The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Immortal; existed before Arda was created
Race
Division
Pronunciation
eh'onweh
Meaning
Unknown1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 5 November 2007
  • Updates planned: 2

Eönwë

The herald of Manwë

The herald of Manwë and one of the greatest of the Maiar; he commanded the forces of the Valar during the War of Wrath.


Notes

1

Eönwë's name derives from an earlier form Fionwë. Its meaning isn't just 'unknown' in the sense that its meaning is never explained. Rather, Tolkien himself stated that no Elvish etymology was known, hinting that it derived instead from the native language of the Valar and Maiar.

Apparently in contradiction to this, however, the name Fionwë is mentioned in The Etymologies (in volume V of The History of Middle-earth), where it is said to derive from the word fion. Unfortunately the meaning of the word is not precisely legible: Christopher Tolkien gives the most likely reading as 'haste', with 'hawk' also a possibility.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 5 November 2007
  • Updates planned: 2

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