Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Battle of Palisor

2026-05-31T18:00:19Z

Oberiko: Removed most details. They are based on MERP, not Tolkien's own works.

{{expansion}}
The '''Battle''' or '''War of Palisor''' was a battle according to the early version of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] did not complete this tale and it is only given in different outlines.<ref>{{LT1|X}}, pp. 236-7</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts in The Book of Lost Tales]]

Saelon

2026-05-24T00:00:53Z

Oberiko: /* Etymology */

{{disambig-two|the character in ''[[The New Shadow]]''|[[Wise-woman]] of the [[Edain]]|[[Saelon (daughter of Malach)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Gondorians|Gondorian]]
| name=Saelon
| image=Gregor Roffalski - Saelon.jpg
| caption="Saelon" by [[:Category:Images by Gregor Roffalski|Gregor Roffalski]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Gondor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=Early [[Fourth Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=[[Duilin (father of Saelon)|Duilin]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Saelon''' was one of the main characters in ''[[The New Shadow]]'', the abandoned sequel to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

== History ==
Saelon was caught by [[Borlas]] as a child when he was stealing an apple in Borlas' garden. Borlas' anger and description of Saelon's behaviour as doing ''orc's work'' struck in to Saelon's heart - he felt deeply aggrieved and held this as a deep grudge.

Some years later, Borlas and Saelon sat in the garden across from [[Minas Tirith]]. After Borlas described the [[Dark Tree]], it is Saelon who later mentions that there were men who have grown ''under the shadow'' in recent times and whispered the name [[Herumor (The New Shadow)|Herumor]], the possible leader of a rebellious faction in Gondor, to Borlas.<ref name="shadow">{{PM|Shadow}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name ''Saelon'' is in [[Sindarin]], however its meaning is unclear. According to [[Paul Strack]], the name might contain the element ''[[sael]]'' ("wise") and ''[[on]]'' ("masculine suffix").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3087798997.html|articlename=S. ''Saelon'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=}}</ref>

In the earliest version (text A), the character was named '''''[[Egalmoth]]'''''. In the second version (text B), the character was named '''''Arthael'''''.<ref name="shadow" />

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| DUI | |DUI=[[Duilin (father of Saelon)|Duilin]] ''fl. early {{FoA}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | |}}
{{familytree| SAE | |SAE='''SAELON''' ''fl. early {{FoA}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Saelon

2026-05-24T00:00:36Z

Oberiko:

{{disambig-two|the character in ''[[The New Shadow]]''|[[Wise-woman]] of the [[Edain]]|[[Saelon (daughter of Malach)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Gondorians|Gondorian]]
| name=Saelon
| image=Gregor Roffalski - Saelon.jpg
| caption="Saelon" by [[:Category:Images by Gregor Roffalski|Gregor Roffalski]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Gondor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=Early [[Fourth Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=[[Duilin (father of Saelon)|Duilin]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Saelon''' was one of the main characters in ''[[The New Shadow]]'', the abandoned sequel to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

== History ==
Saelon was caught by [[Borlas]] as a child when he was stealing an apple in Borlas' garden. Borlas' anger and description of Saelon's behaviour as doing ''orc's work'' struck in to Saelon's heart - he felt deeply aggrieved and held this as a deep grudge.

Some years later, Borlas and Saelon sat in the garden across from [[Minas Tirith]]. After Borlas described the [[Dark Tree]], it is Saelon who later mentions that there were men who have grown ''under the shadow'' in recent times and whispered the name [[Herumor (The New Shadow)|Herumor]], the possible leader of a rebellious faction in Gondor, to Borlas.<ref name="shadow">{{PM|Shadow}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name ''Saelon'' is in [[Sindarin]], however its meaning is unclear. According to [[Paul Strack]], the name might contain the element ''[[sael]]'' ("wise") and ''[[on]]'' ("masculine suffix").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3087798997.html|articlename=S. ''Saelon'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=}}</ref>

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| DUI | |DUI=[[Duilin (father of Saelon)|Duilin]] ''fl. early {{FoA}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | |}}
{{familytree| SAE | |SAE='''SAELON''' ''fl. early {{FoA}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

Arthael

2026-05-23T23:57:37Z

Oberiko: Redirect

#REDIRECT [[Saelon]]

Void

2026-05-20T18:52:12Z

Oberiko: Other names in bullet point, added one

{{disambig-more|Dark|[[Dark (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Šárka Škorpíková - Melkor reaching Arda.jpg|thumb|250px|''Melkor reaching Arda'' by [[:Category:Images by Šárka Škorpíková|Šárka Škorpíková]]]]
{{quote|Lost and forgotten be, darker than the darkness, Where gates stand forever shut, till [[Arda Healed|the World is mended]]|[[Tom Bombadil]], ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}

The '''Timeless Void''', also called the '''Outer Void''', the '''Ancient Darkness''', and the '''Outer Dark''', were terms used in various ways.

==History==
Cosmologically, the Void is the uninhabited space outside [[Time]] and [[Eä|Creation]], the absence of the [[Flame Imperishable]]. It is told that [[Morgoth|Melkor]] used to wander in the Void to look in vain for the Flame Imperishable.<ref name=Ainu>{{S|Ainu}}</ref>

The [[Timeless Halls]] of [[Ilúvatar]] are apart from the Void; [[Eä]] is created amidst the Void but is not a part of it.<ref name=Ainu />

After his defeat in the [[War of Wrath]], [[Morgoth]] was banished into the Timeless Void through the [[Door of Night]]<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> and thus was put outside Time and Space, outside Eä altogether;<ref name=MT>{{MR|P5VII}}, p. 403</ref> however, legends predict that he will return to the World and cause its [[Dagor Dagorath|End]].<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}</ref> The 'Void' in that context refers to the state of Not-being, that existed before the creation of [[Eä]] and, after its creation, outside it. This conception was often confused by [[Men]] and even [[Elves]] with the conception of vast spaces within Eä, especially those conceived to lie all about the enisled [[Arda|Kingdom of Arda]].<ref name=MT/>

Following his apparent utter defeat in the [[War of the Ring]], [[Sauron]]'s weakened spirit was left bound to the confines of the world, having stepped on the same path to powerlessness as Morgoth had in his banishment to the Void .<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref>

It is also possible that [[Gandalf|Gandalf's]] spirit crossed the Void and entered the [[Timeless Halls]] after his death during [[Battle of the Peak|the battle]] with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]], as he "passed out of thought and time."<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

==Other names==
The Void was also known as:
* English
** '''Eldest Dark'''<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}</ref>{{rp|§12}}
** '''Outer Dark''' (or the Outer Darkness)
** '''Everlasting Dark'''
** '''Ancient Darkness'''
* [[Qenya]]
** ''Avakúma''
** ''Oiakúma''<ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 8</ref>
** ''[[Kúma]]''<ref>{{HM|IX}}, p. 31</ref><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379</ref>

{{references}}
{{cosmology}}
[[Category:Cosmology]]
[[de:Kúma]]
[[fi:Ajaton Tyhjyys]]

Nogrod

2026-05-19T12:04:00Z

Oberiko: /* Other versions of the legendarium */

{{kingdom
| image=Lída Holubová - Nogrod.jpg
| caption="Nogrod" by [[:Category:Images by Lída Holubová|Lída Holubová]]
| name=Nogrod
| pronun=
| othernames= Hollowbold, [[Khuzdul|K]]. ''Tumunzahar'', [[Quenya|Q]]. ''Návarot''
| location=[[Blue Mountains]], south-east of [[Dolmed|Mount Dolmed]]
| capital=
| towns=
| regions=
| population=[[Dwarves of Nogrod]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]], [[Sindarin]]
| govern1=[[Lord of Nogrod]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=
| event1=Founded
| event1date=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1250}}<ref name="Sindar"/><ref name="ReferenceA">{{VT|48a}}, p. 24 ("...which had certainly been founded long ago ... before the coming of the exiled Noldor, probably before the Eldar of the Great Journey ever reached Beleriand")</ref>
| event2=Destroyed
| event2date={{FA|587}}
| event3=Abandoned
| event3date={{SA|40}}
| event4=
| event4date=
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=[[Khazad-Dûm]]
}}
'''Nogrod''' was one of two great underground [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] [[Dwarf realms|cities]] in the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]], the other being [[Belegost]], that prospered during the [[First Age]]. It was home to the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]].

==Geography==
Nogrod was delved in the eastern side of the north-central part and of the [[Blue Mountains]] southeast of [[Dolmed|Mount Dolmed]]<ref name=Sindar>{{S|Sindar}}</ref> where the Dwarf-road of [[Beleriand]] crossed into [[Eriador]],<ref name=MI>{{TI|MI}}, p. 301</ref><ref>{{S|Map}}</ref><ref>{{WJ|Maeglin}}, redrawn version of a photocopy of the northeast section of the Second Silmarillion map on which J.R.R. Tolkien added the location of Belegost, p. 331</ref> guarding one of the only passes over the Blue Mountains<ref>{{VT|48a}}, p. 24 ("But the Dwarves had built some great Mansions in those mountains [the Ered Luin] (commanding the only passes)")</ref> not far from lake [[Nenuial]].<ref name=Concerning>{{UT|Concerning}}, p. 235</ref>

==History==
The city was built sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]] when the western [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] awoke from beneath the [[Ered Luin]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{VT|48a}}, p. 24 ("...which had certainly been founded long ago ... before the coming of the exiled Noldor, probably before the Eldar of the Great Journey ever reached Beleriand")</ref>

Nogrod traded throughout Beleriand and the Dwarves were employed for delvings and crafts, most famously the [[Nauglamir]] for King [[Thingol]].<ref>{{S|Doriath}}</ref> [[Eöl]] the Dark Elf often went there, as did his son [[Maeglin]].<ref name=Sindar/>

At the end of the First Age, Nogrod was ruined in the [[War of Wrath]],<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref> and around the [[Second Age 40|fortieth year]] of the [[Second Age]] the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains began to migrate to [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], abandoning Nogrod and [[Belegost]].<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> However, there always remained some Dwarves on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains in days afterwards.<ref name=Concerning/>

==Etymology==
''Nogrod'' is a [[Sindarin]] name; it was originally known as '''''Novrod''''' which means "hollow delving" aka '''''Hollowbold''''', like its original [[Khuzdul]] name '''''Tumunzahar'''''<ref name=Sindar/> and the [[Quenya]] translation '''''Návarot'''''.<ref>{{WJ|AB}}, p. 389</ref>

''Novrod'' was altered to ''Naug''rod under the influence of the similar-sounding word ''[[naug]]'' ("dwarf").<ref name=el/> Therefore while the name '''Hollowbold''' is provided as the translation of ''Nogrod''<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> it is not a literal translation; the new name means rather "Dwarf dwelling".<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Nogrod"</ref>

The second element of ''Novrod/Nogrod'' is Sindarin ''groth/grod'' ("delving, underground dwelling").<ref name=el>{{S|Elements}}</ref>

In the [[Noldorin]] phase of the language, it contains the element ''[[naug]]'' ("dwarf"). The second element ''-rod'' is not explained, but a note by [[Christopher Tolkien]] points to entry [[ROD]], an etymological [[root]] meaning "cave". Relevant Noldorin words include ''rhond'' ("cave") and ''rhaud'' ("hollow, cavernous").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "NAUK", "ROD"</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest version of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Nogrod was located "a very long journey southward beyond the wide forest on the borders of those great heaths nigh Umboth-muilin the Pools of Twilight, on the marches of [[Tasarinan]]".<ref>{{LT2|IV}}, p. 225</ref>

In ''[[The Lay of the Children of Húrin]]'' the Dwarves of Nogrod were traders, bringing wine of [[Dor-Winion]] "that is bruised from the berries of the burning South" by long ways to the lands of the North, including Doriath.<ref>{{LB|1f}}</ref>

On the Eastward Extension of [[the First 'Silmarillion' Map]], the [[Dwarf-road of Beleriand|Dwarf-road]] crosses the Blue Mountains below Mount Dolmed, then turns to the south and continues until the edge of the map with the direction "Southward in East feet of Blue Mountans are Belegost and Nogrod".<ref>{{SM|Preface}}, p. v bottom-right corner</ref><ref>{{SM|East}}, entry, ''Dwarf-road'' and ''Sarn Athra'', p. 285</ref><ref>{{WJ|Dwarves}}, §124</ref> In the second version of [[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand|the Earliest ''Annals of Beleriand'']]<ref>{{SM|7II}}, "the Dwarves dwelt in great mines and cities in the East of Eredlindon and far south of Beleriand, the chief of these were Nogrod and Belegost", p. 399</ref> and in [[The Later Annals of Beleriand|the Later ''Annals of Beleriand'']],<ref>{{LR|AB}}, entry YS 104 [154], "the Dwarves had great mines and cities in the east of Eredlindon, far south of Beleriand, and the chief of these cities were Nogrod and Belegost" and "the Dwarves trafficked into Beleriand; and they made a great road, which came north, east of the mountains, and thence it passed under the shoulders of Mount Dolm", p. 143</ref> Nogrod was in the east of the Blue Mountains and far south of Beleriand.

The position of Belegost was later moved by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] to the north of Mount Dolmed on a photocopy of [[the Second 'Silmarillion' Map]].<ref name=MI/> This corresponds with its position in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]'' from [[1937]],<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, 10. Of Men and Dwarfs, §122, "the Dwarfs [...] for the chief dwellings of that race were then in the mountains east of Thargelion, the land of Cranthir, and were digged deep in the eastern slopes of Eredlindon", p. 299</ref> in the revised version of [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion|the Later ''Quenta Silmarillion'']],<ref>{{WJ|Two}}, Of the Naugrim and the Edain, Concerning the Dwarves, §7, "whereas Belegost and Nogrod were upon the east side of Eredlindon and nigh to the lands of the Eldar"</ref> and in the ''[[Grey Annals]]''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry for the year 1250, §19, "on the east-side of Eryd Luin, north and south of Mount Dolmed, in those places which the Eldar named Belegost and Nogrod"</ref>

Although the locations of Nogrod and Mount Dolmed are not indicated on the ''[[General Map of Middle-earth]]'' and on the map of ''[[The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age]]'', Mount Dolmed can be identified as the westernmost mountain in the middle of the part of the [[Blue Mountains]], which is north of the [[Gulf of Lune]] by using the position of Mount Dolmed relative to the positions of the Hill of Himring and the highland of [[Taur-nu-Fuin]] on the ''[[Map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North]]'' and determining the position of Nogrod and Mount Dolmed relative to the positions of their respective remains after the War of Wrath, the island of [[Himring|Himling]] and the island of [[Tol Fuin]],<ref>{{UT|IMap}}, second paragraph</ref> on [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s original map of The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age.<ref>[[Ronald Kyrmse]], "The Location of Mount Dolmed on Maps from the First and Third Ages", July 2020; [https://hcommons.org/deposits/objects/hc:32884/datastreams/CONTENT/content], accessed 21 August 2022</ref><ref>[[Ronald Kyrmse]], "The Geographical Relation between Beleriand and Eriador" in ''[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]'' no. [[Mallorn 26|26]], September 1989, pp. 25–7</ref><ref>[[Didier Willis]], Bulletin de géographie ''Hiswelóce'', special issue no. 1, Winter 1994 (French); [http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=en&pg=41 Mystères géographiques n°1 : Mont Dolmed & cités naines] (c. 2000), [http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/index.php?lng=fr Hiwelokë], accessed March 23rd, 2011 (French); revised and augmented in "Du Beleriand aux confins de Rhûn" in ''[[Tolkien, le façonnement d'un monde]]'', vol. 2, 2014, pp. 197-230</ref> This location is on a similar latitude as lake Nenuial.

{{references}}
[[Category:Beleriand]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Dwarven realms]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[de:Nogrod]]
[[fi:Nogrod]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes tours et forteresses/beleriand/nogrod]]
[[pt-br:Nogrod]]

Nessa

2026-05-17T21:40:13Z

Oberiko: /* The Annals of Aman */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Nessa
| image=Elena Kukanova - Autumn Nessa.jpg
| caption="Autumn Nessa" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| position=
| location=[[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Oromë]]
| spouse=[[Tulkas]]
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|...she also is lithe and fleetfooted. Deer she loves, and they follow her train whenever she goes in the wild; but she can outrun them, swift as an arrow with the wind in her hair. In dancing she delights, and she dances in [[Valimar]] on lawns of never-fading green.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Nessa''' was the wife of [[Tulkas]] and sister of [[Oromë]]. In "due order," Nessa was the last named [[Valier|Valië]].<ref name="SIIb" />

==History==
Nessa was noted for her speed and was said to be "swift as an arrow" and she was able to outrun the [[deer]] who followed her in the wild. She was also renowned for her dancing ability, as she danced on the ever-green lawns of [[Valimar]].<ref name="SIIb">{{S|IIb}}</ref> She wed Tulkas upon the Isle of [[Almaren]]<ref>{{S|Days}}</ref> in the [[Days before days|Year of the Valar]] 3400.<ref>{{MR|P2a}}, 3400</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| AUL |~| YAV | | VAN |~| ORO | | NES |~| TUL | |AUL=[[Aulë]]|YAV=[[Yavanna]]|VAN=[[Vána]]|ORO=[[Oromë]]|NES='''NESSA'''|TUL=[[Tulkas]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Etymology==
''Nessa'' ({{IPA|[ˈnesːa]}}) is a [[Quenya]] word meaning "young"; in the same text, Nessa has also the name '''[[Indis]]''' "bride".<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 376-7</ref><ref>{{PE|14}}</ref>{{rp|14}}

The [[Noldorin]] names of Nessa were '''''Neth''''' (a cognate of the Quenya/[[Qenya]] word) or '''''Dineth''''', a Noldorin word meaning "bride", related to the Quenya word ''indis''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry NI1</ref>

In a later text, [[Pengolodh]] notes that Nessa's name is "not [[elvish]]" and probably represents a [[Valarin]] title, much like the name of her spouse, adopted in Quenya, but there is no record.<ref>{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
=== The Book of Lost Tales ===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Nessa was one of the [[Valarindi]], daughter of [[Aulë]] and [[Yavanna]]. Her son with Tulkas was [[Telimektar]].

Nessa was seen at the [[house of Tulkas]] bringing goblets of wine and drinks to his champions.<ref name="Coming" />{{rp|75}}

Nessa loved to retire to the green swards which her brother, [[Oromë]], had cultivated from the richness of his forest.<ref name="Coming" />{{rp|75}} When creating the forests of Oromë, [[Yavanna]] had planted forest glades with spells so that the glades would always remain green and smooth. Nessa, along with her maidens, would dance there as long as [[Laurelin]] was in bloom, and she was said to be an even better dancer than [[Vána]].<ref name="Coming">{{LT1|III}}</ref>

=== The Annals of Aman ===
In revisions to [[The Annals of Aman]] "Nessa the Young" was removed from the ranks of the Valar and, along with [[Estë]], made to be among the highest of the [[Maiar]].<ref name=aams1>{{MR|P2d}}</ref>{{rp|§3}}

In further emendations, Tolkien split the character between "Nessa the Evermaid", and "Lëa the Young" ("Lëa-vinya") who was the bride of Tulkas.<ref name=aams1/>{{rp|§3}} Lëa was the fairest of the maidens of [[Yavanna]].<ref name=aams1/>{{rp|§18}}

===Early etymology===
Her other names in [[Qenya]] were '''''Helinyetille''''' meaning "Eyes of Heartsease", from ''helin'' ("violet, pansy"), and '''''Melesta''''', from ''mele'' ("to love").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>

===Early genealogy===
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | AUL |y| YAV | | | | | | |AUL=[[Aulë]]|YAV=[[Yavanna]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | VAN |y| ORO | | NES |y| TUL | | |ORO=[[Oromë]]|VAN=[[Vána]]|NES='''NESSA'''|TUL=[[Tulkas]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | NIE | | | | | | TEL | | | | |NIE=[[Nielíqui]]|TEL=[[Telimektar]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
{{ainur}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Valarindi]]
[[de:Nessa]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/nessa]]
[[fi:Nessa]]

Lëa

2026-05-17T13:26:56Z

Oberiko: Was a replacement of Nessa, before a division of the character

#REDIRECT [[Nessa]]

Nessa

2026-05-17T13:25:03Z

Oberiko: /* Other versions of the legendarium */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Nessa
| image=Elena Kukanova - Autumn Nessa.jpg
| caption="Autumn Nessa" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| position=
| location=[[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Oromë]]
| spouse=[[Tulkas]]
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|...she also is lithe and fleetfooted. Deer she loves, and they follow her train whenever she goes in the wild; but she can outrun them, swift as an arrow with the wind in her hair. In dancing she delights, and she dances in [[Valimar]] on lawns of never-fading green.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Nessa''' was the wife of [[Tulkas]] and sister of [[Oromë]]. In "due order," Nessa was the last named [[Valier|Valië]].<ref name="SIIb" />

==History==
Nessa was noted for her speed and was said to be "swift as an arrow" and she was able to outrun the [[deer]] who followed her in the wild. She was also renowned for her dancing ability, as she danced on the ever-green lawns of [[Valimar]].<ref name="SIIb">{{S|IIb}}</ref> She wed Tulkas upon the Isle of [[Almaren]]<ref>{{S|Days}}</ref> in the [[Days before days|Year of the Valar]] 3400.<ref>{{MR|P2a}}, 3400</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| AUL |~| YAV | | VAN |~| ORO | | NES |~| TUL | |AUL=[[Aulë]]|YAV=[[Yavanna]]|VAN=[[Vána]]|ORO=[[Oromë]]|NES='''NESSA'''|TUL=[[Tulkas]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Etymology==
''Nessa'' ({{IPA|[ˈnesːa]}}) is a [[Quenya]] word meaning "young"; in the same text, Nessa has also the name '''[[Indis]]''' "bride".<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 376-7</ref><ref>{{PE|14}}</ref>{{rp|14}}

The [[Noldorin]] names of Nessa were '''''Neth''''' (a cognate of the Quenya/[[Qenya]] word) or '''''Dineth''''', a Noldorin word meaning "bride", related to the Quenya word ''indis''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry NI1</ref>

In a later text, [[Pengolodh]] notes that Nessa's name is "not [[elvish]]" and probably represents a [[Valarin]] title, much like the name of her spouse, adopted in Quenya, but there is no record.<ref>{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
=== The Book of Lost Tales ===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', Nessa was one of the [[Valarindi]], daughter of [[Aulë]] and [[Yavanna]]. Her son with Tulkas was [[Telimektar]].

Nessa was seen at the [[house of Tulkas]] bringing goblets of wine and drinks to his champions.<ref name="Coming" />{{rp|75}}

Nessa loved to retire to the green swards which her brother, [[Oromë]], had cultivated from the richness of his forest.<ref name="Coming" />{{rp|75}} When creating the forests of Oromë, [[Yavanna]] had planted forest glades with spells so that the glades would always remain green and smooth. Nessa, along with her maidens, would dance there as long as [[Laurelin]] was in bloom, and she was said to be an even better dancer than [[Vána]].<ref name="Coming">{{LT1|III}}</ref>

=== The Annals of Aman ===
In revisions to the [[The Annals of Aman]] "Nessa the Young" was removed from the ranks of the Valar and, along with [[Estë]], made to be among the highest of the [[Maiar]].<ref name=aams1>{{MR|P2d}}</ref>{{rp|§3}}

In further emendations, Tolkien split the character between "Nessa the Evermaid", and "Lëa the Young" ("Lëa-vinya") who was the wife of Tulkas.<ref name=aams1/>{{rp|§3}} Lëa was the fairest of the maidens of [[Yavanna]].<ref name=aams1/>{{rp|§18}}

===Early etymology===
Her other names in [[Qenya]] were '''''Helinyetille''''' meaning "Eyes of Heartsease", from ''helin'' ("violet, pansy"), and '''''Melesta''''', from ''mele'' ("to love").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>

===Early genealogy===
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | AUL |y| YAV | | | | | | |AUL=[[Aulë]]|YAV=[[Yavanna]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | VAN |y| ORO | | NES |y| TUL | | |ORO=[[Oromë]]|VAN=[[Vána]]|NES='''NESSA'''|TUL=[[Tulkas]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | NIE | | | | | | TEL | | | | |NIE=[[Nielíqui]]|TEL=[[Telimektar]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
{{ainur}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Valarindi]]
[[de:Nessa]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/nessa]]
[[fi:Nessa]]

Ulmo

2026-05-10T11:48:22Z

Oberiko: /* History */

{{Short description|King of the Sea}}
{{sources}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Ulmo
| image=John Howe - Ulmo.jpg
| caption="Ulmo, Lord of the Waters" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=[[Quenya]], {{IPA|[ˈulmo]}}
| othernames=''Ullubōz'' ([[Valarin|V]]) "King of the Sea", "Lord of Waters", "Dweller of the Deep", ''Ulu'', ''Gulma''
| titles=
| position=Lord of Waters
| location=[[Ekkaia]]<ref name=s1/>
| affiliation=[[Ossë]], [[Uinen]], and possibly [[Salmar]]
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Green armor
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|Ulmo loves both Elves and Men, and never abandoned them, not even when they lay under the wrath of the Valar.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Ulmo''' was a [[Valar|Vala]], also known as ''King of the Sea'', ''Lord of Waters'', and ''Dweller of the Deep''.<ref name="UT1">{{UT|1}}</ref> One of the mightiest of the [[Ainur]], he was third in majesty of the [[Aratar]], after [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]].

At several points Ulmo was notable for setting himself apart from his brethren, and also for being the friendliest to the [[Children of Eru]].

==Attributes==
Ulmo was the Lord of Waters and King of the Sea.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIb}}</ref> He was the Ainu most deeply instructed in music, and it was said that in water the [[Eldar]] could hear the echo of the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="ai">{{S|I}}</ref> He lived in the deeps under [[Ambar]] who alone saw where he devised his music and whence he governed all waters, bays and rivers.<ref name="s1" /><ref name="vala" />

From the beginning Manwë had been his closest friend and ally and they came together when the vapors of the water become clouds high in the air, or mists and dew. The two most faithfully served the purpose of Eru.<ref name="ai" />

Ulmo was unique among the Valar in several ways; he was alone, taking no spouse among the [[Valier]]; he didn't dwell in [[Valinor]] but in [[Ekkaia]] from the beginning, preferring the deeps of the seas around and below [[Ambar]], and the rivers. He seldom appeared to the councils of his brethren, save in matters of great importance.<ref name="vala" />

Likewise, he seldomly wore a [[fana]] and rather came to the shores unseen or entered firths of the sea and rivers. It was said his spirit was in the very veins of the world. He spoke through the sound of water, and made music with his horns the [[Ulumúri]]. But whenever he appeared, he was dreadful and terrible "as a mounting wave that strides to the land"; he wore a dark foam-crested helm and a shimmering silver-green mail, and his voice was deep like the ocean.<ref name="vala" />

Ulmo cared about Arda and the Children of Eru, and through the veins of the world he kept in touch with them and saw every grief and need, and thus knew more of the goings on with them than even Manwë. Even while the Valar were secluded in Valinor or when the Children were under the wrath of his brethren, Ulmo, alone of the Valar, was the one who never forsook them.<ref name="s1">{{S|1}}</ref><ref name="vala" /> However, it was not done as rebellion towards other Valar, but because it was a role to which he was "appointed ere the making of the World".<ref name="UT1">{{UT|1}}</ref>

==History==
Ulmo was very close in friendship to Manwë before [[Eä]] was made, and although Manwë was the most dear to [[Ilúvatar]], of all the Ainur Ulmo was most deeply instructed in music. Ulmo with Manwë and [[Aulë]] were the architects of [[Arda]].<ref name="ai" /> Ulmo's vassal [[Ossë]], and Ossë's spouse [[Uinen]] were, to the Elves, the best known of the [[Maiar]]. Through them Ulmo would learn much of the elves.<ref name="vala" />

After Melkor destroyed the [[Two Lamps]] and forced the Valar to retreat to [[Valinor]], Ulmo opposed the raising of the [[Pelóri]] and withdrawal from the [[Outer Lands]], leaving them to Melkor's dominion.<ref>{{MR|P5III}}</ref> Ulmo remained to the Outer Sea, and while his brethren neglected the Outer Lands during the [[Sleep of Yavanna]], Ulmo kept the earth alive under the darkness.<ref name="s1">{{S|1}}</ref>

He seldom came to the Councils of [[Máhanaxar]], such as the time when the Valar were to prepare to [[Battle of the Powers|attack]] Melkor's fortress of [[Utumno]]. He also was the chief of a minority of the Valar who believed that the Elves should remain free in [[Middle-earth]], and order and heal the hurts of the land with their skills and grace, but this opinion was overruled.<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>

Nevertheless he eventually helped them get to Aman, because he knew that was what they wanted, and he accepted that. He tore a great piece of land off the shores of [[Beleriand]] and used it to transport the Eldar to the blessed coasts of Aman. He anchored the island (it was renamed [[Tol Eressëa]]) in the [[Bay of Eldamar]], which he did because he knew the minds of the [[Teleri]].

When the time came for Melkor to be given a second chance and was pardoned, Ulmo and [[Tulkas]] were still distrustful of him, but both obeyed Manwë's bidding.<ref>{{S|6}}</ref>

During the [[First Age]] Ulmo protected [[Sirion]] and [[Gelion]] and directed more than any other Vala the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. He urged [[Turgon]] to build [[Gondolin]] and [[Finrod]] to build [[Nargothrond]].

He chose [[Tuor]] as his instrument before his birth, by helping [[Huor]] and [[Húrin]] reach [[Gondolin]] and telling [[Turgon]] to accept him, as aid would come from the [[House of Hador]]. Years later, he guided [[Tuor]] directing him to Gondolin as a messenger for Turgon. Despite [[Ulmo's warning]], Turgon chose not to abandon Gondolin. Tuor eventually married Turgon's daughter [[Idril]] and fathered [[Eärendil]] the [[Half-elven]]; Ulmo saved [[Elwing]] from the sack of the Havens of [[Sirion]], and thus she took the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] to her husband Eärendil which allowed them to gain admittance to Valinor and plead for their mercy.

==Etymology==
The name ''Ulmo'' is said to derive from the [[Valarin]] '''''Ullubōz'''''.<ref name="Quendi">{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>

Alternatively, ''Ulmo'' is a [[Quenya]] title, which means "the Pourer", from ''[[ulya-]]'' ("to pour") + ''[[-mo]]'' (agentive ending "-er").<ref name="Quendi" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earlier writings his [[Gnomish]] name was ''Gulma''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, p. 349, note "Ulmonan"</ref> Later his Gnomish name was '''''Ylmir'''''<ref>{{LB|1d}}, p. 93</ref><ref>{{SM|2}}, p. 13</ref> (see [[Tuor]]'s ''[[The Horns of Ylmir]]''). [[Noldorin]] translations of his name were given as '''''Nûron''''' and '''''Ulu'''''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "NŪ-" and "ULU"</ref><ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref>

In the [[Gnomish Lexicon]] he is given the name '''Vailimo'''.<ref>{{PE|11}}</ref>{{rp|18}}

In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Ulmo is referred to by various names: ''Garsecges frea'' ("Ocean ruler"), ''ealwaeter-frea'' ("All-waters ruler") or ''agendfrea ealra waetera'' ("owning lord of all waters").<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>

His palace, on the bottom of the [[Outer Sea]], was called [[Ulmonan]].<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, p. 270</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Ulmo statue.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Statue of Ulmo in [[Númenor]] - ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'']]
'''[[2022]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'': [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 1|Season 1]]'''
:In episode 3, ''[[Adrift]]'', When entering [[Númenor]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Halbrand]] see a fountain statue of Ulmo<ref>''YouTube'', [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LYZGJI7018&t=1504 LIVE with Wayne Yip (Director, The Rings of Power)] by [[Nerd of the Rings]]: [[Wayne Che Yip]]: "And you got the fountain of Ulmo, that was pretty big"</ref> with water pouring from its outstretched right hand.

