Wilwarin

From Tolkien Gateway

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

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