|<center>"Hell-hawk" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]''
File:LOTR-WITN-Fell Beast-1.png|<center>"Fell beast" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
</gallery></center>

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:One of the Nazgûl (possibly the Witch-king, for he carries a mace), is shown riding a fell beast. However, Bakshi's film only covers events up to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], so that is the last we see of the fell beasts and their riders.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl ride winged horses. In the confrontation of Éowyn and the Witch-king, the latter rode a plump black-grey dragon-like animal.

'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
: The Fell Beasts are said to likely be "distant relatives of ancient [[Cold-drakes]]", and "grow to lengths of 30 feet (with 30-35-foot wingspans)". In the middle Third Age they live in mountainous areas of [[Mirkwood]], presumably because of the [[Necromancer]]'s presence at [[Dol Guldur]]. They are used as steeds by both the Nazgûl and a few [[Olog-hai]] warlords.<ref>{{ICE|2019}}</ref><ref group="note">In the supplement, ''[[Creatures of Middle-earth (2nd edition)|Creatures of Middle-earth]]'', the Fell beasts are said to be "presumably bred from Winged-drakes" and to have a body between 15-25 feet and a wingspan between 30-40 feet.</ref>

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:'Fell Beast' increases the number of strikes of one Nazgûl hazard-creature. 'Wild Fell Beast' is a Drake which attacks with three strikes. With the card 'Fell Rider' the Ringwraith may move to a non-Darkhaven site (without allies and followers).

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:The fell beasts are depicted as more [[Dragons|Dragon]]-like and serpentine creatures, i.e. their heads appear more like a snake's and they do not have beaks. This depiction came largely from [[John Howe]]'s influence.

:In the films, the fell beasts are used for attack much more often than in the books, with the Nazgûl usually swooping down and screeching, making the defenders at the gate of Minas Tirith run away, leaving [[Gandalf]] alone to face the Witch-king as he enters.

:Although on screen the films never make this mistake, sometimes cast or crew members ([[Lawrence Makoare]] and [[Richard Taylor]] most notably) on the commentary tracks and the documentaries refer to the fell beast as a Nazgûl; this is incorrect. The fell beast is the creature that the nine Nazgûl ride, and the mistake probably arose because fell beasts are always seen with a Nazgûl atop them.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:The Fell Beasts are portrayed without beaks, reminiscent of the depiction in ''The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy''.<ref>[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod480006a&_requestid=1321389 Winged Nazgûl] at [http://www.games-workshop.com/ Games-workshop.com] (accessed 10 June 2011)</ref>

'''2002-5: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]'':'''
:Hell-hawks, employed as mounts by the Ringwraiths and found wild in southern Mirkwood and (after the War of the Ring) in Gondor, resemble a "cross between lizards and featherless birds". They were bred by Sauron in mockery of the [[Eagles|Great Eagles]].<ref>{{D|Fell}}, pp. 30-31</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Fell beasts|Images of Fell beasts]]
{{references|note}}
[[Category:Other races]]
[[de:Reittiere der Nazgûl#Flugwesen]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveiden siivekkäät ratsut]]

Elven characteristics

2011-04-28T16:25:37Z

Noldor2:

[[Image:Piotr Wysocki - Last Elf.jpg|thumb|''Last Elf'' by Piotr Wysocki]]
The [[Elves]] were the fairest creatures in [[Arda]], a far more beautiful race than [[Men]], and generally tall (about six feet). Among them, [[Calaquendi|those]] who had gone to [[Valinor]] were the fairest and had the greatest skill of body.

Elves had keener senses, sight and hearing than Men, were slender, graceful yet strong, but were resistant to extremes of nature, illness and disease. However many [[Noldor]] died at the crossings of [[Helcaraxe]].

Practical considerations, including a number of occasions where Men were mistaken for Elves (most notably [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]]), suggest that the points of difference between Elves and Men, must have been subtle.

== Pointed ears ==
There are no explicit references to pointed Elvish ears in ''The Lord of the Rings'' or ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. It was stated elsewhere that "the Quendian (Elvish) ears were more pointed and leaf-shaped than Human."

There is a noted similarity<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}</ref> between the words for "leaf" ([[lassë]], [[las]]) and "ears" ([[lasu]], [[lhaw]]) and suggested an etymological connection.

