Noldor: Difference between revisions

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{{sources}}
{{sources}}{{people infobox
{{people infobox
| name=Noldor
| name=Noldor
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|The Coming of Fingolfin]]" by [[Jenny Dolfen]]
| caption="The Coming of Fingolfin" by [[Jenny Dolfen]]
| pronun=
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈnoldor]}}/{{IPA|[ˈŋoldor]}}
| othernames=Deep Elves, Golodhrim, Golug, Loremasters, Nómin, ''Tatyar''  
| othernames=''Tatyar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]), ''Golodhrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nómin'' ([[Taliska|T]]), ''Golug'' ([[Black Speech|BS]]), Deep Elves, Loremasters
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Formenos]], [[Nevrast]], [[Hithlum]], [[Gondolin]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Dorthonion]], [[East Beleriand]], [[Lindon]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Imladris]]
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Formenos]], [[Nevrast]], [[Hithlum]], [[Gondolin]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Dorthonion]], [[East Beleriand]], [[Lindon]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Imladris]]
| affiliation=[[Union of Maedhros]], [[Host of the West]], [[Last Alliance]], [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]], [[White Council]]
| affiliation=[[Union of Maedhros]], [[Host of the West]], [[Last Alliance]], [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]], [[White Council]]
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| language=Noldorin [[Quenya]]
| language=Noldorin [[Quenya]]
| members=[[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Finarfin]], [[Maedhros]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Finrod]], [[Galadriel]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Celebrimbor]], [[Ecthelion]], [[Glorfindel]], [[Eärendil]]
| members=[[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Finarfin]], [[Maedhros]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Finrod]], [[Galadriel]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Celebrimbor]], [[Ecthelion]], [[Glorfindel]], [[Eärendil]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| lifespan=[[Immortal]]
| distinctions=Great skill with metal and gems, deep knowledge, great warriors
| distinctions=Great skill with metal and gems, deep knowledge, great warriors
| height=Tall; typically 7 feet<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref>
| height=Tall; typically 7 feet<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref>
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| weapons=Swords and shields
| weapons=Swords and shields
}}
}}
The '''Noldor''' ([[Third Age]] Exilic [[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnoldor]}}) or '''Ñoldor''' (older and [[Aman]]ya Q, pron. {{IPA|[ˈŋoldor]}}) were those of the second clan of the [[Elves]] who came to [[Aman]].  
The '''Noldor''' or '''Ñoldor''' were those of the second clan of the [[Elves]] who came to [[Aman]].  


They were highly skilled in crafts and gained much knowledge, which they passed on to [[Men]] after their [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. Their [[King of the Noldor|King]] was originally [[Finwë]], but he was slain by [[Morgoth]], leading his son [[Fëanor]] to avenge him and the theft of his [[Silmarils|jewels]] by making war upon Morgoth in [[Middle-earth]]. The war of the Noldor against Morgoth comprises many of the tales of the [[First Age]].
They were highly skilled in crafts and gained much knowledge, which they passed on to [[Men]] after their [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. Their [[King of the Noldor|King]] was originally [[Finwë]], but he was slain by [[Morgoth]], leading his son [[Fëanor]] to avenge him and the theft of his [[Silmarils|jewels]] by making war upon Morgoth in [[Middle-earth]]. The war of the Noldor against Morgoth comprises many of the tales of the [[First Age]].
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==History==
==History==
===Elder Days===
===Elder Days===
According to legend, the clan was founded by [[Tata]], the second Elf to awake at [[Cuiviénen]]. With him were his spouse Tatië and their 54 companions, and this clan became known as the '''Tatyar'''. [[Finwë]], the first Ñoldor to come to [[Valinor]] with [[Oromë]], became their King, and led most of them to Valinor. Out of the original 56 Tatyar who awoke at Cuiviénen, 28 remained at the place of their awakening, becoming [[Avari]], while the other original 28 and their offspring continued on their [[Great Journey]].
According to legend, the clan was founded by [[Tata]], the second Elf to awake at [[Cuiviénen]]. With him were his spouse Tatië and their 54 companions, and this clan became known as the '''''Tatyar'''''. [[Finwë]], the first Ñoldor to come to [[Valinor]] with [[Oromë]], became their King, and led most of them to Valinor. Out of the original 56 Tatyar who awoke at Cuiviénen, 28 remained at the place of their awakening, becoming [[Avari]], while the other original 28 and their offspring continued on their [[Great Journey]].


