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Dates
Known to have been extant before the Dagor Bragollach in I 455; last recorded at Nargothrond before its fall in I 4951
Race
Division
Culture
Originally a follower of Angrod; later followed Círdan
Settlements
As one of Angrod's people, Gelmir would originally have dwelt in Dorthonion, but after the Dagor Bragollach he settled with Círdan in the south, probably on the Isle of Balar
Pronunciation
ge'lmeer
Meaning
Uncertain2
Note
There were two known Elves named Gelmir active during the First Age; this Elf is not to be confused with another member of the Noldor, the elder brother of Gwindor who was slain in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and was also named Gelmir

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About this entry:

  • Updated 12 June 2018
  • Updates planned: 1

Gelmir

The companion of Arminas

A Noldorin Elf, originally of Angrod's people. After the Dagor Bragollach, he wandered into the southern regions of Beleriand, and settled with the people of Círdan the Shipwright. He was later sent by Círdan, with his companion Arminas, as a messenger to Nargothrond.


Notes

1

We have no specific dates for Gelmir before the Dagor Bragollach of I 455, but as one of the Noldor of Angrod's people, he almost certainly originated in the Blessed Realm, and followed his master into Beleriand as part of the Return of the Noldor.

Of his ultimate fate The Silmarillion tells us nothing, and indeed he is last mentioned in Nargothrond mere paragraphs before the Battle of Tumhalad and the Fall of that stronghold. On that basis alone, it would be conceivable that he remained in Nargothrond and was lost in the battle, or the sack that followed. The Children of Húrin, however, gives us rather more detail about Gelmir and his companion Arminas, making it explicit that they returned to Círdan before Nargothrond fell. Of Gelmir's fate after that point, we know nothing. He may have returned to Aman at the end of the First Age, or he may have remained with Círdan in Lindon for a time. Indeed, it is not entirely implausible that he was still to be found at the Grey Havens at the time of the War of the Ring, thousands of years after Nargothrond's fall.

2

The name Gelmir is not explained, and there are various possible sources for its elements. The most likely meaning is probably 'blue jewel', from ʒel 'sky blue' and mir 'jewel', though this interpretation is far from certain.

See also...

Arminas

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About this entry:

  • Updated 12 June 2018
  • Updates planned: 1

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