The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Travelled into the West in ancient times; a large part returned to Middle-earth after the Darkening of Valinor,1 some decades before the first rising of the Sun
Origins
One of the original Three Kindreds who made the Great Journey into the West
Race
Family
Ruled by Finwë and his heirs
Pronunciation
Originally ngo'ldorr, but later no'ldorr2 (the final 'r' should be pronounced - 'rr' is used here to emphasise this)
Meaning
Approximately 'those with knowledge' (sometimes translated 'Loremasters')
Other names
Deep Elves, Golodhrim, Golug, Loremasters, Nómin; those who returned to Middle-earth became known as the Elven-wise
Note
Noldor is a plural term; the rarely used singular form is Noldo, and the adjective for these people is Noldorin.

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About this entry:

  • Updated 28 March 2004
  • Updates planned: 37

Noldor

The followers of Finwë

The division of the Elves that followed Finwë as their lord. In the long march from Cuiviénen to the western shores of Middle-earth, they were the second great host. When they reached Valinor, they learned much from Aulë the Smith, and were accounted the greatest of the Elves in matters of lore and craft.

They dwelt in Aman for many Ages, but after the Darkening of Valinor many of the Noldor forsook the Undying Lands and returned in exile to Middle-earth in pursuit of Melkor. Melkor had slain Finwë and stolen the Silmarils, the work of Fëanor, the greatest craftsman of that people, and the Noldor returned to make war on him until he gave up the Great Jewels.


Notes

1

This event is dated as Valian Year 1497, which theoretically places it some twenty-two solar years before the first appearance of the Sun. Valian Years are much longer than solar years, so dating precise events is difficult, but this gives some idea of the timespan between the departure of the Noldor from Aman and the rising of the Sun.

2

The original pronunciation of the name - the one that would presumably have been used by the Noldor themselves - started with a 'ng' sound, like that in the middle of the English word 'finger'. By the Third Age, this had apparently evolved into a simple 'n' sound.

See also...

Alphabet of Daeron, Aman, Amanyar, Ancient Speech, Ancient Tongue, Angband, Angrod, Apanónar, Aranwë, Aredhel Ar-Feiniel, Aulë, Aulendil, Awakening of Men, Balrogs, Barad Eithel, [See the full list...]

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 28 March 2004
  • Updates planned: 37

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