ENCYCLOPEDIA
Gothmog
The Lord of Balrogs, initially a Maiar who gave his allegiance to Melkor. He was the one to deliver a deadly blow to Fëanor, a High King of Noldor. His flames were…
The Tolkien Encyclopedia
THE PUBLIC MIDDLE-EARTH ENCYCLOPEDIA
Explore Tolkien’s people, places, histories and ideas. Definitions remain free to read. Use a name or keyword, choose a topic, or browse by initial letter.
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Peoples and creatures
Hobbits
Hobbits are a small people closely related to Men, best known through the inhabitants of the Shire and Bree. Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin belong to this people; they are not…
Cosmology and mythology
Illuin
One of the two mighty lamps wrought by Aulë at the prayer of Yavanna, which were built amid the encircling seas. Illuin was raised near the north of Middle-earth, while Ormal was raised…
Cosmology and mythology
Irmo
Irmo the younger is the master of visions and dreams. In Lorien are his gardens in the land of Valar.The Silmarillion Irmo was an Aiunu and a Vala, brother to Mandos and…
Characters and genealogies
Isildur
Isildur (SA 3209-TA 2) eldest son of Elendil was a Numenorian King of Arnor and Gondor. He set sail with the nine faithful from Numenor, taking with him the sapling of The…
Tolkien’s books and manuscripts
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel of the War of the Ring, first published in three volumes in 1954–1955. Its six internal books follow the attempt to…
Peoples and creatures
Maiar
The Maiar are Ainur of the same broad order of being as the Valar, but of lesser degree. Within the history of Arda they assist the Valar in shaping and governing the…
Cosmology and mythology
Mandos
Namo was an Ainu, a Valar, and one of the Aratar. He dwelled in Mandos, for which he was named Mandos by the Elves. Mandos was the brother of Irmo (Lórien) and…
Cosmology and mythology
Manwë
King of Arda, King of the Valar, leader of Anuir, husband to Varda, and brother to Melkor. He lived atop Mount Tanquetil in Valinor, the highest mountain in Arda. Manwë means "The…
Cosmology and mythology
Melkor
Melkor was the most powerful among Valar but he turned to darkness and forfeited his name which means "He who arises in Might". He was the first Dark lord, the main antagonist…
Characters and genealogies
Meneldil
Meneldil (SA 3318-TA 158) was the third King of Gondor and youngest child and only male heir of Anarion. Born in Numenor a year before its fall to Sauron, it is said…
Characters and genealogies
Minalcar
Minalcar (TA 1126-TA 1366) also known as Romendacil II was the 19th King of Gondor. After being named the Regent of Gondor in TA 1240 by his uncle Narmacil I and being kept…
Places and kingdoms
Minas Tirith
Minas Tirith (S. 'Tower of the Guard') was a city of Gondor, originally called Minas Anor. From T.A. 1640[5] onwards it was the capital of the South-kingdom and the seat of its…
Places and kingdoms
Mirkwood
Mirkwood was the greatest forest of Middle-earth
Places and geography
Mordor
Mordor is Sauron’s principal realm in southeastern Middle-earth, enclosed on much of its perimeter by mountain ranges. Its most important sites include Barad-dûr, Mount Doom and the fortified northern approaches.
Characters and genealogies
Narmacil I
Narmacil I (TA 1049- TA 1294) was the 17th King of Gondor. Ascending to the throne in TA 1226 after his father Atanatar II Alcarin died. Like his father Narmacil preferred to enjoy…
Objects and artifacts
Narya
Narya is the Ring of Fire, one of the Three Elven Rings, borne by Gandalf during his mission in Middle-earth. It is distinguished by its red stone and by its association with…
Objects and artifacts
Nenya
Nenya is the Ring of Adamant, also associated with water, and one of the Three Elven Rings. Galadriel bears it during the Third Age, when it helps sustain the preserved character of…
Cosmology and mythology
Nienna
Nienna was one of the Queens of Valar, the sister of the Fëanturi, Mandos, and Irmo. She is acquainted with grief and mourns for every wound that Arda suffered in the marring…
Peoples and creatures
Noldor
The Noldor are one of the principal kindreds of the Eldar, distinguished in Tolkien’s histories by their learning, craftsmanship and central role in the rebellion and wars of the First Age.
Places and kingdoms
Númenor
Númenor was a kingdom of Men, established on an island brought up out of the sea by the Valar in the early Second Age, after the final ruin of Beleriand. The culture of the Númenóreans originated there shortly afterwards.[2]
Characters and genealogies
Olórin
A Maiar Istari born in Valinor before the First Age. Afterward, he was named Gandalf.
Objects and artifacts
One Ring
The One Ring is the ruling Ring forged by Sauron in Mount Doom during the Second Age. He invests a great part of his power in it to dominate the bearers of…
Cosmology and mythology
Ormal
One of the two mighty lamps wrought by Aulë at the prayer of Yavanna, which were built amid the encircling seas. Illuin was raised near the north of Middle-earth, while Ormal was raised…