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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 1997-2026. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
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Featured EntryDrúedain of AnórienThe Wild Men of Drúadan ForestThe Drúedain or Woses were a branch of the race of Men, short and squat of stature, but possessed of strange powers and sensitivities. They were never populous, but in ancient times many of them were to be found in the southern lands adjoining the White Mountains. This population dwindled over the years, and by the end of the Third Age the only group known to still exist in this part of the world were those who lived in the Drúadan Forest of Anórien. The Drúadan Forest stood on the northern foothills of the White Mountains westward of Minas Tirith, and took its name from its wild inhabitants. These Drúedain had little concern for the peoples outside their woodland borders, but they had a deep and ancient hatred for Orcs. Thus, during the War of the Ring, they agreed to aid the Rohirrim in their ride to the relief of Minas Tirith, revealing the Stonewain Valley, long forgotten by all but the Wild Men, leading directly through the Mountains. |