== Hair colour ==
Elven hair colour is quite varied and complex. In general, the [[Vanyar]] were golden-haired, and the other Elves (including [[Noldor]], [[Sindar]], and [[Avari]]) had dark or even black hair, although some of the Teleri (including [[Celeborn]]) had silver hair. [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]] and her remote descendant [[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]], both described as the fairest of all Elves, were dark haired.

This is not the full picture, however: [[Finarfin]], the youngest son of [[Finwë]], and his descendants (such as [[Galadriel]]) had golden hair on account of Finwë's second wife, [[Indis]] of the Vanyar. [[Idril]], the daughter of [[Turgon]], had golden hair inherited from her mother, [[Elenwë]] of the Vanyar. Even the sons of [[Fëanor]], the eldest Noldorin prince, were not all dark-haired: [[Maedhros]] and the twins [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]] had auburn hair, from their grandfather [[Mahtan]]. Fëanor's son [[Celegorm]] had blond hair, thus his epithet ''the Fair'' in contrast to his brother, [[Caranthir]] ''the Dark''.

Additionally, a silver hair colour existed in the royal houses of the Sindar, with [[Thingol]] and [[Círdan]] both described as having silver hair. [[Galadriel]] displayed an extremely rare hair colour nowhere else observed: "silver-golden" hair, said to be dazzlingly beautiful ("blending the light of the [[Two Trees]], [[Telperion]] and [[Laurelin]]"), which may have been a result of her unusual mixed Noldorin-Vanyarin-Telerin heritage (her mother was the niece of [[Thingol]], and her father was a son of [[Finwë]] and [[Indis]]). [[Thranduil]], father of Legolas and a Sindarin Elf, is described as having blond ("golden") hair in ''The Hobbit'',<ref>{{H|8}}</ref> but his son Legolas' own hair colour is not recorded.

==Eye colour==
When Tolkien describes Elven eyes, they tend to be grey. This is certainly true of Lúthien (and her descendants: [[Elrond]], Arwen and her brothers, and [[Aragorn]] and the Dúnedain). [[Voronwë of Gondolin|Voronwë]], who guided the man [[Tuor]] to Gondolin, also had grey eyes.

Though he was half-Noldorin, [[Maeglin]] is said to have dark eyes (possibly from his father [[Eöl]], who was not of the Noldor), while [[Olwë]] (the brother of Lúthien's father [[Thingol]], and a Telerin king) had blue eyes. The Vanyar possible had blue or green eyes. The eye colour of most other Elves is not mentioned, and so would be difficult to generalize.

==Androgyny==
Elves were mostly beardless since they grew one only during their [[Elven Life cycle|third cycle of life]] ([[Mahtan]] was an exception)<ref>{{VT|41}}</ref>. Because of their (typical) beardlessness and beauty, the Elves are sometimes perceived as androgynous. However, they were probably not meant to be so; Legolas was:

<blockquote>''"tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship."'' (''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]'' Volume 2) </blockquote>
==Other characteristics==
The Elves were like [[Ainur]] in spirit; they loved all beauty of nature, especially water, the [[Sea]] and the [[stars]], since they were the first things they saw; as a consequence [[Ulmo]] and [[Varda]] were the [[Ainur]] closer to them. They were marked for an insatiable curiosity and desire of learning and creating.

They detested all evil and usually were incorruptible, to it, unless evil tricked them with fair form, like [[Annatar]]. Conversely, their work harmed evil, like [[lembas]] and the [[Elven rope]] brought pain to [[Gollum]]'s skin.

The Eldar could manipulate '''''[[sanwe-latya]]''''' ([[Quenya]] for "thought-opening" or "telepathy") which allowed them to communicate with thought ([[Ósanwe]]).

Elves apparently did not sleep but rested their minds with beautiful thoughts in reverie or looking at fair things.

Also, unlike Men, Elves were ambidextrous.<ref>{{VT|49a}}</ref>
{{references}}

==External links==
*[http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Ears.html On the pointed ears]

[[Category:Elves]]

Palantíri

2011-04-23T04:28:03Z

Noldor2:

{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{objects
| image=[[Image:Raphael Rau - Palantir.jpg|250px]]
| name=Palantíri
| othernames=Seeing Stones
| derivation=[[Quenya|Q.]] ''[[palan]]'' "far, distant, wide" + ''[[tir]]'' "watch, guard"
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| ownedby=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| maker=[[Noldor]] (likely [[Fëanor]])
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| references=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Palantíri]]''
|}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]]. Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained. But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]]. Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Palantír]]''}}
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

==History==
===Origin and Early History===
The ''palantíri'' were made by the Noldor of [[Valinor]] in the [[Uttermost West]], possibly by [[Fëanor]]. twenty eight ''palantíri'' were made. nine of the stones were given to the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Númenor]] as a gift during the [[Second Age]] by [[Gil-galad]]. Of these, [[Elendil]] took seven with him on his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and in time they were distributed among seven places: four in [[Gondor]] and three in [[Arnor]]. They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occuring through the realms. Their existence was common knowledge, but no-one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.

