White Tree of Gondor: Difference between revisions

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{{expansion}}<!-- As a heraldic motif-->
{{footnotes}}{{disambig-more|White Tree|[[White Tree (disambiguation)]]}}
{{sources}}{{disambig-more|White Tree|[[White Tree (disambiguation)]]}}
{{plant infobox
{{plants
| name=White Tree of Gondor
| image=[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|250px]]
| image=Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg
| name=White Tree
| caption="[[:File:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|The White Tree]]" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| othernames=White Tree of Minas Tirith
| pronun=
| derivation=
| othernames=White Tree of Minas Tirith, White Tree of the Eldar
| location=[[Minas Ithil]], later [[Minas Tirith]]
| notablefor=
| family=Trees of [[Galathilion]]'s line
| family=Trees of [[Galathilion]]'s line
| location=[[Minas Tirith]]
| appearance=A white tree with leaves dark on top and silver beneath; and clusters of white blossoms
| appearance=A white tree (with blossoms)
| gallery=the White Tree of Gondor
| references=
}}
|}}
The '''White Tree of Gondor''' stood as a symbol of [[Gondor]] in the [[Court of the Fountain (Minas Tirith)|Court of the Fountain]] in [[Minas Tirith]]. Its predecessor was a seedling of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], planted in [[Minas Ithil]], that was destroyed before the end of the [[Second Age]].
The '''White Tree of Gondor''' stood as a symbol of [[Gondor]] in the [[Court of the Fountain (Minas Tirith)|Court of the Fountain]] in [[Minas Tirith]] (as well as [[Minas Ithil]]).
 
The White Tree also appears as a motif upon Gondor's flag.
The White Tree also appears in the [[Livery of Elendil]], as a motif upon Gondor's flag.


== History ==
== History ==
=== First White Tree ===
=== First White Tree ===
The first White Tree of Gondor came from a fruit that [[Isildur]], at great personal risk, managed to steal from [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]] the Fair, the White Tree of [[Númenor]], before that one was destroyed at [[Sauron]]'s insistence. He suffered many wounds at this mission, and he came near death, but when the first leaf opened in the spring, Isildur was healed of his wounds.
The first White Tree came from a fruit that [[Isildur]], at great personal risk, managed to steal from [[Nimloth (tree)|Nimloth]] the Fair, the White Tree of [[Númenor]], before that one was destroyed at [[Sauron]]'s insistence. He suffered many wounds during this mission, and he came near death, but when the first leaf opened in the spring, Isildur was healed.


This sapling was brought to Middle-earth on Isildur's ship, and it was eventually planted in [[Minas Ithil]] before the house of Isildur. But when Sauron returned to Middle-earth, he launched a sudden attack that captured Minas Ithil, and he destroyed the White Tree. Isildur escaped taking with him again a sapling.
This sapling was brought to [[Middle-earth]] on Isildur's ship, and it was eventually planted in [[Minas Ithil]] before his house. But when Sauron returned to Middle-earth, he launched a [[First Fall of Minas Ithil|sudden attack]] in {{SA|3429}} that captured Minas Ithil, and he burned the White Tree. Isildur escaped, taking with him again a sapling.<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref><ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>


=== Second White Tree ===
=== Second White Tree ===
In the Year 2 of the [[Third Age]], Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree in [[Minas Anor]].
In the year {{TA|2}}, Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree in [[Minas Anor]] in memory of his brother, [[Anárion]].<ref name=rings/><ref name=B2/>


This White Tree lasted until [[Third Age|T. A.]] 1636, when the [[Great Plague]] hits [[Gondor]], killing among many others King [[Telemnar]] and his children.
This White Tree lasted until {{TA|1636}}, when the [[Great Plague]] struck [[Gondor]], killing King [[Telemnar]] and his children among many others.<ref name=B2/>


=== Third White Tree ===
=== Third White Tree ===
A third sapling was planted in [[Third Age|T. A.]] 1640 by King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]]. This one lasted until the year 2852 and the death of the [[Stewards of Gondor|Ruling Steward]] [[Belecthor II]].
{{seealso|Dead Tree}}
A third sapling was planted in {{TA|1640}} by King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]]. This tree died in {{TA|2872}} with the death of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Belecthor II]].<ref name=B2>{{App|B2}}</ref><ref name=stew/>


At this time no seedling of the tree could be found. As a result it was left standing after its death.
Since no seedling was found, the tree was left standing after its death "until the King returns".<ref name=stew>{{App|Stewards}}</ref><ref name=B2/> When eventually replaced in {{TA|3019}}, it was placed in the [[Rath Dínen|Tombs of the Kings]] with royal honours.


=== Fourth White Tree ===
=== Fourth White Tree ===
When [[Aragorn]] became king he discovered (with [[Gandalf]]'s help) a sapling of the White Tree upon the slopes of [[Mindolluin]], high above the city, which he reverently planted in its place. The dead tree was removed from the court but was placed in the [[Rath Dínen|Tombs of the Kings]] with all the honour that would normally be accorded a fallen monarch. In June of [[Third Age|T. A.]] 3019 the sapling bloomed.
When [[Aragorn]] became king he discovered (with [[Gandalf]]'s help) a sapling of the White Tree on the high hallow upon the slopes of [[Mindolluin]], high above the city. This sapling he reverently planted in its place. In June of {{TA|3019}} the sapling bloomed.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref><ref group=note>There is an inconsistency in dates: according to ''[[Appendix B]]'', Elessar found the sapling on [[June 25]]; however the chapter ''The Steward and the King'' states that "when the month of June entered in it was laden with blossom", suggesting here that Aragorn planted the sapling ''before'' June began.</ref>


== Genealogy ==
== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | |TEL| | | | | LAU=[[Laurelin]]|TEL=[[Telperion]]<br><small>destroyed</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |TEL| | | | | LAU=[[Laurelin]]|TEL=[[Telperion]]<br><small>Destroyed by [[Morgoth]] and [[Ungoliant]]</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |GAL| | | | | GAL=[[Galathilion]]<br><small>Made in the image of Telperion}}
{{familytree | | | |GAL| | | | | GAL=[[Galathilion]] on [[Túna]]<br><small>Made in the image of Telperion</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |CEL| | | CEL=[[Celeborn (White Tree)|Celeborn]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]}}
{{familytree | | | |CEL| | | CEL=[[Celeborn (White Tree)|Celeborn]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |NIM| | | NIM=[[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]] of [[Númenor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |NIM| | | NIM=[[Nimloth (tree)|Nimloth]] of [[Númenor]]}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |G1| | | | |G1=<small>[[#First White Tree|First Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Ithil]])<br>Late [[Second Age]]</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |G1| | | | |G1=<small>[[#First White Tree|First Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Ithil]])<br>{{SA|3320}} - {{SA|3429|n}} (planted by [[Isildur]])</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |G2| | | | |G2=<small>[[#Second White Tree|Second Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Anor]])<br>[[Third Age 2|T.A. 2]] - [[Third Age 1636|T.a. 1636]]</small> }}
{{familytree | | | |G2| | | | |G2=<small>[[#Second White Tree|Second Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Anor]])<br>{{TA|2}} - {{TA|1636|n}} (planted by Isildur)</small> }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |G3 | | | | |G3=<small>[[#Third White Tree|Third Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Tirith]])<br>[[Third Age 1640|T.A. 1640]] - [[Third Age 2852|T.A. 2852]]</small> }}
{{familytree | | | |G3 | | | | |G3=<small>[[#Third White Tree|Third Tree of Gondor]] ([[Minas Tirith]])<br>{{TA|1640}} - {{TA|2872|n}} (planted by [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]])</small> }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |G4 | | | | |G4=<small>[[#Fourth White Tree|Fourth Tree of Gondor]] (Minas Tirith)<br>[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] - Onward</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |G4 | | | | |G4=<small>[[#Fourth White Tree|Fourth Tree of Gondor]] (Minas Tirith)<br>Since {{TA|3019}} (planted by [[Aragorn|Elessar]])</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}
 
