The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
First rose into the sky in I 542 or soon thereafter
Location
Flew between Valinor and the Void beyond the world
Origins
Eärendil's vessel Vingilot, hallowed by the Valar and piloted by Eärendil with a Silmaril bound to his brow
Race
Divisions
Eärendil descended from the Edain (through his father) and the Noldor (through his mother)
Culture
Family
Meaning
So named because the Star is most visible shortly after Sunset (or as the Morning Star before Sunrise)
Other names
Notes
The Evening Star of Eärendil is not to be confused with the Evenstar, a title given to Eärendil's granddaughter Arwen

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About this entry:

  • Updated 18 March 2023
  • This entry is complete

Evening Star

The shining light in the skies of the West

A name for the brilliant white light that shines low on the horizon after sunset at certain times. In the tradition of the Elves, this was one of the three Silmarils, a Jewel that shone with the Light of the Two Trees, borne into the sky by Eärendil aboard his vessel Vingilot. It was seen as a reminder that the Powers of the Blessed Realm watched over Middle-earth, and as a symbol of hope (indeed one of its names was Gil-Estel, the 'Star of High Hope').

The fact that the Evening Star was most visible at the end of the day, as the Sun sank below the horizon, also carried a symbolic message. The idea of a shining light of hope appearing as the day came to its end is reflected in the name Undómiel, 'Evenstar', given to Elrond's daughter Arwen. Arwen was seen as the last gleam of hope for the Elves, born into a time when they were fading from Middle-earth, just as the Evening Star shone out as night began to fall.

The Evening Star had more than a symbolic effect on the history of Middle-earth; it also played a very practical part in the events at the end of the Third Age. Galadriel was able to capture some of its shining light in a Phial, which she granted to Frodo the Ring-bearer as a gift. It was only through the brilliant light of this Star-glass that Frodo was later able to escape Shelob's Lair and continue his Quest, so without the light of the Evening Star, Sauron's Ruling Ring may never have been destroyed.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 March 2023
  • This entry is complete

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