Bright

An epithet used of Eärendil the Mariner in the annals of Númenor, and particularly in Akallabêth, the tale of the Downfall. The title describes the shining light of the Silmaril that he wore on his brow as he piloted his vessel Vingilot into the skies of the West.

The Silmaril of Bright Eärendil had come from the Iron Crown of Morgoth, recovered by Beren and Lúthien, and eventually passed down to their granddaughter Elwing. Elwing held it at the Havens of Sirion, while her husband Eärendil sailed the Great Sea seeking a way into the West to plead for the aid of the Valar against the Dark Lord.

The Sons of Fëanor claimed the Silmaril for themselves, and attacked the Havens, causing Elwing to throw herself into the Sea rather than surrender the Jewel. Through the power of Ulmo, she was transformed into a white bird, and so was able to cross the ocean to find Eärendil on his ship. With the holy Jewel bound to his brow, the Mariner was finally able to pass the Shadowy Seas and the Enchanted Isles and land on the shores of Aman.

Eärendil's vessel Vingilot was hallowed by the Powers and set out to sail into high airs, with the Mariner still bearing the shining Silmaril, so that the new Star of Eärendil rose into the western skies. Seen from Middle-earth, this was taken as a sign of hope, and indeed the new bright Star was known as Gil-Estel, the Star of High Hope. This hope was fulfilled when the Valar answered Eärendil's prayer and defeated Morgoth in the War of Wrath, so saving the Elves and Men of Middle-earth from the Dark Power of the North.

The story of Bright Eärendil had particular resonance for the Númenóreans, because it was directly tied to their own history. Eärendil and Elwing had two sons, Elrond and Elros, and because they were descended from both Elves and Men, these sons were given the choice of the people to whom they would belong. Elros chose to be counted among mortal Men and, as Elros Tar-Minyatur, he became the first King of Númenor. So Bright Eärendil was the forefather of all the Rulers of the Isle, and also of the Kings of the Dúnedain in Middle-earth, who descended from the same line.