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/05/13/why-did-ulmo-withdraw-his-power-from-the-waters-of-middle-earth-at-the-end-of-the-first-age/ Why Did Ulmo withdraw his Power from the Waters of Middle-earth at the end of the First Age?] by [[Michael Martinez]]

{{References}}

{{Ainur}}

{{Gondolin}}

[[Category:Aratar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[de:Ulmo]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/ulmo]]
[[fi:Ulmo]]

Húrin

2026-05-09T12:00:57Z

Oberiko: /* Wanderings */ - Húrin's motive to go to Nargothrond

{{sources}}
{{disambig-more|Húrin|[[Húrin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Húrin
| image=Kimberly - Hurin Thalion.jpg
| caption="Hurin Thalion" by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Thalion]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[Lord of Dor-lómin]]
| position=Head of the House of Hador
| location=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Brethil]], [[Gondolin]] [[Thangorodrim]] (imprisoned)
| affiliation=[[Union of Maedhros]]
| language=[[Mannish]] dialect, [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|441}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]]
| rule={{FA|462}} - {{FA|472|n}}
| death={{FA|502}}
| deathlocation=[[Belegaer]] (suicide)
| age=61
| notablefor=Being among the greatest mortal warriors
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]] & [[Hareth]]
| siblings=[[Huor]]
| spouse=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]
| children=[[Túrin]], [[Urwen]] & [[Nienor]]
| gender=Male
| height=Short among the [[Edain]]
| hair=Blond/Grey
| eyes=Blue<ref name="UT">{{UT|Narn}}</ref><ref>{{CH|18}}, p. 255</ref>
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword and axe
| steed=[[Arroch]]
}}
{{quote|. . . but he was shorter in stature than other men of his kin; in this he took after his mother's people, but in all else he was like Hador, his grandfather, strong in body and fiery of mood. But the fire in him burned steadily, and he had great endurance of will.|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', "[[The Childhood of Túrin]]"}}

'''Húrin Thalion''' ("the Steadfast", "the Strong"),<ref name="CH3">{{CH|3}}</ref> was the last [[Lord of Dor-lómin]] and one of the great heroes of [[Edain|Men]] during the [[First Age]]. He was the eldest son of [[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]] and [[Hareth]], and the older brother of [[Huor]]. He was the father of [[Túrin]], [[Urwen]] and [[Nienor]].

Húrin was regarded as "the mightiest of warriors of mortal Men",<ref name="TS22">{{S|22}}</ref> but also known for being the titular character of the ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'', "the Tale of the Children of Húrin". In the tale he was captured by [[Morgoth]] at the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] and the Dark Lord attempted to convince him to reveal the secret location of [[Gondolin]]. He refused, and in response the Dark Lord cursed his kin and imprisoned him on [[Thangorodrim]]. He was forced to watch the curse befall his children.<ref name="CH3" /> The curse led to some of the greatest successes and tragedies of the First Age.

==History==
===Early years===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Hurin and Huor are landing in Gondolin.jpg|thumb|left|''Hurin and Huor are landing in Gondolin'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
Húrin was born in {{FA|441}} in [[Hithlum]].<ref>{{GA|141}}, p. 51</ref> His father was [[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]] and his grandfather [[Hador|Hador Lórindol]], founder of the [[House of Hador]].<ref>{{S|17}}</ref> His mother was [[Hareth]] of [[Brethil]] who was the daughter of [[Halmir]] the lord of the [[Haladin]].<ref name="TS18">{{S|18}}</ref> In his youth, him and his younger brother [[Huor]] were raised in the forest of Brethil by [[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]] their uncle. In {{FA|458|n}},<ref>{{GA|161}}, p. 57</ref> the brothers joined a company of scouts but were separated from them after an [[Orc]] ambush. They were pursued to the ford of [[Brithiach]] and were saved by the Vala [[Ulmo]] who caused a mist to rise and the two escaped into [[Dimbar]]. From there, [[Eagles]] flew them to the hidden city [[Gondolin]]. King [[Turgon]] welcomed the brothers, remembering their grandfather Hador who was an [[Elf-friend]] as well as the words of Ulmo who told him to deal kindly to the House of Hador. Húrin remained with Turgon for a time until he and his brother wished to return to their people. Turgon was reluctant to let the brothers leave but the king granted their wish and the brothers swore oaths of secrecy.<ref>{{CH|1}}, pp. 35-7</ref> They returned to Dor-lómin sometime before {{FA|462|n}}.

===Lord of Dor-lómin===
[[File:Steamey - Hurin.jpg|thumb|left|''Húrin'' by [[:Category:Images by Steamey|Steamey]]]]
In {{FA|462}},<ref>{{GA|170}}, pp. 59-60</ref> orcs [[Assaults on Hithlum|invaded]] Hithlum and Galdor was slain defending the fortress of [[Eithel Sirion]]. Húrin who had newly come to manhood took command and drove off the Orcs. He returned to rule as the third [[Lord of Dor-lómin]]. Two years later he married [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]] of the [[House of Bëor]].<ref name="TS18" /> Their son Túrin was born shortly thereafter, followed by a daughter, [[Urwen]]. Urwen, better known as ''[[Lalaith]]'' ("Laughter"), died of the plague when she was three.

In {{FA|472|n}}, the alliance known as [[Union of Maedhros]] led Elves, Dwarves, and Men to assault Angband. Húrin led his folk to join the host led by the High King [[Fingon]]. In the battle, later named the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] or Battle of Unnumbered Tears, the Union were defeated by the hosts of Morgoth. Many Elves and Men perished, including Fingon who was slain by a [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. With their liege lord slain and facing a rout, Húrin and Huor convinced Turgon to withdraw and keep the secret of Gondolin. To defend his escape, the Men of Dor-lómin formed a rearguard near the [[Pass of Sirion]] and held it giving as much time for Turgon to gather the remainder of Fingon's people and the host of Gondolin to escape. The location of Gondolin remained secret but for the Men of the Dor-lómin this was their last stand for they would not forsake the Northlands and were slaughtered by the hosts of Morgoth. By the [[Fen of Serech]], Huor was slain by an arrow through the eye, but Húrin remained steadfast crying ''[[Aurë entuluva!]]''([[Sindarin|S]]) for each foe he slew with his axe, seventy times in all. He fought until he was buried under the weight of bodies of his enemies, then [[Gothmog]] bound him and dragged him towards Angband.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref>

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Alan Lee - The Words of Húrin and Morgoth.jpg|thumb|right|''The Words of Húrin and Morgoth'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Húrin was brought before Morgoth, for he had learnt from his spies that Húrin was friends with Turgon, and was tortured for the secret of Gondolin's location. When he would not break, Morgoth cursed him and all his kin. The Dark Lord then chained Húrin to a chair high on the slopes of [[Thangorodrim]] where, through Morgoth's sorcery, he could watch the tragedies that would befall his family.<ref>{{CH|3}}, pp. 62-5</ref> However Morgoth concealed much of Túrin's deeds and what Húrin saw was contorted, lies mixed with the truth.
{{blockquote|'But upon all whom you love my thought shall weigh as a cloud of Doom, and it shall bring them down into darkness and despair. Wherever they go, evil shall arise. Whenever they speak, their words shall bring ill counsel. Whatsoever they do shall turn against them. They shall die without hope, cursing both life and death.'|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', [[The Words of Húrin and Morgoth]]}}
For 28 years,<ref name="TS22" /> Húrin watched the curse come upon Túrin and [[Nienor]], his daughter born shortly after his capture, and to those that they encounter. For instance Túrin's actions led to the [[Fall of Nargothrond|destruction]] of [[Nargothrond]], one of the last kingdoms of the Noldor. Now only Gondolin remained.

===Wanderings===
After the death of his children Morgoth released Húrin, where he hoped he could further his malice. The broken man first returned to Hithlum, which was now ruled by [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]. Finding none of his kin, he travelled with outlaws to the mountains of [[Echoriath]], searching for the entrance to Gondolin. At first Turgon refused him, but later recanted and sent Eagles to bring him to Gondolin. Húrin had already left for the Forest of Brethil, but Morgoth's curse had already ensnared Gondolin, for the Dark Lord's spies now knew the general location of the [[Gondolin|Hidden Kingdom]].<ref name="TS22" />

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Húrin Finds Morwen.jpg|thumb|right|''Húrin Finds Morwen'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
In the Forest of Brethil he found the graves of his children. His wife, Morwen, was there and she died shortly after. After burying his wife, Húrin was taken by march-wardens to the settlement of [[Ephel Brandir]], the home of the [[People of Haleth]], with whom Túrin lived the last years of his life. Angry and grieving, he turned the People of Haleth against one another and ruined Ephel Brandir.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, pp. 291-4</ref>

Húrin continued on to the ruins of Nargothrond; beyond seeking for news and plunder, he had been an admirer of [[Finrod]].<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}</ref> In the ruins he found the [[Petty-dwarves|Petty-dwarf]] [[Mîm]]. The petty-dwarf had betrayed Túrin years ago and in revenge Húrin slaughtered him. Mîm had claimed the treasure of Nargothrond, but Húrin recovered the [[Nauglamír]] and journeyed eastwards.<ref name="TS22" />

Húrin reached the [[Meres of Twilight]] and was taken by the Elves who guarded the western borders of [[Doriath]] in {{FA|502}}.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, p. 258</ref> He was allowed to enter [[Menegroth]], where in anger he threw the Nauglamír before King [[Thingol]] and 'thanked' him for aiding his son. Thingol's wife, [[Melian]], finally pierced through Húrin's madness and grief revealing the truth that Morgoth hid. Shamed by his actions, he picked up the Nauglamír to give to the king as a gift and memorial, then he left Menegroth no longer a thrall of Morgoth.<ref name="TS22" />

After leaving Menegroth, it is said Húrin, "bereft of all purpose and desire", cast himself into the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]].<ref name="TS22" /><ref>{{SM|Q14}}, p. 96: "''… it is not said that ''[Húrin]'' found ''[Morwen]'' ever upon the earth; and some have said that he cast himself at last into the western sea…''"</ref>

==Legacy==
It could be argued, that Húrin partly sowed the seeds of the destruction of [[ruin of Doriath|Doriath]] and [[fall of Gondolin|Gondolin]] or escalated it. Furthermore Húrin's presence in Brethil led to the extinction of the [[House of Haleth]].<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, p. 297</ref>

His life, and the lives of his children would become known as the ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'', "The Tale of the Children of Húrin". It was written by the Mannish poet [[Dírhaval]] who lived in the [[Havens of Sirion]] and it was highly praised by the Eldar.<ref>{{WJ|Aelfwine}}, pp. 311-3</ref> Millennia later [[Elrond]] makes a passing reference of him to [[Frodo]] at the [[Council of Elrond]].<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref>
{{blockquote|'But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right; and though all the mighty Elf-friends of old, Hador, and Húrin, and Túrin, and Beren himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.’'|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Hurin Thalion.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Húrin'' is [[Sindarin]], but it is never glossed. However, in the earlier [[Noldorin]] phase of the language, the name is the combination of ''[[hûr]]'' ("vigour") + ''ind'' ("heart").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "ID", "KHOR"</ref>

==Other names==
''[[Thalion]]'' is simply Sindarin for "Steadfast, Strong".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''thalion''</ref>

When Túrin dwelt in Nargothrond, Húrin was indirectly called by him '''''[[Úmarth]]''''',<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 159</ref> meaning "Ill-fate".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''[[amarth]]''</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | BRE | | | | HAL | | HAD | BRE=[[Bregolas]]|HAL=[[Halmir]]|HAD=[[Hador|Hador Lórindol]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!|}}
{{familytree | BEL | | BAR | | HAR |y| GAL | BEL=[[Belegund]]|BAR=[[Baragund]]|GAL=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor of Dor-lómin]]|HAR=[[Hareth]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO | | |MOR=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]|HUR='''HÚRIN THALION'''|HUO=[[Huor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR | | URW | | NIE | | | | TUR=[[Túrin]]|URW=[[Urwen]]|NIE=[[Nienor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|J| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', his name was '''''Úrin'''''.<ref>{{LT1|Index}}, entry ''Úrin''</ref>

In earlier versions Húrin suffers a different fate after departing Doriath. In the ''Lost Tales'', Úrin returns to [[Hísilómë]] (Hithlum), later dies and his shade seeks [[Mavwin]] (Morwen) and together lament over their children.<ref>{{LT2|II}}, pp. 115-6</ref> This also occurs in the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology]]'' except Húrin is not a shade.<ref>{{SM|2}} 14, p. 32</ref>

In [[Concerning ... 'The Hoard']] instead of going Nargothrond alone and leaving with only the Nauglamír, "Húrin gathered a great company of violent outlaws, and they came to Nargothrond and slew Mim, and carried off a great part of the dragon-treasure.". When he (and the outlaws) then goes to Doriath, he casts all the treasure "before the feet of King Thingol in a proud gesture of scorn". Though Thingol "answered with patience and courtesy", "Húrin laughed in contempt and went out, unmolested, into the night."<ref>[[Letter to Eileen Elgar (5 March 1964)]], ''[[Concerning ... 'The Hoard']]''</ref>

==See also==
*''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
*''[[The Wanderings of Húrin]]''

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| name=Húrin
| race=edain
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| born={{FA|441}}
| died={{FA|502}}
}}
{{seq
| prow=2
| pvac=
| prev=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]]
| list=6th Head of the [[House of Hador]]
| dates={{FA|462}} - {{FA|472|n}}
| next=''Heir apparent: [[Túrin]]''
| nvac=None
| nrow=
}}
{{seq
| list=3rd [[Lord of Dor-lómin|Lord]] of [[Dor-lómin]]
| dates={{FA|462}} - {{FA|472|n}}
| next=''Realm occupied by the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]''
| nvac=None
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hurin}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Lords of Dor-lómin]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in the Great Lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Húrin Thalion]]
[[fi:Húrin]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple de hador/hurin]]

First Age 52

2026-05-07T22:40:08Z

Oberiko: No evidence that's when the Nauglamir was made

{{ardayearheader|7|20|50|52|53|60|64}}
* After talking to [[Thingol]], [[Finrod]] departs [[Doriath]] seeking the caves under the [[Taur-en-Faroth|High Faroth]]. [[Galadriel]] stays in Doriath out of friendship for [[Melian]].<ref name="S">{{S|13}}</ref>
* Finrod finds the caves and founds the kingdom of [[Nargothrond]].<ref>{{GA|75}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:First Age years|0, First Age 0052]]

First Age 52

2026-05-07T22:39:16Z

Oberiko: The Great Dwarves of the Blue Mountains hadn't been found yet

{{ardayearheader|7|20|50|52|53|60|64}}
* After talking to [[Thingol]], [[Finrod]] departs [[Doriath]] seeking the caves under the [[Taur-en-Faroth|High Faroth]]. [[Galadriel]] stays in Doriath out of friendship for [[Melian]].<ref name="S">{{S|13}}</ref>
* Finrod finds the caves and founds the kingdom of [[Nargothrond]].<ref>{{GA|75}}</ref>
* About this time, the Dwarves create the [[Nauglamír]], the Necklace of the Dwarves, for Finrod Felagund.<ref name="S"/>

{{references}}
[[Category:First Age years|0, First Age 0052]]

Arminas

2026-05-04T23:45:50Z

Oberiko: Redirected page to Gelmir and Arminas

#REDIRECT [[Gelmir and Arminas]]

Talk:Gelmir and Arminas

2026-05-04T23:45:35Z

Oberiko: /* Old Arminas page (for reference and merging) */ new section

==Merge to "Gelmir and Arminas"==

As Gelmir and Arminas are minor characters, who only appear together, I think we should put them in the same article.

I reckon we have enough precedence with articles like "[[Elladan and Elrohir]]", "[[Eluréd and Elurín]]", and "[[Amrod and Amras]]" [[User:Oberiko|Oberiko]] ([[User talk:Oberiko|talk]]) 17:58, 1 March 2025 (UTC)

:I agree. [[User:IvarTheBoneless|IvarTheBoneless]] ([[User talk:IvarTheBoneless|talk]]) 22:30, 1 March 2025 (UTC)
::I think that both pages should be improved and completed first (I will see if I can find the time to work on the page on [[Arminas]] soon). Afterwards, then perhaps this page could be merged to the page on [[Arminas]] due to that page having a longer edit history. After this, then [[Arminas]] could be moved to "[[Gelmir and Arminas]]" because that term is used by [[Christopher Tolkien]] multiple times.[[User:Dour1234|Dour1234]] ([[User talk:Dour1234|talk]]) 22:42, 1 March 2025 (UTC)

I reckon this page has got as much attention as it will for the foreseeable future. I'd like to go ahead and merge, and then flesh out a bit. [[User:Oberiko|Oberiko]] ([[User talk:Oberiko|talk]]) 13:09, 6 September 2025 (UTC)
:I would like to see about expanding at least [[Arminas]] first to see what it would look like before you move [[Arminas]] to "[[Gelmir and Arminas]]" using the move function. I have just been very busy before, but this is something I have been meaning to do first before (1 March isn’t really that long ago).[[User:Dour1234|Dour1234]] ([[User talk:Dour1234|talk]]) 20:01, 6 September 2025 (UTC)
:Once again - I agree with the merge, as well as fleshing out. [[User:IvarTheBoneless|IvarTheBoneless]] ([[User talk:IvarTheBoneless|talk]]) 11:47, 29 September 2025 (UTC)
::I think they should both be fleshed out first. I will have one done soon.[[User:Dour1234|Dour1234]] ([[User talk:Dour1234|talk]]) 21:29, 29 September 2025 (UTC)

== Old Arminas page (for reference and merging) ==

'''Arminas''' was an [[Elves|Elf]] of [[Angrod]]'s people who had lived in [[Dorthonion]] but later dwelt with [[Círdan]]'s folk by the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. He and [[Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)|Gelmir]] were sent on a journey by Círdan as messengers and during their travels they met both [[Tuor]] and [[Túrin]].

===History===
Arminas and Gelmir were sent by [[Círdan]] to [[Nargothrond]] after Círdan had received a message from the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Ulmo]]. Their journey went by ship to [[Drengist]] first, to seek for the [[Gondolin|Hidden Kingdom]] of [[Turgon]] but they did not find it.<ref name="Fall">{{CH|11}}</ref> While journeying inland they came upon [[Tuor]] who was seeking the [[Gate of the Noldor]] and they helped him by taking him part of the way through the great tunnel.<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, pp. 21-22</ref>

After spying upon the gathering of [[Orcs]] in the [[Pass of Sirion]] they then travelled south to deliver Ulmo's message to King [[Orodreth]]. The message was that Nargothrond should shut its doors and that the bridge before the doors should be demolished to prevent a creeping evil from finding the gate.<ref name=Nargothrond>{{CH|11}}, p. 173</ref>

At this time Orodreth relied upon the counsel of Túrin, who scorned the words of the messengers,<ref name=Nargothrond /> for it was upon his advice that the [[Bridge of Nargothrond|bridge]] had been built and it was his policy for the King's forces to go forth openly to war.<ref>{{CH|11}}, pp. 161-163</ref> Arminas then asked Túrin if he was of the [[House of Hador]]. This question greatly angered Túrin, for in Nargothrond he wished to be known only as [[Agarwaen]] and did not want it known that the son of [[Húrin]] resided in the fortress. In turn, Arminas became angry and upbraided Túrin for his lack of courtesy and unwillingness to listen to the advice of others.<ref>{{CH|11}}, pp. 173-175</ref>

Arminas and Gelmir then left, and their message was ignored, leading to the destruction of that citadel by [[Glaurung]].<ref name="Fall"/> [[User:Oberiko|Oberiko]] ([[User talk:Oberiko|talk]]) 23:45, 4 May 2026 (UTC)

Gelmir and Arminas

2026-05-04T23:44:33Z

Oberiko: Plural

{{sources}}
{{disambig-more|Gelmir|[[Gelmir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Gelmir
| image=Peter Xavier Price - The Gate of the Noldor.jpg
| caption="The Gate of the Noldor" by [[Peter Xavier Price]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Dorthonion]], [[Mouths of Sirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Gelmir''' and '''Arminas''' were a [[Noldor|Noldorin Elves]], originally of [[Angrod]]'s people. Tuor noticed at [[Annon-in-Gelydh]] a light in their eyes unlike any he had seen in other Elves. Thus, Gelmir and [[Arminas]] must have been [[Calaquendi]] born in Valinor before the exile.

==History==
After the [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame"), they wandered into the southern regions of [[Beleriand]], and settled with the people of [[Círdan]]. He was later sent by Círdan, with his companion [[Arminas]], as a messenger to [[Nargothrond]] to bring Orodreth Ulmo's warning of the fall of Nargothrond.<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref> Círdan's ships brought them to the [[Firth of Drengist]] from whence they turned east. On their way, they met [[Tuor]] who was searching for [[Annon-in-Gelydh]]. Amused, Gelmir and Arminas told him that he was standing right in front of it. Tuor told them about his intention to flee Dor-lómin and search for [[Gondolin]]. They gave him lamps for the tunnel and advised him to go to the havens of the south, for there he might find [[Gondolindrim]] whom Turgon had tasked to request the aid of [[Valinor]].

The Elves wished him luck and continued east. They crossed Dor-lómin but got sidetracked by the idea of finding Gondolin. From Gondolindrim among Círdan's people they guessed that Turgon still dwelt in the north. They searched the [[Vale of Sirion]] and all lands under the [[Ered Wethrin]] in vain and ultimately turned south to Nargothrond.

There, Gelmir told [[Orodreth]] and [[Túrin]] that they had come further than all other scouts of Nargothrond and seen an army gathering at [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth|Sauron's island]]. Gelmir also delivered Ulmo's message saying that the sources of Sirion were polluted and his power in that river diminished. Orodreth were to destroy the great bridge over Narog and not leave Nargothrond. Orodreth and especially Túrin mistrusted the message and the messengers. Threats and insults were exchanged, Túrin sent the messengers away and Nargothrond fell soon after as Ulmo had foreseen it. Gelmir and Arminas, however, returned south for Círdan had instructed them to give him Orodreth's reply as soon as possible.

==Etymology==
''Gelmir'' is [[Sindarin]], but of unclear meaning. It could be a combination of ''gell'' ("joy") and ''[[mîr]]'' ("jewel").<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 350</ref> If so, it is unusual that the m was not mutated to v, as would usually have happened. It may thus be that his name is in the [[North Sindarin]] dialect where this change did not occur.

''Arminas'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Royal Tower", from ''[[ar]]'' ("high, royal, noble") + ''[[minas]]'' ("tower").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3793469383.html|articlename=S. ''Arminas'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=27 April 2020}}</ref>

{{references}}
{{title}}
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]

[[de:Gelmir (Elb aus dem Volke Angrods)]]
[[fi:Gelmir (Arminasin toveri)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/gelmir]]

Talk:Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)

2026-05-04T23:34:08Z

Oberiko: Oberiko moved page Talk:Gelmir (messenger of Círdan) to Talk:Gelmir and Arminas: Merged as per discussion (over a year now)

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Gelmir and Arminas]]

Talk:Gelmir and Arminas

2026-05-04T23:34:08Z

Oberiko: Oberiko moved page Talk:Gelmir (messenger of Círdan) to Talk:Gelmir and Arminas: Merged as per discussion (over a year now)

Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)

2026-05-04T23:34:07Z

Oberiko: Oberiko moved page Gelmir (messenger of Círdan) to Gelmir and Arminas: Merged as per discussion (over a year now)

#REDIRECT [[Gelmir and Arminas]]

Gelmir and Arminas

2026-05-04T23:34:07Z

Oberiko: Oberiko moved page Gelmir (messenger of Círdan) to Gelmir and Arminas: Merged as per discussion (over a year now)

{{sources}}
{{disambig-more|Gelmir|[[Gelmir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Noldor|Noldo]]
| name=Gelmir
| image=Peter Xavier Price - The Gate of the Noldor.jpg
| caption="The Gate of the Noldor" by [[Peter Xavier Price]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Dorthonion]], [[Mouths of Sirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Gelmir''' was a [[Noldor|Noldorin Elf]], originally of [[Angrod]]'s people. Tuor noticed at [[Annon-in-Gelydh]] a light in his eyes unlike any he had seen in other Elves. Thus, Gelmir and [[Arminas]] must have been [[Calaquendi]] born in Valinor before the exile.

==History==
After the [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame"), he wandered into the southern regions of [[Beleriand]], and settled with the people of [[Círdan]]. He was later sent by Círdan, with his companion [[Arminas]], as a messenger to [[Nargothrond]] to bring Orodreth Ulmo's warning of the fall of Nargothrond.<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref> Círdan's ships brought them to the [[Firth of Drengist]] from whence they turned east. On their way, they met [[Tuor]] who was searching for [[Annon-in-Gelydh]]. Amused, Gelmir and Arminas told him that he was standing right in front of it. Tuor told them about his intention to flee Dor-lómin and search for [[Gondolin]]. They gave him lamps for the tunnel and advised him to go to the havens of the south, for there he might find [[Gondolindrim]] whom Turgon had tasked to request the aid of [[Valinor]].

The Elves wished him luck and continued east. They crossed Dor-lómin but got sidetracked by the idea of finding Gondolin. From Gondolindrim among Círdan's people they guessed that Turgon still dwelt in the north. They searched the [[Vale of Sirion]] and all lands under the [[Ered Wethrin]] in vain and ultimately turned south to Nargothrond.

There, Gelmir told [[Orodreth]] and [[Túrin]] that they had come further than all other scouts of Nargothrond and seen an army gathering at [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth|Sauron's island]]. Gelmir also delivered Ulmo's message saying that the sources of Sirion were polluted and his power in that river diminished. Orodreth were to destroy the great bridge over Narog and not leave Nargothrond. Orodreth and especially Túrin mistrusted the message and the messengers. Threats and insults were exchanged, Túrin sent the messengers away and Nargothrond fell soon after as Ulmo had foreseen it. Gelmir and Arminas, however, returned south for Círdan had instructed them to give him Orodreth's reply as soon as possible.

==Etymology==
The name is [[Sindarin]], but of unclear meaning. It could be a combination of ''gell'' ("joy") and ''[[mîr]]'' ("jewel").<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 350</ref> If so, it is unusual that the m was not mutated to v, as would usually have happened. It may thus be that his name is in the [[North Sindarin]] dialect where this change did not occur.

{{references}}
{{title}}
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]

[[de:Gelmir (Elb aus dem Volke Angrods)]]
[[fi:Gelmir (Arminasin toveri)]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/gelmir]]

Beleg

2026-04-30T15:43:30Z

Oberiko: /* Legacy */ Túrin's dream

{{Disambig-more|Beleg|[[Beleg (disambiguation)]]}}{{infobox character
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]
| name=Beleg
| image=Anna Lee - Beleg.jpg
| caption="Beleg" by [[Anna Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Cúthalion'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "Strongbow")
| titles="the Archer"<ref name="Archer">{{CH|8}}, p. 141</ref>
| position=Chief of the marchwardens of [[Thingol]]<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry Beleg</ref>/Chief of the marchwardens of [[Doriath]]<ref name="Bragollach">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>
| location=[[Doriath]], [[Dor-Cúarthol]]
| affiliation=[[Marchwardens]], [[Hunting of the Wolf]], [[Gaurwaith]], [[Two Captains]]
| language=[[Doriathrin]] ([[Sindarin]] dialect)
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|489}}
| deathlocation=[[Taur-nu-Fuin]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height="Great of growth"
| hair=Black
| eyes=
| clothing=Large cloak<ref name="Mim">{{CH|7}}, p. 139</ref> and red footwear
| weapons=[[Anglachel]], [[Belthronding]], and [[Dailir]]
| steed=
}}

{{quote|He was great of growth  and goodly-limbed, but lithe of girth,  and lightly on the ground his footsteps fell  as he fared towards them, all garbed in grey  and green and brown— a son of the wilderness  who wist no sire.|''[[The Lay of the Children of Húrin|Túrin Son of Húrin & Glórund the Dragon]]'', vv.196-200}}

'''Beleg Cúthalion''' was a [[Sinda]] who served King [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] of [[Doriath]]. He was considered to be the best archer and huntsman of his time. He became a friend and brother-in-arms of [[Túrin]], before falling victim to the [[úmarth]] surrounding Túrin.

==History==
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Beleg.jpg|thumb|right|Beleg in Taur-nu-Fuin (later interpreted as a Hobbit), from "[[:File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Fangorn Forest.jpg|Beleg finds Flinding in Taur-na-Fúin]]" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]

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

In {{FA|458}},<ref>{{GA|160}}. pp. 56-7</ref> following the capture of [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] upon [[Tol Sirion]] by [[Sauron|Gorthaur]], a legion of Orcs invaded [[East Beleriand]], coming down through the [[Pass of Sirion]], and fought the [[Haladin]] near [[Brethil]]. To this battle Beleg brought a great strength of Elves armed with axes and bows, and issuing from the forest, they took the Orcs by surprise and utterly destroyed their host. This, for a while, stemmed the tide coming from the North, as enemies did not dare cross the [[Taeglin]] for many years after.<ref name="Bragollach" />

He took part in the [[Hunting of the Wolf]], together with King Thingol, Mablung, [[Beren|Beren Ercharmion]] and the great hound [[Huan]].

Along with Mablung, he was among the only Iathrim who joined the hosts of the Noldor in [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]].<ref>{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

===With Túrin===
Later, he became a good friend and brother-in-arms of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], and thus became ensnared in Túrin's accursed fate. For a long time Túrin joined Beleg in Dimbar.

When Túrin fled from [[Doriath]], Beleg received permission from Thingol to follow him into exile and give his pardon to return. He deemed his bow unsuited for this task and from Thingol's armoury chose the sword [[Anglachel]] that [[Eöl]] had forged and given to Thingol in tribute. He took it despite Melian's warnings that the sword possessed the malice of its creator.

Beleg was captured by the [[Gaurwaith|band of outlaws]] Túrin led near [[Amon Rûdh]] and was tortured, because Túrin was not present. He brought word from Thingol to Túrin that he was free to return to Doriath, but Túrin neglected the offer. After returning to Thingol to bring the news, Beleg returned into the north marches; when winter came, he set out again to join Túrin.<ref>{{CH|6}}</ref>

The outlaws had meanwhile taken about at [[Bar-en-Danwedh]], the halls of [[Mîm]], the [[Petty-dwarf]].

Together with Túrin, Beleg became for a while [[Two Captains|a captain]] of the Outlaws against [[Morgoth]]. The place where they dwelt became known as [[Dor-Cúarthol]], the "Land of Bow and Helm". Beleg healed [[Andróg]] from an arrow wound, causing the hatred of Mîm who not only hated the Elves, but also because Andróg was his enemy. When Mîm was captured by Orcs, he didn't hesitate to reveal where the outlaws had their refuge.

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

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

Beleg carried Túrin away from the camp and cut his bonds with his sword. But the blade slipped away and cut into Túrin's flesh. Awaking suddenly and filled with terrible memories of past torture, Túrin only perceived a shape bent over him with a blade and believed the Orcs were about to torture him again. Finding his hands unbound, in a sudden rage of self-defence, Túrin wrested Anglachel from Beleg and killed him.

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

==Legacy==
Once recovered of the shock of killing Beleg, Túrin made a song for him, named ''[[Laer Cú Beleg]]'', the Song of the Great Bow.<ref name="Death" />

That same night Túrin also had a dream of Beleg, searching for where Beleg was buried. In this dream, he heard Beleg call out to him:
{{blockquote|<poem>
‘O Beleg, my brother, O Beleg, tell me
where is buried thy body in these bitter regions?’ –
and the echoes always him answered ‘Beleg’;
yet a veiléd voice vague and distant
he caught that called like a cry at night
o’er the sea’s silence: ‘Seek no longer.
My bow is rotten in the barrow ruinous;
my grove is burned by grim lightning;
here dread dwelleth, none dare profane
this angry earth, Orc nor goblin;
none gain the gate of the gloomy forest
by this perilous path; pass they may not,
yet my life has winged to the long waiting
in the halls of the Moon o’er the hills of the sea.
Courage be thy comfort, comrade lonely!’
</poem>}}<ref>{{LB|1d}}</ref>

Years later, Túrin faced his destiny in [[Cabed-en-Aras]], commiting suicide after addressing Gurthang, which answered him mentioning his past crime:
{{Blockquote|Yea, I will drink thy blood gladly, that so I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly. I will slay thee swiftly.<ref>{{CH|18}}</ref>}}

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Beleg Cuthalion.mp3|Ardamir}}
''[[Beleg (word)|beleg]]'' is a [[Sindarin]] word meaning "great, mighty; large, big".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''beleg''</ref>

His [[epessë]] ''Cúthalion'' is Sindarin for "Strongbow", from ''[[cú]]'' ("bow") + ''[[thalion]]'' ("strong, dauntless").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''cú'', ''thalion''</ref>

{{References}}
{{Gaurwaith}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Ilkorin names]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

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

Túrin

2026-04-30T15:38:05Z

Oberiko: /* Rescue by, and slaying of, Beleg */

{{Short description|Slayer of Glaurung}}
{{disambig-more|Túrin|[[Túrin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-two|the tragic hero of the [[First Age]]|[[Kings of Gondor|King]] of [[Gondor]]|[[Turambar (King of Gondor)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Túrin Turambar
| image=Elena Kukanova - The Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.jpg
| caption="The Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Woodwose, ''Neithan'', ''Gorthol'', ''Agarwaen'', ''Mormegil'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ([[#Other names|See below]])
| titles=Prince of [[Dor-lómin]] Lord of [[Dor-Cúarthol]] Captain of the [[Gaurwaith]]
| position=
| location=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Doriath]], [[Dor-Cúarthol]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Brethil]]
| affiliation=[[Marchwardens]], [[Gaurwaith]], [[Two Captains]]<ref group=note>Both Beleg and Túrin were referred to as this by the leaderless [[Elves]] and [[Men]] who had been dispossessed through battle and defeat, came to [[Dor-Cúarthol]] seeking the Bow and Helm that supposedly fell within [[Dimbar]].</ref><ref>{{CH|8}}, pp. 145-146</ref>
| language=[[Sindarin]] [[Halethian]]<ref name=Rosnotes/>
| birth={{FA|464}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Hithlum]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]] (suicide)
| age=35
| notablefor=destruction of [[Nargothrond]]; impulsive pride; slaying of [[Glaurung]]; suicide
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Húrin]] and [[Morwen]]
| siblings=[[Urwen]] and [[Nienor]]
| spouse=[[Nienor|Níniel]]
| children=Unborn at Níniel's death
| gender=Male
| height=Tall<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref>
| hair=Dark<ref name="Childhood">{{CH|1}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Turin"/> or blue<ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
| clothing=[[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], elven mail, grey tunic and cloak<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref> [[Dwarf-masks|Dwarf-mask]]<ref name="Turin" />
| weapons=[[Anglachel]]/[[Gurthang]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|He was dark-haired as his mother and promised to be like her in mood also; for he was not merry and spoke little, though he learned to speak early and ever seemed older than his years. Túrin was slow to forget injustice or mockery, but his father's fire was also in him, and he could be sudden and fierce. Yet he was quick to pity, and the hurts or sadness of living things might move him to tears.|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', "[[The Childhood of Túrin]]"}}</center>

'''Túrin Turambar''' was a tragic hero of the [[First Age]] whose life was dominated by the curse of the [[Morgoth|Enemy]]. His deeds became the tale called ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'' ("The Tale of the Children of Húrin").

==History==
[[Image:Alan Lee - The Childhood of Túrin.jpg|thumb|left|''The Childhood of Túrin'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
===Dor Lómin===
Túrin was the only son of [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] and [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]. He had a younger sister [[Urwen]] whom everyone called ''Lalaith'', but she died in childhood from the [[Evil Breath]], the first grievous event in Túrin's life. After Húrin was captured in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), Túrin remained with his mother Morwen, who hid him from the [[Easterlings]] that [[Morgoth]] had sent to [[Hithlum]], fearing they would kill Túrin or enslave him.

Túrin was friends with [[Sador]], their household servant whom he helped in his work. Sador taught him many things and carved several things for him from wood.<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 41</ref>

===Doriath===
When Túrin was nine years old, Morwen sent him to [[Doriath]], away from his beloved mother and best friend, causing his heart to break for the third time since the curse was cast on him. She sent with him [[Gethron]] and [[Grithnir]], long-time servants, to Húrin's house. Shortly after they departed from Dor-Lómin, Túrin's second sister, [[Nienor]], was born. The road there was long and difficult, and the three travelers came close to dying of hunger and cold in the very outlying woods of their destination, but they were rescued by [[Beleg]]. In Doriath he was adopted by King [[Thingol]] as a son, being that his father Húrin was held in high honor in those lands. Thingol and Melian sent messengers inviting Túrin's mother to come to live in Doriath, which she declined, much to Túrin's grief.<ref>{{CH|4}}</ref>
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Túrin begs leave of Thingol and Melian.jpg|150px|left|thumb|''Túrin begs leave of Thingol and Melian'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In Doriath, Túrin learned many skills, such as hunting, woodcraft, archery, sword fighting, and speaking [[Sindarin]]. As he grew older, however, he became restless. He began inquiring about the Men of the North, as Thingol and Morwen frequently exchanged news for Túrin's sake. Through these messages, he learned of his younger sister Nienor, although he never saw her. As Morgoth's hold on the North increased, and news from Hithlum grew scarce, Túrin sought to travel there to join the fight against the Dark Lord and find out about his kin. He asked the King's permission to join [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] in the northern marches of Doriath, fighting the [[Orcs]] of Morgoth. He wore the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], which was sent by his mother and brought to him by Thingol's messengers, and the Orcs began to fear him more than any other.<ref name="Doriath">{{CH|5}}</ref>

Upon returning, Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counselors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven, he fled,<ref name="Doriath" /> eventually meeting up with a band of outlaws, the [[Gaurwaith]] who dwelt south of the [[Forest of Brethil]]. There he was only known by the epithet '''''Neithan''''' ("The Wronged"). Túrin killed their leader [[Forweg]] and became their leader in his place. During his rule, he stopped the outlaws from raiding houses of Men, and only hunted Orcs.<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref>

===Dor-Cúarthol===
In the meantime, Beleg Cúthalion obtained leave from Thingol to seek out his friend.<ref>{{CH|5}}, p. 96</ref> Beleg found Túrin's outlaws at their camp, and when he could not persuade his friend to leave the outlaws, he left to return to Doriath.<ref name="Outlaws" />

While they were parted, and after such a long time living in the wild, Túrin's band captured [[Mîm]] the [[Petty-dwarves|Petty-dwarf]]. Mîm was forced to share his [[House of Ransom|halls]] on [[Amon Rûdh]] with them.<ref>{{CH|7}}</ref>
[[File:Elena Kukanova - Strongbow and Dragonhelm.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Strongbow and Dragonhelm'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
At Doriath, Beleg asked to be able to join his friend. Thingol allowed this and also gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]], and [[Melian]] gave him ''[[lembas]]''. Beleg returned to Túrin that winter, healing those of the band that had become sick with cold. Beleg brought with him the Dragon-helm, and the area around Amon Rûdh became known as '''[[Dor-Cúarthol]]''', the "Land of Bow and Helm" (since Beleg was known as a mighty bowman). Túrin took the name '''''Gorthol''''', "The Dread Helm". Many warriors joined them, and much of [[West Beleriand]] was freed from evil for a while.

Eventually, Túrin was betrayed by Mîm, and he was captured and all his men slain.<ref>{{CH|8}}</ref>

=== Rescue by, and slaying of, Beleg ===
Beleg survived and rescued Túrin from the Orcs in [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] with the help of [[Gwindor]], an escaped slave of Morgoth, but Túrin accidentally killed Beleg with Beleg's sword Anglachel. Gwindor led Túrin, dazed, to the [[Pools of Ivrin]], which he drank from.<ref>{{CH|9}}</ref>

During that first night, Túrin composed and [[Laer Cú Beleg|sung a lament for Beleg]]. He then entered a restless slumber where he dreamed of searching for Beleg and asking where his body was buried. The voice of Beleg, vague and distant, then called out, letting Túrin know that his life had winged to the long waiting in the "[[Halls of Mandos|halls of the Moon o’er the hills of the sea]]", and for courage to be his comfort. When Túrin then awoke, he was healed.<ref>{{LB|1d}}</ref>

===Nargothrond===
Gwindor then led Túrin to [[Nargothrond]], where once he had lived. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself '''''[[Agarwaen]], son of [[Úmarth]]''''' ("Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"). He had Anglachel reforged and named it [[Gurthang]] ("Iron of Death"). [[Finduilas]], daughter of [[Orodreth]], fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so she called him '''''Thurin''''' ("The Secret"). He was also called '''''Adanedhel''''' ("Man-Elf") because he was so like an Elf, though he was a [[Men|Man]].<ref>{{CH|10}}</ref>

His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to [[Finduilas]] that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father [[Húrin]]. Whether the news is reached Finduilas' father, King [[Orodreth]], Túrin was given great honor and standing. Túrin believed revealing his identity thus would also bring home Morgoth's curse. <ref group="note">[[Christopher Tolkien]] makes clear that this was not the case. Cf. {{CH|Introduction}}, p. 18.</ref>
[[File:Donato Giancola - Sack of Nargothrond.jpeg|thumb|200px|''Sack of Nargothrond'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
Túrin became a chief counselor of the weak Orodreth and was highly influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the [[Elves of Nargothrond]] to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, he became known as '''''Mormegil''''' ("Black Sword").
Morgoth sent the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]] to Nargothrond. Túrin was caught by the powerful gaze of Glaurung and stood by idly as Finduilas was dragged away, calling to him, a captive for Morgoth. Glaurung deceived him into believing Morwen and Nienor were suffering in Dor-lómin, and Túrin abandoned Finduilas to seek out his kin. In actuality, Morwen and Nienor were safely in Doriath, as Túrin's efforts had made the way passable.

Once in Dor-lómin, Túrin found his old home empty. He went to the wooden halls of the Easterling lord [[Brodda]], who had taken Húrin's kinswoman [[Aerin]] as a wife and had taken Húrin's lands and possessions. From Aerin, Túrin learned that Morwen had left, and in his rage he killed Brodda, thereby sealing Aerin's fate. As an unintended consequence of Túrin’s problematic heroism, Aerin immolated herself alive in her halls, and the remainder of the [[House of Hador]] were persecuted by the Easterlings even more cruelly than before.

Túrin next tried to find Finduilas, but by the time he picked up the Orc's trail he came too late: the woodsmen of [[Brethil]] informed him she had been killed as they had tried to rescue the prisoners of Nargothrond. Túrin collapsed on the mound she was buried in, and was brought to Brethil.

===Brethil===
In Brethil, Túrin again took up his life, now calling himself '''''Turambar''''' ("Master of Fate") in the act of bravado, deciding that his curse was now finally over. One day he found a naked young woman on [[Haudh-en-Elleth]], and calling her ''[[Níniel]],'' he later took her as his wife.

Túrin's happiness ended when Glaurung came near Brethil. Túrin, with two others, set out to kill the dragon, but he was the only one to reach the drake. With his black sword, he killed Glaurung at [[Cabed-en-Aras]] but was hurt and fell in a swoon. As Níniel came to search for him, Glaurung with his last word, revealed to her she was Túrin's sister. Horrified, Níniel killed herself.

[[File:John Howe - Dragon's Curse.jpg|thumb|200px|''Dragon's Curse'' by [[John Howe]]]]
When Túrin awoke he was told by [[Brandir]], lord of the [[Haladin]] of Brethil what had happened, and he killed Brandir, refusing to believe. When he learned from [[Mablung]] of Doriath who had come to seek him that Brandir had told the truth, he killed himself on [[Gurthang]], his black sword.

Túrin was buried near Finduilas' grave, and on his tombstone, the Haladin wrote in the [[Angerthas Daeron|Cirth of Doriath]]:

<blockquote>TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA (''Túrin, Conqueror of Fate, Slayer of Glaurung'')</blockquote>

Beneath that they also wrote:

<blockquote>NIENOR NÍNIEL</blockquote>

though her body could not be found.

==Legacy==
Two years later, Morwen and Húrin came separately to Túrin's grave and met for the last time. Morwen passed away that night and Húrin buried her near their son, inscribing her epitaph on the same [[Stone of the Hapless|stone]]. The burial mound survived the [[War of Wrath]] and sinking of Beleriand to become [[Tol Morwen]], the westernmost isle off the coast of [[Lindon]] in the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.<ref>{{S|22}}</ref>

Túrin was a first cousin of [[Tuor]], father of [[Eärendil]]. There are many parallels between the circumstances of their lives (both lost their fathers in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, were raised in part by Elves, spent time as outlaws and as prisoners, and were war-leaders in the greatest [[Noldor]]in fortresses), but the outcome of Tuor's life was quite different. (Even Túrin's coloring was dark, enhancing his resemblance to the Noldorin Elves but further setting him apart from his fair-haired cousin.) The two never actually met, but Tuor did once see his cousin in passing on his way to Gondolin (not an everyday occurrence in the wilds of [[Beleriand]]).

There were several prophecies that Túrin would return from death. The [[Wise-woman]] [[Andreth]] of the [[Edain]] prophesied that Túrin "in the Last Battle should return from the Dead, and before he left the [[Circles of the World]] for ever should challenge the Great Dragon of Morgoth, [[Ancalagon]] the Black, and deal him the death-stroke."<ref name="Rosnotes">{{PM|Rosnotes}}, ''Note 17'', p. 374</ref><ref group="note">According to Christopher Tolkien, Andreth predicted the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the age in this prophecy making unclear whether it was [[Eärendil]] or Túrin who killed Ancalagon in the War of Wrath.</ref>

According to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], at the end of time Morgoth will return to [[Valinor]] to wage a final battle against the Valar and Túrin will return to "deal unto Morgoth his death and final end."<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 333</ref>

Whether the tragedies in Túrin's life were the result of Morgoth's curse, his own arrogance, or some combination of the two is debatable. Túrin is one of the few heroes of the [[Elder Days]] to have committed suicide and several of the others (such as [[Aerin]], Húrin and Nienor) are connected with his story.

==Etymology==
:''See: [[Túrin (disambiguation)]] and [[Turambar (disambiguation)]]''

In [[The Etymologies]] Túrin was given as a compound of [[Noldorin|N.]] ''tûr '''victory' and ''ind'' 'heart'.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Quenya]] form of his name was given as ''Turindo''.<ref name=":0">{{LR|P3}}, entry "[[TUR]]"</ref>

In [[Parma Eldalamberon 22|Late Notes on Verb Structure]], written around [[1969]], Tolkien stated that the [[Quenya]] word ''turindo'' meant 'purposeful mind' or 'strong-will', and that as a name its form was ''Túrin.''<ref>{{PE|22c}}, p. 165</ref>

==Other names==
Túrin took and was given many names through his life, listed here in chronological order:

*'''Woodwose''' or '''Wildman of the Woods''', first given by Saeros as an insult, Túrin used it when questioned about his identity by the woodsmen he had rescued.<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 194</ref>
*'''''[[Neithan]]''''', ([[S.]] "The Wronged"), taken by Túrin when he joined the outlaws.<ref>{{CH|6}}, p. 101</ref>
*'''''Gorthol''''', ([[S.]] "The Dread Helm"), taken by Túrin when he claimed lordship of Dor-Cúarthol in reference to the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.<ref>{{CH|8}}, p. 146</ref>
*'''''Agarwaen''''', ''son of [[Úmarth]]'', ([[S.]] "Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"), the names Túrin gave himself and his father while in Nargothrond in an attempt to hide his identity as a child of Húrin.<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 159</ref>
*'''''Adanedhel''''', ([[S.]] "Elf-Man"), given to him by the Elves of Nargothrond, who recognized the nobility he had acquired while in Doriath.<ref>{{CH|10}}, pp. 163-164</ref>
*'''''[[Thurin]]''''', ([[S.]] "The Secret"), given to him by Finduilas, who doubted that his true name was ''Agarwaen''.<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 165</ref>
*'''''Mormegil''''', ([[S.]] "Black Sword"), acquired by Túrin while he dwelt in Nargothrond, in reference to his black sword, [[Gurthang]].<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 160</ref>
*'''''Turambar''''', ([[Q.]] "Master of Doom"), taken by Túrin when he lived among the Men of Brethil, signifying his perceived freedom from the curse of Morgoth.<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 196</ref>
*'''''Dagnir Glaurunga''''', ([[S.]] "Glaurung's Bane"), given after he killed Glaurung and carved with [[Angerthas Daeron|Runes of Doriath]] on the [[Stone of the Hapless]].<ref>{{CH|18}}, p. 257</ref>
*'''''Naeramarth''''', ([[S.]] "Evilfated"), given within Tolkien's genealogical tree of the [[Half-elven]] kinship.<ref>[[Kinship of the Half-elven]], main image</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | BRE | | | | HAL | | HAD | BRE=[[Bregolas]]|HAL=[[Halmir]]|HAD=[[Hador|Hador Lórindol]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!|}}
{{familytree | BEL | | BAR | | HAR |y| GAL | BEL=[[Belegund]]|BAR=[[Baragund]]|GAL=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor of Dor-lómin]]|HAR=[[Hareth]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO | | |MOR=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]|HUR=[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]|HUO=[[Huor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR | | LAL | | NIE | | | | TUR='''TÚRIN TURAMBAR'''|LAL=[[Lalaith]]|NIE=[[Nienor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|J| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
{{expansion}}
The broad strokes of the story of Túrin in the legendarium originates in Tolkien's attempted [[The Story of Kullervo|retelling]] of Kullervo's tale from [[Elias Lönnrot]]'s [[Kalevala]].<ref>''[[The Story of Kullervo]]''</ref>

In an early linguistic text, the [[Gnomes]] of Nargothrond gave Túrin the name '''''Gormagli''''', which is [[Noldorin]] for "Great Bear". Its cognate in [[Qenya]] is '''''Oromatsilë'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}</ref>{{rp|149}}

==Inspiration==
Unpublished drafts of the story, later edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and published in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series, tell the story in greater detail. These have been carefully edited together with other drafts to form ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', released in 2007.

The supposed resemblance of Túrin to figures from medieval tales can be confirmed by part of a letter Tolkien wrote to [[Milton Waldman]] concerning the publication of his works:

{{blockquote|There is the ''Children of Húrin'', the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar and his sister Níniel — of which Túrin is the hero: a figure that might be said (by people who like that sort of thing, though it is not very useful) to be '''derived from elements in Sigurd the Volsung, Oedipus, and the Finnish Kullervo'''.|[[Letter 131]]}}

{{blockquote|Again one may detect certain literary influences: the hero's [Túrin's] fight with a great dragon [Glaurung] inevitably suggests comparison with the deeds of '''Sigurd''' and '''Beowulf''', while his unknowing incest with his sister and his subsequent suicide were derived quite consciously from the story of '''Kullervo in the Kalevala'''.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', Part III, Chapter 1: "Lost Tales"}}

Túrin shares several common traits with all of the characters below, like coming closer to their fate when attempting to evade it. Another significant trait is their gifted but hot tempered nature and strong will paired with their reluctance to heed wise counsels that would save them from their fate.

===Oedipus===
'''[[Wikipedia:Oedipus|Oedipus]]''' was a prince of Thebes, but his parents heard a prophecy that he would cause their demise. To evade it, they order a shepherd to kill him. However the shepherd spares the baby and gives him to a childless family. Oedipus grew ignorant of his heritage; he then heard a prophecy according to which he will kill his father and marry his mother. He left in self-exile to take himself away from his (foster) parents.

However this brought himself closer to Thebes and his actual parents. On his way, he kills a man who unknown to him, is his actual father, the King of Thebes, fulfilling therefore part of the prophecy. Then he enters the city and after defeating the Sphinx, the people name him to replace the lost King of Thebes; furthermore, Oedipus marries the King's widow, who is in fact his mother.

Years later, while investigating the death of the former King, he realizes all the truths in his life: the King was the very man he had killed, and furthermore, he and his Queen were his parents. Oedipus blinds himself and leaves in self-exile with his two daughters/half-sisters while his mother/wife strangles herself.

===Kullervo===
{{Seealso|Kalevala#Túrin Turambar and Kullervo|l1=Túrin Turambar and Kullervo}}
In the [[Kalevala]], '''[[Wikipedia:Kullervo|Kullervo]]''''s tribe is killed by his uncle, and himself is separated by his family, something that fills him with hate and desire for revenge. As a slave, he uses magic to kill his masters and returns to his tribe; afterwards he seduces a girl, who commits suicide after discovering she is his lost sister.

Then he repeats his vows: he refuses to hear any words of reconsideration and gets a broadsword which he uses to slay the enemy tribe. On his return, he sees all his family dead. He asks the magic sword to slay him, which replies, and then he falls on it.

===Sigurd===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sigurd|Sigurd]]''''s mother marries a King and Sigurd himself is fostered by a Dwarf. The Dwarf tells him about the hoard of the dragon Fafnir (who is his brother) and remakes a broken heirloom sword for him. Sigurd slays Fafnir by waiting for him in a pit, stabbing him with the sword as he passes over it. The gold he wins, however, is cursed.

===Balin===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sir Balin|Sir Balin]]''' was a knight of the King Arthur's court in ''Le Morte d'Arthur'' who possessed a magic sword. By this he was unknowingly cursed to slay his own brother. Through a well-meaning act of his, he is further cursed to make the most dolorous strike ever made by man, save only the piercing of Christ's side. Later, while in King Pellam's castle, he kills Pellam's brother and maims Pellam, ruining the castle and making all the surrounding lands into a wasteland, much as Túrin slayed Brodda in his own house and how his pride brought about the destruction of Nargothrond. Eventually, he kills his brother Balan, but is mortally wounded in doing so, and outlives him by only a few hours. They were then both laid in one grave.

==See also==
*''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
*''[[The Story of Kullervo]]''
*''[[The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun]]''

{{References|Notes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Turin}}
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[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in the Great Lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Túrin]]
[[fi:Túrin]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple de hador/turin]]

The Bowman’s Friendship

2026-04-30T15:36:13Z

Oberiko: Redirected page to Laer Cú Beleg

#REDIRECT [[Laer Cú Beleg]]

Túrin

2026-04-30T15:33:36Z

Oberiko: /* Dor-Cúarthol */ Túrin's song and dream

{{Short description|Slayer of Glaurung}}
{{disambig-more|Túrin|[[Túrin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-two|the tragic hero of the [[First Age]]|[[Kings of Gondor|King]] of [[Gondor]]|[[Turambar (King of Gondor)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Túrin Turambar
| image=Elena Kukanova - The Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.jpg
| caption="The Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Woodwose, ''Neithan'', ''Gorthol'', ''Agarwaen'', ''Mormegil'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ([[#Other names|See below]])
| titles=Prince of [[Dor-lómin]] Lord of [[Dor-Cúarthol]] Captain of the [[Gaurwaith]]
| position=
| location=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Doriath]], [[Dor-Cúarthol]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Brethil]]
| affiliation=[[Marchwardens]], [[Gaurwaith]], [[Two Captains]]<ref group=note>Both Beleg and Túrin were referred to as this by the leaderless [[Elves]] and [[Men]] who had been dispossessed through battle and defeat, came to [[Dor-Cúarthol]] seeking the Bow and Helm that supposedly fell within [[Dimbar]].</ref><ref>{{CH|8}}, pp. 145-146</ref>
| language=[[Sindarin]] [[Halethian]]<ref name=Rosnotes/>
| birth={{FA|464}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Hithlum]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]] (suicide)
| age=35
| notablefor=destruction of [[Nargothrond]]; impulsive pride; slaying of [[Glaurung]]; suicide
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Húrin]] and [[Morwen]]
| siblings=[[Urwen]] and [[Nienor]]
| spouse=[[Nienor|Níniel]]
| children=Unborn at Níniel's death
| gender=Male
| height=Tall<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref>
| hair=Dark<ref name="Childhood">{{CH|1}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Turin"/> or blue<ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
| clothing=[[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], elven mail, grey tunic and cloak<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref> [[Dwarf-masks|Dwarf-mask]]<ref name="Turin" />
| weapons=[[Anglachel]]/[[Gurthang]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|He was dark-haired as his mother and promised to be like her in mood also; for he was not merry and spoke little, though he learned to speak early and ever seemed older than his years. Túrin was slow to forget injustice or mockery, but his father's fire was also in him, and he could be sudden and fierce. Yet he was quick to pity, and the hurts or sadness of living things might move him to tears.|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', "[[The Childhood of Túrin]]"}}</center>

'''Túrin Turambar''' was a tragic hero of the [[First Age]] whose life was dominated by the curse of the [[Morgoth|Enemy]]. His deeds became the tale called ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'' ("The Tale of the Children of Húrin").

==History==
[[Image:Alan Lee - The Childhood of Túrin.jpg|thumb|left|''The Childhood of Túrin'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
===Dor Lómin===
Túrin was the only son of [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] and [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]. He had a younger sister [[Urwen]] whom everyone called ''Lalaith'', but she died in childhood from the [[Evil Breath]], the first grievous event in Túrin's life. After Húrin was captured in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), Túrin remained with his mother Morwen, who hid him from the [[Easterlings]] that [[Morgoth]] had sent to [[Hithlum]], fearing they would kill Túrin or enslave him.

Túrin was friends with [[Sador]], their household servant whom he helped in his work. Sador taught him many things and carved several things for him from wood.<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 41</ref>

===Doriath===
When Túrin was nine years old, Morwen sent him to [[Doriath]], away from his beloved mother and best friend, causing his heart to break for the third time since the curse was cast on him. She sent with him [[Gethron]] and [[Grithnir]], long-time servants, to Húrin's house. Shortly after they departed from Dor-Lómin, Túrin's second sister, [[Nienor]], was born. The road there was long and difficult, and the three travelers came close to dying of hunger and cold in the very outlying woods of their destination, but they were rescued by [[Beleg]]. In Doriath he was adopted by King [[Thingol]] as a son, being that his father Húrin was held in high honor in those lands. Thingol and Melian sent messengers inviting Túrin's mother to come to live in Doriath, which she declined, much to Túrin's grief.<ref>{{CH|4}}</ref>
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Túrin begs leave of Thingol and Melian.jpg|150px|left|thumb|''Túrin begs leave of Thingol and Melian'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In Doriath, Túrin learned many skills, such as hunting, woodcraft, archery, sword fighting, and speaking [[Sindarin]]. As he grew older, however, he became restless. He began inquiring about the Men of the North, as Thingol and Morwen frequently exchanged news for Túrin's sake. Through these messages, he learned of his younger sister Nienor, although he never saw her. As Morgoth's hold on the North increased, and news from Hithlum grew scarce, Túrin sought to travel there to join the fight against the Dark Lord and find out about his kin. He asked the King's permission to join [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] in the northern marches of Doriath, fighting the [[Orcs]] of Morgoth. He wore the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], which was sent by his mother and brought to him by Thingol's messengers, and the Orcs began to fear him more than any other.<ref name="Doriath">{{CH|5}}</ref>

Upon returning, Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counselors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven, he fled,<ref name="Doriath" /> eventually meeting up with a band of outlaws, the [[Gaurwaith]] who dwelt south of the [[Forest of Brethil]]. There he was only known by the epithet '''''Neithan''''' ("The Wronged"). Túrin killed their leader [[Forweg]] and became their leader in his place. During his rule, he stopped the outlaws from raiding houses of Men, and only hunted Orcs.<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref>

===Dor-Cúarthol===
In the meantime, Beleg Cúthalion obtained leave from Thingol to seek out his friend.<ref>{{CH|5}}, p. 96</ref> Beleg found Túrin's outlaws at their camp, and when he could not persuade his friend to leave the outlaws, he left to return to Doriath.<ref name="Outlaws" />

While they were parted, and after such a long time living in the wild, Túrin's band captured [[Mîm]] the [[Petty-dwarves|Petty-dwarf]]. Mîm was forced to share his [[House of Ransom|halls]] on [[Amon Rûdh]] with them.<ref>{{CH|7}}</ref>
[[File:Elena Kukanova - Strongbow and Dragonhelm.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Strongbow and Dragonhelm'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
At Doriath, Beleg asked to be able to join his friend. Thingol allowed this and also gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]], and [[Melian]] gave him ''[[lembas]]''. Beleg returned to Túrin that winter, healing those of the band that had become sick with cold. Beleg brought with him the Dragon-helm, and the area around Amon Rûdh became known as '''[[Dor-Cúarthol]]''', the "Land of Bow and Helm" (since Beleg was known as a mighty bowman). Túrin took the name '''''Gorthol''''', "The Dread Helm". Many warriors joined them, and much of [[West Beleriand]] was freed from evil for a while.

Eventually, Túrin was betrayed by Mîm, and he was captured and all his men slain.<ref>{{CH|8}}</ref>

=== Rescue by, and slaying of, Beleg ===
Beleg survived and rescued Túrin from the Orcs in [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] with the help of [[Gwindor]], an escaped slave of Morgoth, but Túrin accidentally killed Beleg with Beleg's sword Anglachel. Gwindor led Túrin, dazed, to the [[Pools of Ivrin]], which he drank from.<ref>{{CH|9}}</ref>

During that first night, Túrin composed and sung a lament that became known as ''"[[The Bowman’s Friendship]]"''. He then entered a restless slumber where he dreamed of searching for Beleg and asking where his body was buried. The voice of Beleg, vague and distant, then called out, letting Túrin know that his life had winged to the long waiting in the "[[Halls of Mandos|halls of the Moon o’er the hills of the sea]]", and for courage to be his comfort. When Túrin then awoke, he was healed.<ref>{{LB|1d}}</ref>

===Nargothrond===
Gwindor then led Túrin to [[Nargothrond]], where once he had lived. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself '''''[[Agarwaen]], son of [[Úmarth]]''''' ("Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"). He had Anglachel reforged and named it [[Gurthang]] ("Iron of Death"). [[Finduilas]], daughter of [[Orodreth]], fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so she called him '''''Thurin''''' ("The Secret"). He was also called '''''Adanedhel''''' ("Man-Elf") because he was so like an Elf, though he was a [[Men|Man]].<ref>{{CH|10}}</ref>

His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to [[Finduilas]] that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father [[Húrin]]. Whether the news is reached Finduilas' father, King [[Orodreth]], Túrin was given great honor and standing. Túrin believed revealing his identity thus would also bring home Morgoth's curse. <ref group="note">[[Christopher Tolkien]] makes clear that this was not the case. Cf. {{CH|Introduction}}, p. 18.</ref>
[[File:Donato Giancola - Sack of Nargothrond.jpeg|thumb|200px|''Sack of Nargothrond'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
Túrin became a chief counselor of the weak Orodreth and was highly influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the [[Elves of Nargothrond]] to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, he became known as '''''Mormegil''''' ("Black Sword").
Morgoth sent the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]] to Nargothrond. Túrin was caught by the powerful gaze of Glaurung and stood by idly as Finduilas was dragged away, calling to him, a captive for Morgoth. Glaurung deceived him into believing Morwen and Nienor were suffering in Dor-lómin, and Túrin abandoned Finduilas to seek out his kin. In actuality, Morwen and Nienor were safely in Doriath, as Túrin's efforts had made the way passable.

Once in Dor-lómin, Túrin found his old home empty. He went to the wooden halls of the Easterling lord [[Brodda]], who had taken Húrin's kinswoman [[Aerin]] as a wife and had taken Húrin's lands and possessions. From Aerin, Túrin learned that Morwen had left, and in his rage he killed Brodda, thereby sealing Aerin's fate. As an unintended consequence of Túrin’s problematic heroism, Aerin immolated herself alive in her halls, and the remainder of the [[House of Hador]] were persecuted by the Easterlings even more cruelly than before.

Túrin next tried to find Finduilas, but by the time he picked up the Orc's trail he came too late: the woodsmen of [[Brethil]] informed him she had been killed as they had tried to rescue the prisoners of Nargothrond. Túrin collapsed on the mound she was buried in, and was brought to Brethil.

===Brethil===
In Brethil, Túrin again took up his life, now calling himself '''''Turambar''''' ("Master of Fate") in the act of bravado, deciding that his curse was now finally over. One day he found a naked young woman on [[Haudh-en-Elleth]], and calling her ''[[Níniel]],'' he later took her as his wife.

Túrin's happiness ended when Glaurung came near Brethil. Túrin, with two others, set out to kill the dragon, but he was the only one to reach the drake. With his black sword, he killed Glaurung at [[Cabed-en-Aras]] but was hurt and fell in a swoon. As Níniel came to search for him, Glaurung with his last word, revealed to her she was Túrin's sister. Horrified, Níniel killed herself.

[[File:John Howe - Dragon's Curse.jpg|thumb|200px|''Dragon's Curse'' by [[John Howe]]]]
When Túrin awoke he was told by [[Brandir]], lord of the [[Haladin]] of Brethil what had happened, and he killed Brandir, refusing to believe. When he learned from [[Mablung]] of Doriath who had come to seek him that Brandir had told the truth, he killed himself on [[Gurthang]], his black sword.

Túrin was buried near Finduilas' grave, and on his tombstone, the Haladin wrote in the [[Angerthas Daeron|Cirth of Doriath]]:

<blockquote>TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA (''Túrin, Conqueror of Fate, Slayer of Glaurung'')</blockquote>

Beneath that they also wrote:

<blockquote>NIENOR NÍNIEL</blockquote>

though her body could not be found.

==Legacy==
Two years later, Morwen and Húrin came separately to Túrin's grave and met for the last time. Morwen passed away that night and Húrin buried her near their son, inscribing her epitaph on the same [[Stone of the Hapless|stone]]. The burial mound survived the [[War of Wrath]] and sinking of Beleriand to become [[Tol Morwen]], the westernmost isle off the coast of [[Lindon]] in the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.<ref>{{S|22}}</ref>

Túrin was a first cousin of [[Tuor]], father of [[Eärendil]]. There are many parallels between the circumstances of their lives (both lost their fathers in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, were raised in part by Elves, spent time as outlaws and as prisoners, and were war-leaders in the greatest [[Noldor]]in fortresses), but the outcome of Tuor's life was quite different. (Even Túrin's coloring was dark, enhancing his resemblance to the Noldorin Elves but further setting him apart from his fair-haired cousin.) The two never actually met, but Tuor did once see his cousin in passing on his way to Gondolin (not an everyday occurrence in the wilds of [[Beleriand]]).

There were several prophecies that Túrin would return from death. The [[Wise-woman]] [[Andreth]] of the [[Edain]] prophesied that Túrin "in the Last Battle should return from the Dead, and before he left the [[Circles of the World]] for ever should challenge the Great Dragon of Morgoth, [[Ancalagon]] the Black, and deal him the death-stroke."<ref name="Rosnotes">{{PM|Rosnotes}}, ''Note 17'', p. 374</ref><ref group="note">According to Christopher Tolkien, Andreth predicted the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the age in this prophecy making unclear whether it was [[Eärendil]] or Túrin who killed Ancalagon in the War of Wrath.</ref>

According to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], at the end of time Morgoth will return to [[Valinor]] to wage a final battle against the Valar and Túrin will return to "deal unto Morgoth his death and final end."<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 333</ref>

Whether the tragedies in Túrin's life were the result of Morgoth's curse, his own arrogance, or some combination of the two is debatable. Túrin is one of the few heroes of the [[Elder Days]] to have committed suicide and several of the others (such as [[Aerin]], Húrin and Nienor) are connected with his story.

==Etymology==
:''See: [[Túrin (disambiguation)]] and [[Turambar (disambiguation)]]''

In [[The Etymologies]] Túrin was given as a compound of [[Noldorin|N.]] ''tûr '''victory' and ''ind'' 'heart'.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Quenya]] form of his name was given as ''Turindo''.<ref name=":0">{{LR|P3}}, entry "[[TUR]]"</ref>

In [[Parma Eldalamberon 22|Late Notes on Verb Structure]], written around [[1969]], Tolkien stated that the [[Quenya]] word ''turindo'' meant 'purposeful mind' or 'strong-will', and that as a name its form was ''Túrin.''<ref>{{PE|22c}}, p. 165</ref>

==Other names==
Túrin took and was given many names through his life, listed here in chronological order:

*'''Woodwose''' or '''Wildman of the Woods''', first given by Saeros as an insult, Túrin used it when questioned about his identity by the woodsmen he had rescued.<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 194</ref>
*'''''[[Neithan]]''''', ([[S.]] "The Wronged"), taken by Túrin when he joined the outlaws.<ref>{{CH|6}}, p. 101</ref>
*'''''Gorthol''''', ([[S.]] "The Dread Helm"), taken by Túrin when he claimed lordship of Dor-Cúarthol in reference to the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.<ref>{{CH|8}}, p. 146</ref>
*'''''Agarwaen''''', ''son of [[Úmarth]]'', ([[S.]] "Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"), the names Túrin gave himself and his father while in Nargothrond in an attempt to hide his identity as a child of Húrin.<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 159</ref>
*'''''Adanedhel''''', ([[S.]] "Elf-Man"), given to him by the Elves of Nargothrond, who recognized the nobility he had acquired while in Doriath.<ref>{{CH|10}}, pp. 163-164</ref>
*'''''[[Thurin]]''''', ([[S.]] "The Secret"), given to him by Finduilas, who doubted that his true name was ''Agarwaen''.<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 165</ref>
*'''''Mormegil''''', ([[S.]] "Black Sword"), acquired by Túrin while he dwelt in Nargothrond, in reference to his black sword, [[Gurthang]].<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 160</ref>
*'''''Turambar''''', ([[Q.]] "Master of Doom"), taken by Túrin when he lived among the Men of Brethil, signifying his perceived freedom from the curse of Morgoth.<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 196</ref>
*'''''Dagnir Glaurunga''''', ([[S.]] "Glaurung's Bane"), given after he killed Glaurung and carved with [[Angerthas Daeron|Runes of Doriath]] on the [[Stone of the Hapless]].<ref>{{CH|18}}, p. 257</ref>
*'''''Naeramarth''''', ([[S.]] "Evilfated"), given within Tolkien's genealogical tree of the [[Half-elven]] kinship.<ref>[[Kinship of the Half-elven]], main image</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | BRE | | | | HAL | | HAD | BRE=[[Bregolas]]|HAL=[[Halmir]]|HAD=[[Hador|Hador Lórindol]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!|}}
{{familytree | BEL | | BAR | | HAR |y| GAL | BEL=[[Belegund]]|BAR=[[Baragund]]|GAL=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor of Dor-lómin]]|HAR=[[Hareth]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO | | |MOR=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]|HUR=[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]|HUO=[[Huor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR | | LAL | | NIE | | | | TUR='''TÚRIN TURAMBAR'''|LAL=[[Lalaith]]|NIE=[[Nienor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|J| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
{{expansion}}
The broad strokes of the story of Túrin in the legendarium originates in Tolkien's attempted [[The Story of Kullervo|retelling]] of Kullervo's tale from [[Elias Lönnrot]]'s [[Kalevala]].<ref>''[[The Story of Kullervo]]''</ref>

In an early linguistic text, the [[Gnomes]] of Nargothrond gave Túrin the name '''''Gormagli''''', which is [[Noldorin]] for "Great Bear". Its cognate in [[Qenya]] is '''''Oromatsilë'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}</ref>{{rp|149}}

==Inspiration==
Unpublished drafts of the story, later edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and published in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series, tell the story in greater detail. These have been carefully edited together with other drafts to form ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', released in 2007.

The supposed resemblance of Túrin to figures from medieval tales can be confirmed by part of a letter Tolkien wrote to [[Milton Waldman]] concerning the publication of his works:

{{blockquote|There is the ''Children of Húrin'', the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar and his sister Níniel — of which Túrin is the hero: a figure that might be said (by people who like that sort of thing, though it is not very useful) to be '''derived from elements in Sigurd the Volsung, Oedipus, and the Finnish Kullervo'''.|[[Letter 131]]}}

{{blockquote|Again one may detect certain literary influences: the hero's [Túrin's] fight with a great dragon [Glaurung] inevitably suggests comparison with the deeds of '''Sigurd''' and '''Beowulf''', while his unknowing incest with his sister and his subsequent suicide were derived quite consciously from the story of '''Kullervo in the Kalevala'''.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', Part III, Chapter 1: "Lost Tales"}}

Túrin shares several common traits with all of the characters below, like coming closer to their fate when attempting to evade it. Another significant trait is their gifted but hot tempered nature and strong will paired with their reluctance to heed wise counsels that would save them from their fate.

===Oedipus===
'''[[Wikipedia:Oedipus|Oedipus]]''' was a prince of Thebes, but his parents heard a prophecy that he would cause their demise. To evade it, they order a shepherd to kill him. However the shepherd spares the baby and gives him to a childless family. Oedipus grew ignorant of his heritage; he then heard a prophecy according to which he will kill his father and marry his mother. He left in self-exile to take himself away from his (foster) parents.

However this brought himself closer to Thebes and his actual parents. On his way, he kills a man who unknown to him, is his actual father, the King of Thebes, fulfilling therefore part of the prophecy. Then he enters the city and after defeating the Sphinx, the people name him to replace the lost King of Thebes; furthermore, Oedipus marries the King's widow, who is in fact his mother.

Years later, while investigating the death of the former King, he realizes all the truths in his life: the King was the very man he had killed, and furthermore, he and his Queen were his parents. Oedipus blinds himself and leaves in self-exile with his two daughters/half-sisters while his mother/wife strangles herself.

===Kullervo===
{{Seealso|Kalevala#Túrin Turambar and Kullervo|l1=Túrin Turambar and Kullervo}}
In the [[Kalevala]], '''[[Wikipedia:Kullervo|Kullervo]]''''s tribe is killed by his uncle, and himself is separated by his family, something that fills him with hate and desire for revenge. As a slave, he uses magic to kill his masters and returns to his tribe; afterwards he seduces a girl, who commits suicide after discovering she is his lost sister.

Then he repeats his vows: he refuses to hear any words of reconsideration and gets a broadsword which he uses to slay the enemy tribe. On his return, he sees all his family dead. He asks the magic sword to slay him, which replies, and then he falls on it.

===Sigurd===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sigurd|Sigurd]]''''s mother marries a King and Sigurd himself is fostered by a Dwarf. The Dwarf tells him about the hoard of the dragon Fafnir (who is his brother) and remakes a broken heirloom sword for him. Sigurd slays Fafnir by waiting for him in a pit, stabbing him with the sword as he passes over it. The gold he wins, however, is cursed.

===Balin===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sir Balin|Sir Balin]]''' was a knight of the King Arthur's court in ''Le Morte d'Arthur'' who possessed a magic sword. By this he was unknowingly cursed to slay his own brother. Through a well-meaning act of his, he is further cursed to make the most dolorous strike ever made by man, save only the piercing of Christ's side. Later, while in King Pellam's castle, he kills Pellam's brother and maims Pellam, ruining the castle and making all the surrounding lands into a wasteland, much as Túrin slayed Brodda in his own house and how his pride brought about the destruction of Nargothrond. Eventually, he kills his brother Balan, but is mortally wounded in doing so, and outlives him by only a few hours. They were then both laid in one grave.

==See also==
*''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
*''[[The Story of Kullervo]]''
*''[[The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun]]''

{{References|Notes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Turin}}
{{gaurwaith}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in the Great Lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Túrin]]
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[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple de hador/turin]]

Daeron

2026-04-29T16:39:38Z

Oberiko: /* Escape of Lúthien */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]
| name=Daeron
| image=Elena Kukanova - Daeron.jpg
| caption="Daeron" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=[[Lambengolmor|Loremaster]], [[Minstrels|Minstrel]]
| location=[[Doriath]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Doriathrin]] ([[Sindarin]] dialect)
| birth=Before {{YT|1300}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|Beyond the bounds of Arda far 
still shone the Legions, star on star, 
memorials of their labour long, 
achievement of Vision and of Song; 
and when beneath their ancient light 
on Earth below was cloudless night, 
music in Doriath awoke, 
and there beneath the branching oak, 
or seated on the beech-leaves brown, 
Daeron the dark with ferny crown 
played on his pipes with elvish art 
unbearable by mortal heart.|''[[The Lays of Beleriand]]'', "[[The Lay of Leithian Recommenced]]", Canto III continued}}

'''Daeron''' was a [[Sindar]]in [[Elves|Elf]] who dwelt in [[Doriath]] as the chief [[loremaster]] and [[Minstrels|minstrel]] of King [[Thingol]] during the [[First Age]].

He is known primarily for his role in [[Of Beren and Lúthien|the tale of Beren and Lúthien]] where, out of his own unrequited love for Thingol's daughter [[Lúthien]], he twice betrayed her to Thingol. After Lúthien escaped and fled Doriath, Daeron became lost in the search for her, and eventually wandered east over the [[Blue Mountains]].

His role is primarily told within ''[[The Lay of Leithian]]'', which itself is referred to within ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' where Daeron's history is much more briefly given.

==History==
=== Early history ===
[[File:Pete Amachree - Daeron at the court of Menegroth.jpg|thumb|right|''Daeron at the court of Menegroth'' by [[Pete Amachree]]]]
Though Daeron's origins were not recorded, he was known to be in Thingol's service prior to {{YT|1300}}, by which time he had devised his [[Cirth|Runes]], which he would go on to [[Certhas Daeron|greatly better]] with time.<ref name=ga31>{{GA|31}}</ref>

At some point, after the arrival of the [[Green-elves]] in {{YT|1350}}<ref>{{GA|30}}</ref> Daeron became friends with [[Saeros]], who also was skilled in song.<ref>{{CH|5}}</ref>

In {{FA|20}}, when [[Fingolfin]], [[King of the Noldor]], held the great [[Mereth Aderthad|Feast of Reuniting]], Daeron came as one of the two messengers of Thingol bringing his greetings.<ref>{{GA|72}}</ref>

Daeron was enamoured of Lúthien, daughter of Thingol and [[Melian]], and all his thought of her was set in the music he made for her song and dance.<ref name=beren>{{S|19}}</ref>

=== The arrival of Beren ===
One night, in the mid-summer of {{FA|464}},<ref>{{GA|175}}</ref> Daeron was piping his music and Lúthien came out to dance. Soon though, her feet stilled and she [[Ir Ithil ammen Eruchín|sang a song of such bewildering delight]] that Daeron ceased piping and cast his flute away, heart-broken and wonder bound as stone. As she was singing however, [[Beren]] emerged from the darkness, stumbling as if in doubt or blind. As Lúthien's song ended Daeron, released from its spell, became aware of Beren's presence. Assuming Beren to be an enemy, Daeron fled in dismay, calling for Lúthien to flee and follow him. Lúthien, who had never known fear, initially stood unmoved, but was soon seized by it and vanished.<ref name="llc">{{LB|IV}}</ref>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - Daeron spies on Beren and Lúthien.jpg|thumb|right|''Daeron spies on Beren and Lúthien'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In the following spring, of {{FA|465}},<ref>{{GA|177}}</ref> Daeron discovered Lúthien's love for Beren when he espied them dancing together. In an act of jealousy, he then cursed a spell of silence on Doriath, causing a hush to come over birds, trees, and even the river [[Esgalduin]]. This was brought to the attention of Thingol, and he sent for Daeron to ask what omen this silence meant; initially, he was even hopeful that it may be a sign of the return of [[Oromë]]. Daeron however disabused him of that hope, stating that another had entered Doriath and chilled the woods by their strange deeds, and that if the king did not see not the cause, the queen might guess, and the maiden doubtless knew. Thingol, angered by this riddle, ordered Daeron to speak plainly on who was in his woods. Daeron, however, looked on Lúthien and faltered, seeing his disgrace and said no more.<ref name=c4>{{LB|C4}}</ref><ref name="llc"/>

Lúthien then spoke up and told Thingol of Beren arriving from the north and that she would bring him to Thingol's hall if he promised not to slay him or set him in bonds. Thingol agreed, but after dismissing everyone else spoke in private with Daeron. Thingol wondered what wizardry was brought by this illcomer, and ordered Daeron to secretly watch Lúthien—who he suspected was being ensnared by some trap of Morgoth—and make sure she didn't warn Beren and let him escape. Thingol desired to look upon Beren, and further instructed Daeron to take some archers with him. With heavy heart, Daeron agreed.<ref name=c4 />

<div class="floatright">
{{blockquote|<poem>
Silence then fell upon the hall;
like graven stone there stood they all,
save one who cast her eyes aground,
and one who laughed with bitter sound.
Dairon the piper leant there pale
against a pillar. His fingers frail
there touched a flute that whispered not;
his eyes were dark; his heart was hot.
‘Death is the guerdon thou hast earned,
O baseborn mortal, who hast learned
in Morgoth’s realm to spy and lurk
like Orcs that do his evil work!’
‘Death!’ echoed Dairon fierce and low,
but Lúthien trembling gasped in woe.
</poem>|Daeron to Beren, "[[Lay of Leithian Canto IV|The Lay of Leithian]]"}}</div>
True to her word though, Lúthien led Beren into Thingol's halls and before his throne. When Thingol demanded of Beren why he was there, Beren responded that it was for love, and he desired Lúthien. At this, all went silent except for Daeron, who leaned against a pillar and laughed bitterly. With dark eyes and a hot heart, he called for Beren's death, and further insulted him by declaring him a baseborn mortal who learned in Morgoth's realm how to spy and lurk like [[Orc]]s.<ref name=c4 />

Thingol, bound by his oath to Lúthien, did not outright slay Beren, but sought for it indirectly with his impossible demand of a [[Silmaril]] from [[Iron Crown|Morgoth's Crown]] as a bride-price. Beren accepted and after he departed Daeron's curse of silence lifted, though Daeron did not resume his music, nor Lúthien her singing or dancing.<ref name=c5>{{LB|C5}}</ref>

=== Escape of Lúthien===
Later, Lúthien learned from Melian that Beren had been captured by [[Sauron]] and in her despair came upon Daeron. She asked him to play music for her heartache and dread, and Daeron reluctantly did so, playing a song of sadness which stayed all things in the woods and caused all mirth to be forgotten. Once he had finished, Lúthien then begged him to accompany her to aid Beren; at this Daeron stated he had no love for Beren nor wept for his captivity, but that he would defend Lúthien from peril and wondering into hell. Lúthien, assuming this meant he would help, thanked him and left, but Daeron instead went directly to Thingol and informed him of Lúthien's intentions. Thingol thanked Daeron, and proclaimed that love would ever be between them, and named him a prince.<ref name=c5>{{LB|C5}}</ref>

Out of fear for her safety Thingol put Lúthien into captivity, placing her in a house built high within the great tree [[Hírilorn]], intending to keep her there until she grew wiser and the spell of madness left her. Daeron, grieving for Lúthien's captivity, frequently came to the base of the tree and played melodies on his flute. Lúthien eventually forgave Daeron for his betrayal, and he alone was allowed to cross her threshold. Eventually, she asked Daeron to use his woodcraft and fashion for her a small loom in order to pass the time. Daeron did this, and after giving it to her inquired what she planned on making: when she then told him it would be an enchanted thread, Daeron feared the dark purpose of her art, but spoke no word to Thingol of it.<ref name=c5>{{LB|C5}}</ref>

After Lúthien departed in secret from Doriath, Daeron sought for her in despair, and wandered upon strange paths until he eventually passed over the [[Blue Mountains]]. For many ages he made lament beside dark waters for Lúthien, daughter of Thingol, most beautiful of all living things.<ref name=beren />

== Characteristics ==
Daeron was physically described as "Daeron the dark with ferny crown".<ref name="llc"/>

He was regarded as among the greatest musicians of the Elves, with only [[Maglor]] named in similar esteem.<ref name=beren />

Thingol described Daeron as wise, with wary ears and watchful eyes, who heeds and understands all who pass through his land.<ref name="llc" />

As the Sindar held much in memory it was not their custom to write down their records or songs. As such, save in Menegroth, the Runes of Daeron were little used asides from names and brief inscriptions cut into wood, stone, or metal. The Dwarves who came to Menegroth learned the Cirth and were well-pleased by them, holding Daeron in higher esteem than his own folk; by them then runes were carried east over the Blue Mountains.<ref>{{WJ|P1e}}</ref>

Daeron was also a skilled in woodcraft, as was noted by Lúthien when she requested he make her a small loom.<ref name=c5 />

==Etymology==
The name derives from the [[Sindarin]] word ''daer'' ("large, great").<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 11</ref>

In the earlier [[Etymologies]] the [[Doriathrin]] name is given as '''Dairon''' shown as related to the Doriathrin word for shadow, ''dai''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 354 entry [[DAY]]</ref>

Consequently, [[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', that the name perhaps included the [[Sindarin]] word ''[[dae]]'' "shadow".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
'''Dairon''' is first introduced in ''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]'' from ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. While he plays a near identical role, he is the brother of Tinúviel (Lúthien) rather than an unrequited lover. He is described as "a boy, strong and merry" and along with [[Tinfang Warble]] and [[Ivárë]], one of the three most magical music players among the Elves.<ref name=Tinúviel>{{LT2|I}}</ref>

Changes made within the Lost Tales are the children of "Linwë Tinto" and "Wendelin" being originally '''Timpinen''' (Tinfang) and Tinúviel;<ref>{{LT1|IVn}}</ref>{{rp|note 1}} and the name "Dairon" being preceded by '''Tifanto''', which itself was preceded by '''Kapalen'''.<ref name=tin_notes>{{LT2|In}}</ref>{{rp|note 9}}

Tifanto had originally joined the hunting of [[Karkaras]], for which he "cast aside his pipe and grasped a spear". As this passage was written after Dairon was already stated as becoming lost [[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that [[J.R.R. Tolkien|his father]], noticing the contradiction, then replaced Dairon at this instance with the new character [[Mablung]].<ref name=tin_notes />{{rp|note 12}}

=== Other ===
In ''[[The Quenta]]'' Dairon was "the greatest of the musicians of the Elves, save Maglor son of Fëanor, and Tinfang Warble", though this was emended to "and Maglor son of Fëanor and Tinfang Gelion alone are named with him".<ref>{{SM|Q10}}</ref>

In drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', other names were considered for the minstrel of Doriath: ''"[[Ilverin]]"'', ''"Iverin"'', ''"Neldorín"'', ''"Elberin"'', and ''"Diarin"''.<ref>{{RS|Index}}</ref>

In earlier versions of ''[[Narn i Hîn Húrin]]'' Saeros was said to be a kinsman, and then brother, of Daeron.<ref>{{UT|2n}}</ref>{{rp|note 8}}

In a commentary and history on language interrelation, [[Celebrimbor]] was stated as a Sinda who claimed descent from Daeron.<ref>{{PM|XIntro}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''29 August: ''[[Where the Stars are Strange]]'':'''
:[[Círdan]] notes to [[Elrond]] that though Daeron was "insufferable", he had "a voice that could make [[Sun|the very sun]] weep tears of fire."

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Minstrels]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Daeron]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:daeron]]
[[fi:Daeron]]

Tuor

2026-04-27T11:55:44Z

Oberiko: Fragment of an alliterative Lay of Eärendel

{{footnotes}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Tuor
| image=Ted Nasmith - Tuor at Vinyamar.jpg
| caption="Tuor at Vinyamar" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Eladar'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Ulmondil'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) "the Blessed"
| titles=Lord of the [[House of the Wing]]
| position=
| location=[[Dor-lómin]]; [[Gondolin]]; [[Mouths of Sirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Sindarin]], [[Orkish]]<ref name="UT1p47">{{UT|1}}, pp. 47</ref> and [[Quenya]]
| birth={{FA|472}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]]
| rule=
| sailedwest={{FA|525}}<ref group=note>The [[1930]] ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'' gives a more detailed account of Tuor's fate: {{quote|But Tuor alone of mortal [[Men]] was numbered among the [[Elves|elder race]], and joined with the [[Noldor|Noldoli]] whom he loved, and in after time dwelt still, or so it hath been said, '''ever upon his ship voyaging the seas of the Elven-lands, or resting a while in the harbours of the [[Noldor|Gnomes]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]; and his fate is sundered from the [[Gift of Men|fate of Men]]'''.|Note 3 to §17 (second version) of the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'', ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]''}}</ref><ref>{{SM|Q17II}}, Note 3, p. 155</ref><ref>{{LR|P1III2}}, Note 7, p. 71</ref>
| sailedfrom=[[Mouths of Sirion]]
| age=53
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Huor]] & [[Rían]] fostered by [[Annael]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]]
| children=[[Eärendil]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tallest of all the [[Edain]]<ref>{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
| hair=Golden
| eyes=
| clothing=Elven armour, including shield
| weapons=[[Dramborleg]], sword
| steed=[[Eärrámë]] (ship)
}}
{{quote|I am Tuor son of Huor of the House of Hador and the kindred of Húrin, and these names, I am told, are not unknown in the Hidden Kingdom.|Tuor to [[Elemmakil]] in ''[[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]]''}}

'''Tuor Eladar''' was a hero of the [[Edain]] in the last years of the [[First Age]] and the father of [[Eärendil]]. In spite of being a Man, he was chosen by the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Ulmo]] to be the last hope of the [[Noldor]] in the face of annihilation by the forces of [[Morgoth]].

Born in the winter of the [[Year of Lamentation]], Tuor's life coincided with the final defeat of the Edain and the Noldor-in-Exile by the forces of Morgoth. He was of the [[House of Hador]], but after the deaths of his parents [[Huor]] and [[Rían]] in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], he was fostered by the surviving [[Elves of Mithrim]]. He passed his youth a refugee and an outlaw, before being guided by the Vala Ulmo to the hidden city of [[Gondolin]]. There he rose high in the favour of the [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Turgon]] and wedded the elf-maiden [[Idril]], the King's daughter. Escaping the [[Fall of Gondolin]], he and his family came to the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. After abiding there long enough to see Eärendil to manhood, Tuor finally succumbed to his [[sea-longing]] and, with Idril, departed [[Middle-earth]] for the [[Aman|West]]. The tradition of the Noldor was that he became the only Man to be accepted as one of the [[Elves|elder kindred]] and will share with them an immortal life in [[Valinor]] as long as [[Arda]] will endure.<ref name="S23">{{S|23}}</ref><ref name="Letter153">{{L|153}}</ref>

==Family and heritage==
His father Huor and his elder brother [[Húrin]] were fostered with their kin in [[Brethil]]. They were of the House of Hador, but also descended from the [[House of Haleth]] through their mother [[Hareth]]. During a battle following the [[Dagor Bragollach]], the brothers escaped the hordes of Morgoth with the aid of Ulmo, and [[Thorondor]] brought them to Gondolin. Ulmo counselled King Turgon to treat them as guests, as help would come to him from their House. After they learnt much from the [[Gondolindrim]], Turgon reluctantly waived his law and let them leave on a condition of silence.<ref name="RuinOfBeleriand">{{S|18}}</ref>

On his return, Huor married Rían of the [[House of Bëor]]. Thus Tuor was a descendant of all the Three Houses of the Edain. When Tuor was conceived, Huor gave him his name before he was born. Months later Huor fell in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] defending the retreat of Turgon, speaking his last words to the Elven King: "...out of your house shall come the hope of Elves and Men... from you and from me a new [[Star of Eärendil|star]] shall arise".<ref>{{CH|2}}, p. 58</ref>

==History==
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Fostering of Tuor.jpg|thumb|''The Fostering of Tuor'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
After hearing news of the battle, Rían became distraught and left [[Dor-lómin]] to wander alone in the wild. She was rescued by the [[Sindar]] of [[Mithrim]] who took her to their dwelling in the [[Mountains of Mithrim|mountains]]. Before the end of the year Tuor was born and was given to the [[Elves of Mithrim]] to be fostered. Rían, having heard from [[Annael]], the leader of the Elves, the news of Huor's death, made her way to [[Haudh-en-Ndengin]], where she laid down in grief and died.<ref name="TurinTurambar">{{S|21}}</ref>

Soon after, [[Hithlum]] was occupied by the [[Swarthy Men]] who had joined Morgoth in the Nírnaeth. Annael and his people therefore took refuge in the caves of [[Androth]], where Tuor spent his youth. At the age of sixteen, Tuor wished to make war upon the Orcs and the [[Incomers]] who oppressed the land of his fathers, but was forbidden by Annael. Rather, in {{FA|488}}, the group resolved to flee Hithlum by the [[Annon-in-Gelydh]] and make their way to the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. Soon after setting out, however, they were assailed by [[Orcs]] and forced to scatter into the night. Tuor, however, refused to flee, and stood his ground, slaying many enemies before being captured.

===Journeys in the Wild===
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - And his heart was filled with longing.jpg|thumb|''And his heart was filled with longing'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Tuor was thrall in the House of [[Lorgan]], chief of the [[Easterlings]] of Dor-lómin, for three years. He was treated harshly because Lorgan knew of his lineage, but nevertheless endured the torment until he found his opportunity to escape. Upon being sent into the woods on an errand, he slew his guards and, escaping pursuit, returned to the caves of Androth. For the next four years he dwelt alone there as an outlaw, slaying many Easterlings and accumulating a large price on his head. He was seeking the Annon-in-Gelydh – the 'Gate of the Noldor' through the [[Ered Lómin]], by which Annael had intended to escape Hithlum unnoticed. After years of searching, the Vala Ulmo, who had long ago chosen Tuor as his instrument, sent him a sign that finally led him to the Gate of the Noldor. Upon reaching its entrance, Tuor met [[Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)|Gelmir]] and [[Arminas]], messengers of [[Círdan]] who were seeking a way to [[Gondolin]], and they showed him the path through the mountains to [[Nevrast]].

In {{FA|495}}, Tuor passed through Nevrast and became the first Man to reach the shores of [[Belegaer]], the Great Sea, and felt for the first time the sea-longing that would stay with him the rest of his life. He lingered by Belegaer until the autumn, and then after receiving another sign from Ulmo, followed seven [[swans]] southward. These led him to the abandoned city of [[Vinyamar]] where long ago Turgon had dwelt and, at the behest of Ulmo, left a sword, armour and a shield bearing the device of a white swan on a blue field. Tuor took these arms and made his way to the shore. Then during a great storm the Lord of Waters finally appeared to Tuor directly, ordering him to seek the city of Gondolin, and giving him a cloak that had a power to hide him from foes. The next morning he met [[Voronwë]], an elf of Gondolin who had been shipwrecked off the coast of Beleriand, rescued, and brought to Vinyamar by Ulmo. After hearing Tuor speak the words of Ulmo, Voronwë agreed to guide him to the hidden gate of Gondolin.

===Life in Gondolin===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Tuor's sighting at Lake Ivrin.jpg|thumb|left|''Tuor's sighting at Lake Ivrin'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Voronwë led Tuor through the [[Woods of Núath]], a land desolated by the recent passing of [[Glaurung]] the Dragon to [[Nargothrond]]. At the [[Pools of Ivrin]] Tuor caught a brief glimpse of his ill-fated cousin [[Túrin]], son of Hurin, as he cried for [[Finduilas]] – the only time their two paths ever crossed. Then after enduring a [[Fell Winter (First Age)|bitter winter]] Tuor and Voronwë finally reached the gate of Gondolin. They were taken as prisoners by [[Elemmakil]] and brought before [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] who, recognising from his arms that Tuor had been sent by Ulmo, welcomed them into the city with honour. Tuor then came before the High King Turgon and delivered the message of Ulmo: the [[Doom of Mandos]] was nearing its fulfilment and Turgon should abandon his city and retreat to the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]].
[[File:Šárka Škorpíková - Idril, Earendil, Tuor.jpg|thumb|''Idril, Earendil, Tuor'' by [[:Category:Images by Šárka Škorpíková|Šárka Škorpíková]]]]
Turgon however chose not to heed Ulmo's warning, though it did prompt him to block up the hidden door and make Gondolin's isolation complete. Therefore Tuor remained in Gondolin, and like his father before him, he learned much from the Elves. He fell in love with [[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]], the daughter of the King, and she with him, and in {{FA|502}} they were married.<ref>{{WJ|P3}}, note 18.</ref> This [[Unions of Elves and Men|union]], as well as the favour of the King and the memory of his father, endeared Tuor to the people of Gondolin and he was made the leader of the [[House of the Wing]]. Only [[Maeglin]] harboured a secret hatred and jealousy of him.

