Esteldín

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"Esteldín" is a concept which has only appeared in an adaptation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Esteldín
City
The Lord of the Rings Online - Esteldín.jpg
Esteldín in The Lord of the Ring Online
General Information
Other namesDolindîr
LocationNorth Downs, Kingsfell
TypeCity
DescriptionHidden City in the North Downs
InhabitantsRangers of the North

Esteldín is the unofficial capital of the North Downs in the game The Lord of the Rings Online.

History[edit | edit source]

Esteldín is built upon the ruins of the city Dolindîr, one of the Five Towns of Arthedain. The Five Towns were once the most important of the North, but now all but Dolindîr are desterted. They were: [1]

  • Dolindîr, now Esteldín
  • Henneth Rhún, established in T.A. 1409
  • Duintham, established in T.A. 1249
  • Carnoglin, established between T.A. 1272 and T.A. 1349[2]
  • Ost Ardúlin, now swarmed with orcs[3]

The Refuge of Esteldín itself was established long after the Five Towns had become ruins, by the Ranger named Arasuil, son of Arahad.[4] At the time of the War of the Ring, Halbarad was in command of the city. He sends the players out to help the inhabitants of the North Downs and eventually helps in the Battle of the Trestlebridge.[5]

Description[edit | edit source]

Esteldín is located in the mountains of Kingsfell in the North Downs. It is made in a vale in the mountains, and it lies hidden, not even being mentioned on the map. The main enterance lies in the west, where you come to the Forecourt after walking down the hidden street. Behind the Forecourt is the Central Courtyard, where Halbarand's library is, and behind that lies the Craftmen's Courtyard, where all the crafting facilities are. From here you can exit the city by the east entrance, leading you to Nan Amlug. [6]

The inhabitants are the Rangers of Esteldín, also a reputation faction in the game. They are the remnants of the people of Arthedain and Arnor. They are the only power, beside the Elves of Rivendell that might still offer resistance against the rise of Angmar.[7]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Esteldín is said to mean "Hidden Hope" in Sindarin on the LOTRO-Wiki[8], with estel meaning "hope" and dín maybe coming from din, meaning "silent".

Dolindîr is Sindarin made out of dolin, meaning "hidden"[9] and dîr, meaning "man". dîr is an agental ending not typically used for place names but may translate as "Hidden City of Men".

References