====The Noldor in Valinor====
====The Noldor in Valinor====
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=====Kingdoms of the Noldor=====
=====Kingdoms of the Noldor=====
[[File:Mysilvergreen - King Fingon and his lords.jpg|thumb|''King Fingon and his lords'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
In the north-west of Middle-earth the Noldor made alliance with the [[Sindar]], the Elves of [[Beleriand]], and later with Men of the Three Houses of the [[Edain]]. Fingolfin reigned long in the land of [[Hithlum]], and his younger son [[Turgon]] built the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]]. The Sons of Fëanor ruled the lands in Eastern Beleriand, while Finrod Finarfin's son was the King of [[Nargothrond]] and his brothers [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] held [[Dorthonion]]. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 60 of the First Age after their victory in [[Dagor Aglareb]] the Noldor started the [[Siege of Angband]], the great fortress of Morgoth. In the year 455 the Siege was broken by Morgoth in the [[Dagor Bragollach]], in which the north-eastern Elvish realms were conquered. Fingolfin in despair rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the second High King of the Noldor in Beleriand.
In the north-west of Middle-earth the Noldor made alliance with the [[Sindar]], the Elves of [[Beleriand]], and later with Men of the Three Houses of the [[Edain]]. Fingolfin reigned long in the land of [[Hithlum]], and his younger son [[Turgon]] built the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]]. The Sons of Fëanor ruled the lands in Eastern Beleriand, while Finrod Finarfin's son was the King of [[Nargothrond]] and his brothers [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] held [[Dorthonion]]. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 60 of the First Age after their victory in [[Dagor Aglareb]] the Noldor started the [[Siege of Angband]], the great fortress of Morgoth. In the year 455 the Siege was broken by Morgoth in the [[Dagor Bragollach]], in which the north-eastern Elvish realms were conquered. Fingolfin in despair rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the second High King of the Noldor in Beleriand.


=====The Nirnaeth Arnoediad=====
=====The Nirnaeth Arnoediad=====
In the year 472, Maedhros organised an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Betrayed by the new-come [[Easterlings]], the forces of the Noldor, Sindar and Edain were utterly defeated. Fingon the Valiant was slain; he was succeeded by his brother Turgon.  
In {{FA|472}}, Maedhros organised an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Betrayed by the new-come [[Easterlings]], the forces of the Noldor, Sindar and Edain were utterly defeated. Fingon the Valiant was slain; he was succeeded by his brother Turgon.  


Morgoth scattered the remaining forces of the Sons of Fëanor, and in 495 Nargothrond was also overridden. Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin which was kept hidden from both Morgoth and other Elves. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by [[Maeglin]] and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however, many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon was the last surviving male descendant of Fingolfin, so [[Gil-galad]], great-grandson of Finarfin, became the fourth and last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.
Morgoth scattered the remaining forces of the Sons of Fëanor, and in 495 Nargothrond was also overridden. Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin which was kept hidden from both Morgoth and other Elves. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by [[Maeglin]] and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however, many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon was the last surviving male descendant of Fingolfin, so [[Gil-galad]], great-grandson of Finarfin, became the fourth and last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.
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==Kings of the Noldor==
==Kings of the Noldor==
''See also: [[King of the Noldor]].
:''See also: [[King of the Noldor]].


* In Valinor:
;In Valinor:
The first two kings were not distinguished as being ''in Valinor'', since the entire population of the Noldor lived in Valinor at that time.
The first two kings were not distinguished as being ''in Valinor'', since the entire population of the Noldor lived in Valinor at that time.