===Third Age and beyond===
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in [[Third Age 1437|T.A. 1437]]. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]], he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in [[Third Age 2002|2002]], the stone was assumed destroyed in general. The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]]. As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in [[Third Age 2759|2759]], he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.

Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to looked toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, upon Saruman's downfall, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] twisted it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone.

The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. Partially because of what he saw he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], though it is said that anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.

The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ringbearer]]s in [[Third Age 3021|3021]] of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more. The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.

==Appearance==
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal. The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear. They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].

==The Stones==

* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallonë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.

* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them. It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]]. The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself. It was too large for one man to carry.

* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]]. The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]]. Elendil used it to looked back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallonë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor. It could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.

* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]]. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."

* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]].

* The '''[[Ithil-stone]]''' was placed in [[Minas Ithil]], in the mountains that came to be known as the [[Ephel Dúath]]. When Minas Ithil fell to the [[Nazgûl]], the Ithil-stone was taken to [[Barad-dûr]] and used by [[Sauron]].

* The '''[[Orthanc-stone]]''' was placed in the great tower built by the [[Dúnedain]] in the Second Age at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]], [[Orthanc]]. It fell into the hands of the wizard [[Saruman]], who used it to garner information on his neighbors and their activities. The stone was also partially responsible for Saruman's fall from grace, as he was using it when he came upon [[Sauron]], and was ensnared by him. After the [[War of the Ring]], the Orthanc-stone remained in the custody of the Kings of Gondor in the [[Fourth Age]].

* The '''[[Anor-stone]]''' was placed at [[Minas Anor]], later renamed [[Minas Tirith]] and made the capital of [[Gondor]]. It was kept an unused secret by the Ruling Stewards until it was ultimately used by Steward [[Denethor II]] to watch his land, and he eventually even challenged Sauron in a battle of wills. Denethor did not become corrupted, but the great effort of will that this required of him led him to age quickly. [[Denethor II|Denethor]] was holding the stone when he committed suicide on a funeral pyre, and after this, only people of exceeding power could see in it anything other than two flaming hands.

==Usage==
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Saruman]] with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar. All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favored for this use over long distances. The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities. The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything. A technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.

The user or "surveyer" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly. Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing. Then the surveyer would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone. The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about. The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyer could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone. This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations. Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyers could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.

To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyer would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyer and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.

The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the center of the world. The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency. Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.

==Etymology==
'''[[Palantír]]''' (pl. ''Palantíri'') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far seeing". The [[Sindarin]] cognate is '''[[Gwachaedir]]''' (which is both the singular and plural form).

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Palantíri|Images of Palantíri]]
{{Palantiri}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Palantiri}}
[[Category:Palantíri| ]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Palantíri]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/palantiri]]
[[fi:Palantíri]]

Palantíri

2011-04-23T04:17:19Z

Noldor2:

{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{objects
| image=[[Image:Raphael Rau - Palantir.jpg|250px]]
| name=Palantíri
| othernames=Seeing Stones
| derivation=[[Quenya|Q.]] ''[[palan]]'' "far, distant, wide" + ''[[tir]]'' "watch, guard"
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| ownedby=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| maker=[[Noldor]] (likely [[Fëanor]])
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| references=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Palantíri]]''
|}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]]. Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained. But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]]. Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Palantír]]''}}
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

==History==
===Origin and Early History===
The ''palantíri'' were made by the Noldor of [[Valinor]] in the [[Uttermost West]], possibly by [[Fëanor]]. 28 ''palantíri'' were made. Some of the stones were given to the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Númenor]] as a gift during the [[Second Age]] by [[Gil-galad]]. Of these, [[Elendil]] took seven with him on his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and in time they were distributed among seven places: four in [[Gondor]] and three in [[Arnor]]. They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occuring through the realms. Their existence was common knowledge, but no-one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.