Soon after their union a [[Half-elven]] was born to Tuor and Idril, who was named [[Eärendil]] or 'Sea-friend', reflecting the 'sea-longing' Tuor passed to his son.<ref name="Letter297">{{L|297}}</ref>

===Fall of Gondolin===
But in {{FA|510}}, Gondolin's secrecy finally failed. First [[Húrin]], Tuor's uncle, released from Morgoth's long torment and attempting to enter the city, revealed its location in the [[Encircling Mountains]]. Still Morgoth would not have found an entrance to the city were it not for the treachery of Maeglin, who having defied the King's order and ventured outside the encircling mountains was captured by Orcs and brought to Angband – there he betrayed Turgon in return for the promise of the lordship of Gondolin and the possession of Idril.
[[File:Natalie Chen - Tuor.jpg|thumb|''Tuor'' by [[:Category:Images by Natalie Chen|Natalie Chen]]]]
During the subsequent [[Fall of Gondolin|siege]] Tuor fought valiantly. He rescued Idril from Maeglin, throwing the Elf from the walls of the city to his death. But in the end Gondolin fell and Turgon was killed. Tuor and Idril led the survivors of the sack in a desperate escape through the [[Idril's secret way|secret way]] Idril had prepared and over the mountains. Protected by Ulmo they journeyed down the vale of [[Sirion]] to the Havens at its mouth – the last refuge of the Elves of Beleriand. On the way the remnant of Gondolin stopped in [[Nan-tathren]] to make a feast in memory of the fallen, and here Tuor composed ''[[The Horns of Ylmir]]'' for his son Eärendil.

===Fate===
Tuor and Idril dwelt for a while at the Mouths of Sirion. But eventually the sea-longing that had been instilled in him when he first came to the shores of Belegaer grew too strong. In {{FA|525}} he built a ship, [[Eärrámë]] ([[Quenya|Q]]: 'Sea-wing'), and sailed to the [[Aman|West]] with Idril, and possibly [[Voronwë]] also.<ref name="WJ-TYears">{{WJ|Years}}</ref> It was a tradition under the [[Eldar]] and [[Edain]] that they arrived in [[Valinor]], and that Tuor alone of Men was counted among the Eldar, immortal as other Elves.<ref group="note">Apparently by the special will of [[Ilúvatar]] himself; see [[Letter 153]].</ref>

However Huor's prophecy on the field of Nírnaeth Arnoediad proved true. In the same year that Tuor and Idril departed, Eärendil married [[Elwing]]. At first seeking after his father, he sailed to Valinor and roused the Valar to the [[War of Wrath]], and so became the prophesied saviour of the Elves and Men of Middle-earth. Through Eärendil, Tuor was an ancestor of the [[Half-elven]] and the [[Kings of Númenor]].

==Characteristics==
Tuor was "fair of face" and inherited the golden hair of the [[House of Hador]]. As a man he was "strong and tall and valiant" and skilled at arms. But, being raised by Elves, he also had great lore and skill.<ref name="UT1p23-24">{{UT|1}}, pp. 23-24</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Tuor'' was adapted to [[Sindarin]] from the language of the [[Edain]],<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, pp. 348, 364 (note 49)</ref><ref group="note">In a draft for a letter, Tolkien used the form ''Túor'' (cf. [[Letter 153]]).</ref> but its original meaning is not glossed.

In ''[[The Etymologies]]'', [[Noldorin]] ''Tuor'' ("strength-vigour") derives from [[Common Eldarin]] ''tūghor, tū-gor'' ([[Sundocarme|root]] TUG-). In the context of this etymology, ''Tuor'' can likely be analysed as ''[[tû]]'' ("strength") + a derivative of root GOR ("violence, impetus, haste").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "GOR-", "TUG-"</ref>

==Other names==
Tuor bore the epithets '''''Eladar''''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] "Starfather"), '''''Ulmondil''''' ([[Quenya|Q.]] "Friend of Ulmo")<ref>{{WJ|West}}, ''(ii) The House of Hador'', p. 235</ref> and '''[[the Blessed]]'''.<ref name="TheBlessed">{{GA|144}}</ref>

==Genealogy==
His paternal grandfather [[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]] was the [[Lord of Dor-lómin]],<ref name="SComingOfMen">{{S|17}}.</ref> so Tuor technically inherited that title after the death of his cousin [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] in {{FA|499}}, though by that time Dor-lómin had long since ceased to exist as a realm of the Edain. In [[Gondolin]] he was made the Lord of the [[House of the Wing]].

{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | MAR | | HAL | | BEO | | | | | | |MAR=[[Marach]] ''[[House of Hador]]''|HAL=[[Haldad]] ''[[House of Haleth]]''|BEO=[[Bëor]] ''[[House of Bëor]]''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |:| | | |:| | | |:| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |:| | | |:| | | |:| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | GAL |y| HAR | | |:| TUR |y| ELE |GAL=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]] ''{{FA|417}} - [[First Age 462|462]]''|HAR=[[Hareth]] ''born {{FA|417}}''|TUR=[[Turgon]] ''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''|ELE=[[Elenwë]] ''born during {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |:| | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO |y| RIA | | |!| | | |MOR=[[Morwen]] ''{{FA|443}} - c. [[First Age 500|500]]''|HUR=[[Húrin]] ''{{FA|441}} - c. [[First Age 500|500]]''|HUO=[[Huor]] ''{{FA|444}} - [[First Age 472|472]]''|RIA=[[Rían]] ''{{FA|450}} - [[First Age 472|472]]''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | TUR | | LAL | | NIE | | TUO |~|y|~| IDR | | |TUR=[[Túrin]] ''{{FA|463}} - [[First Age 499|499]]''|LAL=[[Lalaith]] ''{{FA|466}} - [[First Age 469|469]]''|NIE=[[Nienor]] ''{{FA|473}} - [[First Age 499|499]]''|TUO='''TUOR''' ''born {{FA|472}}''|IDR=[[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]] ''born during {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | ELW |y| EAR | | | | | |ELW=[[Elwing]] ''born {{FA|503}}''|EAR=[[Eärendil]] ''born {{FA|503}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | ROS | | RON | | | | | |ROS=[[Elros]] ''{{FA|532}} - {{SA|442}}''|RON=[[Elrond]] ''born {{FA|532}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
[[File:Alan Lee - Tuor strikes a note on his harp.jpg|thumb|''Tuor strikes a note on his harp'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Tuor is the protagonist of the first tale of the [[legendarium]] written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]: "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", which became part of ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''.

The tale begins without mentioning Tuor's early life and lineage, though later he introduces himself to the [[Gondothlim]] as "''Tuor son of [[Peleg]] son of [[Indor]] of the [[house of the Swan]] of the sons of the Men of the North''".<ref name="Gondolin">{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|160}} He was from the folk of [[Dor Lómin]], but he did not dwell with them, but lived in the woods of [[Mithrim]], singing with is harp. Now, his singing called the attention of other men, so he departed to lonely places. Thus destiny brought him to a cavern, and guided there by some [[Noldoli]], he crossed the [[Golden Cleft]] to the sea. There he built a house, which was called [[Falasquil]]. One day he saw three swans flying by the shore, and decided to follow them, for he had chosen the Swan as a emblem. Thus he reached a [[Sirion|river]], full of birds, and amid them he lost the sight of the swans. Then a group of [[Noldoli]] took him through the fenland region of [[Arlisgion]] and hence to the [[Nan-tathren|Land of Willows]]. Here Tuor tarried long time, for he was amazed with the trees and insects that lived there, but Ulmo appeared to him directly and ordered him to seek Gondolin.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|149–55}}

Tuor began his journey northwards seeking for the city with the help of wandering [[Gnomes]], but all of them abandoned him fearing Melko's creatures, but the Gnome [[Voronwë]] remained faithful and encouraged Tuor. Thus they reached an enchanted gate, which was hidden to any eye save for those Noldoli who escaped from Melko. After crossing a long and dark tunnel, they came to the light of a great plain, and in the middle they saw the city upon [[Amon Gwareth]]. The guards welcomed them and explained Tuor the [[Gondolin#The Seven Names|seven names of the city]].<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|156–8}}

After a day of march, Tuor and Voronwë entered Gondolin, greeted with awe by its people, and were taken before King [[Turgon]]. There Tuor, given the power and majesty of Ulmo's own voice, told Turgon to gather his forces and attack Melko as the time for his overthrow was ripe. Turgon refused this counsel and so Tuor warned him that both [[Elves]] and [[Men]] would suffer for a long time before the [[Valar]] could contrive another means of salvation. However Tuor voiced Ulmo's other [[Ulmo's warning|counsel]]: to leave Gondolin, travel down the Sirion, build ships and sail back to [[Valinor]] to ask the Gods for help against Melko. Again Turgon refused, which caused Tuor a great sadness. Sitting beside the fountain of the king, he longed for the sea, but Turgon invited him to dwell in Gondolin, even in the king's halls, and he accepted, as he was weary. There he learned many things that would otherwise be kept secret from the race of Men. Matters of music, lore, architecture and culture were all taught to him and he became beloved in the city. Turgon had a suit of armour made for him and an axe, [[Dramborleg]]. Some years later he married Turgon's daughter [[Idril]] at [[Gar Ainion]], and [[Meglin]], the king's nephew, became jealous of them. In those days the desire of the Valar was fulfilled because Idril bore Tuor a son: [[Eärendel]].<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|160–5}}

At some point, a worried Idril asked Tuor to build a [[Idril's secret way|secret tunnel]] from their house to out of the city. He did not understand its purpose clearly, but answered "''better is any plan than a lack of counsel''".<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|168}} Some years later, Idril's concerns increased, and she [[Foresight|foretold]] him that the day was coming in which he would have to make a choice. She also asked him to gather a guard of faithful men and gave them his emblem, while she convinced his father to allow Tuor to make his own house and become a lord of the city.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|170–1}} Thus was made the bodyguard of Tuor, the [[house of the Wing]] which was counted as the [[Twelve houses of the Gondothlim|twelfth house of Gondolin]].<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|174}}
[[File:Tom Loback - Tuor slays Othrod.jpg|thumb|''Tuor slays Othrod'' by [[Tom Loback]]]]
When the [[Fall of Gondolin]] began, Tuor proposed to abandon the city to save its women and children, but King Turgon followed Meglin's advice of facing siege.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|175}} Tuor led his men to his house to say farewell to Idril and Eärendel before joining battle. But once there he found Meglin and the [[folk of the Mole]] capturing his family, "and lo! Tuor gives a shout so great that the Orcs hear it afar and waver at the sound of it". Seeing Tuor, Meglin tried to stab Eärendel, but the father jumped across the enemy and seized Meglin, took him by the middle and ghim out the walls to the fire. Then Tuor left [[Voronwë]] and some of his men with [[Idril]], and took the rest to the battle in the gate.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|177–8}}

Near the gate Tuor and his folk joined the battle alongside the [[house of the Fountain]], but soon some [[dragons]] pulled down the western walls of the city and enemies poured in. The wings in Tuor's helm blackened with the dragon flames, but he stood commanding all the men around. There he slain three [[Orcs|orc-lords]]: [[Othrod]], [[Balcmeg]] and [[Lug]]; as well as five [[Balrogs]]. Eventually he was forced to retreat bearing the injured Ecthelion. After being rescued by [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] in the [[Square of the Folkwell]], he rallied what remained of the defenders of the city and made for the [[Square of the Palace|King's Square]].<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|180–2}}

Tuor, with help of [[Glorfindel]], cleansed the Square of enemies, and later kept its defence with the help of [[Egalmoth]] in what is known as the bravest stand in all stories. However, a dragon entered followed by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog, lord of Balrogs]] and Tuor and Egalmoth would have perished, but Ecthelion came to their aid and slew the Balrog, going to his own death in the attempt. At this point Turgon conceded the city was lost and refused to fight or leave, ordering Tuor to lead the survivors out of the city. Tuor was divided between his loyalty to the King and the love to his family, but chose to lead the survivors.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|183–6}} After they crossed the secret tunnel, they emerged onto the plain of [[Tumladin]] and ran to the Mountains for the whole night. With the rising of the sun, Tuor rescued Eärendel, who had fled the city earlier with a servant called [[Hendor]], from a pack of [[wolf-riders]]. Once reunited with their son, Tuor and Idril explained him the end of Gondolin.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|189–91}}

[[Tolkien]] never finished ''The Book of Lost Tales'', so there are contradictory outlines about the end of Tuor: first he sails alone in secret in his ship Alqarámë.<ref name="Earendel">{{LT2|V}}, pp. 253-4</ref> But later it is given a more detailed outline of his depart:

{{blockquote|One evening he calls Eärendel and they go to the shore. There is a skiff. Tûr bids farewell to Eärendel and bids him thrust it off — the skiff fares away into the West. Eärendel hears a great song swelling from the sea as Tûr's skiff dips over the world's rim.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Eärendel]]", p. 260}}

In the different manuscripts of ''The Fall of Gondolin'' Tolkien alternated between "Tuor" and "'''Tûr'''", but eventually settled on "Tuor" in the [[The Earliest 'Silmarillion'|1930s ''Silmarillion'']].

=== Fragment of an alliterative Lay of Eärendel ===
In the ''[[Fragment of an alliterative Lay of Eärendel]]'', "Tur the earthborn" led the remnant from Gondolin, in thirst, hunger, and peril, for "thirty moons" in their search for Sirion. In addition to the Land of Willows, they also passed through the [[Pools of Twilight]].<ref name=lbe>{{LB|Earendel}}</ref>

In the fragment Tur is is also called "'''Wade of the Helsings'''", a name taken directly from the Old English poem ''"[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widsith Widsith]"''. He is also indirectly named '''Fengel''' through the line "Earendel son of Fengel".<ref name=lbe/>

{{references|note}}
{{HousesofGondolin}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

[[de:Tuor]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple de hador/tuor]]
[[fi:Tuor]]

Battle of the Powers

2026-04-25T13:10:59Z

Oberiko: Other names

{{war
| previous=[[First War]]
| next=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| image=[[File:Antonio Vinci - Tulkas.jpg|300px]]
| name=Battle of the Powers
| place=Across the northern parts of [[Middle-earth]], passing eastward from its northwestern coasts
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Valar]]
*[[Chaining of Melkor]]
*Ruin of [[Utumno]] and [[Angband]]
*Shape of [[Middle-earth]] changed
*The [[Great Journey]] begins shortly after
| battles=
| begin={{YT|1090}}
| end={{YT|1099}}
| side1=Forces of the [[Valar]]
| side2=Forces of [[Melkor]]
| commanders1=[[Manwë]] [[Oromë]] [[Tulkas]]
| commanders2=[[Melkor]] [[Sauron]]
}}
The '''Battle of the Powers''', also known as the '''War of the Powers'''<ref>{{S|Beleriand}}</ref> or '''War of the Gods''',<ref>{{GA|6}}</ref> was a conflict fought between the [[Valar]] and the forces of [[Melkor]]. Under the council of [[Manwë]], the Valar marched in force with the aim to end Melkor's authority over [[Middle-earth]] and liberate the newly-awakened [[Elves]] from his influence. It culminated in the siege of Utumno, where Melkor was captured, chained, and imprisoned for three ages of the world. The Elves would never know details about the battle, which is shortly told in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]''.

==History==
===Background===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - Ring of Doom.jpg|left|thumb|''Ring of Doom'' by [[:Category:Images by Jacek Kopalski|Jacek Kopalski]]]]
Long time after the Valar settled in [[Aman]], they held council among themselves and spoke of the coming [[Children of Ilúvatar]], who first would be the [[Elves]]. [[Yavanna]] noted that the time of their arrival was unknown and they should not leave the lands of their future dwelling unprotected. [[Tulkas]] likewise agreed with the necessity of immediate action.

Manwë bid [[Mandos]] to speak, and he replied that the Children shall come in this age, and the [[Firstborn]] will walk under the [[stars]]. [[Varda]] then created other stars to help to light the world for the coming of the Elves. Using silver dews from [[Telperion]], she created many new stars, including [[Wilwarin]], [[Menelmacar]], and others. After Varda's long works, the Elves [[Awakening of the Elves|awoke]] in the starlight by the shores of [[Cuiviénen]], the Water of Awakening.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg|thumb|''Oromë espies the first Elves'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
While [[Oromë]] conducted his hunting trips on his great steed [[Nahar]], he heard the newly-born Elves singing. He met them and spent time among them, and yet perceived the influence of Melkor among them, as they were afraid of him. Oromë reported these findings to the [[Elder King]], who once again called a gathering of all the Valar to the [[Ring of Doom]], even the far-off [[Ulmo]]. He then proclaimed the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]] in his heart that they "should take up again the mastery of Arda at whatever cost, and deliver the Quendi from the shadow of Melkor".

Oromë and Tulkas often stayed with the Quendi around Cuiviénen, but after the War was decided, they left for the preparations; in their place, [[Melian]] and the [[Five Guardians]], a group of powerful [[Maiar]], were sent to guard and protect the primitive Elves meanwhile.<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, pp. 95, 99</ref>

===Battle===
The [[Valar]] first came to [[Middle-earth]] on {{YT|1090}}. The titanic conflict between the Valar and Melkor now began in earnest, with the hosts of the West confronting the hosts of [[Melkor]] in the North-west of Middle-earth, and all that region was broken by this engagement. But the first victory of the hosts of the West was swift, and the servants of Melkor fled before them to [[Utumno]]. Then the Valar passed over Middle-earth, and over the next two years, they set a guard about [[Cuiviénen]] to protect the Elves from battle. There the young Elves only felt the shaking of the Earth, and saw the north alight by mighty fires. Thus the Valar began the siege of Utumno, long and grievous it was and many battles were fought before its gates of which all is but a rumour to the Elves.

After seven [[years of the Trees]], the gates of Utumno were broken and its halls unroofed, and Melkor took refuge in the uttermost pit. The last of his servants were host of [[Balrogs]], who as a tide of flame assailed the standard of [[Manwë]]. The wind of his wrath withered their fire, and he slew them with the lightning of [[Sword of Manwë|his sword]].<ref>{{AA|50}}, p. 75</ref> Melkor stood at last alone, and [[Tulkas]] arrived and wrestled with him and bound him with the chain [[Angainor]] that [[Aulë]] had wrought.<ref>{{AA|47-50}}</ref>

===Aftermath===
[[File:Roger Garland - Melkor chained.jpg|thumb|right|''Melkor chained'' by [[Roger Garland]]]]
The [[Valar]] failed to discover some of the deepest chambers under [[Utumno]] and [[Angband]], and Melkor's lieutenant [[Sauron]] was never captured. Some [[Balrogs]] and other evil creatures hid there, and others dispersed to the far edges of the earth.

From the ruin great clouds arose and hid the stars. It was during this time that the contour of Middle Earth was changed, with the [[Great Sea]] being widened. The [[Bay of Balar]] was carved out, as well as other minor bays until the [[Great Gulf]] southwards; the northern highlands of [[Hithlum]] and [[Dorthonion]], sources of [[Sirion]], were raised up as new mountain ranges, and the river came into being.

The Valar dragged Melkor back to Valinor for judgment before [[Manwë]], in the [[Máhanaxar|Ring of Doom]]. Melkor laid upon his face and begged for mercy from Manwë, but his prayers were denied. He was cast into the prison of Mandos for [[Chaining of Melkor|three ages]], after which he would be brought before [[Manwë]] once more. Although the Elves didn't participate in the war, Melkor never forgot that his downfall was for their sake.

The Valar gathered in council once again, and it was decided, after some debate, to summon the [[Quendi]] to [[Valinor]] to preserve them from evil. However, the Quendi were unwilling to listen to their summons after seeing their wrath and devastation of the war, so [[Oromë]] chose three ambassadors to accompany him back to Valinor and speak on behalf of their people. The three ambassadors were [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]. In Valinor, they beheld the glory of the [[Two Trees]]. The three ambassadors returned to their people and counselled them to accept the summons, and the [[Great Journey]] began soon thereafter.<ref name="Captivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

==Other names==
This battle is also known as the '''Great War of the Gods''',<ref>{{MR|P2e}}</ref>{{rp|§48}} and the '''Third Battle'''.<ref>{{MR|P5II}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
In Tolkien's earliest writings the conflict had a different form compared to later versions. In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'' Melko's devastation of the land is what caused the Valar to assault his fortress [[Utumno#Etymology|Utumna]], whereas in ''The Silmarillion'' it was the discovery of the newly-awakened Elves by [[Oromë]] at [[Cuiviénen]] that prompted the Valar to go to war on Melkor.

The confrontation between the Valar and Melkor in Utumno is expanded in the ''[[Lost Tales]]'', but unlike the aggressive approach in ''The Silmarillion'', the Valar concoct a plan of deceit to capture Melko by satiating his pride. The heralds of Melko and Manwë whom were [[Langon]] and [[Nornorë]] exchange words and the ruse is successful. Melko invites them to his chamber to pay homage before his seat. The Valar enter Utumna with [[Tulkas]] bound by Angaino (Angainor), and Manwë is about to kneel before Melko. However, the sight of this angers Tulkas greatly and he leaps forward, followed shortly by Aulë and Oromë. A great melee erupts in the hall between the Valar and Melko and his servants, and at the end Melko is wrapped by Angaino. Oromë feels that killing him would be the best solution, but he knows that it is impossible.

An interesting detail is that Manwë defends himself from Melko's mace by blowing gently.<ref>{{LT1|IV}}</ref>

===Depiction within Morgoth's Ring===
In a 1955 essay included in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', Tolkien wrote that the Valarian assault on Utumno was an act of desperation, one they feared would fail, and their main intent was to distract Melkor long enough for the Quendi to flee from him and escape his influence. Manwë descended into the depths of the fortress and met with Melkor, and both were surprised; Manwë, to see that his brother had "dispersed" so much of his power into the physical world, and Melkor, to see that, in his mind, he was now physically weaker than his brother and could no longer daunt him with a gaze. In this version, Melkor never fights Tulkas or the other Valar directly, and instead surrenders himself to Manwë willingly.

Though he briefly considers truly repenting, his mind turns to evil, and instead he plots to corrupt and ruin Valinor from within, asking that the Valar take him as their prisoner and that he be allowed to serve them in penance. Out of both pity for and fear of his brother, Manwë accepts, but the Valar do not fully trust Melkor; rather, he is taken to Valinor and placed under the watch of Mandos for "meditation" and contemplation on his actions. Unable to enact his plans without being noticed, and now separated from his armies and servants, whom he poured a great deal of his personal might into, Melkor regrets his decision and grows deeply hateful, wishing instead that he had assaulted Manwë and the Valar "in fiery rebellion" when he had the chance.<ref>{{MR|P5VI}}, pp. 340-341</ref>

=== Depiction within Nature of Middle-earth ===
In a 1960 revision, included within ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]'', Tolkien continued to develop the concept of the Valar attacking Melkor before the Great March began. As the Valar had allowed Melkor peace in which to establish himself, and thus neglected the matter until war would involve the Children in misery or destruction, Tolkien concluded "that the ''rescue of the Quendi'' must be secret (as far as possible), and ''before the assault upon Utumno''"; therefore "The Great March must occur behind a screen of investment, and before any violent assault had begun!"<ref>{{NM|P1vi}}, p. 34</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[de:Krieg der Mächte]]
[[fi:Mahtien Mittelö]]
[[fi:Mahtien Sota]]

Gandalf

2026-04-25T12:40:28Z

Oberiko: /* Early history */ Councillor of Irmo

{{short description|Wizard of the Istari}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Gandalf
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| image=Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Olórin'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Mithrandir'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Incánus'' ([[Haradrim|H]]) ''Tharkûn'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]) ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=Guardian of the Third Age The Grey [[The White]] White Rider White Pilgrim
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Five Guardians]], [[Order of Wizards]], [[White Council]], [[Thorin and Company]], [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Elvish]], [[Westron]], [[Hobbitish]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=At least 5'6"<ref>{{NM|Descriptions}}: Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=Black that could become red
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Order of Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. He was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of Wizards. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. He was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Kip Rasmussen - Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien.jpg|thumb|left|''Olorin in the Gardens of Lorien'' by [[:Category:Images by Kip Rasmussen|Kip Rasmussen]]]]
The wisest of the [[Maiar]], Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and was a councillor of [[Irmo]].<ref>{{MR|P3I1}}</ref> He lived in [[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]], yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]], and [[Nienna]]. He was associated with light and fire, much like [[Varda]].

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there as one of the [[Five Guardians]] to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[Unseen]] among them, or wore a [[Fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and lifting out of despair those who listened to him.<ref name="vala" />

It is possible that Gandalf, as Olorin, came to Middle-earth in the Second Age. While Galadriel "dwelt now under the trees of Greenwood the Great" Olórin once had a conversation with her.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 255</ref> It is possible that this was just after the year 1200, but it is said that "only those Wise could say who are now gone" could attest to the truth of this conversation.<ref>{{UT|Elessar}}, p. 268</ref>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron|Sauron's]] 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar, to go to Middle-earth and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari" /> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond, he was welcomed by [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref name="TT Window p. 670">{{TT|Window}}, p. 670</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''Mithrandir'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''Incánus'' in the south, and ''Tharkûn'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari" />

A legend says that Gandalf was given the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]] by [[Yavanna]] to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth; this was to be a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings" /> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years. However, the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, which occurred in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings" />
[[File:Miriam Ellis - The Long Winter, 1158 - Gandalf Helps the Hobbits.jpeg|thumb|250px|left|''[[Long Winter|The Long Winter]], [[Third Age 2758|1158]]: Gandalf Helps the [[Hobbits]]'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor" />

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on a journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search, the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name="journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> Most importantly, Gandalf found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl, but was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King. Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings" /> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait, and that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea.<ref name="Rings" /> The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter''".<ref name="Rings" /> Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the Ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of the river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor" /> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party" />

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge" /> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor" /> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin.

Gandalf accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]. When they unknowingly camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]], the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later by killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then rescuing the Dwarves and leading them to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> The hobbit initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains,<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound,<ref name="Pan" /> and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up and flew them to their eyrie. The next day, they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan" />

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they entered [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and he realised that the instructions he gave them did not help; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf left Erebor for the Shire; on the way, they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where Gandalf discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor" /> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they recovered the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19" />

Gandalf was amazed by the hobbit; until then he had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]], he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge" /><ref name="H19" />

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers, claiming to have knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as from this, Saruman discovered their existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire. As a result, he started sending agents to [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge" />

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout. He was looking for the thief of his ring: Bilbo. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] had informed Gandalf that Gollum was traversing the forest. Then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned towards [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later, Gandalf would regret this.<ref name="shadow" />

Meanwhile, Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> From that point on, Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom. This displeased Denethor, who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Michele Mantoani - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf'' by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own — Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a [[Ring of Power]].<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time, Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire; he was blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, and was even accused of plotting with Frodo to get a hold on Bilbo's wealth.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref name="party" />

Gandalf was keen to find out more about Bilbo's ring, so he left the Shire,<ref name="party" /> and resumed his search for Gollum. In this, he sought the help of [[Aragorn]]. The [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on Frodo and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always turning up unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], and even to the edges of Mordor. The search lasted eight years, for Gandalf did not know that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge" /> Gandalf regretted ignoring Gollum for so many years, as his trail had become cold, resulting in many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name="shadow" />

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], Gandalf found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in {{TA|3017|n}}, and from this, pieced together the missing history of the One Ring. On his way back to the Shire, he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum<ref name="ThirdAge" /> and so he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned of the "magic ring", as well as the names "Shire" and "Baggins". The effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that Bilbo's Ring was not simply one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the ''[[The One Ring|One Ruling Ring]]'' of Sauron. Gandalf then returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name="shadow" /><ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Gandalf returned to the Shire on [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and proved to Frodo that Bilbo's ring was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] was looking for. He told Frodo that he gathered much of this information by interrogating the creature [[Gollum]]. Frodo exclaimed that Gollum should have been killed, however Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for Frodo to decide who should live and who should die.<ref name="shadow" />

Gandalf suggested that he should leave the Shire soon and take the Ring to [[Rivendell]]. Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. The wizard stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which time, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref name="FR|Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name="council" /> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name="three" />

He wandered around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they could not speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message from [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once, and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] were looking for the Shire.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]],<ref name="council" /> urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone named "Strider", whose real name was Aragorn, with a [[Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when he could. He instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] to arrive at the inn under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref name="FR|Strider" />

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter, Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring.<ref name="council" /> He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape.<ref name="council" /> Gandalf knew he needed to return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the Ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and Saruman's treacherous desire for the Ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift.<ref name="council" /> This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf,<ref name="council" /> and was seeking [[Rivendell]]. Upon his arrival, Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, and was worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf, this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, Gandalf slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.<ref name="council" />
[[File:Eric Velhagen - Encounter at Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|250px|''Encounter at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]'' by [[Eric Velhagen]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, although they were unaware that Gandalf was involved.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving Weathertop, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north, followed by four Riders.<ref name="council" />

He then went directly to Rivendell, arriving a few days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name="B3" /> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name="council" /> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival. Frodo was sick with a [[Morgul-wound]], but was still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision of what would be done with the Ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples were in Rivendell for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but they eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, who was named the [[Ring-bearer]], and [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].<ref name="council" />

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard.<ref name="The Ring Goes South, p. 283">{{FR|South}}, p. 283</ref> When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm, he decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarven city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] were now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loath to enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then, Gandalf was well aware of their location and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
However, [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge upon which they both stood, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name="bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of [[Arda]]. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]]. There, he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength.<ref>{{L|156}}</ref> This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo had left the Fellowship and was travelling to Mount Doom. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. From them, he learned that Sam went with Frodo, and he was pleased with this.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|496}} Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. By now, Gandalf was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan, then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement, King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]], along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council.<ref name="TT Voice" />{{rp|583}} Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed: the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him. Later, Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.<ref name="RK Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|812}}

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counterattack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor then lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death. He abandoned his leadership of the city, and Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the [[Riders of Rohan]], the Witch-king departed.

However, Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to burn himself and his son Faramir to death on a pyre like the heathen kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this, and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf then learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: the Steward clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Aragorn arrived with a large host of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the [[Elder Days]], had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the West and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, [[Imrahil]], and [[Éomer]] (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the West would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the [[Morannon]], thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan would likely result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming, and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril-coat]] and [[Barrow-blade]] and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom. Even as the Battle of Morannon began, Frodo stood at the [[Crack of Doom]]. But the power and lure of the Ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his Ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the Ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling. The Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for the third time, and set out for Mount Doom in search of Frodo and Sam. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>{{rp|948–51}} The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf, at Aragorn's request, set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle the affairs of the Shire themselves, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>{{rp|996}}
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - At the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''At the Gray Havens'' by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the later two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea,<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]. Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the [[free peoples]] of Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. 

==Characteristics==
===Personality===
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
{{Blockquote|A deadly sword, a healing hand,
a back that bent beneath his load;
a trumpet-voice, a burning brand,
a weary pilgrim on the road.

A lord of wisdom throned he sat,
swift in anger, quick to laugh;
an old man in a battered hat
who leaned upon a thorny staff.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> He had great pity and patience, even extending to the servants of his enemies. He is said to have learned both from Nienna in Valinor.<ref name="vala" />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise.<ref>{{RK|MT}}</ref>{{rp|757}} He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he often went to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright divined in him "the greatest spirit and the wisest" out of all of the Wizards that came from the West, and so he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves, to Gandalf rather than to Saruman.<ref name="Istari" />

===Appearance===
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, p. 49</ref>}}

Although some of the Wise knew his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance caused many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return, his "signature colour" changed from grey to white, for he had been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book, he claimed that, in some ways, he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.<ref name="TT White" />{{rp|495}}

===Powers and abilities===
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name="bridge" /> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.

He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] during Thorin and Company's escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out.

When the Fellowship was attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]], Gandalf spoke words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. While crossing the Misty Mountains with the Fellowship, he was able to start fires under blizzard conditions. On the journey through Moria he created lights of varying intensity, magically secured doors, and broke the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. He fought and killed the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]], although he did not himself survive the battle.<ref name="bridge" />

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.<ref name="TT Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>{{rp|583}} He also prevented Sauron's Eye from locating Frodo.<ref name="TT White">{{TT|White}}</ref>

He frequently used his powers for entertainment. He blew glowing smoke rings that moved around the room at his direction, and was known among Hobbits for his fireworks displays,<ref name="Erebor" /> for example at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]].<ref name="party" />

When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect.<ref name="party" />{{rp|34}}

Though not as keen as [[Elves]], his eyesight was sharp enough to see in darkness, and into the [[Unseen]].

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref>{{rp|514}}

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]].<ref name="Istari" /> Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age, but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton" /> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf was often seen with a pipe which he used to smoke [[Old Toby]].

