Mahtan

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Revision as of 21:54, 10 January 2009 by Sage (talk | contribs)
Mahtan
Noldo
Family
SpouseUnknown
ChildrenNerdanel
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorRed brown
GalleryImages of Mahtan

Mahtan was a Noldorin Elf and the father of Nerdanel, the wife of Fëanor.

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. Mahtan in turn taught Fëanor, the greatest of all Elven craftsmen, who—to Mahtan's regret—used this knowledge to forge the first weapons and armour in Valinor.

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. It is unclear what these "cycles" actually refer to.

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.

Genealogy


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


References