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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.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
Latest entries and updates
Featured EntryWitch-realm of AngmarThe domain of the Witch-kingAt the end of the first millennium of the Third Age, the South-kingdom of Gondor was at the height of its power, but in the North-kingdom of Arnor, the Dúnedain had become divided. The old high kingdom of Arnor had already broken apart into three lesser realms, and in this disunity, Sauron saw an opportunity to destroy one of the two Kingdoms of the Dúnedain in Middle-earth. The Dark Lord therefore sent his chief servant, the Lord of the Nazgûl, into the north, where he would establish a realm to challenge the lands of the Dúnedain. This new realm was established among the cold northern peaks of the Misty Mountains, with its chief stronghold at Carn Dûm. It was named Angmar, and as its ruler the Lord of the Nazgûl came to be known as the Witch-king, and his land was therefore occasionally referred to as the 'Witch-realm'. |
