The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Known to exist during the journey of the Company of the Ring (III 3018), but appears to have been much older
Race
Division
Culture
Particularly associated with the Elves of Rivendell, but apparently also used by others of the Eldar
Settlements
Pronunciation
mee'roovorr ('rr' indicates that the final 'r' sound should be pronounced)
Meaning
Uncertain1
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 19 September 2019
  • This entry is complete

The reviving cordial of the Elves, a liquor with the power to grant renewed vigour and strength. Miruvor was clear and colourless, with a pleasant fragrance. Gandalf carried a flask of it with him to help the Company of the Ring on their southward journey. Both the Dúnedain and the Orcs possessed drinks with similar properties, but miruvor was known to be the most potent of these cordials.


Notes

1

According to Tolkien's own comments on the matter, the meaning of the name miruvor was not fully known, with the word having originated from the language of the Valar during the Elder Days. Though not fully interpretable, it was said to derive in part from the element mirub, meaning 'wine'.

However, Tolkien actually seems to have derived the name from two Gothic words, *među and wōþeis, 'sweet mead' adapted into Elvish as miruvóre (quoted in Parma Eldalamberon, as referenced in The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion). The name is therefore etymologically linked, in a rather circuitous sense, to Meduseld, the 'mead-hall' of the Kings of Rohan in Edoras.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 19 September 2019
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2002, 2019. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
Identify prime candidates for jobs, boost retention and performance with Discus DISC profiles.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry