Places and geography
Mount Gundabad
Mount Gundabad is the northern mountain associated in Dwarven tradition with Durin's awakening and later with a major Orc stronghold. The two associations make control of the place a matter of memory…
The Tolkien Encyclopedia
THE PUBLIC MIDDLE-EARTH ENCYCLOPEDIA
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Places and geography
Nargothrond
Nargothrond is Finrod Felagund's underground stronghold and kingdom beside the Narog. Its history moves from the making of a protected realm to a catastrophe in which a change of military policy helps…
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
Narsil and Andúril
Narsil is Elendil's sword, broken in the final struggle against Sauron at the end of the Second Age. Reforged for Aragorn as Andúril, it connects the memory of an unfinished victory with…
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…
History and events
Nirnaeth Arnoediad
The Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, is the disastrous defeat of the alliance assembled to confront Morgoth after the ruin of the earlier siege. Its consequences include Fingon's death, Húrin's…
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…
Objects and artifacts
Orcrist
Orcrist is the Elven sword taken by Thorin from the trolls' hoard. Known to the goblins as Biter, it carries the memory of older wars into the Dwarves' attempt to recover Erebor.
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…
Characters and genealogies
Ornendil
Ornendil (Prior to TA 1330-TA 1437) was the eldest son of King Eldacar of Gondor and the older brother to Aldamir. During the civil war in Gondor broke out after Castamir usurped…
Cosmology and mythology
Oromë
Oromë was a Vala created by Eru Iluvatar, one of the Aratar, also known as the Huntsman of the Valar as he was a hunter of monsters and fell beasts. Oromë is…
Places and geography
Orthanc
Orthanc is the ancient tower at the centre of Isengard. Its resistance to ordinary destruction and its association with a seeing-stone make it both a strategic stronghold and a place where knowledge…
Places and kingdoms
Osgiliath
Osgiliath was the first capital city of Gondor. During the War of the Ring, the abandoned city gained strategic importance as a crossing point over the Anduin, both for the Men of…
Characters and genealogies
Ostoher
Ostoher (TA 222-TA 492) the seventh King of Gondor, took to the throne after the death of his father Anardil in TA 411. In TA 420, he renovated and extended Minas Anor…
Objects and artifacts
Palantirs
Fëanor forged the eight Seeing-stones during the Elder Days. The palantírs are described as perfectly round spheres, varying in diameter, and very heavy. They were mainly used as Seeing-stones since they enabled…
Characters and genealogies
Peregrin “Pippin” Took
Peregrin “Pippin” Took is a Hobbit from The Shire, first cousin to Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck, second cousin once removed to Frodo Baggins, and friend to Samwise Gamgee. He’s the youngest of the…
Objects and artifacts
Phial of Galadriel
The phial of Galadriel is the vessel of light given to Frodo when the Fellowship leaves Lothlórien. Its aid in darkness connects a personal gift to the much older history of the…
Peoples and creatures
Quendi
Quendi is what the Elves called themselves. Quendë - speaker, the one who speaks with voices.
Languages and etymology
Quenya
Quenya was the language spoken by non-Telerin Elves. It was later adopted by Valar.