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Welcome to The Encyclopedia of ArdaThe Encyclopedia of Arda is a personal project - a tribute to and a celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The site is evolving into an illustrated hypertext encyclopedia of Tolkien's realms and peoples. It already contains about four thousand entries, and we're constantly adding new entries and expanding existing ones. Inside the encyclopediaThe Encyclopedia of Arda contains thousands of articles covering topics from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, some brief, some lengthy and some containing detailed essays and discussions. You'll also find a selection of interactive tools, including a chronicle to help you explore Tolkien's fictional history, and calendar to translate dates and events, a lexicon of names, a glossary of old and rare words, and much more. Context and approachThe content of the Encyclopedia is written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself simply as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. Hence, we try to describe his world from a 'historical' rather than a literary perspective, though sometimes it's useful to explore ideas in their wider context. Where relevant, therefore, you'll also find a few references to Tolkien's life or opinions, or to real historical or mythological parallels to events in his universe. About the name ArdaArda was the name given by the Elves to their world and all it contained, and so 'Encyclopedia of Arda' seemed a peculiarly apt title for this project. Special thanksThanks to all those who've e-mailed us over the years with their suggestions, corrections, ideas and just general support. But the real Special Thanks, though, belong to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien for his extraordinary and unparalleled creation. For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1997-2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
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Featured EntryFoam-flowerThe famous ship of EärendilOn that long voyage, Eärendil failed to pass the dangers that protected the realm of the Valar, and at last he turned the Foam-flower toward home. As the ship sailed back toward the Mouths of Sirion, a shining light appeared in the sky, a Silmaril borne by a white bird that landed, exhausted, on the vessel's deck. This bird transformed into Eärendil's wife Elwing, and she revealed what had happened on land as Eärendil roamed the seas. The refuge at the Mouths of Sirion had been attacked by the Sons of Fëanor, desperate to recover the Silmaril that was held there. In desperation, Elwing had cast herself into the Sea with the Jewel, but Ulmo had saved her and transformed her into a bird so that she could reach her husband far out on the waves. With no home left to which he could return, Eärendil turned his course once more toward the West. Sailing now with the hallowed Silmaril bound to his brow, he was able to pass the Shadowy Seas and the Enchanted Isles, and to come at last to the shores of Aman. He set out from the Foam-flower to journey inland, and after a time Elwing also left the ship. Its crew, three faithful mariners named Falathar, Erellont and Aerandir, waited aboard the vessel. |