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::[[Finarfin]], third son of Finwë, remained in [[Aman]] after the [[Exile of the Noldor]] and ruled the remnant of his people in [[Tirion]], although he never officialy claimed this title.  
::[[Finarfin]], third son of Finwë, remained in [[Aman]] after the [[Exile of the Noldor]] and ruled the remnant of his people in [[Tirion]], although he never officialy claimed this title.  


* In Middle-earth:
;In Middle-earth:
::[[Fëanor]] nominally ruled in [[Middle-earth]] for a few months before his fall in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]], although he never established a realm.
::[[Fëanor]] nominally ruled in [[Middle-earth]] for a few months before his fall in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]], although he never established a realm.
# [[Fingolfin]], second son of Finwë; held to be the first '''[[High King of the Noldor]]''' by the majority of the Noldor after Maedhros son of Fëanor gave up his claims.
# [[Fingolfin]], second son of Finwë; held to be the first '''[[High King of the Noldor]]''' by the majority of the Noldor after Maedhros son of Fëanor gave up his claims.
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==Etymology and Names==
==Etymology and Names==
The singular form of the [[Quenya]] noun is '''[[Noldo]]''' and the adjective is '''[[Noldorin]]'''.
The singular form of the [[Quenya]] noun is '''''[[Noldo]]''''' and the adjective is '''''Noldorin'''''.


''noldo'' is derived from the [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|root]] [[NGOL]].<ref name=WJC>{{WJ|C}}, p. 383</ref>
''noldo'' is derived from the [[Elvish]] [[Sundocarme|root]] [[NGOL]].<ref name=WJC>{{WJ|C}}, p. 383</ref>


The Noldor were called '''[[Golodhrim]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[ɡoˈloðrim]}}) or '''Gódhellim''' ({{IPA|[ɡoˈðelːim]}}) by [[Sindarin]]-speakers and '''Goldoi''' by [[Falmari]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]; they are also known as ''Deep Elves'' ("deep" as in "wise, learned"). Additionally, the Sindarin singular '''[[Golodh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡoloð]}}) could be pluralized '''[[Golodhrim]]''', '''[[Gelydh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡelyð]}}, later {{IPA|[ˈɡelið]}}) or more archaicly '''[[Gœlydh]]''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡølyð]}}).{{fact}}
The Noldor were called '''''[[Golodhrim]]''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ɡoˈloðrim]}}) or '''''Gódhellim''''' ({{IPA|[ɡoˈðelːim]}}) by [[Sindarin]]-speakers and '''''Goldoi''''' by [[Falmari]] of [[Tol Eressëa]]; they are also known as ''Deep Elves'' ("deep" as in "wise, learned"). Additionally, the Sindarin singular '''''[[Golodh]]''''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡoloð]}}) could be pluralized '''[[Golodhrim]]''', '''''[[Gelydh]]''''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡelyð]}}, later {{IPA|[ˈɡelið]}}) or more archaicly '''''[[Gœlydh]]''''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡølyð]}}).{{fact}}


The Noldor were known as the "'''Deep-elves'''".<ref>{{H|Flies}}</ref> Other names used for the Noldor included the Wise, the Golden, the Valiant, the Sword-elves, the Elves of the Earth, the Foes of Melkor, the Skilled of Hand, the Jewel-wrights, the Companions of Men, and the Followers of Finwë.<ref>{{MR|P3I3}}, p. 164</ref> It is also told that the Noldor were often called the Lispers by other native speakers of Quenya (such as the [[Vanyar]]), since they retained the medial "th" in their speech.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 34</ref>
The Noldor were known as the "'''Deep-elves'''".<ref>{{H|Flies}}</ref> Other names used for the Noldor included the Wise, the Golden, the Valiant, the Sword-elves, the Elves of the Earth, the Foes of Melkor, the Skilled of Hand, the Jewel-wrights, the Companions of Men, and the Followers of Finwë.<ref>{{MR|P3I3}}, p. 164</ref> It is also told that the Noldor were often called the Lispers by other native speakers of Quenya (such as the [[Vanyar]]), since they retained the medial "th" in their speech.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 34</ref>


==Other versions of the legendarium==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the early versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''), the Noldor were most often called ''Noldoli'' or ''[[Gnomes]]''. They were still called Gnomes in early editions of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became [[Sindarin]] (then called ''Gnomish'' or ''Noldorin'').
{{Main|Gnomes}}
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's [[Legendarium]], the Noldor were called ''''Noldoli'''' or ''''[[Gnomes]]''''. They were still called ''Gnomes'' in early editions of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became [[Sindarin]] (then called ''Gnomish'' or ''Noldorin'').


