The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Born in Valinor during the Years of the Trees; returned to Middle-earth with the Noldor I 1; departed over the sea 29 September III 3021
Race
Division
Culture
Originally one of the Elves of Valinor; later settled among the Galadhrim of Lórien
Family
Pronunciation
ne'rwen
Meaning
'Man-maiden'1
Other names
Titles

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About this entry:

  • Updated 24 August 2018
  • This entry is complete

Nerwen

The ‘mother-name’ of Galadriel

At the time of her birth, Finarfin named his only daughter Artanis, 'noble woman'. According to the custom of the Elves, her mother Eärwen waited a while to give her daughter a name. From her height and her great strength of body and will, Eärwen chose the name Nerwen, meaning 'man-maiden'. In the end, though, their daughter used neither her father-name nor her mother-name, and instead took the name by which she is known to history: Galadriel.


Notes

1

The ner- element of the name Nerwen meant 'man' in the sense of 'male' rather referring to the race of Men. Indeed, at the time Nerwen was born the appearance of Men as a people still lay far in the future. Galadriel was given this name because she was exceptionally tall and strong for a maiden of the Eldar.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 24 August 2018
  • This entry is complete

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