Mahtan
Mahtan | |
---|---|
Noldo | |
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"Mahtan (face study)" by Karolina Węgrzyn | |
Biographical Information | |
Pronunciation | Q, [ˈmaxtan] |
Other names | Aulendur, Urundil, Rusco (Q, epessi) |
Location | Valinor |
Language | Quenya |
Family | |
Children | Nerdanel |
Physical Description | |
Gender | Male |
Hair color | Red brown |
Clothing | Copper circlet |
Gallery | Images of Mahtan |
Mahtan was a Noldorin Elf and the father of Nerdanel, the wife of Fëanor.[1]
History[edit]
A skilled smith in Valinor, Mahtan learned the arts of metal and stone work under the Vala Aulë, and for this Mahtan was also called Aulendur ("Servant of Aulë"). He wore a copper circlet around his head and was known for his fondness for the metal. Thus he was called Urundil - 'copper-lover'.[2] Mahtan in turn taught Fëanor,[1] the greatest of all Elven craftsmen, who—to Mahtan's regret—used this knowledge to forge the first weapons and armour in Valinor.[3]
Mahtan had a beard, which was unusual for an Elf, especially one as young as he. Elves could only grow beards from the third cycle of their lives, while Mahtan was an exception in being only early in his second.[4]
Etymology[edit]
The name Mahtan seems to come from the Quenya mahta- ("to handle"), a reference to the arts and skills of making.
Other names[edit]
His devotion to Aulë had earned him the name Aulendur ("Servant of Aulë")[2] from -ndur ("to serve"). The earlier form of this name was Aulendil, which was later used by Sauron during his treachery to Númenor. His other name Urundil means "Copper-lover"[2] from urun ("copper") and -ndil ("lover, friend").[5] His other epessë Rusco means "Fox", a reference to his red-brown hair.[6]:353
Genealogy[edit]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", note 61
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "From The Shibboleth of Fëanor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 41, July 2000, p. 9
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of the Sons of Fëanor"