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Gandalf'' is a [[North Germanic languages|Norse]] name and supposedly means "Elvish wight with a (magic) staff", for it contains the element ''gandr'' ("a staff, especially one used in 'magic'"). It is a substitution in the English narrative for an unknown [[Westron]] name (on the same lines as the treatment of Hobbit and Dwarf names).<ref>{{UT|13}}</ref><ref group="note">Since the name ''Gandalf'' is attributed to "the North" in general, it probably represents a Westron name, but one made up of elements not derived from Elvish tongues.</ref>

The Men of the North called him so because they incorrectly thought that he was of Elven-kind<ref name="essay">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from the essay on the Istari</ref> and because they knew his alliance and friendship with Elves well<ref name="long note">{{UT|Istari}}, citing from a long note from before the publication of the second edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 1966</ref>.

Gandalf is also the name of a dwarf in the [[Völuspá]], one of the poems of the [[Poetic Edda]]<ref>{{UT|13a}}, "12"</ref>, from where Tolkien got many of the Dwarven names used in his books.

==Other names==
{{quote|Many are my names in many countries. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}
*'''Greyhame''': Used in [[Rohan]],<ref>{{TT|Riders}}, p. 435</ref> it was the equivalent in [[Rohanese]] of ""Greycloak" which would have been ''grēg-hama''.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, entry '''Greyhame''', p. 758</ref>

*'''''Incánus''''': Gained during his long travels "in the south" (likely meaning no further south than [[Gondor]] or the [[Near Harad]]<ref name="Istari" />) of [[Middle-earth]] in the mid-[[Third Age]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name="Istari" /> ''Incánus'' in Latin means "grey-haired". However, [[Christopher Tolkien]] has noted that the "coincidence in form" might be an "accident",<ref name="Istari" /> his father wrote "Incánus Latin" in a later published manuscript,<ref name="PE1788" /> suggesting that the similarity was perhaps more than a coincidence. Tolkien also changed his mind several times about the meaning of ''Incánus'', besides the etymology given above his other variations were:
**An archaic [[Quenya]] word meaning "Mind-ruler", from ''in(id)''- ("mind") and ''cáno'' ("ruler, governor, chieftain").<ref name="Istari" />
**An adaptation from Quenya ''incānus(se)'', meaning "mind mastership".<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry Q ''incānus(se)'', p. 88 and entry √'''IN-''', p. 155</ref>
**A possible [[Westron]] invention meaning "Greymantle".<ref name="Istari" /> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', different names used were ''Forlong''>>''Fornold''>>''Incânus''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''Láthspell''': The name given to Gandalf by [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] when the former arrived at [[Meduseld]]. It means "Ill-news".<ref name="King">{{TT|King}}, p. 513</ref> It is a modernized form of [[Old English]] ''lad-spell'' ("a painful grievous story") from ''lad'' ("causing hate, evil, injury") and ''spell'' ("story", "message").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 404</ref> In earlier drafts, it is actually Théoden who refers to Gandalf as Láthspell.<ref name="TIKing">{{TI|King}}, p. 444</ref>

*'''''Mithrandir''''': His [[Sindarin]] name ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim" or "Grey Wanderer", from ''[[mith]]'' ("grey") + ''[[randir]]'' ("pilgrim, wandering man").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 320</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S '''Mithrandir''', p. 60</ref>

*'''''Olórin''''': His original name in [[Valinor]]. It is [[Quenya]], and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind".<ref name="Istari" /><ref name="PE1788">{{PE|17}}, Q '''Olórin''' , p. 88</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Olórion''.<ref name="WR2V">{{WR|2|V}}, p. 153</ref>

*'''Stormcrow''': The name given to Gandalf by King [[Théoden]] in [[Rohan]], a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.<ref name="King" />

*'''''Tharkûn''''': The name given to Gandalf by the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="TT Window p. 670" /> ''Tharkûn'' is [[Khuzdul]], meaning either "Grey-man"<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry D '''Tharkûn''', p. 88</ref> or "Staff-man".<ref name="Istari" /> The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' ("staff") + a nominal ending ''-ûn''.<ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[https://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October]] [[2010]])</ref> In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Sharkûn''.<ref name="WR2V" />

*'''The White Rider''': The name given to him by Aragorn when he rides the great horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{TT|White}}, p. 500</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmermann]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in ''[[Mythlore]]'' [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="250" heights="150">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:Sagan om Ringen - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in ''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Gandalf the White.jpeg|Gandalf the White in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:David T. Wenzel - One Morning in the Shire.jpeg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
File:Lord of the Rings Adventure Game - Gandalf.jpeg|Gandalf in ''[[Lord of the Rings Adventure Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (video game) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (video game) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf Icon.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Gandalf's description.jpeg|Gandalf's description in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Gollum]]''
File:Tales of the Shire - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1967: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf is present at the [[Bilbo Baggins]]' [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|111th birthday party]] and dines with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry,]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. Later, Frodo recieves [[The One Ring|Bilbo's ring]] as a birthday present and asks Gandalf about its purpose, having previously seen Biblo disappear with it. Gandalf tells Frodo of the forging of 20 magical rings and asks whether there are any marks on Bilbo's. Gandalf throws it into the fireplace, which reveals [[Ring-inscription|text]] on the ring, confirming Gandalf's suspicion that Bilbo's ring is indeed [[The One Ring]]. He encourages Frodo to bring the ring to [[Rivendell]] and participate in the [[Council of Elrond]]. He was imprisoned by [[Saruman|Saruman the Whute]] on [[Orthanc|his highest tower]] and was able to escape by sending a message to the birds and being rescued by the [[Eagles|Eagle]] [[Gwahir]]. He flys to [[Rohan]] and is dropped off. Gandalf is given permission by [[Théoden|the king]] to take a horse for himself. When looking for one, he discovers a a majestic white horse, named [[Shadowfax]] by the [[Men]] of Rohan. Gandalf notes his beauty, speed and the fact that that no man had ever rode him. Gandalf tames him and rides him to the Shire. He narrowly misses the Hobbits who are in the [[Old Forest]]. Gandalf, unable to meet with the Frodo, and his Hobbit friends who agree to accompany him, at the ''[[Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]]'', writes Frodo a letter, confirming that the man known as Strider is called [[Aragorn]] and is a man to be trusted. Finally arriving at the Prancing Pony, he hears word that Frodo had set off and he spends the night. The next day, [[Bree]] is stormed by [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and Gandalf pursues them on Shadowfax to [[Weathertop]]. He arrives at Rivendell 3 days before Frodo. When Frodo arrives, he is comatosed by his encounter with the Black Riders. He greets Frodo when he recovers, 4 days after the Hobbit's arrival in Rivendell. He reunites with the Hobbits at the Council in Rivendell and tells the Council members of his journey. He agrees to join the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], which aims to bring the Ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it. The Fellowship sets off with Gandalf leading the group. They take one final look at the House of Elrond and depart.

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', p. 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A short description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

{{quote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:[[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.
'''2024: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The ''Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'']]'''

:[[Daniel Weyman]] plays "[[The Stranger]]," who is eventually revealed to be Gandalf in a moment of foresight after being called "Grand Elf" by a group of departing [[Stoors]].

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death was temporary.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met in several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conversation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conversation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the signs of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the signs of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears as well at the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mount Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deathmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honoured, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2025: ''[[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game]]'':'''
:At the beginning of the game, Gandalf rides in his cart and discovers the player [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], sleeping on a log. He wakes them and helps them up, giving them a ride in his cart to [[Bywater]]. He gives the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]]' map of Bywater and begins to depart. The Hobbit asks him his name and he tells them "[[An Unexpected Party|I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me.]]" before farewelling them and continuing on the road.
{{Notes}}
{{References}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Manwë]] & [[Varda]]
| born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saruman]]
| list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
| dates=[[5 March]], {{TA|3019}} - [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Position abolished
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after [[29 September]], {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]], {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}
{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Indis (word)

2026-04-22T16:43:31Z

Oberiko: Page created

'''indis''' is a word in [[Quenya]] which means "great or valiant woman",<ref>{{PM|Finwe}}</ref> but is also translated as "bride" or "wife".<ref>{{UT|Intro}}</ref>

It is most notably the name of [[Indis|Finwë's second wife]].

== Earlier words for bride / wife ==
Other words in the earlier lexicons, such as [[Qenya]], which mean "bride" or "wife":
* ''acairis''
** Acairis was another name for ''Erinti'', the character that became [[Ilmarë]]
* ''vestani''
* ''herivesti''

== See also ==
* ''Indis i·Ciryamo'': the Quenya translation of "[[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife|The Mariner’s Wife]]"
* ''[[Nessa]]'': also known as ''Indis'' in the earlier legendarium

{{references}}
{{title|lowercase}}

[[Category:Quenya nouns]]

Music of the Ainur

2026-04-21T15:31:40Z

Oberiko: /* Other versions of the legendarium */ Difference in the shifting countenance of Eru

{{disambig-more|Music of the Ainur|[[Ainulindalë (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Sources}}
{{History of Arda}}
[[File:Jef Murray - Music of the Ainur.jpg|250px|thumb|''Music of the Ainur'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
The '''Music of the Ainur''' was the great song of the [[Ainur]] that took place before [[Time]] began, from which [[Eä]], the material Universe, was created.

==History==
[[Eru Ilúvatar]] conceived the Ainur from his thought and taught each of them how to make music. At first the Ainur would only sing alone or in small groups while the others listened. The observance of their brethren singing taught each Ainu more about the others and the mind of [[Ilúvatar]]. Their "unity and harmony" thus increased, and eventually, Eru brought all the Ainur together and declared that they would play a song greater and more complex than they had ever sung before. He told them that they would be allowed to weave their own thoughts and ideas into this Music, since they had been kindled with the [[Flame Imperishable]] and thus had the power of creativity. The Ainur were so overwhelmed by Eru's description of this Music that they bowed before him in silence.

===The First Theme===
After Ilúvatar told them about the Music, the Ainur began to fashion it. Their voices, like the sound of harps and trumpets and choirs, passed "beyond hearing" into the depths and heights of sound. The great Music filled the [[Timeless Halls]] and passed beyond them even into the [[Void]], so that it "was not void". The Ainur's flawless Music satisfied even Ilúvatar during this early stage.
[[File:Alystraea - Ainulindale.jpg|thumb|left|''Ainulindale'' by [[:Category:Images by Alystraea|Alystraea]]]]
But soon, faults entered into the great Theme as a result of the discords of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], an Ainu whose thoughts had become strange and unlike those of his brethren due to his wanderings in the Void. Ilúvatar had given the Ainur permission to weave their own ideas into the Music, but Melkor's thoughts actually clashed against Eru's Themes, because Melkor wanted to "increase the power and glory of the part assigned to himself". Melkor's desire to bring into being creatures of his own with the Flame Imperishable and fill the emptiness of the Void put him at odds with Ilúvatar's vision. These discords of Melkor that became evident in his music dismayed those around him, and many faltered in their singing or else attuned their song to his.

The original harmony of the Music was thus consumed by a "sea of turbulent sound" until it became like a "raging storm". At that point, Eru responded by rising from his seat and raising his left hand. It seemed to the Ainur that he then smiled. After his reaction to the Music, a new Theme began amid the chaos.

===The Second Theme===
The Second Theme was "like and yet unlike" the First; it gathered new power and beauty. Soon, however, Melkor's discord rose up against it, and there was a "war of sound more violent than before", with [[Manwë]] taking the leadership of the Theme against the discord. This time, Melkor's Theme triumphed over that of the others; many of the Ainur stopped singing entirely out of dismay. Ilúvatar then rose from his seat again, his expression stern this time. He raised his right hand, and yet another Theme unfolded.

===The Third Theme===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|right|''Melkor weaves opposing Music'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The next Theme had a sound unlike the others before it. It began quietly amid the confusion of the Second Theme, and sounded like the rippling of soft and sweet notes. It gained power and depth over time, until two completely different songs were being made. One was filled with "immeasurable sorrow", which gave it tremendous beauty, while the other was a loud, pompous theme playing in violent opposition to it. Nevertheless, this repetitive theme could not overcome the sorrowful one, and the latter merely took the former's greatest notes and "[wove them] into its own solemn pattern". The strife between the two themes caused the dwelling of Ilúvatar and even the Void beyond it to shake. At this point, Eru stood once more and raised both his arms, "and in one chord, deeper than the [[Abyss]], higher than the firmament... the Music ceased".

===Aftermath===
Ilúvatar then spoke to the Ainur about the Music and the consequences that would arise from any attempts to bring discord into it, as Melkor had done. To show them the result of their actions, he led them into the Void and spoke, "''Behold your Music!''". The Ainur saw a [[Vision of Ilúvatar|Vision]] of what their song had created— "a [[Eä|World]] that was globed amid the Void... but was not of it". They saw the history of this World as it unfolded, and witnessed the part each had played in its making. Even the discords of Melkor contributed to the glory of this creation.

The Ainur were amazed when the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] came into this vision, for they were a part of Eru's plan that had not been revealed to them before the Music was played. The Children were sung into being by Ilúvatar during the Third Theme, and none of the Ainur had dared contribute to their making.

Ilúvatar suddenly took away the vision, and the Ainur did not get to see how it would end. Some say that they only saw the history of the Universe until the [[Dominion of Men]]. The abrupt ending of the vision caused restlessness among the Ainur, and Ilúvatar perceived that they wanted the vision to be given true being, so that—even despite the terrible flaws that had been introduced into it—the Universe would be as real as they themselves were.

Therefore Eru said, "''Eä! Let these things Be!''". He sent the Flame Imperishable into the Universe, and far off in the Void a light appeared—the beginning of the achievement of the Music of the Ainur.

==Legacy==
The Universe still operates according to the design declared in the Music, and the flaws within it come from the discords of Melkor, which have been part of it since its beginning. Nevertheless, Ilúvatar insisted that these faults would but bring forth new and greater things in the Music's achievement.

Eru allowed those of the Ainur who wished it to enter Eä and continue their work in fashioning it. Those who eventually came to [[Arda]] were (save for Melkor) later known as the [[Valar]].

Although all the Ainur participated and were present in the Song, by no means they knew all of it all the time; an individual Ainu might have not heeded parts of the Song. [[Manwë]] in his capacity as King of [[Arda]] had to reenter the Song and pay attention to details he did not notice before, and new revelations about the scope and the plan of Ilúvatar came forth.<ref>{{S|Aule}}</ref>

Perhaps the culmination of the good results of Melkor's discord will be the [[Second Music of the Ainur]], a song that will be even more profound than the first. In it, each singer will fully understand his part in the Music, and all the Themes of Ilúvatar will be played correctly. The Second Music will be given being as it is being sung, instead of only being made at the insistence of naïve creatures.

The Ainur declared that [[Men]] would all take part in the Second Music, but the role the [[Elves]] will have in it, if any, is unknown.

===The ''Ainulindalë''===
{{Main|Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)}}
When the [[Eldar]] lived in [[Aman]], the Valar told them the story of the Music. It was one of the first tales the Valar gave to the Elves after their arrival in Aman; the Elves' traditional belief is that [[Manwë]] himself told most of it to them. The Vala had to take upon himself the considerable task of translating the tale from [[Valarin|his own language]] to [[Quenya]] and, in addition, rendering it in a form the Children of Ilúvatar could understand—the image of the Ainur playing a great song, therefore, might be entirely metaphorical.

In the [[First Age]], the sage [[Rúmil (elf of Tirion)|Rúmil]] committed the tale to writing, calling it the ''[[Ainulindalë (Rúmil's work)|Ainulindalë]]''. The [[Noldor]] took the story, or at least the memory of it, with them when they went to [[Middle-earth]], and passed it on to the [[Edain]]. It was preserved in [[Rivendell]] and probably [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], and presumably became a part of [[Bilbo Baggins]]' work ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]'' at the end of the [[Third Age]].

==Etymology==
:''See [[Ainulindalë#Etymology]]''
The [[Quenya]] word for this event, ''Ainulindalë'', comes from ''Ainu'' (the singular form of ''Ainur''), and ''lindalë'' ("music"), from the verb ''[[lind]]-'' ("to sing") and the nominalizing suffix ''[[-lë]]''.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The Music of the Ainur appears even in the very earliest stories of the [[legendarium]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]]''. Despite the tremendous change that many of the tales of Arda underwent during [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s lifetime, the depiction of the Music remained much the same—even its Quenya name was not altered.

In earlier versions, however, the story of the vision of the Music does not appear, and Ilúvatar is a much less mysterious figure. In the ''Book of Lost Tales'' story, his motives are made clearer and he speaks more to the Ainur, especially about the ways in which Melkor's discords will be used for good. This version thus contains more theodicy than the final one printed in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', in which Eru offers only vague warnings to Melkor about his deeds and does little more than hint about how the good things arising from his discords will come to pass.

Among the differences are the reactions of Eru during the Music. In Book of Lost Tales, when he introduces the Second Theme he ''"smile(d) sadly"'', and with the Third Theme he ''"no longer smiled but wept"''. In the later versions, when introducing the Second Theme ''"the Ainur perceived that he smiled"'', but for the Third Theme ''"the Ainur perceived that his countenance was stern"''.

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
=== Television ===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''2 September: ''[[Adrift]]'':'''
::The opening title sequence of episodes two through eight was loosely based upon the ''[[Ainulindalë]]''.<ref>https://screenrant.com/lotr-rings-of-power-opening-credits-explained/</ref>
:'''13 October: ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::When [[Galadriel]] asks [[Halbrand]] to tell her his true name, he refers to the ''Ainulindalë'' upon revealing that he has "''been awake since before the '''breaking of the first silence'''''" and he has had many names since then, including [[Sauron]] and Halbrand.

== See also ==
* ''[[Ainulindalë]]'', the first part of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]]
* [[Flame Imperishable]]
* [[:Category:Images of Music of the Ainur|Images of the Music of the Ainur]]

{{references}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Events]]

Nienna

2026-04-11T15:06:16Z

Oberiko: Better quote; Nienna's role in the Music

{{Short description|Lady of Pity and Mourning}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Nienna
| image=Aerankai - Nienna.png
| caption="Nienna" by [[:Category:Images by Aerankai|Aerankai]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=Lady of pity and mourning
| location=[[Halls of Nienna]]
| affiliation=Close to [[Olórin]]
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Mandos]], [[Irmo]]
| spouse=
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Grey hood
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|For it is said that even in [[Music of the Ainur|the Music]] Nienna took little part, but listened intent to all that she heard. Therefore she was rich in memory, and farsighted, perceiving how the themes should unfold in the Tale of Arda. But she had little mirth, and all her love was mingled with pity, grieving for the harms of the world and for the things that failed of fulfilment. So great was her ruth, it is said, that she could not endure to the end of the Music. Therefore she has not the hope of [[Manwë]]. He is more farseeing; but Pity is the heart of Nienna.|''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', "[[The Annals of Aman]]}}

'''Nienna''' was a Queen of the [[Valar]], the sister of [[Mandos]] and [[Irmo]], acquainted with grief and sorrow but also pity and courage.

==Attributes==
The sister of the [[Fëanturi]], she is ranked as one of the eight [[Aratar]], the most powerful of the Valar. Her element is grief and she is ever mourning for the wounds of the world by evil. Those who listen to her learn wisdom and endurance in grief.<ref name="SIIb">{{S|IIb}}</ref>

Her [[Halls of Nienna|halls]] are in the distant west, close to the [[Halls of Mandos]], but on the western borders of the World, and her windows look outward from the [[Walls of the World]]. She dwells alone and rarely travels to the joyful city of [[Valmar]]. She goes more often to the halls of her brother [[Mandos]] to comfort and counsel those in the [[Halls of Waiting]] who cry to her.<ref name="SIIb" />

All that is known about her appearance is that she wears a grey hood.<ref name="S9">{{S|9}}: "cast back her grey hood"</ref>

==History==
Her part in the [[Music of the Ainur]] was one of deep sadness, and from this grief entered the world in its beginning.<ref name="SIIb" /> It was said that her ruth was so great by the discord of Melkor during the Music that she could not endure until it's end.<ref>{{MR|P2c}}</ref>

The [[Maiar|Maia]] [[Gandalf#Names|Olórin]], who was later to travel to [[Middle-earth]] as [[Gandalf]], learned much from her.<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref>

Nienna played a part in the making of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]; she wept on the mound of [[Ezellohar]], watering it with her tears.<ref>{{S|1}}</ref> After the destruction of the Trees by [[Morgoth|Melkor]], she once again wept on their wounded remains, cleansing the filth of [[Ungoliant]], and helping to bring forth the last fruit and flower that were to become the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]].<ref name="S9" />

The pity of Nienna is most clearly seen in her support for Melkor when he sued for the pardon of the Valar. Though she spent her time in the world mourning for the destruction he wrought in Arda, when he sued for release after his three ages of Captivity, Nienna spoke on his part.<ref>{{S|6}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Nienna'' is a [[Quenya]] name which contains the word ''nie'' ("tear").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "NEI"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN=[[Mandos]]|NIE='''NIENNA'''|IRM=[[Irmo]]|EST=[[Estë]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', some early names of Nienna were:
*'''''Nyenna''''' <ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>
*'''''Fui''''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "Night"), though this is more correctly the name of [[Halls of Nienna#Other versions of the legendarium|her dwelling]].
*'''''Heskil''''' ([[Qenya]]: "Winter One")<ref name="LT1" />
*'''''Núri''''' ([[Qenya]]: "Sighing One")<ref name="LT1" />
*'''''Qalmë-Tári''''' ([[Qenya]]: "Mistress of Death")<ref name="LT1">{{LT1|III}}, p. 66</ref>

The importance of Nienna increased along the development of the Legendarium, and even in ''[[The Annals of Aman]]'', she is referred to as the sister of [[Manwë]] and [[Melkor]].<ref>{{AA|3}}</ref>

{{References}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Aratar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]

[[de:Nienna]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/nienna]]
[[fi:Nienna]]

Lēle

2026-04-10T13:04:40Z

Oberiko: Page created

'''Lēle''' is a [[Quenya]] word meaning "to will with conscious purpose, immediate or remote".<ref name="nm">{{NM|Note}}, ''XI Fate and Free Will'', note 5</ref>

One of it's verbal form is ''lelya'', which means "go, proceed (in any direction), travel", with a past tense of ''lende''.<ref name="wj">{{WJ|B}}</ref> Another verbal form is ''lelinye''.<ref name="nm" />

It is distinct from "to be willing, to assent, consent, agree". For example, though a man could say “I agree, I will” to some proposition of another, it may or may not align with his own purpose or design.<ref name="nm" />

==Etymology==
It is derived from the [[Primitive Quendian]] [[root]] '''[[DEL]]''' meaning “walk, go, proceed, travel”.<ref name="wj">{{WJ|B}}</ref>

In Quenya there was an early change in of initial '''d''' > '''l''' which was regular in both [[Vanyarin]] and [[Ñoldorin]] dialects. Further, '''*del-''' seems to have become '''*led''', by dissimilation. The past form clearly shows "*led", while ''lelya'' may also be derived from ''*ledja'', since '''dj''' became '''ly''' medially in Quenya.<ref name="wj">{{WJ|B}}</ref>

{{references}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]

Indo

2026-04-10T12:33:00Z

Oberiko: link for lele

'''Indo''' is a polysemous word (one lexeme with multiple related senses) in [[Quenya]]. It is similar to the English word "will" and carried similar meanings to "free will", "willpower", "intention", "purpose" and so on.

In one sense, indo referred to as the "innermost self" of a rational creature (i.e. [[Ainur]] and [[Incarnate]]s) and was taken as referring to the centre of “reason”. This could be translated as "heart" in the metaphorical sense,<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|155}} though the more direct Quenya word for metaphorical heart was ''[[hondo]]'' which itself was probably influenced by ''*indō''.<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

In another sense, indo referred to the purposing faculty of the [[fëa]]r of rational beings;<ref name="pe22">{{PE|22}}</ref> their "free will" encompassing decisions and efforts directed towards a fully aware purpose. For example, if an individual set out on a journey with a specific intent, that would be be considered an exercise of their free will; the specific path taken (such as avoiding a marsh or how they crossed a stream) was considered intuitive or half-conscious, as that of an [[kelvar|irrational animal]].<ref name="fate">{{NM|Fate}}</ref> It was through this free will that a rational being was able to use, or not use, the "chances" that were presented to them by ''[[umbar (word)|umbar]]'' ("fate").<ref name="fate" /> Other Quenya words which share this meaning are ''[[lēle]]''<ref name="fate" /> and ''níra''.

In a related sense, indo was also used to refer to "resolve": the fully conscious purpose to an accomplishment of which a rational being could apply itself with vigour of mind and body.<ref name="pe22" /> In this regard, after ''[[sanwë]]'' (thought), and ''nāmie'' (a judgment or desire), indo was the determination to carry through the subsequent actions.<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> More specifically, this sense of indo could be referred to by the derived term ''indonen''.<ref name="pe22" />

In a similar sense, it further referred to the movement or activity of the fëar, and could be exhibited in the character, mood, or personality of a being. This sense could be more specifically referred to by the derived term ''indóme''.<ref name="pe22" />

Indo also included one's state-of-mind, or mood. The natural, or simple, state was "openness" (as in receptive to the minds of others) when not otherwise occupied with thinking or being turned towards Eru.<ref name="osanwe">{{NM|Osanwe}}</ref>

While indo could be used as a synecdoche for the "mind" as a whole,<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}} it was distinct from ''[[sanar]]'' (the faculty of "thought"), and ''[[órë]]'' (the faculty of "moral impulse" or "premonition").<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> Like sanar and órë, indo was considered a faculty of the [[fëa]], rather than of the [[hröa]].<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|189}}

==Etymology==
''Indo'' may have derived from the [[Primitive Quendian]] word '''inidō''',<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}} a compound of ''IN'' ("mind", "inner self") + ''[[NID]]'' ("force", "thrust", "pressure" (in a given direction)) + ''-ō'' (genitive suffix).

It may also have derived from ''*im-do'' ("self, innermost being"; taken as referring to the centre of 'reason').<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

==Derivations==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|+Derivations
!Word!!Meaning!!Affix
|-
|''indóme''||Settled character; also used for the "will" of Eru<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}||''-më'' (abstract noun)
|-
|''indonen''||"By the will"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indor''||Wills<ref>{{NM|Spirit}}</ref><ref group=note>[[Carl F. Hostetter]] translated ''indor'' as "hearts"</ref>||''-r'' (plural)
|-
|''indu-''||Verbal form of indo<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||[https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3198538799.html u-verb]
|-
|''induinen''||Purpose<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}; in the sense of "by the act of willing"||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indune''<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||willed / purposed||''-ne'' (past tense)
|-
|''indunenyes''||"I willed it", "I did it on purpose"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-ne'' (past tense); ''-n(ye)'' "I"; ''-s'' (object suffix singular)
|}

== Related words ==
The basic stem NID remained in Quenya and was represented by the word ''nír'' which held the same meaning as NID of press, thrust, or force—all in a given direction.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

While indo was applied specifically to applications of mind or will of rational beings, nír could be used for any application of force, including by mind, will, or physical means, and could be applied to any subject, including inanimates.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

== Cognates ==
As NID and indo had significantly different developments in [[Sindarin]] and [[Telerin]], there is no direct equivalent to the Quenya "indo". See the [[NID]] article for details.

==Other versions==
===History===
In [[Qenya]], the word ''indo'' originally had nothing to do with "mind", and meant "house".<ref>{{HM|LT1}} p.343</ref>

The meaning next shifted to "heart, mood", being derived from ''IN'' ("mind") + ''ID'' ("heart, desire, wish").<ref>{{LR|P3}}</ref>

With the introduction of ''órë'' ("heart (inner mind)"), ''indo'' took the broader role of "mind" through emendations from ''īn'' > ''inno'' > ''indo''.<ref>{{MR|P3II3a}}</ref>

It then became a synecdoche with the definition of "mind, region/range of thought, mood"; i.e. used either for "mind" as a whole, or for the specific faculties ''of'' the mind such as "thought" and "mood".<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}

With the introduction of the ''sanar'', which itself became a synecdoche of both "mind" and the mind's faculty of thought, ''indo'' narrowed to "will" (as in resolve or determination), or the internal driving force; it was then given the etymology based on NID.

===Lēle===
In a note dated c. 1968, Tolkien considered using ''lēle'' as a Quenya word representing "will". It was defined as "to will with conscious purpose, immediate or remote" and possibly derived from the [[Sundocarme|root]] ''*[[DEL]]'',<ref name="fate" /> which meant "walk, go, proceed".<ref>{{WJ|B}}</ref> The verbal forms were ''lelya'' (''lelinye'').

However, at some point between Jan. 12 1968 and Oct. 9 1969, Tolkien returned to the use of "indo" to represent the concept of will.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|144}}

== Similar concept in real world ==
In [[Old Norse]], the word '''''hugr''''' has a similar polysemous meaning, encompassing "mind", "will", "heart (courage)", "thought", "understanding", "reason", "desire" and more.<ref>[https://old-icelandic.vercel.app/word/hugr Old Icelandic Dictionary] - entry for "Hugr"</ref>

{{references|note}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[Category:Metaphysics]]

Ermenië

2026-04-05T12:00:12Z

Oberiko: /* See also */

'''Ermenië''' is a [[Quenya]] term meaning '''prime proceeding'''. Among other renderings, it is termed the "one beginning",<ref name=reincarnation>{{NM|Reincarnation}}</ref> or the "Prime Impulse".<ref name=impulse>{{NM|Impulse}}</ref>

A view held by some was that Ermenië referred to the start of life ''within'' the Tale of [[Arda]].<ref name=reincarnation /> In this view, the matters of [[Eä]] proceeded from a single [[Erma]] ("Prime matter") which was shaped into [[nassi]] ("forms", in this case, as "materials").<ref name=impulse/> Ermenië, the start of life, was then introduced, and it the unfolding of it was [[Ercantië]] (the "Prime Pattern"). Eventually, by catastrophe or simply the cessation of the impulse in living things to generate, Ercantië would complete and thus end. Following this, nassi would be reduced to Erma, and the Tale would end as it began.<ref name=impulse/>

However, another view, held to be more true to lore received from the [[Valar]] and experienced history, was that Ermenië referred to the ''uttermost'' beginning, before Eä was even realized. In this view Ermenië referred to the first Theme which [[Eru]] taught to the [[Ainur]], which they then cooperatively elaborated on during the [[Ainulindalë]]. In this view, there was no single Prime Pattern of life (Ercantië), but a great number of early ''Major'' Patterns ([[Arcantië|Arcantiër]]).<ref name=impulse />

The potential catastrophe in which all living things perished was thought to be a possible outcome achievable by [[Melkor]]. This might be brought about in the event of him making a last attempt to achieve mastery or revenge of destruction.<ref name=impulse />{{rp|note 8}}

==Etymology==
''Ermenië'' is a compound of '''[[Er]]''' ("one", "single", "prime"; when capitalized is a reference to Eru<ref>https://www.elvish.org/Tengwestie/articles/DeRosarioMartinez/natureofmiddleearthreview.pdf</ref>) and ''*[[mēnie]]'' ("determination", "impulse", "device")

It is variously rendered as the '''Prime Impulse''',<ref name=impulse /> the '''Device of Eru''',<ref name=impulse /> the '''Theme of Eru''',<ref name=impulse /> and the '''one beginning'''.<ref name=reincarnation />

== See also ==
* ''[[Ambarmenië]]'': "Way of the world"<ref>{{NM|Fate}}</ref>

== Analogies in philosophy==
[[Carl F. Hostetter]] notes that Ermenië "bears a striking resemblance to the ''Primum Mobile'' '[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmoved_mover Prime Mover]' or 'First Cause' of Aristotelian metaphysics".<ref>https://www.elvish.org/Tengwestie/articles/Hostetter/elvishreincarnationgloss.phtml</ref>

{{references}}

[[Category:Metaphysics]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]

Aglareb

2026-04-04T18:43:17Z

Oberiko:

'''''aglareb''''' is [[Sindarin]] for "glorious, brilliant". The word contains the element ''[[aglar]]'' ("glory").<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 24</ref><ref>{{S|Appendix}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Dagor Aglareb]]

{{references}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Sindarin adjectives]]

Trolls

2026-04-04T18:38:04Z

Oberiko: /* Later legendarium */ More detail

{{race infobox
| name=Trolls
| image = J.R.R. Tolkien - The Three Trolls are turned to Stone (Colored by H.E. Riddett).jpg
| caption="The Three Trolls are turned to Stone" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] (coloured by [[H.E. Riddett]])
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[torog]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]]; singular) ''[[olog]]'' ([[Black Speech|BS]]; singular)
| origin=Devised or corrupted by [[Morgoth]] in the [[First Age]] (believed by [[Treebeard]] to be "made in mockery" of [[Ents]])
| location=[[Beleriand]] Southern [[Mirkwood]] [[Mordor]] [[Ettenmoors]] [[Trollshaws]] [[Moria]]
| affiliation=Originally [[Morgoth]]; later [[Sauron]]
| rivalry=[[Ents]]
| language=[[Black Speech]] ([[Olog-hai]]) Debased form of [[Westron]]
| people=''[[#Types of Trolls|See below]]''
| members=[[William Huggins]] [[Tom]] [[Bert]]
| lifespan=Unknown
| distinctions=Strong beasts with limited intellect
| height=Large; some being at least twelve feet tall (3.66 meters and above)<ref name=feet/>
| hair=
| skin=Dark, with greenish scales
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
'''Trolls''' were a race of large humanoid creatures of limited intellect. They were strong and vicious, but some of them could not endure [[sun]]light and turned to stone when exposed to it, which rendered them permanently lifeless.<ref name="Flight">{{FR|Flight}}, pp. 205-6</ref>

==History==
===First Age===
====Origins====
[[Morgoth]] devised or corrupted Trolls during the [[First Age]] ("''twilight of the [[Elder Days]]''").<ref name="Appendix">{{App|Other}}, p. 1132</ref> Their exact origins are unknown, though Treebeard believed that Trolls were made by the [[Dark Lord]] "''in mockery of [[Ents]]''", similar to the belief that [[Orcs]] were a twisted parody of the [[Elves]].<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}, p. 486</ref><ref group="note">J.R.R. Tolkien pointed out in a [[Letter 153|letter]] to Peter Hastings that Treebeard did not say that the Dark Lord "created" Trolls, he merely said that he "made" them in counterfeit of pre-existing creatures.</ref> Whatever their exact origins were, Trolls were dull and lumpish, and at least in their beginning, were as inarticulate as animals.<ref name="Appendix" />

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
[[File:Joel Kilpatrick - Troll guard.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Troll guard'' by [[:Category:Images by Joel Kilpatrick|Joel Kilpatrick]]]]
The participation of Trolls in the [[Wars of Beleriand|War of the Jewels]] was not recorded in the tales of the Elder Days until {{FA|472}},<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 472, §240, pp. 76-7</ref> when the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad|Battle of Unnumbered Tears]] took place.

