The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The first Kings of the Eldar dated back into the Years of the Trees; the last, Gil-galad, fell in II 34411
Race
Divisions
Families
All the Kings of the Eldar derived from the houses of Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë, the first ambassadors to Valinor
Pronunciation
Eldar is pronounced 'e'ldarr' ('rr' indicates that the final 'r' sound should be pronounced)
Meaning

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About this entry:

  • Updated 17 April 2021
  • This entry is complete

King of the Eldar

A ruler of the High Elves

Finwë
(1) Míriel
(2) Indis
Fëanor
Fingolfin
Finarfin
Maedhros
Fingon
Turgon
Aredhel
Ereinion
Gil-galad

Genealogical tree showing the descent of the High Kings of the Noldor, most powerful of the Kings of the Eldar in Middle-earth. Those who held the office of High King are shown in bold text. This tree follows the convention in the The Silmarillion that Gil-galad was the son of Fingon: this is contentious, and other possible lines of descent exist (for more on this topic, see note 1 to the entry for Ereinion Gil-galad).

A title granted to any of the rulers of the Eldar, but most especially to those in Middle-earth. There were several independent Kings of the Eldar in Beleriand during the First Age, such as King Finrod of Nargothrond, or King Turgon of Gondolin. Set over all of these was a High King, a title granted to Fingolfin after Fëanor's death, and held by him until the Ruin of Beleriand. During the Second Age, the High King was Fingolfin's grandson Gil-galad, who ruled the remaining Elf-lands from Lindon, and was also accounted 'King of the Eldar'.


Notes

1

Identifying the last King of the Eldar depends somewhat on definitions. Gil-galad was the last High King, but other Kings of the Elves could be found in Middle-earth after his time who could potentially fit the title, broadly construed. Arguably the last known King of the Eldar would be the Elvenking Thranduil, who was still extant at the end of the Third Age, and whose Silvan subjects were, strictly speaking, counted among the Eldar.

Beyond the Great Sea was another King, Ingwë, who was lord of the Vanyar and accounted the High King of all the Elves. He was thus also a King of the Eldar, and as an immortal being dwelling in the Undying Lands would have outlived all the Kings in Middle-earth. He never returned to Middle-earth from Aman, however, and had no part to play in the histories of the Elves east of the Sea.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 17 April 2021
  • This entry is complete

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