The fenlands of Swanfleet. In the far distance, the
Misty Mountains can be seen.
An important bird in the tales of the Elder Days. The Teleri seem to have especially revered swans, naming their city Alqualondë (the Swanhaven), and building their ships in swan-form.
Notes
1 |
When Tolkien refers to swans, he would most likely have had in mind the so-called mute swan (Cygnus olor), which is by far the most common variety in the British Isles. We're also told of black swans to be found in the more southerly reaches of Anduin, but these are extremely unlikely to be modern black swans (Cygnus atratus) which are native to Australia. Rather, the black colour in this case is apparently intended to indicated the encroaching power of the Dark Lord.
|
2 |
Swan is a very ancient word and, seems to mean essentially 'singing bird', a curious derivation given that swans are among the least melodious of all birds. The name is perhaps related to the fanciful legend of the 'swan song', a beautiful song said to be made by a swan as it dies.
|
See also...
Bay of Elvenhome, Eärrámë, Eärwen, Eldar of Eressëa, Elvet-isle, Geese, Haven of the Swans, Kingfishers, Living Creatures, Maiar of the Sea, Nîn-in-Eilph, Prince of Dol Amroth, Sea-elves, Silver Swan, Swan-knights, [See the full list...]Swan-ships, Swanfleet, Swanhaven, Telumendil, The Ship and the Silver Swan, Tom Bombadil, Waterlands of the Swans
Indexes:
About this entry:
- Updated 12 May 2013
- Updates planned: 1
For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.
Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1998, 2001, 2013. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.