===Third Age and beyond===
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in [[Third Age 1437|T.A. 1437]]. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]], he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in [[Third Age 2002|2002]], the stone was assumed destroyed in general. The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]]. As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in [[Third Age 2759|2759]], he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.

Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to looked toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, upon Saruman's downfall, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] twisted it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone.

The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. Partially because of what he saw he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], though it is said that anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.

The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ringbearer]]s in [[Third Age 3021|3021]] of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more. The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.

==Appearance==
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal. The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear. They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].

==The Stones==

* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallonë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.

* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them. It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]]. The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself. It was too large for one man to carry.

* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]]. The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]]. Elendil used it to looked back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallonë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor. It could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.

* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]]. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."

* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]].

* The '''[[Ithil-stone]]''' was placed in [[Minas Ithil]], in the mountains that came to be known as the [[Ephel Dúath]]. When Minas Ithil fell to the [[Nazgûl]], the Ithil-stone was taken to [[Barad-dûr]] and used by [[Sauron]].

* The '''[[Orthanc-stone]]''' was placed in the great tower built by the [[Dúnedain]] in the Second Age at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]], [[Orthanc]]. It fell into the hands of the wizard [[Saruman]], who used it to garner information on his neighbors and their activities. The stone was also partially responsible for Saruman's fall from grace, as he was using it when he came upon [[Sauron]], and was ensnared by him. After the [[War of the Ring]], the Orthanc-stone remained in the custody of the Kings of Gondor in the [[Fourth Age]].

* The '''[[Anor-stone]]''' was placed at [[Minas Anor]], later renamed [[Minas Tirith]] and made the capital of [[Gondor]]. It was kept an unused secret by the Ruling Stewards until it was ultimately used by Steward [[Denethor II]] to watch his land, and he eventually even challenged Sauron in a battle of wills. Denethor did not become corrupted, but the great effort of will that this required of him led him to age quickly. [[Denethor II|Denethor]] was holding the stone when he committed suicide on a funeral pyre, and after this, only people of exceeding power could see in it anything other than two flaming hands.

==Usage==
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Saruman]] with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar. All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favored for this use over long distances. The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities. The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything. A technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.

The user or "surveyer" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly. Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing. Then the surveyer would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone. The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about. The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyer could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone. This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations. Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyers could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.

To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyer would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyer and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.

The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the center of the world. The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency. Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.

==Etymology==
'''[[Palantír]]''' (pl. ''Palantíri'') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far seeing". The [[Sindarin]] cognate is '''[[Gwachaedir]]''' (which is both the singular and plural form).

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Palantíri|Images of Palantíri]]
{{Palantiri}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Palantiri}}
[[Category:Palantíri| ]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Palantíri]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/palantiri]]
[[fi:Palantíri]]

Palantíri

2011-04-23T04:15:24Z

Noldor2:

{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{objects
| image=[[Image:Raphael Rau - Palantir.jpg|250px]]
| name=Palantíri
| othernames=Seeing Stones
| derivation=[[Quenya|Q.]] ''[[palan]]'' "far, distant, wide" + ''[[tir]]'' "watch, guard"
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| ownedby=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| maker=[[Noldor]] (likely [[Fëanor]])
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| references=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Palantíri]]''
|}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]]. Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained. But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]]. Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Palantír]]''}}
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

==History==
===Origin and Early History===
The ''palantíri'' were made by the Noldor of [[Valinor]] in the [[Uttermost West]], possibly by [[Fëanor]]. 28''palantíri'' were made. Some of the stones were given to the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Númenor]] as a gift during the [[Second Age]] by [[Gil-galad]]. Of these, [[Elendil]] took seven with him on his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and in time they were distributed among seven places: four in [[Gondor]] and three in [[Arnor]]. They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occuring through the realms. Their existence was common knowledge, but no-one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.

===Third Age and beyond===
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in [[Third Age 1437|T.A. 1437]]. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]], he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in [[Third Age 2002|2002]], the stone was assumed destroyed in general. The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]]. As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in [[Third Age 2759|2759]], he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.

Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to looked toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, upon Saruman's downfall, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] twisted it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone.

The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. Partially because of what he saw he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], though it is said that anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.

The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ringbearer]]s in [[Third Age 3021|3021]] of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more. The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.

==Appearance==
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal. The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear. They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].

==The Stones==

* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallonë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.

* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them. It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]]. The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself. It was too large for one man to carry.

* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]]. The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]]. Elendil used it to looked back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallonë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor. It could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.

* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]]. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."

* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]].

* The '''[[Ithil-stone]]''' was placed in [[Minas Ithil]], in the mountains that came to be known as the [[Ephel Dúath]]. When Minas Ithil fell to the [[Nazgûl]], the Ithil-stone was taken to [[Barad-dûr]] and used by [[Sauron]].

* The '''[[Orthanc-stone]]''' was placed in the great tower built by the [[Dúnedain]] in the Second Age at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]], [[Orthanc]]. It fell into the hands of the wizard [[Saruman]], who used it to garner information on his neighbors and their activities. The stone was also partially responsible for Saruman's fall from grace, as he was using it when he came upon [[Sauron]], and was ensnared by him. After the [[War of the Ring]], the Orthanc-stone remained in the custody of the Kings of Gondor in the [[Fourth Age]].

* The '''[[Anor-stone]]''' was placed at [[Minas Anor]], later renamed [[Minas Tirith]] and made the capital of [[Gondor]]. It was kept an unused secret by the Ruling Stewards until it was ultimately used by Steward [[Denethor II]] to watch his land, and he eventually even challenged Sauron in a battle of wills. Denethor did not become corrupted, but the great effort of will that this required of him led him to age quickly. [[Denethor II|Denethor]] was holding the stone when he committed suicide on a funeral pyre, and after this, only people of exceeding power could see in it anything other than two flaming hands.

==Usage==
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Saruman]] with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar. All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favored for this use over long distances. The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities. The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything. A technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.

The user or "surveyer" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly. Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing. Then the surveyer would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone. The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about. The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyer could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone. This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations. Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyers could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.

To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyer would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyer and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.

The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the center of the world. The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency. Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.

==Etymology==
'''[[Palantír]]''' (pl. ''Palantíri'') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far seeing". The [[Sindarin]] cognate is '''[[Gwachaedir]]''' (which is both the singular and plural form).

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Palantíri|Images of Palantíri]]
{{Palantiri}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Palantiri}}
[[Category:Palantíri| ]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Palantíri]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/palantiri]]
[[fi:Palantíri]]

Estë

2011-04-20T01:44:20Z

Noldor2:

{{valar infobox
| image=[[Image:Olga Kukhtenkova - Este.jpg|250px|''Estë'', by [[Olga Kukhtenkova]]]]
| name=Estë
| othernames=Îdh, Eord
| coming=[[Years of the Lamps]]
| appointment=
| creations=
| maiar=[[Melian]]<ref name="VQ"/>
| dwelling=[[Lórellin]]
| gender=Female
| spouse=[[Irmo]]
| siblings=
| appearance=
| robes=Grey<ref name="VQ"/>
| hair=Golden
| eyes=
|}}

{{quote|Grey is her raiment; and rest is her gift|''[[Valaquenta]]''<ref name="VQ"/>}}

'''Estë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈeste]}}) was a one of the [[Valier]], the spouse of [[Irmo]]. She was the healer of hurts and weariness.

==History==
Estë dwelt with her consort in the gardens [[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]], on an island in the lake [[Lórellin]]. There, she would sleep during the days.<ref name="VQ">{{HM|S}}, "[[Valaquenta]]"</ref> Many [[Maiar]] served her and her husband, and their gardens were the fairest of all [[Arda]]. Irmo, the Lord of Dreams, and Estë, whose gift was rest, tended to the troubled [[Elves of Valinor]]. Often, even the Valar themselves came to them to find repose and ease the burden of [[Arda]].<ref name="VQ"/>

[[Tilion]], a hunter of [[Oromë]], had often come to the gardens of Lórien to bathe in the silver light of [[Telperion]]. He loved silver, and was chosen by the [[Valar]] to guide the [[Moon]] after the destruction of the [[Two Trees]]. [[Varda]]'s original purpose was to place Sun and Moon in the skies together, but Estë and Irmo spoke against it. With the paths set in place, sleep and rest had been banished from the Earth. Thus Varda changed it: now, Sun and Moon would each travel through the sky as the other lay in [[Ekkaia]].<ref>{{HM|S}}, "[[Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor]]"</ref>

