The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Gil-galad lived c. I 445 - II 3441; he ruled as High King of the Noldor from I 510
Location
Gil-galad's seat was in the land of Lindon
Race
Division
Culture
Family
Other names
A translated form of the name Gil-galad (which is also sometimes translated as 'Star of Radiance')

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 21 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

Starlight

Frodo’s translation of the name Gil-galad

"Gil-galad was the last of the great Elf-kings of Middle-earth. Gil-galad is Starlight in their tongue."
Words of Frodo Baggins
The Fellowship of the Ring I 11
A Knife in the Dark
'Starlight'
(Gil-galad)

Ereinion was the last High King of the Noldor, who inherited the title after the Fall of Gondolin in the closing years of the First Age. After the War of Wrath and the defeat of Morgoth, he ruled over the land of Lindon on the shores of the Great Sea. His rule lasted through most of the Second Age, until he joined his people to the Last Alliance of Elves and Men and marched to war against Mordor, never to return.

In battle, Ereinion wore a shining helm and suit of mail, and carried a silvered shield gleaming brilliantly with the twelve white stars of his personal emblem. To Elvish eyes, this distinctive armour shone like a beacon even at a great distance, and so he gained the name Gil-galad, which meant 'Star of Radiance'. It is by that name that he is most usually known in the histories of the First and Second Ages.

While travelling toward Rivendell, an age after Gil-galad's fall in Mordor, the conversation between Strider and the Hobbits turned to the last High King. Frodo Baggins interpreted the name Gil-galad for the others, but gave his own literal translation. Instead of 'Star of Radiance' he rendered gil ('star') and galad ('radiance', 'light') in combination as 'Starlight'.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 21 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

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

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2022, 2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
Get the key facts about how the DISC personality test works, and how it can deliver real advantages.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry