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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 EntryMindon EldaliévaThe Tower of Ingwë in TirionThe high white tower of King Ingwë of the Vanyar, rising above the houses and halls of Tirion, the great city of the High Elves in Aman. In the courts below the Mindon (the tower is often simply referred to as 'the Mindon') grew the silver-white tree Galathilion. Far above the courts, high in the Tower, a silver lantern was housed, whose light shone far across the Sea and along the dim shores beneath the Pelóri. It was beneath the Tower that Fëanor gathered the Noldor after the Darkening of Valinor, and there he swore the Oath of Fëanor with his sons. From the courts, the Noldor marched after Fëanor into exile, and it is said that their last sight of the fair lands of Aman was the shining beacon of the Mindon Eldaliéva. Having left its light far behind, the Noldor were given the terrifying Doom of Mandos, laying a curse on them if they continued their journey into exile. Fëanor and his followers marched on, but Finarfin gave up the journey there, and led many of his people back into the south, where they were greeted once again by the high lantern of the Tower. |
