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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 is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
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Featured EntryWar of the Great JewelsThe battles for the SilmarilsBefore Melkor escaped Aman for Middle-earth, he stole the Silmarils from the vaults of Fëanor at Formenos. Installing himself as the Dark Lord in the North, he embedded the Great Jewels in his Iron Crown, while Fëanor led his people back into Middle-earth in pursuit of the thief of his masterworks. So began a centuries-long war between the Eldar and Melkor (or Morgoth, 'Black Foe of the World', as Fëanor renamed him). At first the War seemed to sway in favour of the Eldar. Despite the early loss of Fëanor himself, they won significant victories and set up the Siege of Angband that held Morgoth at bay for nearly four hundred years. During this time, however, Morgoth built up his forces to an overwhelming level, and in the Dagor Bragollach of I 455 he broke the siege and wiped away the defenders in the North. |