The spelling ''Ñoldor'' rather than ''Noldor'' was used by Tolkien in his later writings (the character ''ñ'' signifying the velar nasal, the sound found in the English word "si'''ng'''"), but even in earlier versions the name ''Ñoldo'' came from a [[Primitive Quendian]] stem *ñgolod&#333;, which led to Ñoldo in [[Quenya]] and ''Golodh'' in [[Sindarin]].
The spelling ''Ñoldor'' rather than ''Noldor'' was used by Tolkien in his later writings (the character ''ñ'' signifying the velar nasal, the sound found in the English word "si'''ng'''"), but even in earlier versions the name ''Ñoldo'' came from a [[Primitive Quendian]] stem *ñgolod&#333;, which led to ''Ñoldo'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Golodh'' in [[Sindarin]].


The family tree given above is correct in the placement of [[Orodreth]] and [[Gil-galad]]: Orodreth was [[Angrod]]'s son, and [[Gil-galad]] was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of [[Angrod]] and great-grandson of [[Finarfin]], and brother to [[Finduilas]]. These are wrongly placed in the published ''Silmarillion''. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). [[Argon]], the third son of [[Fingolfin]], does not appear in the published ''Silmarillion'' at all.
The family tree given above is correct in the placement of [[Orodreth]] and [[Gil-galad]]: Orodreth was [[Angrod]]'s son, and [[Gil-galad]] was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of [[Angrod]] and great-grandson of [[Finarfin]], and brother to [[Finduilas]]. These are wrongly placed in the published ''Silmarillion''. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). [[Argon]], the third son of [[Fingolfin]], does not appear in the published ''Silmarillion'' at all.
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[Quenya]]
* [[Quenya]]
* [[Finwë]]
* [[Exile of the Noldor]]
* [[House of Finwë]]
* [[Fëanor]]
* [[Fingolfin]]
* [[Silmarils]]
* [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]
* [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]
* [[Fall of the Noldor]]
* [[Doom of Mandos]]
* [[Doom of Mandos]]
* [[Exile of the Noldor]]
 
{{references}}
{{references}}
{{elves}}
{{elves}}

Revision as of 15:47, 4 August 2020

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
Noldor
People
Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg
"The Coming of Fingolfin" by Jenny Dolfen
General Information
PronunciationQ, [ˈnoldor]/[ˈŋoldor]
Other namesTatyar (Q), Golodhrim (S), Nómin (T), Golug (BS), Deep Elves, Loremasters
LocationsTirion, Formenos, Nevrast, Hithlum, Gondolin, Nargothrond, Dorthonion, East Beleriand, Lindon, Eregion, Lothlórien, Imladris
AffiliationUnion of Maedhros, Host of the West, Last Alliance, Gwaith-i-Mirdain, White Council
LanguagesNoldorin Quenya
MembersFinwë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Maedhros, Fingon, Turgon, Finrod, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Celebrimbor, Ecthelion, Glorfindel, Eärendil
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal
DistinctionsGreat skill with metal and gems, deep knowledge, great warriors
Average heightTall; typically 7 feet[1]
Hair colorDark, sometimes red (in the case of Míriel even silver)
WeaponrySwords and shields
GalleryImages of Noldor

The Noldor or Ñoldor were those of the second clan of the Elves who came to Aman.

They were highly skilled in crafts and gained much knowledge, which they passed on to Men after their Exile. Their King was originally Finwë, but he was slain by Morgoth, leading his son Fëanor to avenge him and the theft of his jewels by making war upon Morgoth in Middle-earth. The war of the Noldor against Morgoth comprises many of the tales of the First Age.

