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Welcome to The Encyclopedia of ArdaThe Encyclopedia of Arda is a personal project - a tribute to and a celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The site is evolving into an illustrated hypertext encyclopedia of Tolkien's realms and peoples. It already contains about four thousand entries, and we're constantly adding new entries and expanding existing ones. Inside the encyclopediaThe Encyclopedia of Arda contains thousands of articles covering topics from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, some brief, some lengthy and some containing detailed essays and discussions. You'll also find a selection of interactive tools, including a chronicle to help you explore Tolkien's fictional history, and calendar to translate dates and events, a lexicon of names, a glossary of old and rare words, and much more. Context and approachThe content of the Encyclopedia is written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself simply as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. Hence, we try to describe his world from a 'historical' rather than a literary perspective, though sometimes it's useful to explore ideas in their wider context. Where relevant, therefore, you'll also find a few references to Tolkien's life or opinions, or to real historical or mythological parallels to events in his universe. About the name ArdaArda was the name given by the Elves to their world and all it contained, and so 'Encyclopedia of Arda' seemed a peculiarly apt title for this project. Special thanksThanks to all those who've e-mailed us over the years with their suggestions, corrections, ideas and just general support. But the real Special Thanks, though, belong to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien for his extraordinary and unparalleled creation. For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1997-2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
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Featured EntrySceptre of ArnorA royal symbol of the Northern DúnedainThe Sceptre of Arnor was one of the original royal symbols of the High King of Arnor and Gondor, alongside the gem known as the Elendilmir and the ancient Ring of Barahir. Historically, the Sceptre had been the emblem of royalty and nobility throughout the history of Númenor: the King of Númenor bore a royal Sceptre, but the lords of the island realm had lesser sceptres of their own. The Lords of Andúnië, ancestors of Elendil, bore a silver rod to mark their station, and it was this rod that Elendil brought to Middle-earth, where it became a symbol of his Kingship there. With the loss of Elendil in the War of the Last Alliance, and of his heir Isildur shortly afterward, the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain became divided from one another. The Sceptre of the High King remained in the North-kingdom, and was held by its ruler as the Sceptre of Arnor (also called the Sceptre of Annúminas after Elendil's capital, or simply the Northern Sceptre). It remained a symbol of royalty held by all the Kings of Arnor, and of its successor kingdom Arthedain. When Arthedain fell to the Witch-king, the Sceptre of Arnor was nonetheless preserved, and was kept safe by Elrond in his House at Rivendell. |
