References by Title

Duel of Surveys: Comparing Tolkien Fanfiction and OTW Survey Data by Dawn Walls-Thumma

A (rough!) comparison of the Tolkien Fanfiction and OTW 16th Anniversary Surveys, looking at time active in fandom, attendance at fan conventions, and platform use.

Published on 23 December 2023.

Durin I by oshun

One of the seven Fathers of the Dwarves, Durin provides one of the few connections between The Hobbit and The Silmarillion.

Published on 1 April 2016.

Eärendil the Mariner by oshun

In addition to his essential role in the histories of the early ages, Eärendil is steeped in symbolic and mythic significance that elevates him to one of the most important characters in the legendarium.

Published on 1 February 2011.

Eärwen by oshun

Barely mentioned in the texts, Eärwen's story--and her essential role in the legendarium--leave many tantalizing gaps.

Published on 1 November 2010.

Ecthelion of the Fountain by oshun

As one of the lords of Gondolin, Ecthelion appears in some of Tolkien's earliest writings about Middle-earth.

Published on 1 September 2011.

Edrahil of Nargothrond by oshun

The capture of Edhrahil--one of Finrod's twelve companions--is among the most chilling in The Silmarillion.

Published on 1 October 2013.

Eilinel by Robinka

Eilinel is a little-known character, the wife of Gorlim the Unhappy, who is both central and nonexistent in the tale of the betrayal of Barahir.

Published on 1 August 2019.

Eldalótë by oshun

Eldalótë, the wife of Angrod, is mentioned only in History of Middle-earth texts and not once in the published Silmarillion. This biography reviews what is known of this elusive character, including what linguistic clues can tell us about whether she accompanied her husband to Middle-earth.

Published on 1 October 2010.

Elemmakil by Narya

Introduced relatively late in Tolkien's work on the legendarium, Elemmakil escorts Tuor to Gondolin, drawing on archetypes from elsewhere in folklore and the legendarium.

Published on 3 June 2022.

Elemmírë by oshun

Elemmírë, the Vanyarin Elf who wrote the Aldudénië, is intriguing as one of the rare Tolkien characters whose gender is not identified.

Published on 1 January 2018.

Elendur of Númenor by oshun

The eldest son of Isildur, Elendur plays a vital role in keeping the One Ring out of enemy hands.

Published on 1 March 2014.

Elenwë by oshun

Elenwë joins the contingent of "another wife, another untold story," whose death heightened tensions between the factions of the Noldor.

Published on 1 May 2009.

Elladan and Elrohir by oshun

Although not typically thought of as Silmarillion characters, Elladan and Elrohir's family tree is a veritable thicket of who's-who in the First Age. Part One of this two-part biography explores their family ties and the events in their lives up to the Ring War, while Part Two considers their role in the Ring War and the broader thematic importance of their storyline to the legendarium.

Table of Contents

Published on 1 June 2019.

Elrond by oshun

The major events in the life of Elrond tie together the main threads of Tolkien’s great history from the First Age through the Fourth Age.

Published on 1 September 2007.

Elros Tar-Minyatur by oshun

The first king of Númenor, Elros's heritage manifests itself in the portrayal of various central characters of The Lord of the Rings.

Published on 1 June 2009.

Eluréd and Elurín by oshun

Eluréd and Elurín enter the legendarium as the little lost princes whose tragic demise is recounted in the story of the assault upon Doriath.

Published on 1 November 2012.

Elven Families and What They Wore by darthfingon

This column uses old word lists to tackle two questions: Did the Elvish languages provide specific terms for relatives, or is everyone just kinsman? And what are the words for various items of clothing?

Published on 1 June 2009.

Elven Holidays and Festivals: What do we have to work with in the First Age? by darthfingon

A rundown of the holidays we know existed in the First Age, as well as tips on how to design your own holiday.

Published on 1 January 2010.

Elvish Fanons and Canon Contradictions by darthfingon

The early word lists provide many refutes to the most common claims of "Elves would never ..." Here are four of the most salient.

Published on 1 August 2009.

Elwing by oshun

In addition to her place in the important lineage of the Peredhil, Elwing plays a key role when she chooses to withhold the Silmaril from the Fëanorians.

Published on 1 December 2008.

Emeldir the Manhearted by Robinka

Even in the absence of many words about her in the text, Emeldir's story stands on its own merits.

Published on 1 December 2016.

Eöl by oshun

Eöl is one of many First Age characters who walks the line between complexity and villainy.

Published on 1 June 2011.

Erendis, the Mariner's Wife by oshun

Although never mentioned in The Silmarillion, Erendis rivals the most significant women in Tolkien’s legendarium in forcefulness of personality and certainly in sheer number of words expended upon her behalf.

Published on 1 August 2012.

Erestor by oshun

Erestor has long been a favorite character among Tolkien fans. This biography explores what little the texts tells of him and how some of the most popular Erestor-related fanons may have arisen.

Published on 1 March 2019.

Estë by Dawn Felagund

Estë is the goddess who sleeps through the book--or is she? Her character illustrates both the potential and ultimate shortcomings of so many female characters in Tolkien's legendarium.

Published on 1 May 2020.