Thrór's Map: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
(Rewrote the section speculating on the creation date of Thror's Map.)
No edit summary
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{sources}}
{{sources}}
[[file:Audrey Corman - Thror's Map.jpg|thumb|250px|''Thror's Map'' by [[Audrey Corman]].]]
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Thror's map.jpg|thumb|250px|Thror's Map]]
'''Thrór's Map''' is a map that proved important in the retaking of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]].
'''Thrór's Map''' is a map that proved important in the retaking of [[Erebor]].


==History==
==History==
As was traditional among the [[Dwarves]], it was drawn with East at the top of the map and showed the [[Lonely Mountain]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], the [[River Running|Running]] River that flowed from it, and the lands about. It also contained mention of a [[Back Door|secret entrance]] to the Mountain, and (written in secret [[Moon-letters]]) instructions as to how it might be opened.
The [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] attacked and destroyed the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] in {{TA|2770}}.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>  [[Thrór]] went into exile with his kin and sometime until, old and desperate, he went to [[Moria]] in {{TA|2790}}<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> he drew this Map, and wrote the [[moon-letters]] on a day of [[1 Lithe]], when the moon was "a silver broad crescent".<ref group=note>The exact year the Map was drawn and the letters were written is not known, but can be pinpointed sometime between 2770 and 2790 and calculated according to astronomy. [[Andreas Moehn]] suggests {{TA|2789}}.[https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18702819-1-lithe-the-moon-letters-and-the-moon-s-broad-crescent]</ref> When [[Elrond]] read the letters in {{TA|2941|n}}<ref name="TA"/> he stated that they had to have been written under a moon in the same phase on the same date in some past year.<ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>
[[File:Audrey Corman - Thror's Map.jpg|thumb|left|''Thror's Map'' by [[Audrey Corman]].]]
In his old age, Thrór set out to wander the lands of [[Middle-earth]], but before departing he gave the heirlooms of his house to his son Thráin, including his Map. Years later, Thráin too set out into Middle-earth, seeking to recover Erebor himself, and taking with him the Map to guide his way. He was captured in the Wild by the servants of [[Sauron]], but Sauron captured Thráin for one of the [[Seven Rings|Seven]] [[Rings of Power]] he bore, and so overlooked the Map he carried too. This proved to be a serious oversight, because [[Gandalf]] secretly entered Sauron's lair at [[Dol Guldur]] while Thráin was a prisoner there, and managed to escape with the Map and the key that opened the secret door.<ref name=Party>{{H|1}}</ref>


In his old age, Thrór set out to wander the lands of [[Middle-earth]], but before departing he gave the heirlooms of his house to his son Thráin, including his Map. Years later, Thráin too set out into Middle-earth, seeking to recover Erebor himself, and taking with him the Map to guide his way. He was captured in the Wild by the servants of [[Sauron]], but Sauron captured Thráin for one of the [[Seven Rings|Seven]] [[Ring of Power]] he bore, and so overlooked the Map he carried too. This proved to be a serious oversight, because [[Gandalf]] secretly entered Sauron's lair at [[Dol Guldur]] while Thráin was a prisoner there, and managed to escape with the Map and the key that opened the secret door.
Using Thrór's Map, his grandson [[Thorin]] was able to lead [[Thorin and Company|a small group of Dwarves]] (and one [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], a certain [[Bilbo Baggins]]) on his own quest to refound the ancient Dwarf-realm.<ref name=Party></ref> Through many adventures, they were able to recover Erebor and bring about the destruction of Smaug, dealing Sauron a serious reverse.<ref>{{H|14}}</ref>


Using Thrór's Map, his grandson [[Thorin]] was able to lead [[Thorin and Company|a small group of Dwarves]] (and one [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], a certain [[Bilbo Baggins]]) on his own quest to refound the ancient Dwarf-realm. Through many adventures, they were able to recover Erebor and bring about the destruction of Smaug, dealing Sauron a serious reverse.
==Description==
 
As was traditional among the [[Dwarves]], it was drawn with East at the top of the map and showed the [[Lonely Mountain]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], the [[River Running|Running]] River that flowed from it, and the lands about. It also contained mention of a [[Back Door|secret entrance]] to the Mountain, and (written in secret [[Moon-letters]]) instructions as to how it might be opened.
==Runes==
The Map is decorated with [[Old English]] [[Runes]] which read a modern English text; this displays [[Westron]] of the [[Third Age]] written in [[cirth]] ([[Angerthas Erebor]]) as used by the [[Dwarves of Erebor]].


