Circles of the World: Difference between revisions
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After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the term becomes more narrow in meaning. After the [[Bending of the World]], and the taking away of Aman, the lands of the [[Uttermost West]] are said to be no longer within the Circles of the World, though they are clearly still part of the World in some sense. After this point, it seems that the Circles of the World are simply the boundaries of the Mortal Lands of [[Middle-earth]]. | After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the term becomes more narrow in meaning. After the [[Bending of the World]], and the taking away of Aman, the lands of the [[Uttermost West]] are said to be no longer within the Circles of the World, though they are clearly still part of the World in some sense. After this point, it seems that the Circles of the World are simply the boundaries of the Mortal Lands of [[Middle-earth]]. | ||
[[Aragorn]]'s refers to the Circles of the World to [[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]] at his death, saying that they were not bound forever to the Circles of the World, and would meet again. A similar phrase occurs in the story of [[Beren|Beren Erchamion]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], where it is said their paths "led together beyond the confines of the world". | |||
{{cosmology}} | {{cosmology}} | ||
[[Category: Cosmology]] | [[Category: Cosmology]] |
Revision as of 15:50, 7 November 2012
"Circles of the World" was a general term that seems to refer to the boundaries between the World and the Outer Void, though its usage is vague and does not seem to be completely consistent. In its earlier uses, it appears to be a completely inclusive term, describing the entirety of the World and its surrounding seas and airs, and explicitly including the Undying Lands of Aman. The region beyond the Circles is the place where Ilúvatar dwells (presumably with those of the Ainur who did not descend into Arda), and it is the fate of Men to pass out of the Circles of the World after death.
After the Downfall of Númenor, the term becomes more narrow in meaning. After the Bending of the World, and the taking away of Aman, the lands of the Uttermost West are said to be no longer within the Circles of the World, though they are clearly still part of the World in some sense. After this point, it seems that the Circles of the World are simply the boundaries of the Mortal Lands of Middle-earth.
Aragorn's refers to the Circles of the World to Arwen Undómiel at his death, saying that they were not bound forever to the Circles of the World, and would meet again. A similar phrase occurs in the story of Beren Erchamion and Lúthien Tinúviel, where it is said their paths "led together beyond the confines of the world".
Middle-earth Cosmology | |
Constellations | Anarríma · Durin's Crown · Menelmacar · Remmirath · Soronúmë · Telumendil · Valacirca · Wilwarin |
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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 |