History

Elder Days

According to legend, the clan was founded by Tata, the second Elf to awake at Cuiviénen. With him were his spouse Tatië and their 54 companions, and this clan became known as the Tatyar. Finwë, the first Ñoldor to come to Valinor with Oromë, became their King, and led most of them to Valinor. Out of the original 56 Tatyar who awoke at Cuiviénen, 28 remained at the place of their awakening, becoming Avari, while the other original 28 and their offspring continued on their Great Journey.

The Noldor in Valinor

The Noldor were accounted the greatest of the Elves and all the peoples in Middle-earth in lore, warfare and crafts. In Valinor "great became their knowledge and their skill; yet even greater was their thirst for more knowledge, and in many things they soon surpassed their teachers. The Noldor were changeful in speech, for they had great love of words, and sought ever to find names more fit for all things they knew or imagined". They were beloved of Aulë the Smith, and were the first to discover and carve gems. Their chief dwelling-place was the city of Tirion upon Túna. Among the wisest of the Noldor were Rúmil, creator of the first writing system and author of many books of lore. Fëanor, son of Finwë and Míriel, was the greatest of their craftsmen, "mightiest in skill of word and of hand", and creator of the Silmarils.

The Noldor earned the greatest hatred of Melkor, who envied their prosperity and, most of all, the Silmarils. So he went often among them, offering counsel, and the Noldor hearkened, being eager for lore. But amid his seemingly good advice, Melkor sowed lies to turn one House of the Noldor against another, and in the end the peace in Tirion was poisoned. After threatening his half-brother Fingolfin, Fëanor was banished from Tirion by the Valar, and with him went Finwë his father. Fingolfin remained as the ruler of the Noldor of Tirion.

But Melkor had yet other designs to accomplish. Soon after with the aid of Ungoliant he destroyed the Two Trees, and coming to Formenos he killed Finwë, stole the Silmarils, and departed from Aman. Fëanor, driven by grief and desiring vengeance, rebelled against the Valar by coming back into Tirion and making a speech before the Noldor, in which he persuaded them to leave Valinor, follow Melkor to Middle-earth, and wage war against him for the recovery of the Silmarils. He swore a terrible oath, as did his sons, to pursue Melkor and reclaim the Silmarils at all costs. Fëanor then claimed the title of the High King since his father was dead, but though the greater part of the Noldor still held Fingolfin as King, they followed Fëanor into Exile due to their valor.

The Kinslaying

The Noldor led by Fëanor demanded that the Teleri let them use their ships. When the Teleri refused, they took the ships by force, committing the first kinslaying. A messenger from the Valar came later and delivered the Doom of Mandos, pronouncing judgment on the Noldor for the Kinslaying and rebellion and warning that if they proceeded they would not recover the Silmarils and moreover would be slain or tormented by grief. At this, some of the Noldor who had no hand in the Kinslaying, including Finarfin son of Finwë and Indis, returned to Valinor, and the Valar forgave them. Other Noldor led by Fingolfin (some of whom were blameless in the Kinslaying) remained determined to leave Valinor for Middle-earth. Prominent among these others was Finarfin's son, Finrod.

Exile to Middle-earth

The Noldor led by Fëanor crossed the sea to Middle-earth, leaving those led by Fingolfin, his half-brother, behind. Upon his arrival in Middle-earth, Fëanor had the ships burned. When the Noldor led by Fingolfin discovered their betrayal, they went farther north and crossed the sea at the Grinding Ice which cost them many lives.

Fëanor's company was soon attacked by Morgoth. When Fëanor rode too far from his bodyguard during the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, several Balrogs, including their Lord Gothmog, fought him. Despite battling valiantly, Fëanor was mortally wounded and would have been captured and taken to Angband had it not been for the swift arrival of his sons. However, Fëanor died whilst being taken back to his own people.

