The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The custom dated back to the Years of the Trees
Race
Pronunciation
epe'sseh
Meaning
'After-name'

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About this entry:

  • Updated 27 October 2019
  • This entry is complete

Epessë

The 'after-name' of the Elves

At least among the Eldar of Valinor and their descendants, it was the custom of the Elves to be given two names (or essi) by their parents: one by their father at birth, and another, later, by their mother. Some more famous Elves also acquired a third name. This epessë, or 'after-name', described their better known qualities or exploits, and was taken up into later histories as their usual name. The most famous examples of these 'after-names' were Gil-galad (originally named 'Ereinion') and Galadriel (whose original father- and mother-names were, respectively, 'Artanis' and 'Nerwen').


See also...

Alatáriel, Essë

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 27 October 2019
  • This entry is complete

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