The hosts of [[Angband]] attacked and killed all of the rearguard of the brothers [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]] and the remnant of the [[Edain|Men]] of the [[House of Hador]] from [[Dor-lómin]] except Húrin at the river [[Rivil]].

When Húrin was the last man standing, he threw away his shield and gripped his axe with both hands. A [[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|song]] tells that his axe smoked in the black blood of the Troll-guard of [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], the Lord of [[Balrogs]] and the High-captain of Angband until at last he was taken alive by Orcs by Morgoth's command, being bound by Gothmog and dragged to Angband.<ref name="Fifth" />

===Second and Third Ages===
Later on, [[Sauron]] taught them the little that they were able to learn and increased their intelligence with wickedness. As a consequence, the Trolls learned as much language as they could from the [[Orcs]]. In the Westlands Stone-trolls spoke a debased form of Westron. The Olog-hai only spoke the [[Black Speech]] of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="Appendix" />

Since days before memory Trolls settled in the north of the [[Misty Mountains]], in particular near the [[Ettenmoors]]. The realm of [[Angmar]] was founded in their area, and while it lasted (c. {{TA|1300}} – {{TA|1975|n}}) the Trolls' numbers increased, as did their wickedness. After the fall of Angmar, the Trolls retreated to the east of the Misty Mountains, but 300 years before the [[War of the Ring]] they returned to [[Eriador]]. They managed to make dens in the hills as far west as the [[North Downs]] despite the efforts of the [[Rangers of the North]] to watch the area.

In the time of [[Arador]], the 14th [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]], a band of Trolls threatened his house in the woods near the river [[Hoarwell]] north of the [[Trollshaws]].<ref>{{NM|P3xvii}}, note 12, p. 366</ref> In {{TA|2930}}<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2930, p. 1089</ref> hill-trolls captured Arador in the north of Rivendell and killed him.<ref>{{App|Tale}}, fourth paragraph, p. 1057</ref>

In the [[Third Age]], Sauron bred a new race of Trolls, which were called ''[[Olog-hai]]'' in the Black Speech. In contrast to the older race of Trolls from the First Age the Olog-hai could bear exposure to sunlight as long as they were controlled by the will of Sauron. They were cunning, strong, agile, fierce, harder than stone and spoke little. The Olog-hai were first seen at the end of the Third Age in southern [[Mirkwood]] and in the mountain borders of [[Mordor]].<ref name="Appendix" />

====The Quest for Erebor====
[[File:Justin Gerard - Bilbo and the Three Trolls.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Bilbo and the Three Trolls'' by [[Justin Gerard]]]]
In {{TA|2941}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2941, p. 1089</ref> [[Thorin and Company]] encountered [[Bert]], [[Tom]] and [[William|Bill]], three Trolls who had come down from the mountains and eaten a number of [[Men]] equivalent to village and a half, who probably stopped there on their way through the area, as well as sheep.

The trolls captured [[Bilbo]] and the [[Dwarves]], but [[Gandalf]] returned in time to keep the trolls go on arguing how to cook the Dwarves by impersonating the voices of the Trolls from a place of hiding until the first lights of the morning sun came over the hill and turned the trolls to stone. Afterwards Thorin and Company discovered the cave of the trolls and took the swords [[Glamdring]] and [[Orcrist]], the knife [[Sting]], gold coins and food from the cave.<ref name="Mutton" />

It is not known how the trolls had gotten the sword, but [[Elrond]] guessed that the Trolls had robbed other robbers or had found them in a hold in the mountains as remnants of old robberies.<ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

====The War of the Ring====
When the fiftieth birthday of [[Frodo Baggins]] was getting near, probably early in the year {{TA|3018}}<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, April 12, p. 1090</ref> rumors had reached [[the Shire]] that Trolls were abroad, more cunning than normal and armed with dreadful weapons.<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 44</ref> By {{TA|3018}} when [[Aragorn]] and the [[Hobbits]] were attacked on [[Weathertop]]<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, October 6, p. 1092</ref> the land east of Weathertop was uninhabited and had been deserted, because Trolls sometimes came down from the northern valleys of the Misty Mountains.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}, p. 190</ref> At that time Trolls still lived in the [[Ettendales]],<ref>{{FR|Flight}}, p. 203</ref> the valleys of the Ettenmoors, which ran up to the foothills of the Misty Mountains far north of [[Rivendell]].<ref>{{HM|UI}}, entry ''Ettendales'', . 188</ref>

On 18 October {{TA|3018}}, Aragorn and the Hobbits found a path in the [[Trollshaws]], which had probably been made by the three Trolls, followed it and discovered that it led to the cave of the trolls and then on to the clearing in the woods not far below the cave where the three trolls that had been turned to stone still stood.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}, pp. 204-5</ref>
[[File:Jan Pospíšil - Troll slayer.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Troll slayer'' by [[Jan Pospíšil]]]]
On 15 January {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{FR|Journey}}, p. 318</ref><ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, January 15, p. 1092</ref> the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] was attacked in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] by a cave-troll and Orcs. When [[Boromir]] hewed at the arm of the troll which came through a gap in the door with his sword, his sword was notched, glanced aside and fell from his hand. However the troll retreated when Frodo stabbed it in the foot with his sword [[Sting]].<ref name="Bridge" />

In the early hours of 15 March {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 15, pp. 1093-4</ref> in the [[Siege of Gondor|siege of Minas Tirith]] mountain-trolls walked behind the great hundred-foot long battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] to the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] and swung Grond four times against the gate until the gate broke.<ref name="Siege" />

On 25 March {{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 25, p. 1094</ref> at the beginning of the [[Battle of the Morannon]] the [[Army of the West]] consisting of forces of [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]] was attacked on the [[Slag-hills]] before the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor by a great company of hill-trolls from [[Gorgoroth]] with huge round bucklers and heavy hammers. Pippin managed to fell the chief of the Trolls by stabbing him with his [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] when the troll tried to bite the throat of [[Beregond]] who had fallen down after having been stunned by the monster.<ref name="Gate" />

===Legacy===
[[File:Matěj Čadil - Troll sat alone on his seat of stone.jpg|thumb|left|180px|''Troll sat alone on his seat of stone'' by [[Matěj Čadil]]]]
[[File:Amani Warrington - A Lonely Troll.jpg|thumb|right|180px|''A Lonely Troll'' by [[:Category:Images by Amani Warrington|Amani Warrington]]]]

While it is unknown what happened to Trolls after the [[Downfall of Barad-dûr]], the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] [[Samwise Gamgee]] composed two poems that had Trolls in them.<ref name="Face">{{AB|Preface}}</ref> The first one, called ''[[The Stone Troll]]'',<ref>{{AB|7}}</ref> was recited by [[Samwise Gamgee]] to [[Aragorn]], [[Frodo]], [[Merry]], and [[Pippin]] during their stay near the [[Troll Ridge]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Chronology of The Lord of the Rings]], p. 38</ref><ref>{{FR|Flight}}, pp. 206-8</ref> The second poem, called ''[[Perry-the-Winkle]]'', also composed by Sam,<ref name="Face" /> featured a [[Lonely Troll]] as one of the main characters. However, unlike other trolls, the Lonely Troll was friendly and good-natured.<ref>{{AB|8}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
{{quote|Yes, I am afraid trolls do behave like that, even those with only one head each.|[[Roast Mutton]]}}
Trolls were taller and broader than men<ref name="Gate">{{RK|Gate}}, p. 892</ref> with a height of twelve feet or more.<ref name="feet">{{TT|Road}}, p. 549</ref> They had dark skin with greenish scales, large flat toeless feet<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}, pp. 324-5</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, mentioning the illustration title The Trolls that J.R.R. Tolkien drew for The Hobbit, p. 293</ref> and knotted hands with claws.<ref name="Gate" /> Their blood was black.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref><ref name="Bridge" /><ref name="Gate" />

Some Trolls might have had more than one head, which is fleetingly suggested in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', commenting on [[William]] wiping his lips on his sleeve.<ref>{{H|2}}</ref> If this statement was not merely a way of speaking, perhaps there were indeed Trolls in [[Middle-earth]] that, unlike the [[Stone-trolls]], had more than one head and behaved even worse.

Regular Trolls turned back to stone from which they had been created when exposed to the sunlight,<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> but the Troll race called Olog-hai that appeared at the end of the [[Third Age]] could tolerate sunglight as long as they were controlled by the will of [[Sauron]].<ref name="Appendix" />

Trolls lived in different terrains and were known as cave-trolls,<ref name="Bridge" /> hill-trolls<ref name="Gate" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}, p. 1057</ref> or mountain-trolls.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 828-9</ref> They did not build buildings,<ref>{{FR|Flight}}, p. 201</ref> and slept in caves or holes.<ref name="Flight" /> It is possible that the term Stone-trolls<ref name="Appendix" /> was used for regular trolls who turned back to stone when exposed to the sunlight.<ref name="L153">{{L|153}}</ref><ref group="note">This is also suggested by the use of the term Stone-trolls before the paragraph about the Olog-hai, which could endure sunlight.</ref>

===Potential types of Trolls===
*[[Cave-trolls]]
*[[Half-trolls]]
*[[Hill-trolls]]
*[[Mountain-trolls]]
*[[Olog-hai]]
*[[Stone-trolls]]
*[[Snow-trolls]]<ref name="Eorl">{{App|Eorl}}, entry for king Helm, p. 1066</ref>

==Other names==
The [[Sindarin]] word for a "troll" is ''[[torog]]''.<ref name="Appendix" /> The [[Black Speech]] equivalent is ''[[olog]]''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Urukhai''' and entry B '''Ologhai''', p. 136</ref>

The name ''[[Rhudaur]]'' is translated by Tolkien as "Troll shaw", with ''[[rhû]]'' translated as "evil, wicked".<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S '''Rhudaur''' and entry S ''rhû'', p. 115</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Early legendarium===
In an early chart of different creatures, Trolls are given the [[Qenya]] name ''maulir''. [[Patrick H. Wynne]] and [[Christopher Gilson]] have suggested that ''maulir'' is possibly related to Qenya ''maule'' ("crying, weeping"), thus perhaps "referring to cries made by these monsters or to the weeping of their victims".<ref>{{PE|14}}, pp. 7, 9</ref>

In the ''[[Lay_of_Leithian_Canto_XIII|Lay of Leithian Canto XIII (Beren and Lúthien in Angband)]]'', as [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] descend into the depths of Angband, among other horrors "huge shapes there stood like carven trolls enormous hewn of blasted rock to forms that mortal likeness mock; monstrous and menacing, entombed, at every turn they silent loomed in fitful glares that leaped and died."<ref>{{LB|C13}}</ref>

===Later legendarium===
In the drafts of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien considered trolls to be living stones that were possessed by the spirits of [[Orcs|goblins]].<ref>{{TI|Treebeard}}, p. 411</ref>

In an earlier version of what would become the [[Appendix F]] it was also mentioned that the evil Power had crossed their breed with that of larger Orcs.<ref>{{PM|II}}, text F2 §17, p. 17</ref>

In an unpublished note on the origin of the Orcs without any indication of the date when the note was written, Tolkien stated that the Elves would have considered the Trolls to be Orcs in character and origin, though they were larger and slower, and that it would seem evident they were corruptions of primitive human types.<ref>{{MR|P5IX}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[Wikipedia:Trolls|Trolls]] were originally a part of the [[Norse mythology]] (as a negative synonym for ''jötunn'', "[[giants]]") and [[Wikipedia:Scandinavian folklore|Scandinavian folklore]] (as ugly, large creatures of remote wildlife areas). [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] used elements of old barbarous mythmaking that Trolls returned to stone when they were not in the dark.<ref name="L153" />

Helen Buckhurst, a friend and colleague of J.R.R. Tolkien presented a paper titled ''Icelandic Folklore'' in [[1926]] in which she stated that Icelandic Trolls in the Sagas and in more recent tales were huge, mishappen and ugly creatures who generally lived in caves in the mountains, were almost always evil, often raided outlying farms at night to take sheep, horses, children, men and women and ate them in their homes in the mountains. She also mentioned that some kinds of Trolls must stay in caves during the day, because the light of the sun turns them to stone.<ref>{{HM|AH}}, p. 80</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 189</ref>

Commenting on the possibility of Trolls having more than one head, [[John D. Rateliff]] has noted that trolls "with multiple heads appear in many stories", especially pointing to [[Wikipedia:George Webbe Dasent|George Webbe Dasent]]'s "[[Wikipedia:Soria Moria Castle|Soria Moria Castle]]".<ref>{{HH|Trolls}}, p. 99 (note 9)</ref> [[C.S. Lewis]] mentioned the [https://narnia.fandom.com/wiki/Ettins Ettins] of [https://narnia.fandom.com/wiki/Ettinsmoor Ettinsmoor] in [[Narnia]], some of which have two heads.<ref>[https://narnia.fandom.com/wiki/Giants#Ettins Ettins] in [https://narnia.fandom.com Narnia Wiki]</ref> In many later fantasy settings, but also some adaptations of [[Middle-earth]], there are two-headed monsters, which usually are called "[[etten]]s" (q.v.).

==Other fiction==
In ''[[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl and Sir Orfeo|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight]]'' there are mentions of the "wood-trolls" (translated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] from the [[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (poem)|manuscript]] word ''[[wodwo]]s'').<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 555</ref> The latter word is related to the [[Woses]].{{fact}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Trolls in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="165px" heights="140px">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Groan.png|A "Groan" in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Trolls.png|[[William]], [[Tom]] and [[Bert]] in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Cave-troll.jpg|A cave-troll in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Troll.jpg|A troll in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Bert, Bill and Tom.jpg|[[William]], [[Tom]] and [[Bert]] in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Concept art Troll.jpg|Concept art of a '''troll''' for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
File:Stephen King - Two-headed Troll.jpg|[[Stephen King]] - ''"Two-headed" Troll'', card art for [[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]].
</gallery>

===Films===
'''[[1967]]: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:The three Trolls' position in the narrative was taken by two creatures called "Groans".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Gene Deitch]]|articleurl=http://genedeitchcredits.com/roll-the-credits/40-william-l-snyder/#comment-5311|articlename=Comment 5311|dated=25-July-2012|website=[http://genedeitchcredits.com/ genedeitchcredits]|accessed=17-October-2012}}</ref> They had wooden, bark-like skin, and, instead of stone, turned into dead trees when exposed to sunlight.

'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The troll that attempts to enter Balin's Tomb is depicted as a shadowy creature with dark green fur. Unlike in the novel, its feet have toes. It is the only troll seen in the film.

===Games===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:An individual monster called Skessa, a cross-breed between a troll and [[giants|giant]], has two heads.<ref>{{ICE|2016}}</ref>

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:"'Two-headed' Troll" is a Warrior Ally for evil players.

'''1998-2004: ''[[Middle-earth Online]]'':'''
:''[[Ettins]]'', a race of two-headed trolls, was intended to be included in the game.<ref>[http://my.lotro.com/user-875952/page/3/ Roundup 12.1] (02-09-2004) at [http://my.lotro.com My.lotro.com] (accessed 16 November 2010)</ref>

'''2002-5: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]'':'''
:''Ettens'' resemble the [[Hill-trolls]], but they possess "''not one but two long heads''". The solitary creatures, a result of an ancient experiment by Morgoth, live almost exclusively in the Ettenmoors.<ref>{{D|Fell}}</ref>

'''[[2002]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Like in the film adaptation of ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', a Cave-troll serves as the boss of the "Balin's Tomb" level. A pair of Cave-trolls also serve as the bosses of the "Hornburg Courtyard" level. Also unique to this game are a new breed of troll known as "Forest-trolls", which appear in several levels including "Fangorn Forest" and "Breached Wall".

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In addition to the three Stone-trolls from the book, a Cave-troll was intended to appear during the "Over Hill and Under Hill" level in the PC and console versions, where it would have served as the level's boss. Even though the encounter was cut from the final version of the game, Bilbo still mentions the troll to Gandalf when he reunites with [[Thorin and Company]], and [[Kili]] informs Bilbo that Trolls are known to live in the Misty Mountains, and hopes Bilbo didn't encounter any while he was separated.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Over Hill and Under Hill"</ref>
:Third-party trainer programs for the PC version allow the boss battle to be reintegrated into the game. Like the three Stone-trolls, the Cave-troll would have been capable of speaking [[Westron]], as shown during its introductory cutscene where it complains about having a toothache. Defeating it would have yielded the Troll Key which, in the final version of the game, instead lays on the floor for Bilbo to take without having to kill any of the creatures that guard it.

'''[[2004]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Trolls are a playable unit in the game. You can play as either a mountain troll or drummer troll. When the mountain troll levels up, it receives armor. Their designs are based off of the Peter Jackson film series.

'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Trolls are a playable unit like in the previous game. In the expansion, [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king]] additional units of trolls can be played called the snow trolls and hill trolls. The campaign features a named troll called Rhogash which helps the Witch-king lead his assaults on Arnor.

'''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Compared to other enemies, Trolls are much stronger. Trolls first appear in [[Fornost]], where one traps [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Outer Wards''</ref> Another troll appears at the end of the level, where Eradan, Andriel and Farin have to protect [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. When this troll is killed, the player is able to enter the Citadel to confront [[Tharzog]] and [[Agandaûr]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''The Citadel''</ref>

'''[[2014]]: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:The Udûn and Sea of Nûrnen regions of Mordor are inhabited by large troll-like creatures known as "Olog Graugs". According to their Nature article in the Appendices menu, Sauron intends to use the Graug to crossbreed with ordinary Trolls, and create a new breed of "hill-trolls" that can withstand direct sunlight. Graugs are very rare in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game due to technical limitations, but are more abundant in the PS4, PC, and Xbox One versions.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Overlord of the [[Núrnen]] region of Mordor is an [[Olog-hai|Olog]] named Az-Harto, who poses as a two-headed [[Trolls|Troll]]. In reality, the second head is that of the [[Orcs|Uruk]] [[Ratbag|Ratbag the Coward]], who is riding on Az-Harto's back and wearing a large helmet to conceal his identity.

'''2018: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Two-headed Trolls are among the evil creatures of [[Gundabad]] and can be found among the [[Grey Mountains]].

{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Trolls}}
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Races in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Trolls]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Trolle]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/trolls/trolls]]
[[fi:Peikot]]

Tarmenel

2026-03-31T18:46:08Z

Oberiko:

'''Tarmenel''', or '''Tar-menel''' was a term that refers to the "true" or "upper" firmament.

The term appears Bilbo's [[Song of Eärendil]] which he recites in [[Rivendell]].<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
{{blockquote|<poem>
There flying [[Elwing]] came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet.
The [[Silmaril]] she bound on him
and crowned him with the living light,
and dauntless then with burning brow
he turned his prow; and in the night
from Otherworld beyond the Sea
there strong and free a storm arose,
a wind of power in '''Tarmenel''';
by paths that seldom mortal goes
his boat it bore with biting breath
as might of death across the grey
and long-forsaken seas distressed:
from east to west he passed away.
</poem>}}

In [[Myths Transformed]] it is described as the "true firmament", of which ''Nur-menel'', the [[Dome of Varda]], was a simulacrum.<ref>{{MR|P5IV}}</ref>

In the [[unfinished index]], Tolkien defines the term as "high heaven, region of wind".<ref>{{HM|RC}}</ref>{{rp|216}}

==Etymology==
''Tarmenel'' is a [[Quenya]] name, described as signifying "true firmament",<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 19, 22</ref> apparently consisting of ''[[tar]]'' + ''[[menel]]''.

{{references}}
[[Category:Cosmology]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
<references responsive="0" />

Tarmenel

2026-03-31T18:45:56Z

Oberiko: Added reference and updated one

Nur-menel

2026-03-31T18:28:11Z

Oberiko: Redirected page to Dome of Varda

#REDIRECT [[Dome of Varda]]

Hunthor

2026-02-17T16:26:16Z

Oberiko:

{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Hunthor
| image=Gareth Sleightholme - Hunthor.jpg
| caption=Hunthor - Detail by [[:Category:Images by Gareth Sleightholme|Gareth Sleightholme]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Brethil]]
| affiliation=
| language=''Presumably'' [[Halethian]]
| birth={{FA|467}}
| birthlocation=Brethil
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Ravines of Taeglin]]
| age=32
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Haleth]]
| parentage=[[Agathor]] and [[Meleth]]
| siblings=[[Manthor]]
| spouse=Unnamed<ref>{{CH|16}}, p. 232</ref>
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
| gallery=Hunthor
}}
'''Hunthor''' was a [[Men|Man]] of the [[House of Haleth]], and a kinsman of [[Brandir|Brandir the Lame]].

==History==
When [[Glaurung]] was approaching [[Brethil]], [[Túrin]] asked who of the Men of Brethil would come with him to attempt to kill the dragon. [[Dorlas]] stepped forward immediately, but when no one else volunteered, he upbraided the lot of them, asking if none would take the place of Brandir so that the House of Haleth would not be put to shame. Hunthor, kinsman to Brandir, rebuked Dorlas since Brandir's lameness was due to ill chance. Hunthor then said he would go on behalf of Haleth's house.

Hunthor and Dorlas went with Túrin to [[Nen Girith]], where Túrin revealed his plan to climb down the [[Ravines of Taeglin]], cross the river, and ascend the other side so as to strike Glaurung's belly as he stretched across the gap.<ref>{{CH|16}}</ref> Dorlas, who had deprecated the other Men of Brethil for lacking courage, could not bring himself to attempt to cross the rock-filled waters. Thus, only Túrin and Hunthor clambered up the west side of the ravine to make their attack.

Túrin and Hunthor were nearing the belly of the beast when the heat and stench of the dragon nearly caused Túrin to fall into the river, but Hunthor seized him and saved his life. Túrin proclaimed Hunthor to be of "Great Heart!" but even at the moment a stone struck Hunthor's head and he was lost in the [[Taeglin]].<ref>{{CH|17}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Hunthor'' is given no definition. In [[The Etymologies]], the similar name ''Hundor'' was derived from the [[Noldorin]] element "hûn" ("heart", as in the physical organ).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}</ref> The element "thor" may be [[Nandorin]], as seen in ''[[Denethor (king of the Laiquendi)|Denethor]]''.

==Genealogy==
In ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'' all that was said of Hunthor's family was that he was a kinsman of Brandir the Lame and thus a member of the House of Haleth.<ref>{{CH|16}}, p. 227</ref> In "[[The Wanderings of Húrin]]", a story that appeared in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', Part Three (subtitled "Other Writings Not Forming Part of the ''Quenta Silmarillion''"), the relationship of Hunthor to Brandir (and other details of his family) was made clear.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, p. 270</ref> Women in the family tree are indicated by ''italic'' text. The dagger symbol (†) shows those who died early (and childless) deaths (which indicates the ending of the House of Haleth).

{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | HMR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |HMR=[[Halmir]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | HDR | | HUN | | HAR | | HIR | | | | | | | | |HDR=[[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]]|HUN=[[Hundar]]|HAR=''[[Hareth]]''|HIR=''[[Hiril]]''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | HAN | | HUN | | HUR | | MEL |~|~|y|~|~| AGA |HAN=[[Handir]]|HUN=[[Hundad]]|HUR=[[Húrin]]|MEL=''[[Meleth]]''|AGA=[[Agathor]]}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | BRA | | HDG | | TUR | | HTH |~| WIF | | MAN |BRA=[[Brandir]] the Lame †|HDG=[[Hardang]] †|TUR=[[Túrin]] †|HTH='''HUNTHOR''' †|WIF=''Unnamed Wife''|MAN=[[Manthor]] †}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In ''[[The Quenta]]'', when Turambar seeks to confront Glómund, he is initially joined by six of his boldest men, but in the night they all slunk away in fear at the rumour of the dragon's arrival, leaving Turambar to confront it alone.<ref>{{SM|Q13}}</ref> In one earlier version of ''[[The Grey Annals]]'', ''''''Albarth'''''', changed from '''''Albard''''', was one of Túrin's six companions along with Dorlas. After crossing the Taiglin, Túrin noted that three of his companions were missing and was informed that Albarth fell and was swept away by the Taiglin, while the other two had likely been daunted and slunk away. After emending the tale closer to the final version, where Albarth becomes the one companion who remains with Túrin, his name is changed to '''''Torbarth''''' before becoming ''Hunthor''; in one instance, however, ''Torbarth'' was pencilled over with '''''Gwerin'''''.<ref name=ga_comment>{{WJ|P1c}}</ref>{{rp|§§322–5}}

''Gwerin'' is an early [[Noldorin]] name (precursor of [[Sindarin]] ''[[cerin]]'')<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 309 (first paragraph of the entry for "Cerin Amroth . . . the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago")</ref> meaning "enclosure".<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 146</ref> In his initial genealogy, Hunthor was the son of [[Hundad]] and brother of ''Harathor'' ([[Hardang]]).<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Halethian names]]
[[Category:House of Haleth]]

Hunthor

2026-02-17T16:26:00Z

Oberiko: Image correction

{{infobox character
| people=[[Edain|Adan]]
| name=Hunthor
| image=File:Gareth Sleightholme - Hunthor.jpg
| caption=Hunthor - Detail by [[:Category:Images by Gareth Sleightholme|Gareth Sleightholme]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Brethil]]
| affiliation=
| language=''Presumably'' [[Halethian]]
| birth={{FA|467}}
| birthlocation=Brethil
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Ravines of Taeglin]]
| age=32
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Haleth]]
| parentage=[[Agathor]] and [[Meleth]]
| siblings=[[Manthor]]
| spouse=Unnamed<ref>{{CH|16}}, p. 232</ref>
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
| gallery=Hunthor
}}
'''Hunthor''' was a [[Men|Man]] of the [[House of Haleth]], and a kinsman of [[Brandir|Brandir the Lame]].

==History==
When [[Glaurung]] was approaching [[Brethil]], [[Túrin]] asked who of the Men of Brethil would come with him to attempt to kill the dragon. [[Dorlas]] stepped forward immediately, but when no one else volunteered, he upbraided the lot of them, asking if none would take the place of Brandir so that the House of Haleth would not be put to shame. Hunthor, kinsman to Brandir, rebuked Dorlas since Brandir's lameness was due to ill chance. Hunthor then said he would go on behalf of Haleth's house.

Hunthor and Dorlas went with Túrin to [[Nen Girith]], where Túrin revealed his plan to climb down the [[Ravines of Taeglin]], cross the river, and ascend the other side so as to strike Glaurung's belly as he stretched across the gap.<ref>{{CH|16}}</ref> Dorlas, who had deprecated the other Men of Brethil for lacking courage, could not bring himself to attempt to cross the rock-filled waters. Thus, only Túrin and Hunthor clambered up the west side of the ravine to make their attack.

Túrin and Hunthor were nearing the belly of the beast when the heat and stench of the dragon nearly caused Túrin to fall into the river, but Hunthor seized him and saved his life. Túrin proclaimed Hunthor to be of "Great Heart!" but even at the moment a stone struck Hunthor's head and he was lost in the [[Taeglin]].<ref>{{CH|17}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Hunthor'' is given no definition. In [[The Etymologies]], the similar name ''Hundor'' was derived from the [[Noldorin]] element "hûn" ("heart", as in the physical organ).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}</ref> The element "thor" may be [[Nandorin]], as seen in ''[[Denethor (king of the Laiquendi)|Denethor]]''.

==Genealogy==
In ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'' all that was said of Hunthor's family was that he was a kinsman of Brandir the Lame and thus a member of the House of Haleth.<ref>{{CH|16}}, p. 227</ref> In "[[The Wanderings of Húrin]]", a story that appeared in ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', Part Three (subtitled "Other Writings Not Forming Part of the ''Quenta Silmarillion''"), the relationship of Hunthor to Brandir (and other details of his family) was made clear.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, p. 270</ref> Women in the family tree are indicated by ''italic'' text. The dagger symbol (†) shows those who died early (and childless) deaths (which indicates the ending of the House of Haleth).