Because Fëanor had taken the ships and left the Noldor led by his half-brother on the west side of the sea, much enmity remained between the royal Houses of the Noldor. Fingon son of Fingolfin, saved Maedhros Fëanor's son from Morgoth's imprisonment, however, and the feud was settled. Maedhros was due to succeed Fëanor, but he regretted his part of the Kinslaying and left the High Kingship of the Noldor to his uncle Fingolfin, who became the first High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth. His brothers did not agree to this, and began to refer to themselves as the Dispossessed, because the High Kingship had passed them by.

Kingdoms of the Noldor
King Fingon and his lords by Mysilvergreen

In the north-west of Middle-earth the Noldor made alliance with the Sindar, the Elves of Beleriand, and later with Men of the Three Houses of the Edain. Fingolfin reigned long in the land of Hithlum, and his younger son Turgon built the Hidden City of Gondolin. The Sons of Fëanor ruled the lands in Eastern Beleriand, while Finrod Finarfin's son was the King of Nargothrond and his brothers Angrod and Aegnor held Dorthonion. Fingolfin's reign was marked by warfare against Morgoth and in the year 60 of the First Age after their victory in Dagor Aglareb the Noldor started the Siege of Angband, the great fortress of Morgoth. In the year 455 the Siege was broken by Morgoth in the Dagor Bragollach, in which the north-eastern Elvish realms were conquered. Fingolfin in despair rode to Angband and challenged Morgoth to single combat. He dealt Morgoth seven wounds but perished, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Fingon, who became the second High King of the Noldor in Beleriand.

The Nirnaeth Arnoediad

In F.A. 472, Maedhros organised an all-out attack on Morgoth and this led to the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Betrayed by the new-come Easterlings, the forces of the Noldor, Sindar and Edain were utterly defeated. Fingon the Valiant was slain; he was succeeded by his brother Turgon.

Morgoth scattered the remaining forces of the Sons of Fëanor, and in 495 Nargothrond was also overridden. Turgon had withdrawn to Gondolin which was kept hidden from both Morgoth and other Elves. In 510, Gondolin was betrayed by Maeglin and sacked. During the attack Turgon was killed; however, many of his people escaped and found their way south. Turgon was the last surviving male descendant of Fingolfin, so Gil-galad, great-grandson of Finarfin, became the fourth and last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.

Finally the Valar came down to Middle-earth and in the years 545-583 the War of Wrath was fought and Morgoth was cast into the Void. But Beleriand sank into the sea, except for a part of Ossiriand (Lindon), and a few isles. The defeat of Morgoth marked the end of the First Age and the start of the Second.

Second Age

Most of the Noldor sailed back to Tol Eressea at the End of the First Age; but some, like Galadriel daughter of Finarfin or Celebrimbor grandson of Fëanor, refused the pardon of the Valar and remained in Middle-earth. Gil-galad, last heir of the kings of the Noldor in exile, and acknowledged as High King of the Elves of the West,[2] founded a new kingdom at Lindon, and ruled throughout the Second Age, longer than any of his predecessors.

Later some Noldor learned that mithril was found in Moria under the Misty Mountains, so they went to Eregion. Because of their legacy as craftsmen, they were less unfriendly to the Dwarves than the Sindar. They became the Gwaith-i-Mírdain under Celebrimbor, grandson of Feanor, and formed the closest friendship ever between Elves and Dwarves.[2]

But after a while Sauron had replaced his master Morgoth as the Dark Lord and attempted to corrupt the Elves. He persuaded the Noldor of Eregion to create the Rings of Power in order to preserve the bliss they knew from Valinor. Sauron fortified Mordor and began the long war with the remaining Elves. He attacked Eregion, destroying it, but was withstood in Rivendell and Lindon. With the aid of the Númenóreans, the Noldor managed to defeat him for a time.

Númenor fell due to Ar-Pharazôn's rebellion against the Valar, in which Sauron had a great part. Elendil with his sons escaped to Middle-earth and established the realms of Arnor and Gondor and Sauron tried to conquer Gondor before it could take root. Both Elendil and Gil-galad set out for Mordor in the Last Alliance of Men and Elves and defeated Sauron. There Gil-galad perished, and so ended the High Kingship of the Noldor. Of the descendants of Finwë in Middle-earth, only Galadriel and Elrond Half-elven remained (and the Númenórean Kings through Elrond's twin brother Elros).

