References by Title

Lalaith (Urwen) by oshun

Lalaith, the second child of Húrin and Morwen, stands out within the narrative threads woven together into the lengthy tale of the children of Húrin as a singular bright light, though, sadly, swiftly and tragically extinguished.

Published on 1 November 2013.

Legolas of Gondolin by oshun

Everyone knows Legolas. Far fewer will remember much, if anything, about an Elf of Gondolin also named Legolas.

Published on 1 May 2013.

Lenwë by oshun

Living in Middle-earth during the Years of the Trees, Lenwë was an Elf of Telerin origin who helped lead the march from Cuiviénen.

Published on 1 March 2018.

Lúthien Tinúviel by oshun

Lúthien Tinúviel stands at the center of the legendarium, a character whose influence reaches past the Third Age and introduces, perhaps more than any other tale, the element of fairy-story into Tolkien's work. Yet Lúthien, who is "nobody's victim or reward," defies fairy-tale tropes in notable ways.

Table of Contents

Published on 1 December 2019.

Mablung of Doriath by oshun

Mablung of Doriath is one of a small number of named Sindarin Elves who, while pledging their allegiance and fealty directly to Elu Thingol, either under instruction from their King or at his sufferance, actually traveled extensively outside of the protected enclave of Doriath.

Published on 8 October 2008.

Maedhros by oshun

Maedhros is one of the most popular—and controversial—characters in The Silmarillion. The first part of this two-part biography considers his early years, before his capture and torment by Melkor, and how he was shaped by his years in Aman, his impetuous father, and the mediating influence of Nerdanel.

Published on 8 April 2022.

Maedhros (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maedhros is characterized as one of Tolkien's most tragic characters, but one whose kind and cooperative nature often seems contrary to his ruthless actions.

Published on 1 July 2007.

Maeglin by Russandol

Maeglin is one of Tolkien's most notorious characters, credited with almost single-handedly bringing Gondolin unto its ruin. Was this his fate, and did his betrayal serve a necessary purpose in the history of Middle-earth? Russandol surveys Tolkien's sources to reveal much of this dark and oft-maligned character. Originally featured July 2009.

Published on 1 July 2009.

Maglor by polutropos

As one of the most beloved Silmarillion characters, Maglor is a bundle of contradictions undergirded by a complex textual history. Warrior, musician, wanderer, and survivor, Maglor brings to the fore key themes in Tolkien's early legendarium, such as the role of music, oaths, and exile.

Published on 19 February 2023.

Maglor (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maglor's reputation as one of the gentler sons of Fëanor is contrasted to his martial nature.

Published on 2 July 2007.

Mahtan by Dawn Felagund

The story of Mahtan, the father of Nerdanel, is one among many tales that illustrates the potential of knowledge to corrupt and lead to evil.

Published on 1 February 2013.

Makar and Meássë by Silver Trails

Heavily inspired by Norse mythology, Makar and Meássë were briefly Valar early in the legendarium.

Published on 1 December 2013.

Mapping Arda, Part I: Terraforming by Anérea

A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part I looks at diagrams of the shape of Arda as well as maps of the earliest years and the lands of Aman.

Published on 20 June 2023.

Mapping Arda, Part II: Travels through Beleriand by Anérea, Dawn Felagund

A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part II explores various aspects of Beleriand.

Published on 1 December 2023.

Masculinity in Tolkien by Esteliel

Tolkien is often criticized for his simplistic, knight-in-shining-armor heroes. This essay argues that heroism and masculinity in Tolkien's works are not premised on this, but on love and loyalty.

Published on 19 June 2011.

Melian by oshun

One of the Maiar, Melian is to credit for the safety and subsequent ascendancy of Doriath under her guardianship. Although often depicted as otherworldly and distant, Melian's role in The Silmarillion is heavily defined by her roles as a mother, mentor, and advocate for various characters.

Table of Contents

Published on 1 August 2020.

Mîm by oshun

Mîm was one of the Petty-dwarves and a particularly sad footnote in the tale of Túrin.

Published on 1 November 2007.

Míriel Þerindë by oshun

Míriel Þerindë is one of the most significant women characters in The Silmarillion. Her importance is not limited to marrying Finwë, the first King of the Noldor, and giving birth to the incomparable Fëanor. What makes Míriel memorable among Tolkien's female characters is that she not only managed to determine her fate against the wishes of the powerful man in her life and even the initial preferences of the Valar, but that her choices profoundly affected the destiny of her people throughout the history of Arda.

Published on 1 July 2010.

Morwen by oshun

The mother of the doomed Túrin, Morwen Eledhwen is the quintessential strong, tragic female character of Tolkien’s history of the Men and Elves of the First Age.

Published on 1 June 2008.

Nahar by oshun

Nahar, the horse of the Vala Oromë, is one of the extraordinary beasts of The Silmarillion.

Published on 1 February 2016.

Námo Mandos by Dawn Felagund

Námo Mandos occupies a common role found in world mythology: that of the god of the dead. Shrouded in mystery and beset with moral ambiguity, Námo participates in tales with parallels in other world myths, especially the Greek and the Norse.

Published on 1 February 2009.

Nellas of Doriath by oshun

A character who appears in The Book of Lost Tales, Nellas has a significant presence in the childhood of Túrin. Her connections to the young son of Húrin encompass those of companion, quasi-nursemaid, and teacher.

Published on 1 June 2014.

Nerdanel by Dawn Felagund

Nerdanel is a rare character among Tolkien's woman characters, possessing skill and fortitude rather than beauty, yet due to editorial intervention, has been removed almost entirely from the published text. Fans--mostly women--have effected her rescue through transformative works.

Published on 1 August 2018.

Nerdanel (Seven in '07) by Dawn Felagund

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Nerdanel's character is explored beyond the few mentions she receives in the published text.

Published on 10 July 2007.

Nessa by oshun

Often listed last among the Valier, Nessa is known for her skill in dancing and her connection to deer.

Published on 1 December 2012.