==Etymology==
'''Estë''' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "rest".<ref>{{HM|S}}, "Index"</ref> The same [[Sundocarmë|Root]], ''[[EZDE]]'', also yielded her [[Sindarin]] name, '''Îdh''' (pron. {{IPA|[iːð]}})<ref>{{HM|LR}}, "[[The Etymologies]]", entry EZDE</ref> and the [[Nandorin]] '''Eord'''.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Carl F. Hostetter]], [[Patrick H. Wynne]] (eds.), "Addenda and Corrigenda to the ''Etymologies''", published in ''[[Vinyar Tengwar 45]]'' ([[November]] [[2003]]), pages 3-38, especially 13</ref>

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Estë|Images of Estë]]
{{ainur}}
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Este}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

Míriel

2011-04-20T01:33:10Z

Noldor2:

{{disambig-more|Míriel|[[Míriel (disambiguation)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - A Tapestry of Sorrows.jpg|250px]]
| name=Míriel
| othernames=''[[Serindë]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]], "Broideress")
| titles=Queen of the Noldor
| position=
| realm=[[Tirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]]<br/>and [[Quenya]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{YT|1170}} or {{YT|1179}}
| deathlocation=[[Lórien (Valinor)|Gardens of Lórien]]<br/>(Returned to life after {{YT|1495}})
| age=
| house=[[House of Finwë]] (by marriage)
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Finwë]]
| children=[[Fëanor]]
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="HairEye">{{MR|P3I6}}, p. 185</ref>
| eyes=Dark<ref name="HairEye"/>
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|Míriel was the name of his mother, who was called Serindë, because of her surpassing skill in weaving and needlework; for her hands were more skilled to fineness than any hands even among the Noldor.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor ]]}}</center>

'''Míriel Serindë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmiːri.el seˈrinde]}}), also spelled '''Þerindë''' (pron. {{IPA|[θeˈrinde]}}), was the first wife of [[Finwë]], [[King of the Noldor]]. Her son was ''[[Curufinwë]]'', whom she called [[Fëanor|Fëanáro]], which means "Spirit of Fire". Miriel's hair was described as being silver in appearance, an unusual color for one of the [[Noldor]].

==History==
Míriel lived in the blessed realm of [[Aman]], in the hill city of [[Tirion]] on [[Tuna]], together with her husband [[Finwe]] High King of the [[Noldor]]. Her hands were skilled in the shaping of fine things, and she was unsurpassed in weaving and needlework.

There was much love between Miriel and Finwë, and even more for her son, but after giving birth to [[Fëanor]], her body and her spirit were consumed and she wished to be released from life everlasting, saying that there was no strength left in her to bare another son. Despite Finwë's grief, and her unhappiness to abandon her young child, Míriel departed for the gardens of [[Irmo|Lórien]], to rest and regain her strength and vigour. But during her rest, the [[Fëa and hröa|fëa]] departed from her body, and entered the [[Halls of Mandos]] leaving her body laying lifeless and still. Maidens of [[Estë]] took care of her body while her spirit remained in the Halls Of Mandos, so that it would not whither. In essence, she had died of free will. This was seen as a shocking event by the [[Valar]] and [[Eldar]] which had never before occurred. [[Manwë]] allowed Finwë to take another wife given these exceptional circumstances.

After the death of Finwë, Míriel was granted permission to return to life, where she entered the service of [[Vairë]], her task to weave all the deeds of the [[House of Finwë]] in the [[Tapestry of Time]].

==Etymology==
The name '''Míriel''' means "Jewel-daughter" in [[Quenya]], from ''[[mír]]'' ("jewel") and ''[[-iel]]'' ("daughter"). Her ''[[epessë]]'' '''[[Serindë]]''', or '''Þerindë''' in the [[Quenya]] of [[Tirion]], means "the Broideress", referring to her work for Vairë.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the beginning of ''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', Fëanor is an adult, and Míriel is still alive. There the similarities between mother and son, such as their stubbornness, are revealed. Fëanor's reaction to his mother's death is also presented, as he guarded her [[Fëa and hröa|hröa]], which was placed in a garden, for some time after her passing. In the published ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]'', Míriel died soon after birth.

== Genealogy ==
<br>
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|MÍRIEL SERINDË]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]}}
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{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Irimë]]|MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]}}
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<br>

{{references}}
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Míriel Serindë|Images of Míriel Serindë]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miriel Serinde}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Elves of Aman not under the Doom of Mandos]]

User talk:Noldor2

2011-04-20T01:22:54Z

Noldor2: Adding welcome message to new user's talk page