The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Location
Widespread in Middle-earth and beyond; specifically recorded in Nan-tathren (the 'Land of Willows'), along many rivers and streams, and in the Old Forest; silver willows grew beyond the Sea in the garden of Lórien in Valinor
Species
Many varieties within the genus Salix
Meaning
Probably from an ancient root *wel- meaning 'turn', in reference to the inward-curving branches of many types
Other names
Commonly known in Old English as 'withy' (hence the river name Withywindle); The Elvish root referring to willows was tathar-, from which Nan-tathren and related names for the 'Land of Willows' derive

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 26 September 2017
  • Updates planned: 1

Willows

Weeping trees of the waterside

Waterside trees that grew throughout Middle-earth. The most famous of these was the ancient tree known as Old Man Willow, on the banks of the Withywindle in the Old Forest.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 26 September 2017
  • Updates planned: 1

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1998, 2001, 2017. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
How well does a leader fit their team? A Discus team report covers the team leader and their role.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry