Newest References

Rían by Robinka

Having a name does not guarantee having a role in the legendarium, let alone being an important character. Representing that assemblage of characters, our heroine here today is Rían – the wife of Huor and the mother of Tuor.

Published on 1 January 2016.

Radagast the Brown by oshun

One of the Istari or Wizards, Radagast is a blink-or-you-miss-him character with particular connections to animals and nature.

Published on 1 August 2016.

Pengolodh by Dawn Felagund

A biography of Pengolodh, emphasizing what he would have known of the history he wrote about and how that impacts interpreting The Silmarillion for fanfiction.

Published on 1 March 2016.

Oromë by oshun

Among the many evocative and fascinating of Tolkien’s characters, the Vala Oromë uniquely tempts one to note the resemblances between the Professor’s invented mythology and real world myth and legend.

Published on 1 October 2011.

Orodreth by Tarion Anarore

Orodreth is often remembered (or forgotten) for his milder-mannered and soft-spoken nature, though other sources paint a more varied picture.

Published on 1 December 2014.

Ohtar by oshun

The esquire of Isildur, Ohtar delivered the shards of Narsil to Rivendell and thus becomes a pivotal--if minor--character in the final act of the legendarium.

Published on 1 November 2020.

Núneth by oshun

Núneth, a Númenórean woman best known as the mother of Erendis, is a complex and realistic character who figures in the tale of Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife.

Published on 1 April 2014.

Nimloth of Doriath by oshun

We know little to nothing about Nimloth aside from her familial relationships to others: the wife of Dior, and mother of Eluréd, Elurín, and Elwing.

Published on 1 October 2009.

Nienna by oshun

Nienna, one of the Queens of the Valar, is the goddess of mourning. She serves as a mentor to other key characters.

Published on 1 May 2016.

Nessa by oshun

Often listed last among the Valier, Nessa is known for her skill in dancing and her connection to deer.

Published on 1 December 2012.

Nerdanel (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Nerdanel's character is explored beyond the few mentions she receives in the published text.

Published on 10 July 2007.

Nerdanel by Dawn Felagund

Nerdanel is a rare character among Tolkien's woman characters, possessing skill and fortitude rather than beauty, yet due to editorial intervention, has been removed almost entirely from the published text. Fans--mostly women--have effected her rescue through transformative works.

Published on 1 August 2018.

Nellas of Doriath by oshun

A character who appears in The Book of Lost Tales, Nellas has a significant presence in the childhood of Túrin. Her connections to the young son of Húrin encompass those of companion, quasi-nursemaid, and teacher.

Published on 1 June 2014.

Námo Mandos by Dawn Felagund

Námo Mandos occupies a common role found in world mythology: that of the god of the dead. Shrouded in mystery and beset with moral ambiguity, Námo participates in tales with parallels in other world myths, especially the Greek and the Norse.

Published on 1 February 2009.

Nahar by oshun

Nahar, the horse of the Vala Oromë, is one of the extraordinary beasts of The Silmarillion.

Published on 1 February 2016.

Morwen by oshun

The mother of the doomed Túrin, Morwen Eledhwen is the quintessential strong, tragic female character of Tolkien’s history of the Men and Elves of the First Age.

Published on 1 June 2008.

Míriel Þerindë by oshun

Míriel Þerindë is one of the most significant women characters in The Silmarillion. Her importance is not limited to marrying Finwë, the first King of the Noldor, and giving birth to the incomparable Fëanor. What makes Míriel memorable among Tolkien's female characters is that she not only managed to determine her fate against the wishes of the powerful man in her life and even the initial preferences of the Valar, but that her choices profoundly affected the destiny of her people throughout the history of Arda.

Published on 1 July 2010.

Melian by oshun

One of the Maiar, Melian is to credit for the safety and subsequent ascendancy of Doriath under her guardianship. Although often depicted as otherworldly and distant, Melian's role in The Silmarillion is heavily defined by her roles as a mother, mentor, and advocate for various characters.

Table of Contents

Published on 1 August 2020.

Maedhros (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maedhros is characterized as one of Tolkien's most tragic characters, but one whose kind and cooperative nature often seems contrary to his ruthless actions.

Published on 1 July 2007.

Maglor (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maglor's reputation as one of the gentler sons of Fëanor is contrasted to his martial nature.

Published on 2 July 2007.

Mahtan by Dawn Felagund

The story of Mahtan, the father of Nerdanel, is one among many tales that illustrates the potential of knowledge to corrupt and lead to evil.

Published on 1 February 2013.

Mablung of Doriath by oshun

Mablung of Doriath is one of a small number of named Sindarin Elves who, while pledging their allegiance and fealty directly to Elu Thingol, either under instruction from their King or at his sufferance, actually traveled extensively outside of the protected enclave of Doriath.

Published on 8 October 2008.

Lúthien Tinúviel by oshun

Lúthien Tinúviel stands at the center of the legendarium, a character whose influence reaches past the Third Age and introduces, perhaps more than any other tale, the element of fairy-story into Tolkien's work. Yet Lúthien, who is "nobody's victim or reward," defies fairy-tale tropes in notable ways.

Table of Contents

Published on 1 December 2019.

Lenwë by oshun

Living in Middle-earth during the Years of the Trees, Lenwë was an Elf of Telerin origin who helped lead the march from Cuiviénen.

Published on 1 March 2018.

Legolas of Gondolin by oshun

Everyone knows Legolas. Far fewer will remember much, if anything, about an Elf of Gondolin also named Legolas.

Published on 1 May 2013.