{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | HMR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |HMR=[[Halmir]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | HDR | | HUN | | HAR | | HIR | | | | | | | | |HDR=[[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]]|HUN=[[Hundar]]|HAR=''[[Hareth]]''|HIR=''[[Hiril]]''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | HAN | | HUN | | HUR | | MEL |~|~|y|~|~| AGA |HAN=[[Handir]]|HUN=[[Hundad]]|HUR=[[Húrin]]|MEL=''[[Meleth]]''|AGA=[[Agathor]]}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | BRA | | HDG | | TUR | | HTH |~| WIF | | MAN |BRA=[[Brandir]] the Lame †|HDG=[[Hardang]] †|TUR=[[Túrin]] †|HTH='''HUNTHOR''' †|WIF=''Unnamed Wife''|MAN=[[Manthor]] †}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In ''[[The Quenta]]'', when Turambar seeks to confront Glómund, he is initially joined by six of his boldest men, but in the night they all slunk away in fear at the rumour of the dragon's arrival, leaving Turambar to confront it alone.<ref>{{SM|Q13}}</ref> In one earlier version of ''[[The Grey Annals]]'', ''''''Albarth'''''', changed from '''''Albard''''', was one of Túrin's six companions along with Dorlas. After crossing the Taiglin, Túrin noted that three of his companions were missing and was informed that Albarth fell and was swept away by the Taiglin, while the other two had likely been daunted and slunk away. After emending the tale closer to the final version, where Albarth becomes the one companion who remains with Túrin, his name is changed to '''''Torbarth''''' before becoming ''Hunthor''; in one instance, however, ''Torbarth'' was pencilled over with '''''Gwerin'''''.<ref name=ga_comment>{{WJ|P1c}}</ref>{{rp|§§322–5}}

''Gwerin'' is an early [[Noldorin]] name (precursor of [[Sindarin]] ''[[cerin]]'')<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 309 (first paragraph of the entry for "Cerin Amroth . . . the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago")</ref> meaning "enclosure".<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 146</ref> In his initial genealogy, Hunthor was the son of [[Hundad]] and brother of ''Harathor'' ([[Hardang]]).<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Halethian names]]
[[Category:House of Haleth]]

The King of the Green Dozen

2026-02-13T16:39:58Z

Oberiko: /* Inspiration */ Random Reddit comments aren't reliable for inclusion

'''The King of the Green Dozen''' is the title of an incomplete story written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]].<ref name="firstmention">{{LE|33}}, p. 51</ref> [[Humphrey Carpenter]] explained in a footnote to [[Letter 33]] in ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'' that the story is set in Wales and is about the King of Iwerddon who, along with the twelve sons of his descendant, has green hair.<ref name="letternote">{{LE|33|2}}, p. 611</ref>

==Background==
On [[31 August]] [[1938]], Tolkien wrote a letter to [[Charles A. Furth]] describing the story as a "pseudo-Celtic fairy-story" with a little satire in a similar genre<ref name="secondmention">{{LE|98}}, pg. 165</ref> to ''[[Farmer Giles of Ham]]''.<ref name="firstmention"/> On [[18 March]] [[1945]], Tolkien wrote a letter to [[Stanley Unwin]], offering to send him the story along with other texts, stating that the story "is half-written, and could be finished" if he approved of ''[[Farmer Giles of Ham]]''.<ref name="secondmention"/> On [[22 June]] of [[2025]], [[Jason Fisher]] speculated that it is likely that, regardless of whether the story holds "interest for readers", it will likely "end up in print someday".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://lingwe.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-ulsterior-motive-and-other.html?m=1|articlename=“The Ulsterior Motive” and other unpublished writings of Tolkien|author=[[Jason Fisher]]|dated=22 June, 2025|accessed=23 June, 2025|website=Lingwe|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008183956/http://lingwe.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-ulsterior-motive-and-other.html|archivename=“The Ulsterior Motive” and other unpublished writings of Tolkien|archivedate=8 October, 2025}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
In a footnote to [[Letter 33]] in ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Humphrey Carpenter]] explained that Tolkien wrote the story to be a parody of "the ‘high’ style of narrative".<ref name="letternote"/>

==See also==
*''[[The End of Bovadium]]''
*''[[The Orgog]]''

{{references}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:King of the Green Dozen, The}}

[[Category:Other fictional worlds]]
[[Category:Unpublished material]]

[[de:The King of the Green Dozen]]
[[fi:The King of the Green Dozen]]

Ibun

2026-02-08T13:59:00Z

Oberiko: /* Genealogy */ Similar word in Arabic

{{infobox character
| people=[[Dwarves|Dwarf]]
| name=Ibun
| image=
| caption
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[House of Ransom]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Khuzdul]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[Petty-dwarves]]
| parentage=[[Mîm]]
| siblings=[[Khîm]]
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Ibun''' was the son of [[Mîm]] and brother of [[Khîm]], the last of the [[Petty-dwarves]].<ref name="Mim">{{CH|7}}, p. 132</ref>

==History==
Ibun lived with his family at [[Amon Rûdh]]. They were seen by the [[Gaurwaith]] as they snuck past them carrying heavy sacks. Mîm was captured, and the two brothers fled into the mist. As they ran, Khîm was shot by a wild arrow from the outlaws, but Ibun survived, and shared his father's [[House of Ransom]] with [[Túrin]] and the outlaws.<ref name="Mim"/>

One winter, the two [[Petty-dwarves]] went out in search of roots, and were captured by a band of [[Orcs]]. To save his life Mîm betrayed Túrin to the [[Orcs]], but Ibun's fate is unclear.<ref>{{CH|8}}, p. 148</ref>

Much later, in [[Nargothrond]], Mîm told [[Húrin]], "I am the last of my people",<ref>{{S|Doriath}}</ref> meaning that he outlived both his sons; Ibun either lost his life at the hands of the Orcs, or in some later unrecorded mishap.

==Etymology==
No definition of '''''Ibun''''' is provided, though it is thought to be [[Khuzdul]].

It is very similar to ''Ibn'', the Arabic word for "son".<ref>https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86#Arabic</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | MIM | | |MIM=[[Mîm]] ''d. {{FA|501}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| IBU | | KHI |IBU='''IBUN''' ''b. {{FA}}''|KHI=[[Khîm]] ''d. {{FA|486}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Petty-dwarves]]
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Khuzdul words]]
[[de:Ibun]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/nains/1a/ibun]]
[[fi:Ibun]]

Indo

2026-01-23T17:41:52Z

Oberiko: /* Similar concept in real world */

'''Indo''' is a polysemous word (one lexeme with multiple related senses) in [[Quenya]]. It is similar to the English word "will" and carried similar meanings to "free will", "willpower", "intention", "purpose" and so on.

In one sense, indo referred to as the "innermost self" of a rational creature (i.e. [[Ainur]] and [[Incarnate]]s) and was taken as referring to the centre of “reason”. This could be translated as "heart" in the metaphorical sense,<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|155}} though the more direct Quenya word for metaphorical heart was ''[[hondo]]'' which itself was probably influenced by ''*indō''.<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

In another sense, indo referred to the purposing faculty of the [[fëa]]r of rational beings;<ref name="pe22">{{PE|22}}</ref> their "free will" encompassing decisions and efforts directed towards a fully aware purpose. For example, if an individual set out on a journey with a specific intent, that would be be considered an exercise of their free will; the specific path taken (such as avoiding a marsh or how they crossed a stream) was considered intuitive or half-conscious, as that of an [[kelvar|irrational animal]].<ref name="fate">{{NM|Fate}}</ref> It was through this free will that a rational being was able to use, or not use, the "chances" that were presented to them by ''[[umbar (word)|umbar]]'' ("fate").<ref name="fate" /> Another Quenya word which shares this meaning is ''lēle''.<ref name="fate" />

In a related sense, indo was also used to refer to "resolve": the fully conscious purpose to an accomplishment of which a rational being could apply itself with vigour of mind and body.<ref name="pe22" /> In this regard, after ''[[sanwë]]'' (thought), and ''nāmie'' (a judgment or desire), indo was the determination to carry through the subsequent actions.<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> More specifically, this sense of indo could be referred to by the derived term ''indonen''.<ref name="pe22" />

In a similar sense, it further referred to the movement or activity of the fëar, and could be exhibited in the character, mood, or personality of a being. This sense could be more specifically referred to by the derived term ''indóme''.<ref name="pe22" />

Indo also included one's state-of-mind, or mood. The natural, or simple, state was "openness" (as in receptive to the minds of others) when not otherwise occupied with thinking or being turned towards Eru.<ref name="osanwe">{{NM|Osanwe}}</ref>

While indo could be used as a synecdoche for the "mind" as a whole,<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}} it was distinct from ''[[sanar]]'' (the faculty of "thought"), and ''[[órë]]'' (the faculty of "moral impulse" or "premonition").<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> Like sanar and órë, indo was considered a faculty of the [[fëa]], rather than of the [[hröa]].<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|189}}

==Etymology==
''Indo'' may have derived from the [[Primitive Quendian]] word '''inidō''',<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}} a compound of ''IN'' ("mind", "inner self") + ''[[NID]]'' ("force", "thrust", "pressure" (in a given direction)) + ''-ō'' (genitive suffix).

It may also have derived from ''*im-do'' ("self, innermost being"; taken as referring to the centre of 'reason').<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

==Derivations==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|+Derivations
!Word!!Meaning!!Affix
|-
|''indóme''||Settled character; also used for the "will" of Eru<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}||''-më'' (abstract noun)
|-
|''indonen''||"By the will"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indor''||Wills<ref>{{NM|Spirit}}</ref><ref group=note>[[Carl F. Hostetter]] translated ''indor'' as "hearts"</ref>||''-r'' (plural)
|-
|''indu-''||Verbal form of indo<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||[https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3198538799.html u-verb]
|-
|''induinen''||Purpose<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}; in the sense of "by the act of willing"||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indune''<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||willed / purposed||''-ne'' (past tense)
|-
|''indunenyes''||"I willed it", "I did it on purpose"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-ne'' (past tense); ''-n(ye)'' "I"; ''-s'' (object suffix singular)
|}

== Related words ==
The basic stem NID remained in Quenya and was represented by the word ''nír'' which held the same meaning as NID of press, thrust, or force—all in a given direction.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

While indo was applied specifically to applications of mind or will of rational beings, nír could be used for any application of force, including by mind, will, or physical means, and could be applied to any subject, including inanimates.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

== Cognates ==
As NID and indo had significantly different developments in [[Sindarin]] and [[Telerin]], there is no direct equivalent to the Quenya "indo". See the [[NID]] article for details.

==Other versions==
===History===
In [[Qenya]], the word ''indo'' originally had nothing to do with "mind", and meant "house".<ref>{{HM|LT1}} p.343</ref>

The meaning next shifted to "heart, mood", being derived from ''IN'' ("mind") + ''ID'' ("heart, desire, wish").<ref>{{LR|P3}}</ref>

With the introduction of ''órë'' ("heart (inner mind)"), ''indo'' took the broader role of "mind" through emendations from ''īn'' > ''inno'' > ''indo''.<ref>{{MR|P3II3a}}</ref>

It then became a synecdoche with the definition of "mind, region/range of thought, mood"; i.e. used either for "mind" as a whole, or for the specific faculties ''of'' the mind such as "thought" and "mood".<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}

With the introduction of the ''sanar'', which itself became a synecdoche of both "mind" and the mind's faculty of thought, ''indo'' narrowed to "will" (as in resolve or determination), or the internal driving force; it was then given the etymology based on NID.

===Lēle===
In a note dated c. 1968, Tolkien considered using ''lēle'' as a Quenya word representing "will". It was defined as "to will with conscious purpose, immediate or remote" and possibly derived from the [[Sundocarme|root]] ''*[[DEL]]'',<ref name="fate" /> which meant "walk, go, proceed".<ref>{{WJ|B}}</ref> The verbal forms were ''lelya'' (''lelinye'').

However, at some point between Jan. 12 1968 and Oct. 9 1969, Tolkien returned to the use of "indo" to represent the concept of will.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|144}}

== Similar concept in real world ==
In [[Old Norse]], the word '''''hugr''''' has a similar polysemous meaning, encompassing "mind", "will", "heart (courage)", "thought", "understanding", "reason", "desire" and more.<ref>[https://old-icelandic.vercel.app/word/hugr Old Icelandic Dictionary] - entry for "Hugr"</ref>

{{references|note}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[Category:Metaphysics]]

Indo

2026-01-23T17:28:20Z

Oberiko: /* Other versions */ Real world similar word

'''Indo''' is a polysemous word (one lexeme with multiple related senses) in [[Quenya]]. It is similar to the English word "will" and carried similar meanings to "free will", "willpower", "intention", "purpose" and so on.

In one sense, indo referred to as the "innermost self" of a rational creature (i.e. [[Ainur]] and [[Incarnate]]s) and was taken as referring to the centre of “reason”. This could be translated as "heart" in the metaphorical sense,<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|155}} though the more direct Quenya word for metaphorical heart was ''[[hondo]]'' which itself was probably influenced by ''*indō''.<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

In another sense, indo referred to the purposing faculty of the [[fëa]]r of rational beings;<ref name="pe22">{{PE|22}}</ref> their "free will" encompassing decisions and efforts directed towards a fully aware purpose. For example, if an individual set out on a journey with a specific intent, that would be be considered an exercise of their free will; the specific path taken (such as avoiding a marsh or how they crossed a stream) was considered intuitive or half-conscious, as that of an [[kelvar|irrational animal]].<ref name="fate">{{NM|Fate}}</ref> It was through this free will that a rational being was able to use, or not use, the "chances" that were presented to them by ''[[umbar (word)|umbar]]'' ("fate").<ref name="fate" /> Another Quenya word which shares this meaning is ''lēle''.<ref name="fate" />

In a related sense, indo was also used to refer to "resolve": the fully conscious purpose to an accomplishment of which a rational being could apply itself with vigour of mind and body.<ref name="pe22" /> In this regard, after ''[[sanwë]]'' (thought), and ''nāmie'' (a judgment or desire), indo was the determination to carry through the subsequent actions.<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> More specifically, this sense of indo could be referred to by the derived term ''indonen''.<ref name="pe22" />

In a similar sense, it further referred to the movement or activity of the fëar, and could be exhibited in the character, mood, or personality of a being. This sense could be more specifically referred to by the derived term ''indóme''.<ref name="pe22" />

Indo also included one's state-of-mind, or mood. The natural, or simple, state was "openness" (as in receptive to the minds of others) when not otherwise occupied with thinking or being turned towards Eru.<ref name="osanwe">{{NM|Osanwe}}</ref>

While indo could be used as a synecdoche for the "mind" as a whole,<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}} it was distinct from ''[[sanar]]'' (the faculty of "thought"), and ''[[órë]]'' (the faculty of "moral impulse" or "premonition").<ref name="ore">{{NM|Ore}}</ref> Like sanar and órë, indo was considered a faculty of the [[fëa]], rather than of the [[hröa]].<ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|189}}

==Etymology==
''Indo'' may have derived from the [[Primitive Quendian]] word '''inidō''',<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}} a compound of ''IN'' ("mind", "inner self") + ''[[NID]]'' ("force", "thrust", "pressure" (in a given direction)) + ''-ō'' (genitive suffix).

It may also have derived from ''*im-do'' ("self, innermost being"; taken as referring to the centre of 'reason').<ref>{{NM|Gender}}</ref>

==Derivations==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|+Derivations
!Word!!Meaning!!Affix
|-
|''indóme''||Settled character; also used for the "will" of Eru<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}||''-më'' (abstract noun)
|-
|''indonen''||"By the will"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indor''||Wills<ref>{{NM|Spirit}}</ref><ref group=note>[[Carl F. Hostetter]] translated ''indor'' as "hearts"</ref>||''-r'' (plural)
|-
|''indu-''||Verbal form of indo<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||[https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-3198538799.html u-verb]
|-
|''induinen''||Purpose<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}; in the sense of "by the act of willing"||''-nen'' (instrumental)
|-
|''indune''<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||willed / purposed||''-ne'' (past tense)
|-
|''indunenyes''||"I willed it", "I did it on purpose"<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}||''-ne'' (past tense); ''-n(ye)'' "I"; ''-s'' (object suffix singular)
|}

== Related words ==
The basic stem NID remained in Quenya and was represented by the word ''nír'' which held the same meaning as NID of press, thrust, or force—all in a given direction.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

While indo was applied specifically to applications of mind or will of rational beings, nír could be used for any application of force, including by mind, will, or physical means, and could be applied to any subject, including inanimates.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|165}}

== Cognates ==
As NID and indo had significantly different developments in [[Sindarin]] and [[Telerin]], there is no direct equivalent to the Quenya "indo". See the [[NID]] article for details.

==Other versions==
===History===
In [[Qenya]], the word ''indo'' originally had nothing to do with "mind", and meant "house".<ref>{{HM|LT1}} p.343</ref>

The meaning next shifted to "heart, mood", being derived from ''IN'' ("mind") + ''ID'' ("heart, desire, wish").<ref>{{LR|P3}}</ref>

With the introduction of ''órë'' ("heart (inner mind)"), ''indo'' took the broader role of "mind" through emendations from ''īn'' > ''inno'' > ''indo''.<ref>{{MR|P3II3a}}</ref>

It then became a synecdoche with the definition of "mind, region/range of thought, mood"; i.e. used either for "mind" as a whole, or for the specific faculties ''of'' the mind such as "thought" and "mood".<ref name="pe17"/>{{rp|189}}

With the introduction of the ''sanar'', which itself became a synecdoche of both "mind" and the mind's faculty of thought, ''indo'' narrowed to "will" (as in resolve or determination), or the internal driving force; it was then given the etymology based on NID.

===Lēle===
In a note dated c. 1968, Tolkien considered using ''lēle'' as a Quenya word representing "will". It was defined as "to will with conscious purpose, immediate or remote" and possibly derived from the [[Sundocarme|root]] ''*[[DEL]]'',<ref name="fate" /> which meant "walk, go, proceed".<ref>{{WJ|B}}</ref> The verbal forms were ''lelya'' (''lelinye'').

However, at some point between Jan. 12 1968 and Oct. 9 1969, Tolkien returned to the use of "indo" to represent the concept of will.<ref name="pe22"/>{{rp|144}}

== Similar concept in real world ==
In [[Old Norse]], the word '''''hugr''''' has a similar polysemous meaning, encompassing "mind", "will", "heart (courage)", "thought", "understanding", "reason" and more.<ref>{{WP|Hug (folklore)}}</ref>

{{references|note}}
{{title|lowercase}}
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[Category:Metaphysics]]

Murmuran

2026-01-18T22:02:03Z

Oberiko:

{{sources}}
{{location infobox
| name=Murmuran
| image=
| caption=
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Aman]]
| type=
| description=house of [[Irmo|Lórien]]
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Irmo|Lórien]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
| gallery=
}}

'''Murmuran''' was the hall of [[Irmo|Lórien]] in [[Valinor]].<ref name=cov>{{LT1|III}}</ref>

While many of the Valar had dwellings built in [[Valmar]], Lórien dwelt far away, in the south by the feet of the [[Mountains of Valinor]] upon the confines of the realm. His hall was great, and dimly lit, and was built by [[Aulë]] using mists gathered beyond [[Arvalin]] upon the [[Shadowy Seas]].<ref name=cov />

From [[Palúrien]] Lórien had received a great wealth of [[yewtrees]], [[cedars]], and [[pines]]. These formed wide gardens which wandered about his dwelling, winding near even to the feet of [[Silpion]]. They were full of labyrinths and mazes, and the trees exuded drowsy odours in the dusk which hung over deep pools. [[Glow-worms|Glowworms]] crept about their borders and Varda had set stars within their depths for the pleasure of Lórien.<ref name=cov />

Lórien's sprites sang within the gardens, and the scent of nightflowers and the songs of sleepy [[nightingale]]s filled them with great loveliness. Also there grew [[fumellar]], poppies which glowed redly in the dusk, which Lórien used in his enchantments.<ref name=cov />

Amidmost was [[Silindrin]], set within a ring of shadowy [[cypress]] towering high. From there Lórien gazed and saw many visions of mystery pass across its face.<ref name=cov />

{{valardwellings}}

{{references}}

[[Category:Buildings]]
[[Category:Locations in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Valinor]]

Wells of Varda

2026-01-18T19:36:07Z

Oberiko:

{{object infobox
| name=Wells of Varda
| image = Roger Garland - Two Trees of Valinor.jpg
| caption="Two Trees of Valinor" by [[Roger Garland]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Valinor]]
| owner=[[Valar]]
| type=
| appearance=Shining lakes
| creator=[[Varda]]
| created=
| createdlocation=
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
}}
{{quote|...and the dews of Telperion and the rain that fell from Laurelin Varda hoarded in great vats like shining lakes, that were to all the land of the Valar as wells of water and of light.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Beginning of Days]]"}}

The '''Wells of Varda''' were the great vats beneath the [[Two Trees]] in [[Valinor]] created by [[Varda]] to store the dew that fell from [[Laurelin]] and [[Telperion]].<ref>{{S|Days}}</ref> When the Valië knew that the [[Awakening of the Elves]] was near, she used the light from the vats of Telperion to create renowned [[stars]] and constellations.<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>

The Wells were drained by [[Ungoliant]] in the [[Darkening of Valinor]], and while drinking she grew to such a size that even [[Morgoth|Melkor]] feared her.<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', the gold and silver light collected following the destruction of the [[Two Lamps]] were collected in the great cauldrons [[Kulullin and Silindrin]]. These further collected the dew of the trees when they waxed, and from them the water was provided to refresh the trees when they waned. The watering of Laurelin was tended by Urwen ([[Arien]]), a maiden of [[Vána]]; and the watering of [[Silpion]] by [[Silmo]], a youth beloved by [[Irmo|Lórien]].<ref>{{LT1|III}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Creations of the Valar]]
[[Category:Springs and wells]]
[[Category:Valinor]]
[[fi:Vardan lähteet]]

Kulullin and Silindrin

2026-01-18T19:34:06Z

Oberiko:

{{object infobox
| name=Kulullin and Silindrin
| image=
| caption=
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Valinor]], [[Aman]]
| owner=[[Valar]]
| type=cauldrons
| appearance=
| creator=[[Aulë]]
| created=
| createdlocation=[[Valinor]], [[Aman]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=
}}

'''Kulullin''' and '''Silindrin''' were two cauldrons according to the early version of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. They were later replaced with the [[Wells of Varda]].

==History==
After the destruction of the [[two lamps]] by the treachery of [[Melko]], the world was in a long night and the Valar struggled to build their realms. [[Varda]] proposed to gather all the remaining light that flowed in the airs and in the earth, as she wished to make a beacon with it upon [[Taniquetil]]. [[Manwë]] did not wish that the light was gleaned from the sky, so [[Ulmo]] was in charge of gathering all the flowing light from the lakes and rivers, and brought them to [[Valinor]]. In the gloom, [[Aulë]] made two great cauldrons, which were Kulullin and Silindrin. The Valar dug two great pits in the midmost vale of their lands, and buried there many magical things, creating two mounds. To water them, the Valar placed next to them the two cauldrons, Kulullin being of golden light and Silindrin of silver. When [[Palúrien]] brought forth [[Laurelin]] and [[Silpion]] from the mounds, she explained to the Gods that the cauldrons had to be filled with the light pouring from the trees, while the trees had to be watered with the light of the cauldrons. "''Light is the sap of these trees and their sap is light!''".<ref>{{LT1|III}}, pp. 70-73</ref>

==Etymology==
''Kulullin'' is [[Qenya]] for "Gold-song".<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 103</ref>

''Silindrin'' is Qenya for "Moon-cauldron".<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Silindrin"</ref> [[Tolkien]] first named this cauldron ''Telimpë'', but soon changed it to ''Silindrin'', although this previous name is curiously used again in narrative.<ref>{{HM|LT1}}, pp. 79, 129-130</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Creations of the Valar]]

Irmo

2026-01-18T18:05:17Z

Oberiko: /* Etymology */ Other names

{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Irmo
| image=Maureval - Irmo Lorien.png
| caption="Irmo Lorien" by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈirmo]}}
| othernames=''Lórien'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| titles=
| position=Master of Visions and Dreams
| location=[[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Mandos]] and [[Nienna]]
| spouse=[[Estë]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|Irmo the younger is the master of visions and dreams. In Lórien are his gardens in the land of the Valar, and they are the fairest of all places in the world, filled with many spirits.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Irmo''', commonly called ''[[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]]'' after his place of dwelling, was a [[Valar|Vala]] who was known as "the master of visions and dreams."

==History==
Irmo was the younger brother of [[Mandos|Námo]], who was also more commonly known by the name of his dwelling place, ''[[Mandos]]''. Irmo and Námo were known collectively as the [[Fëanturi]], the masters of spirits.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIb}}</ref> Their sister was [[Nienna]], the [[Valar|Valie]] of pity and sorrow.

Irmo lived in his gardens with his spouse [[Estë]] with their dwelling lying west of [[Valimar]].

Irmo tended to and provided refuge to the [[Elves]] of Valinor in Lórien, where he would guide the [[Eldar]] through visions and dreams.<ref name="vala" /> When [[Míriel]] lost strength after giving birth to [[Fëanor]], she was brought to Lórien for rest. Her spirit later departed to [[Mandos]] and refused to return.<ref>{{S|6}}</ref>

When the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]] were created, [[Varda]] purposed that the two vessels should journey in [[Ilmen]] and mingle their light as the [[Two Trees]] once had. However, Irmo and Estë asked her to reconsider as "sleep and rest had been banished from the Earth."<ref name="Sun" /> Therefore, Varda changed her council and created twilight.<ref name="Sun">{{S|11}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Irmo'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "Desirer" or "Master of Desire".<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref> His common name ''Lórien'' ([[Quenya]]; {{IPA|[ˈloːri.en]}}) means "Land of Dreams".

In ''[[The Etymologies]]'', '''''Lhuien''''' is given as a [[Noldorin]] cognate of ''Lórien''.<ref>{{LR|P3}}, entry "LOS"</ref>

In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Irmo is referred to as ''Swefnfréa'' "Dream-ruler".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>

== Other names ==
In early versions of the legendarium, this Vala (variously spelt '''''Lorien''''' and '''''Lôrien''''') was given various surnames: [[Qenya]] '''''Olofantur''''' (the element ''fantur'', a derivative of the [[Sundocarme|root]] FANA, refers to "visions, dreams, falling asleep"),<ref name="LT1">{{LT1|Appendix}}, pp. 253, 259</ref> Qenya '''''Fulmur''''' (probably from the root FUMU, "sleep"), and [[Gnomish]] '''''Losfan''''' (consisting of ''oloth'' "a dream, apparition, vision" + ending ''-fan'', thus ''(o)loth-fan'' > ''Losfan'').<ref name="PE14">{{PE|14}}, p. 12</ref> Gnomish renderings of his first name included '''''Glurim''''' (containing the element ''lûr'' "slumber") and '''''Lûriel''''' or '''''Lúriel''''' (> '''''Lúrin''''').<ref name="LT1" /><ref name="PE14" /><ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 18</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN=[[Mandos]]|NIE=[[Nienna]]|IRM='''IRMO'''|EST=[[Estë]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales ===
In [[The Book of Lost Tales]], '''''Lórien Olofántur''''' (''Fantur of Dreams'') was the lord of dreams and imaginings, and loved twilight and flittering shadows, and sweet scents borne upon evening winds. He was one of two [[Fánturi]], with the other being his brother ''Vefántur Mandos'' (''Fantur of Death'').<ref name=cov>{{LT1|III}}</ref>

He arrived in Middle-earth in the fifth wave of Valar, along with [[Tulkas]], Mandos, ''Fui Nienna'' (spouse of Mandos), and [[Vána]] (spouse of Oromë). The earlier waves were Melko; then Manwë, Varda, and their folk; then Aulë, Yavanna, Ulmo, and their folk (though only [[Salmar]] accompanied Ulmo); then Ossë, Ónen, and their troops. The later waves were [[Makar]] and [[Meássë]]; and then lastly [[Ómar]].<ref name=cov />

Following the destruction of the [[Two Lamps]], Aulë fashioned two great cauldrons to hold the remaining light in the world: [[Kulullin]] for the gold, and [[Silindrin]] for the silver, They then dug two great pits in preparation for the [[Two Trees]]. In the second pit was cast three huge pearls found by Ossë, and a small star cast by Varda, and it was then covered with foams and white mists and sprinkled lightly with earth. Lórien then sat near and whispered swift noiseless words while his sprites played half-heard tunes beside him. The Valar then poured upon it silver light from Silindrin.<ref name=cov />

Through the efforts of Yavanna, the Two Trees then sprang up. On beholding the silver tree, [[Silpion]], Lórien could not contain his joy. When Yavanna instructed that the dew of the trees must be gathered, and then used to water the trees themselves, Lórien bade [[Silmo]], a youth he loved, to the task of refreshing Silpion.<ref name=cov />

While many of the Valar had dwellings built in [[Valmar]], Lórien dwelt far to the south in a placed he called [[Murmuran]]. Around his abode were wide gardens, which contained many types of trees and [[fumellar]], poppies which Lórien used in his enchantments. These gardens stretched even to Silindrin, where Lórien would gaze and see many visions of mystery.<ref name=cov />

{{references}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Lórien (Vala)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/irmo]]
[[fi:Irmo]]

Irmo

2026-01-18T18:04:44Z

Oberiko: /* Other versions of the legendarium */ - First chunk of BLT

{{infobox character
| people=[[Valar|Vala]]
| name=Irmo
| image=Maureval - Irmo Lorien.png
| caption="Irmo Lorien" by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈirmo]}}
| othernames=''Lórien'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| titles=
| position=Master of Visions and Dreams
| location=[[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]], [[Valinor]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Mandos]] and [[Nienna]]
| spouse=[[Estë]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|Irmo the younger is the master of visions and dreams. In Lórien are his gardens in the land of the Valar, and they are the fairest of all places in the world, filled with many spirits.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Irmo''', commonly called ''[[Lórien (Valinor)|Lórien]]'' after his place of dwelling, was a [[Valar|Vala]] who was known as "the master of visions and dreams."

==History==
Irmo was the younger brother of [[Mandos|Námo]], who was also more commonly known by the name of his dwelling place, ''[[Mandos]]''. Irmo and Námo were known collectively as the [[Fëanturi]], the masters of spirits.<ref name="vala">{{S|IIb}}</ref> Their sister was [[Nienna]], the [[Valar|Valie]] of pity and sorrow.

Irmo lived in his gardens with his spouse [[Estë]] with their dwelling lying west of [[Valimar]].

Irmo tended to and provided refuge to the [[Elves]] of Valinor in Lórien, where he would guide the [[Eldar]] through visions and dreams.<ref name="vala" /> When [[Míriel]] lost strength after giving birth to [[Fëanor]], she was brought to Lórien for rest. Her spirit later departed to [[Mandos]] and refused to return.<ref>{{S|6}}</ref>

When the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]] were created, [[Varda]] purposed that the two vessels should journey in [[Ilmen]] and mingle their light as the [[Two Trees]] once had. However, Irmo and Estë asked her to reconsider as "sleep and rest had been banished from the Earth."<ref name="Sun" /> Therefore, Varda changed her council and created twilight.<ref name="Sun">{{S|11}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Irmo'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "Desirer" or "Master of Desire".<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref> His common name ''Lórien'' ([[Quenya]]; {{IPA|[ˈloːri.en]}}) means "Land of Dreams".

In ''[[The Etymologies]]'', '''''Lhuien''''' is given as a [[Noldorin]] cognate of ''Lórien''.<ref>{{LR|P3}}, entry "LOS"</ref>

In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Irmo is referred to as ''Swefnfréa'' "Dream-ruler".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN=[[Mandos]]|NIE=[[Nienna]]|IRM='''IRMO'''|EST=[[Estë]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales ===
In [[The Book of Lost Tales]], '''''Lórien Olofántur''''' (''Fantur of Dreams'') was the lord of dreams and imaginings, and loved twilight and flittering shadows, and sweet scents borne upon evening winds. He was one of two [[Fánturi]], with the other being his brother ''Vefántur Mandos'' (''Fantur of Death'').<ref name=cov>{{LT1|III}}</ref>

He arrived in Middle-earth in the fifth wave of Valar, along with [[Tulkas]], Mandos, ''Fui Nienna'' (spouse of Mandos), and [[Vána]] (spouse of Oromë). The earlier waves were Melko; then Manwë, Varda, and their folk; then Aulë, Yavanna, Ulmo, and their folk (though only [[Salmar]] accompanied Ulmo); then Ossë, Ónen, and their troops. The later waves were [[Makar]] and [[Meássë]]; and then lastly [[Ómar]].<ref name=cov />

Following the destruction of the [[Two Lamps]], Aulë fashioned two great cauldrons to hold the remaining light in the world: [[Kulullin]] for the gold, and [[Silindrin]] for the silver, They then dug two great pits in preparation for the [[Two Trees]]. In the second pit was cast three huge pearls found by Ossë, and a small star cast by Varda, and it was then covered with foams and white mists and sprinkled lightly with earth. Lórien then sat near and whispered swift noiseless words while his sprites played half-heard tunes beside him. The Valar then poured upon it silver light from Silindrin.<ref name=cov />

Through the efforts of Yavanna, the Two Trees then sprang up. On beholding the silver tree, [[Silpion]], Lórien could not contain his joy. When Yavanna instructed that the dew of the trees must be gathered, and then used to water the trees themselves, Lórien bade [[Silmo]], a youth he loved, to the task of refreshing Silpion.<ref name=cov />

While many of the Valar had dwellings built in [[Valmar]], Lórien dwelt far to the south in a placed he called [[Murmuran]]. Around his abode were wide gardens, which contained many types of trees and [[fumellar]], poppies which Lórien used in his enchantments. These gardens stretched even to Silindrin, where Lórien would gaze and see many visions of mystery.<ref name=cov />

{{references}}
{{Ainur}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Lórien (Vala)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/irmo]]
[[fi:Irmo]]