==Inspiration==
== Adaptations ==
The White Tree has been compared to the medieval legend of the [[Wikipedia:Dry Tree|Dry Tree]].<ref>[[John Garth]], ''[[The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'' ([[2020]]), Frances Lincoln Publishers & Princeton University Press, p. 41</ref>
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
{{references|note}}
:The film shows the previously dead tree flowering again during the Siege of Gondor and the imminent arrival of Aragorn on the Black Ships.
[[Category:Devices and symbols]]
 
{{references}}
[[Category:Trees]]
[[Category:Trees]]
[[Category:Signs and Symbols]]


[[fr:encyclo/biologie/flore/arbre_blanc_du_gondor]]
[[fr:encyclo/biologie/flore/arbre_blanc_du_gondor]]

Revision as of 18:42, 17 November 2022

'"How came you by it?" — Thorin
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks page numbers and/or inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate.
The name White Tree refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see White Tree (disambiguation).
White Tree of Gondor
"The White Tree" by Ted Nasmith
"The White Tree" by Ted Nasmith
Other namesWhite Tree of Minas Tirith, White Tree of the Eldar
LocationMinas Ithil, later Minas Tirith
FamilyTrees of Galathilion's line
AppearanceA white tree with leaves dark on top and silver beneath; and clusters of white blossoms
GalleryImages of the White Tree of Gondor

The White Tree of Gondor stood as a symbol of Gondor in the Court of the Fountain in Minas Tirith. Its predecessor was a seedling of Nimloth, planted in Minas Ithil, that was destroyed before the end of the Second Age.

The White Tree also appears in the Livery of Elendil, as a motif upon Gondor's flag.

History

First White Tree

The first White Tree came from a fruit that Isildur, at great personal risk, managed to steal from Nimloth the Fair, the White Tree of Númenor, before that one was destroyed at Sauron's insistence. He suffered many wounds during this mission, and he came near death, but when the first leaf opened in the spring, Isildur was healed.

This sapling was brought to Middle-earth on Isildur's ship, and it was eventually planted in Minas Ithil before his house. But when Sauron returned to Middle-earth, he launched a sudden attack in S.A. 3429 that captured Minas Ithil, and he burned the White Tree. Isildur escaped, taking with him again a sapling.[1][2]

Second White Tree

In the year T.A. 2, Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree in Minas Anor in memory of his brother, Anárion.[2][3]

This White Tree lasted until T.A. 1636, when the Great Plague struck Gondor, killing King Telemnar and his children among many others.[3]

Third White Tree

See also: Dead Tree

A third sapling was planted in T.A. 1640 by King Tarondor. This tree died in T.A. 2872 with the death of the Ruling Steward Belecthor II.[3][4]

Since no seedling was found, the tree was left standing after its death "until the King returns".[4][3] When eventually replaced in T.A. 3019, it was placed in the Tombs of the Kings with royal honours.

Fourth White Tree

When Aragorn became king he discovered (with Gandalf's help) a sapling of the White Tree on the high hallow upon the slopes of Mindolluin, high above the city. This sapling he reverently planted in its place. In June of T.A. 3019 the sapling bloomed.[5][note 1]

Genealogy

 
 
 
Telperion
Destroyed by Morgoth and Ungoliant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Galathilion on Túna
Made in the image of Telperion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Celeborn of Tol Eressëa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nimloth of Númenor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Tree of Gondor (Minas Ithil)
S.A. 3320 - 3429 (planted by Isildur)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second Tree of Gondor (Minas Anor)
T.A. 2 - 1636 (planted by Isildur)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Tree of Gondor (Minas Tirith)
T.A. 1640 - 2872 (planted by Tarondor)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Tree of Gondor (Minas Tirith)
Since T.A. 3019 (planted by Elessar)
 
 
 
 

Inspiration

The White Tree has been compared to the medieval legend of the Dry Tree.[6]

Notes

  1. There is an inconsistency in dates: according to Appendix B, Elessar found the sapling on June 25; however the chapter The Steward and the King states that "when the month of June entered in it was laden with blossom", suggesting here that Aragorn planted the sapling before June began.

References