Mahtan

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Mahtan
Noldo
Karolina Węgrzyn - Mahtan-face-study.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesAulendur (Q, epessë),
Urundil (Q, epessë),
Rusco (Q, epessë)
LanguageQuenya
Family
ChildrenNerdanel
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorRed brown
ClothingCopper circlet
GalleryImages of Mahtan

Mahtan (Q, pron. [ˈmaxtan]) was a Noldorin Elf and the father of Nerdanel, the wife of Fëanor.[1]

A skilled smith in Valinor, Mahtan learned the arts of metal and stone work under the Vala Aulë, and for this Mahtan was also called Aulendur ("Servant of Aulë"). He wore a copper circlet around his head and was known for his fondness for the metal. Thus he was called Urundil - 'copper-lover'.[2] Mahtan in turn taught Fëanor,[1] the greatest of all Elven craftsmen, who—to Mahtan's regret—used this knowledge to forge the first weapons and armour in Valinor.[3]

Mahtan had a beard, which was unusual for an Elf, especially one as young as he. Elves could only grow beards from the third cycle of their lives, while Mahtan was an exception in being only early in his second.[4]

Etymology

Mahtan's name seems to come from a root MAK, meaning "to handle", with special reference to the arts and skills of making, plus the active ending -tan. The name must have a connotation like "Wright, Smith, Maker".[source?]

Genealogy

 
Finwë
 
Míriel Serindë
 
MAHTAN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fëanor
 
 
 
Nerdanel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maedhros
 
 
Celegorm
 
 
Curufin
 
 
Amras
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maglor
 
Caranthir
 
 
Amrod
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Celebrimbor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See Also

References