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Welcome to The Encyclopedia of ArdaThe Encyclopedia of Arda is a personal project - a tribute to and a celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The site is evolving into an illustrated hypertext encyclopedia of Tolkien's realms and peoples. It already contains about four thousand entries, and we're constantly adding new entries and expanding existing ones. Inside the encyclopediaThe Encyclopedia of Arda contains thousands of articles covering topics from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, some brief, some lengthy and some containing detailed essays and discussions. You'll also find a selection of interactive tools, including a chronicle to help you explore Tolkien's fictional history, and calendar to translate dates and events, a lexicon of names, a glossary of old and rare words, and much more. Context and approachThe content of the Encyclopedia is written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself simply as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. Hence, we try to describe his world from a 'historical' rather than a literary perspective, though sometimes it's useful to explore ideas in their wider context. Where relevant, therefore, you'll also find a few references to Tolkien's life or opinions, or to real historical or mythological parallels to events in his universe. About the name ArdaArda was the name given by the Elves to their world and all it contained, and so 'Encyclopedia of Arda' seemed a peculiarly apt title for this project. Special thanksThanks to all those who've e-mailed us over the years with their suggestions, corrections, ideas and just general support. But the real Special Thanks, though, belong to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien for his extraordinary and unparalleled creation. For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1997-2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus includes everything you need to examine DISC personalities and roles within a team. |
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Featured EntryTar-MinastirThe King who drove Sauron out of EriadorThe son of Isilmo, Tar-Minastir inherited the Sceptre of Númenor on the death of his childless aunt, Queen Tar-Telperiën. His name Minastir means 'watchtower', and comes from the great westward-facing tower he built on the hill of Oromet near Andúnië, from which he would often look out towards the West. In Tar-Minastir's time the Elves were still beloved by the Númenóreans and welcomed by them, and Tar-Minastir had a close alliance with King Gil-galad of Lindon. However, it is also said that he envied their freedom from death, and from that envy a shadow of evil slowly grew over Númenor in the centuries following his rule. Tar-Minastir was most famous for his actions during the War of the Elves and Sauron. After the destruction of Eregion, Sauron's forces roamed throughout Eriador, and came close to conquering all of Middle-earth for the Dark Lord. Gil-galad summoned help from Númenor, and Tar-Minastir sent a huge fleet to the aid of the Elves under admiral Ciryatur. The Númenóreans saved Eriador, and drove Sauron back into the east. With the threat of Sauron contained, it was during Tar-Minastir's later rule that the Númenóreans began to make serious attempts to establish colonies in Middle-earth. |
