Remmirath

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Remmirath, or the Netted Stars,[1] was a constellation in the skies over Arda. It is the constellation known today as Pleiades.[2][3]

History

Though not mentioned specifically, Remmirath's origin is likely the same to that of other constellations: it was created by Varda to signal the Elves to Valinor.[4] In the Third Age, it could be clearly seen in the Eastern sky during the autumn.[1]

Etymology

Remmirath is quite accurately translated with its Westron name the Netted Stars. The word is composed of three elements: rem, "mesh", mir, "jewel", and the collective plural suffix -ath. It has been translated as "group of gems in a net" and "group of jewels caught in a net".[2] Two other names were used for Pleiades at early stages of the legendarium: Gnomish Sithaloth or Sithaloctha, which means "fly-cluster",[5] and Qenya Itselokte of similar meaning.[6]

Middle-earth Cosmology
 Constellations  Anarríma · Durin's Crown · Menelmacar · Remmirath · Soronúmë · Telumendil · Valacirca · Wilwarin
Stars  Alcarinquë · Borgil · Carnil · Elemmírë · Helluin · Luinil · Lumbar · Morwinyon · Nénar · Star of Eärendil · Til 
The Airs  Aiwenórë · Fanyamar · Ilmen · Menel · Vaiya · Veil of Arda · Vista
Narsilion  Arien · Moon (Isil, Ithil, Rána) · Sun (Anar, Anor, Vása) · Tilion
See also  Abyss · Arda · Circles of the World · · Timeless Halls · Two Lamps · Two Trees · Void

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor", published in Vinyar Tengwar 42 (July 2001), pages 5-31
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Gilson (ed.), "Words, Phrases and Passages in The Lord of the Rings", published in Parma Eldalamberon 17 (July 2007), page 24
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Beginning of Days"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales - Part I", page 255
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Gilson (ed.), "Qenyaqetsa, The Qenya Phonology and Lexicon", published in Parma Eldalamberon 12 (2003), page 43