Third Age and Later History

"In that time the Noldor walked still in the Hither Lands, mightiest and fairest of the children of the world, and their tongues were still heard by mortal ears."
Of the Rings of Power and the end of the Third Age

In the Third Age, the Noldor in Middle-earth dwindled, as most had passed over the Sea. By the end of the Third Age the only big communities of Noldor remaining in Middle-earth were in Rivendell and Lindon. A few, some in Rivendell and some Wandering Companies, tarried before deciding to return over the Sea.[3]

Their further fate of fading utterly from the World was shared by all Elves.

Kings of the Noldor

See also: King of the Noldor.
In Valinor

The first two kings were not distinguished as being in Valinor, since the entire population of the Noldor lived in Valinor at that time.

  1. Finwë, first King of the Noldor.
  2. Fëanor, first son of Finwë; claimed the title after his father's death.
Finarfin, third son of Finwë, remained in Aman after the Exile of the Noldor and ruled the remnant of his people in Tirion, although he never officialy claimed this title.
In Middle-earth
Fëanor nominally ruled in Middle-earth for a few months before his fall in the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, although he never established a realm.
  1. Fingolfin, second son of Finwë; held to be the first High King of the Noldor by the majority of the Noldor after Maedhros son of Fëanor gave up his claims.
  2. Fingon, first son of Fingolfin.
  3. Turgon, second son of Fingolfin.
  4. Gil-galad, great-grandson of Finarfin.

The Royal House of the Noldor

See also: House of Finwë.

The leaders of the Noldor were all members of the House of Finwë. It is not known exactly how Finwë became King: he may have been a descendant of the Noldorin primogenitor Tata, or simply have been accepted as leader based on his status as ambassador to the Valar. The Noldor had many princely houses besides that of Finwë: Glorfindel of Gondolin and Gwindor of Nargothrond, while not related to Finwë, were princes in their own right. These lesser houses held no realms; however, all the Noldorin realms of Beleriand and later Eriador were ruled by a descendant of Finwë.

The Mannish descendants of Elros (the Kings of Arnor) called themselves High Kings, although their authority was only over the Dúnedain. As descendants through the female line, Elros and his brother Elrond were not considered eligible, and Elrond indeed never claimed Kingship.

It is perhaps notable that Galadriel, the last of the House of Finwë in Middle-earth (other than the Half-elven) after the fall of Gil-galad, likewise never claimed a title, let alone that of High Queen. Indeed the only known Elven "kingdom" in Middle-earth after the Second Age was the Silvan realm of Mirkwood, ruled by the Sinda Thranduil.

Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finwë
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olwë
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Írimë
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230
 
Eärwen
b. Y.T.
 
unknown sons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finrod
Y.T. 1300 - F.A. 465
 
Angrod
d. F.A. 455
 
Eldalótë
b. Y.T.
 
Aegnor
d. F.A. 455
 
Galadriel
b. Y.T. 1362
 
Celeborn
b. F.A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Orodreth
d. F.A. 495
 
 
 
 
 
Elrond
b. F.A. 532
 
Celebrían
b. S.A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gil-galad
d. S.A. 3441
 
Finduilas
d. F.A. 495
 
Elladan
b. T.A. 130
 
Elrohir
b. T.A. 130
 
Arwen
T.A. 241 - Fo.A. 121


Characteristics

The Noldor were the Second Clan of the Elves in both order and size, the other clans being the Vanyar, a smaller group, and the Teleri, a much larger one. The Noldor typically had grey eyes and dark hair, save for the members of the golden-haired House of Finarfin.

From their beginning the Noldor (meaning "Those who Know") were always distinguished, by their knowledge of the things that are and were in this world, and by their desire to learn more.[4] They were the most skillful of these Clans, and were specially loved by Aulë, from whom they learned many things, although less than they wanted to know. Their skills included the developing of their language, the building of great towers and halls, and gem extraction.[5] One of their most famous artifacts were the crystallic Fëanorian lamps; the craft to make them was lost to Middle-earth when they left.

The Noldor were the proudest of the Elves; in the words of the Sindar, they came to Middle-earth because "they needed room to quarrel in". It was this pride that Melkor used to turn the Houses of Fëanor and Fingolfin against each other. The pride of the Noldor also led to their Fall and Exile (and their continued quarrels in Middle-earth, as noted by the Sindar).

Of the three clans of the Eldar they are also the people who most favors swords and shields as their weapons.[6][7]

Etymology and Names

The singular form of the Quenya noun is Noldo and the adjective is Noldorin.

noldo is derived from the Elvish root NGOL.[8]

The Noldor were called Golodhrim (pron. [ɡoˈloðrim]) or Gódhellim ([ɡoˈðelːim]) by Sindarin-speakers and Goldoi by Falmari of Tol Eressëa; they are also known as Deep Elves ("deep" as in "wise, learned"). Additionally, the Sindarin singular Golodh ([ˈɡoloð]) could be pluralized Golodhrim, Gelydh ([ˈɡelyð], later [ˈɡelið]) or more archaicly Gœlydh ([ˈɡølyð]).[source?]

The Noldor were known as the "Deep-elves".[9] Other names used for the Noldor included the Wise, the Golden, the Valiant, the Sword-elves, the Elves of the Earth, the Foes of Melkor, the Skilled of Hand, the Jewel-wrights, the Companions of Men, and the Followers of Finwë.[10] It is also told that the Noldor were often called the Lispers by other native speakers of Quenya (such as the Vanyar), since they retained the medial "th" in their speech.[11]


Other versions of the legendarium

Main article: Gnomes

In the earliest versions of Tolkien's Legendarium, the Noldor were called 'Noldoli' or 'Gnomes'. They were still called Gnomes in early editions of The Hobbit. They were also the ones who spoke the language that later became Sindarin (then called Gnomish or Noldorin).

The spelling Ñoldor rather than Noldor was used by Tolkien in his later writings (the character ñ signifying the velar nasal, the sound found in the English word "sing"), but even in earlier versions the name Ñoldo came from a Primitive Quendian stem *ñgolodō, which led to Ñoldo in Quenya and Golodh in Sindarin.

The family tree given above is correct in the placement of Orodreth and Gil-galad: Orodreth was Angrod's son, and Gil-galad was Orodreth's son, thus the grandson of Angrod and great-grandson of Finarfin, and brother to Finduilas. These are wrongly placed in the published Silmarillion. (See Orodreth and Gil-galad articles for details). Argon, the third son of Fingolfin, does not appear in the published Silmarillion at all.

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "The Atani and their Languages"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: The Tale of Years (Chronology of the Westlands)
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Beren and Lúthien, "Beren and Lúthien: [Unnamed introduction]"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (I) The First Phase: 5. Of Eldanor and the Princes of the Eldalië", p. 176 (see also the commentary on §40, p. 181)
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 215 footnote to §29
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 228 footnote to §49
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar: C. The Clan-names, with notes on other names for divisions of the Eldar", p. 383
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (I) The First Phase: 3. Of the Coming of the Elves", p. 164
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Quenya Phonology", in Parma Eldalamberon XIX (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 34
Elves
(Quendi · People of the Stars · Firstborn · Elder Kindred)
Three Kindreds:
(Eldar · Eldalië · Edhil)
 Vanyar (Fair-elves · Minyar) · Noldor (Deep-elves · Tatyar) · Teleri (Lindar · Nelyar)
Calaquendi:
(High-elves · Amanyar)
 Vanyar · Noldor · Falmari
Úmanyar:  Sindar (Grey-elves · Eglath · Falathrim) · Nandor (Green-elves · Silvan Elves)
 Moriquendi:  Úmanyar · Avari (Cuind · Hwenti · Kindi · Kinn-lai · Penni · Windan)
See also:  Awakening of the Elves · Sundering of the Elves · Great Journey