The Map's Runes are written in Anglo-Saxon Futhark however it is spelt out in modern English, not in [[Khuzdul]].
The small text on the left, below the hand, reads.
The small text on the left, below the hand, reads.


Line 21: Line 22:
walk abre<br>
walk abre<br>
ast.<br>
ast.<br>
Th. Th
Th. Th.<ref group=note>The signature probably refers to [[Thrór]]'s initials, [[Thrór]], son of [[Thráin]] or how it is written in [[Khuzdul]], [[Thrór]] Thráinul.</ref>


The [[moon-letters]] read by Elrond are visible in the sketch by Tolkien and read:
The [[moon-letters]] read by Elrond are visible in the sketch and read:


Stand by the grey s<br>
Stand by the grey st<br>
tone when the thrush kn<br>
one when the thrush kn<br>
ocks and the setting s<br>
ocks and the setting s<br>
un with the last light<br>
un with the last light<br>
Line 35: Line 36:
==The illustration of the Map==
==The illustration of the Map==
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Thrór's Map.jpg|thumb|Sketch of ''Thrór's Map'']]
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Thrór's Map.jpg|thumb|Sketch of ''Thrór's Map'']]
"Thrór's Map" is reproduced in facsimile in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' (and as plate No. 86 in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator|J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator]]''). The map was drawn by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], and a preliminary version of the map appears as plate No. 85 in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator|J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator]]''.<ref name=AI>{{HM|AI}}, pp. 90-5</ref>
"Thrór's Map" is reproduced in facsimile in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' (and as plate No. 86 in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator]]''). The map was drawn by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], and a preliminary version of the map appears as plate No. 85 in ''Artist & Illustrator''.<ref name=AI>{{HM|AI}}, pp. 90-5</ref>


In [[1979]] a coloured version by [[H.E. Riddett]] was published as a poster by [[Allen and Unwin|Allen & Unwin]] (together with the "[[Map of Wilderland|Wilderland]]" map).<ref name=AH>{{HM|AH}}, p. 399</ref>
In [[1979]] a coloured version by [[H.E. Riddett]] was published as a poster by [[Allen and Unwin|Allen & Unwin]] (together with the "[[Map of Wilderland|Wilderland]]" map).<ref name=AH>{{HM|AH}}, p. 399</ref>
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Possible Date of the Creation of the Map==
<gallery>
The [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] attacked and destroyed the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]] in {{TA|2770}}.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>  [[Thrór]] went into exile with his kin until, old and desperate, he went to [[Moria]] and died at the hands of [[Azog]] in {{TA|2790}}.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> When [[Elrond]] read the [[Moon-letters]] in {{TA|2941|n}}<ref name="TA"/> he stated that they had to have been written under a moon in the same phase on a midsummer night in some past year.<ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Elrond and Thrór's Map.jpg|Elrond examines the Map in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
 
</gallery>
Astronomically, the moon repeats its phases about every nineteen years.  From 2770 to 2941 there are 171 years, which is exactly nine time nineteen years, which means that the moon was in the right phase on midsummer night in 2941, 2922, 2903, 2884, 2865, 2846, 2827, 2808, 2789, and 2770.  Since Thrór died in 2790 he could only have made his map in 2770 or 2789 (provided he made it after Smaug's attack).  It is not known when in 2770 Smaug descended upon the Lonely Mountain; if after midsummer's night then Thrór would not have had any reason to draw his map. It appears that {{TA|2789|n}} is the most likely year for the creation of this document.
'''[[2001]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
 
:When Gandalf visits Bilbo near the beginning of the film, he browses through his office in [[Bag End]] and notices the Map of their earlier adventure. The prop was made by artist [[Daniel Reeve]].<ref>[http://danielreeve.co.nz/LOTR/Maps/ Official website]</ref>
{{references}}
'''[[2012]]: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:The Map is featured in the movie. At Rivendell Elrond places it on a pedestal on a veranda in order to read it.
'''[[2014]]: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:At the end of the movie (at the same time the ''Fellowship'' movie starts) Bilbo leaves his room to meet Gandalf who just came, and the Map is seen again on Bilbo's desk.
{{references|n}}
{{maps}}
{{maps}}


[[Category:Thrór's Map| ]]
[[Category:Thrór's Map| ]]
[[Category:Books and documents within the legendarium]]
[[de:Thrórs Karte]]
[[de:Thrórs Karte]]
[[fr:encyclo:artefacts:carte_de_thror]]
[[fr:encyclo:artefacts:carte_de_thror]]
[[fi:Throrin kartta]]
[[fi:Throrin kartta]]

Latest revision as of 20:47, 26 September 2022

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
Thror's Map

Thrór's Map is a map that proved important in the retaking of Erebor.

History[edit | edit source]

The Dragon Smaug attacked and destroyed the Kingdom under the Mountain in T.A. 2770.[1] Thrór went into exile with his kin and sometime until, old and desperate, he went to Moria in T.A. 2790[2] he drew this Map, and wrote the moon-letters on a day of 1 Lithe, when the moon was "a silver broad crescent".[note 1] When Elrond read the letters in 2941[1] he stated that they had to have been written under a moon in the same phase on the same date in some past year.[3]

Thror's Map by Audrey Corman.

In his old age, Thrór set out to wander the lands of Middle-earth, but before departing he gave the heirlooms of his house to his son Thráin, including his Map. Years later, Thráin too set out into Middle-earth, seeking to recover Erebor himself, and taking with him the Map to guide his way. He was captured in the Wild by the servants of Sauron, but Sauron captured Thráin for one of the Seven Rings of Power he bore, and so overlooked the Map he carried too. This proved to be a serious oversight, because Gandalf secretly entered Sauron's lair at Dol Guldur while Thráin was a prisoner there, and managed to escape with the Map and the key that opened the secret door.[4]

Using Thrór's Map, his grandson Thorin was able to lead a small group of Dwarves (and one Hobbit, a certain Bilbo Baggins) on his own quest to refound the ancient Dwarf-realm.[4] Through many adventures, they were able to recover Erebor and bring about the destruction of Smaug, dealing Sauron a serious reverse.[5]

Description[edit | edit source]

As was traditional among the Dwarves, it was drawn with East at the top of the map and showed the Lonely Mountain of Erebor, the Running River that flowed from it, and the lands about. It also contained mention of a secret entrance to the Mountain, and (written in secret Moon-letters) instructions as to how it might be opened.

The Map's Runes are written in Anglo-Saxon Futhark however it is spelt out in modern English, not in Khuzdul. The small text on the left, below the hand, reads.

five
feet high
the door an
d three may
walk abre
ast.
Th. Th.[note 2]

The moon-letters read by Elrond are visible in the sketch and read:

Stand by the grey st
one when the thrush kn
ocks and the setting s
un with the last light
of Durin's day will sh
ine upon the keyhole
Th.

The illustration of the Map[edit | edit source]

Sketch of Thrór's Map

"Thrór's Map" is reproduced in facsimile in The Hobbit (and as plate No. 86 in J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator). The map was drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien, and a preliminary version of the map appears as plate No. 85 in Artist & Illustrator.[6]

In 1979 a coloured version by H.E. Riddett was published as a poster by Allen & Unwin (together with the "Wilderland" map).[7]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

When Gandalf visits Bilbo near the beginning of the film, he browses through his office in Bag End and notices the Map of their earlier adventure. The prop was made by artist Daniel Reeve.[8]

2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:

The Map is featured in the movie. At Rivendell Elrond places it on a pedestal on a veranda in order to read it.

2014: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies:

At the end of the movie (at the same time the Fellowship movie starts) Bilbo leaves his room to meet Gandalf who just came, and the Map is seen again on Bilbo's desk.

Notes

  1. The exact year the Map was drawn and the letters were written is not known, but can be pinpointed sometime between 2770 and 2790 and calculated according to astronomy. Andreas Moehn suggests T.A. 2789.[1]
  2. The signature probably refers to Thrór's initials, Thrór, son of Thráin or how it is written in Khuzdul, Thrór Thráinul.

References

Maps of Arda made by or for J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit:  Thrór's Map · Map of Wilderland
 TLOTR:  A Part of the Shire · General Map of Middle-earth · Map of Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor · The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age
Other:  Map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North · Númenórë‎
Baynes:  A Map of Middle-earth · There and Back Again
Early maps:  The earliest map‎ · I Vene Kemen · The First 'Silmarillion' Map · Ambarkanta maps · The Second 'Silmarillion' Map · The First Map of 'The Lord of the Rings' · The 1943 Map of 'The Lord of the Rings' · The Second Map of 'The Lord of the Rings' · The Third Map of 'The Lord of the Rings'