The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Destroyed in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age
Location
A subcontinent in the northwest of Middle-earth, westward of the Blue Mountains
Races
Primarily populated by Elves, but Men and Dwarves also later crossed the Blue Mountains into Beleriand
Divisions
The Elves of this region were originally Sindar, later joined by Noldor returning from Aman
Settlements
Thingol's kingdom of Doriath was ruled from Menegroth; when the Noldor came to Beleriand they made many new cities and strongholds, of which the most important were Gondolin and Nargothrond
Pronunciation
bele'ri-and
Meaning
'Country of Balar'

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 12 February 2008
  • Updates planned: 22

Beleriand

The Country of Balar

Map of Beleriand and its surrounding regions

Bounded to the north and east by mountain chains, and to the south and west by the Great Sea, Beleriand and the lands to the north were the setting for much of the Silmarillion. Originally, the name 'Beleriand' applied only to the country around the Bay of Balar, but as time passed the name came to be given to the entire land. In the final battle that saw the ultimate defeat of Morgoth, Beleriand was broken and destroyed - only parts of Ossiriand in the east remained, to be renamed Lindon in later ages.


Further Reading

See also...

Alatáriel, Alphabet of Daeron, Aman, Amlach, Amon Darthir, Amon Ereb, Amon Rûdh, Ancient Tongue, Andram, Anfauglith, Angerthas Daeron, Apanónar, Aradan, Ard-galen, Arda, [See the full list...]

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 12 February 2008
  • Updates planned: 22

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