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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. |
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Featured EntryGreat Sea of the WestThe immense ocean to the west of Middle-earthThe greatest inner ocean of Middle-earth, the Great Sea lay westward of Middle-earth, separating it from the lands in the distant West. In the far North, where its waters met the Encircling Sea, the Great Sea narrowed, so that in former times Middle-earth was separated from Aman by no more than a stretch of broken ice. Southward from the icy North, the ocean widened, and in the central parts of the world it became truly vast, to the extent that it was sometimes known in Middle-earth as the Shoreless. The Great Sea was the province of the Vala Ulmo, Lord of Waters, who governed the oceans and waters of the world. Ulmo was brought news by all the rivers and streams that emptied into the Great Sea of events in Middle-earth. He possessed horns made of white shell, known as the Ulumúri, that could awaken a yearning for the Sea in the hearts of Elves and Men. In his service were the two Maiar of the Sea, Ossë and Uinen, who brought ferocious storms and calmer waters. |
