Wilwarin
Wilwarin was one of the constellations of Arda.
Wilwarin was created by the Valië Varda. It was set in the heavens of Arda to welcome and give light to the Elves, who were just waking in Cuiviénen.[1]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
Wilwarin (wilwarind-, pl. wilwarindi) means "butterfly" in Quenya.[2]
The spelling "Vilvarin" is also attested.[3]
For cognates and derivatives of the word wilwarin referring to the insect, please see: butterflies#Etymology.
Inspiration[edit | edit source]
J.R.R. Tolkien gave no description of the constellation, nor any counterpart in our modern-day constellations, but Christopher Tolkien suggested that it could be the commonly-known constellation Cassiopeia.[4] Cassiopeia is a plausible candidate for being Wilwarin as its "W"-shape is a reasonable match to that of a butterfly.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entry WIL-, pp. 398-9
- ↑ , pp. 160, 166
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
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 · Eä · Timeless Halls · Two Lamps · Two Trees · Void |