The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Date of birth uncertain, but probably born in Aman during the Years of the Trees; slain I 495
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Division
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Pronunciation
faeli'vrin (the initial fael- is pronounced like the English word 'file')
Meaning
Translated as 'the gleam of the Sun on the pools of Ivrin'1
Other names

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  • Updated 2 February 2020
  • This entry is complete

Faelivrin

Gwindor’s name for Finduilas

Orodreth
Faelivrin
(Finduilas)

The glistening springs and fountains of Eithel Ivrin lay at the roots of the Mountains of Shadow, at the source of the mighty river Narog. These waters were under the protection of Ulmo himself, and so they were not only spectacularly beautiful, but also held a power of refreshment and renewal.

Gwindor was an Elf of Nargothrond who was inspired by the waters of Eithel Ivrin. From them, he gave a new name to his beloved Finduilas, calling her Faelivrin, which is interpreted as 'the gleam of the sun on the pools of Ivrin'.


Notes

1

The full construction of the name Faelivrin is not explained, but the presence of the place-name Ivrin is unmistakable. The extended interpretation as 'the gleam of the Sun on the pools of Ivrin' is given in Quenta Silmarillion 21, Of Tûrin Turambar, though of the single syllable fael can hardly carry all of that meaning in an absolutely literal sense. Fael (earlier fail) appears to derive from an ancient root phay- meaning 'shine' or 'radiate' (or here apparently 'gleam'), so the literal translation of Faelivrin appears to be something like 'Ivrin-gleam'.

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About this entry:

  • Updated 2 February 2020
  • This entry is complete

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