Silmo, an Ainu only appearing in the earliest versions of the legendarium, was appointed guardian of the tree Silpion — to be "ever mindful" of the watering of the tree. For this task, he was chosen by the Vala Lórien, who loved the youthful Silmo.[1]
He wanted to steer the Moon but could not do it and so Manwë appointed Ilinsor.[2]
Christopher Tolkien has suggested that the Maia Tilion (a later creation) "perhaps owes something to the figure of Silmo".[3]
Etymology
Silmo is a Qenya name. His name in Gnomish was Thilim (containing the masculine ending -im).[4]
See also
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "III. The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor", pp. 73-4
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "VIII. The Tale of the Sun and Moon", pp. 192-5
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "III. The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor": "Notes and Commentary", p. 88
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Early Qenya and The Valmaric Script", in Parma Eldalamberon XIV (edited by Carl F. Hostetter, Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, Patrick H. Wynne, and Bill Welden), pp. 12-3