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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 1997-2025. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Got a question for us? We are always on hand to help! Why not Tweet us with your queries about Discus or the DISC personality test? |
Latest entries and updates
Featured EntryNúmenórean RealmsThe North-kingdom and the SouthA name in Middle-earth for the Two Kingdoms of the Exiles of Númenor: Arnor the North-kingdom and Gondor the South-kingdom. Though there had been Númenórean settlements in Middle-earth dating back through much of the Second Age, it was not until the coming of Elendil and his sons after the Downfall that these regions were formed into distinct political entities under the rule of Kings. Elendil was heir to the Lordship of Andúnië and a descendant of Elros Tar-Minyatur, and thus the highest ranking noble in Middle-earth after he escaped the Downfall. He came ashore in the northern lands and there established the originally pre-eminent Númenórean Realm, Arnor, the land of the High King. Meanwhile his sons Isildur and Anárion sailed up Anduin, far to the south. They founded Gondor in the lands on either side of the Great River, reigning jointly under the High Kingship of their father in the North. |
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