The Valaróma was the horn of the Vala Oromë, the Huntsman of the Valar.
History
Upon first settling in Aman, Oromë would often use Valaróma in the woods of Yavanna in Valinor to train his followers against Melkor. It was said that Valaróma could be heard above all other horns, for its sound was like lightning cleaving the clouds,[1] echoing the mountains, and forcing shadows to flee, even causing Melkor to quail in Utumno.[2]
After Melkor and Ungoliant killed the Two Trees, Oromë tried to blow Valaróma to disperse the Cloud of Ungoliant, only to be met with disappointment when the sound faltered and failed him.[3]
In Beleriand, when the Sindar heard Valaróma, they knew that once again the hunter was pursuing the servants of Morgoth.[4]
Etymology
Valaróma is Quenya, and contains rom- ("horn noise"), same as in Oromë.[5] An early name was Rombaras.[6]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Account of the Valar and Maiar According to the Lore of the Eldar"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Darkening of Valinor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Sindar"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry rom-
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part One. Ainulindalë", p. 7