The day of the Summer Solstice, the longest of the year, was celebrated by many of the races of Middle-earth. In the calenders of Men the day was named Loëndë, while the Hobbits placed it at the centre of their festival of Lithe, naming the day itself Mid-year's Day. Perhaps surprisingly, the Elves seem not to have had a special name for this day; it simply fell in the middle of their season of Lairë or summer.
Midsummer was traditionally associated with important events. In the First Age, it was at Midsummer that the hosts assembled to attack Angband in the dreadful battle that became known as the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. In later history, less ominous events were associated with the date. It was on this day of every seventh year that the Shire-hobbits traditionally elected their Mayor, and at Midsummer in the year III 3019 the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen took place in Minas Tirith.
See also...
Afterlithe, Aragorn Elessar, Deputy Mayor, Enderi, Forelithe, Free Fair, Loëndë, Middle-days, Nárië, Overlithe, Prayer to Eru, Shire Calendar, Stewards’ Reckoning, Three Prayers, Yáviérë
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About this entry:
- Updated 5 February 2012
- This entry is complete
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