The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Established after the coming of the Eldar to Aman during the Years of the Trees
Location
Within the Calacirya and to the west and east of that pass, including the eastern shorelands of Aman
Race
Divisions
Culture
Settlements
Important peaks
Lay beneath the Pelóri
Passes
Pronunciation
ele'ndeh
Meaning
'Elf land'1
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 24 October 2023
  • This entry is complete

Elendë

The lands of the Elves in Aman

Map of Elendë
Elendë in the West (somewhat conjectural)
Elendë in the West (somewhat conjectural)

The region of Aman at the feet of the mountains of the Pelóri where the Elves dwelt, also known as Eldamar and as Elvenhome. Its chief cities were Tirion, where the Noldor and the Vanyar dwelt together in ancient times, and Alqualondë, the Swanhaven of the Teleri.

After the rebellion of the Noldor and the Kinslaying, Fëanor led a great part of the Noldor out of Elendë, north along shorelands scattered with jewels and crystals. His half-brother Finarfin marched with him, but ultimately abandoned the northward journey. He returned at last to Eldamar, where he ruled over the few Noldor that remained in Tirion.


Notes

1

In early sources, the name Elendë is translated 'Elfland', using an old ending -ndë meaning 'land' or 'country'. In The Etymologies (in volume V of The History of Middle-earth) it is listed as equivalent to Eldamar or 'Elvenhome'. In this latter case, an exact literal translation is not necessarily intended, but the name still clearly expresses the sense of a homeland of the Elves in the West.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 24 October 2023
  • This entry is complete

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