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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 EntryHalls of AwaitingThe domain of Mandos, Doomsman of the ValarThe great silent Halls that lay on the western fringes of the world, overlooking the wide Outer Ocean. Also called the Halls of Waiting or the Halls of Mandos, they were kept by the Vala originally known as Námo, but who is more commonly named Mandos from his association with these Halls. There also dwelt Mandos' spouse Vairë, who wove the history of the world of Arda into long tapestries that adorned the Halls. It was to these Houses of the Dead that spirits - known as fëar in Elvish - were gathered after their deaths. There they awaited the judgement of Mandos the Doomsman of the Valar (so giving his Halls the name 'Halls of Awaiting'). It was said that none could escape from the Halls once placed within (and as they were able to hold Melkor, acknowledged as the most powerful being in Arda, this was evidently true). |
