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Welcome to The Encyclopedia of ArdaThe Encyclopedia of Arda is a personal project - a tribute to and a celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The site is evolving into an illustrated hypertext encyclopedia of Tolkien's realms and peoples. It already contains about four thousand entries, and we're constantly adding new entries and expanding existing ones. Inside the encyclopediaThe Encyclopedia of Arda contains thousands of articles covering topics from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, some brief, some lengthy and some containing detailed essays and discussions. You'll also find a selection of interactive tools, including a chronicle to help you explore Tolkien's fictional history, and calendar to translate dates and events, a lexicon of names, a glossary of old and rare words, and much more. Context and approachThe content of the Encyclopedia is written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself simply as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. Hence, we try to describe his world from a 'historical' rather than a literary perspective, though sometimes it's useful to explore ideas in their wider context. Where relevant, therefore, you'll also find a few references to Tolkien's life or opinions, or to real historical or mythological parallels to events in his universe. About the name ArdaArda was the name given by the Elves to their world and all it contained, and so 'Encyclopedia of Arda' seemed a peculiarly apt title for this project. Special thanksThanks to all those who've e-mailed us over the years with their suggestions, corrections, ideas and just general support. But the real Special Thanks, though, belong to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien for his extraordinary and unparalleled creation. For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1997-2025. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
Latest entries and updates
Featured EntryStar of the NorthThe royal emblem of ArnorA shining white jewel borne on the forehead of each of the Kings of Arnor in place of a crown. It was originally worn by the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor, and thus became a token of royalty in Middle-earth when Elendil, last of the Lords, established his own kingdom there. After Elendil's death this original Elendilmir was soon lost to history: Elendil's heir Isildur was wearing it when he was attacked by Orcs and slain at the beginning of the Third Age. In Rivendell, a replacement Star was made for Isildur's young heir Valandil, and that silver-bound jewel was borne thereafter by the Kings of the Northern Dúnedain. Even after the fall of the North-kingdom, the Heirs of Isildur still held the Star of the North as their symbol of office down until the end of the Third Age, when Aragorn wore the Star at his coronation in Gondor. |
