The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Presumably became extinct in the Downfall of Númenor, II 33191
Location
Particularly associated with the Hyarrostar, the Southeastlands of Númenor
Culture
Prized by the Númenóreans
Pronunciation
lau'rinkweh (the first syllable lau rhymes with English 'now')
Meaning
Uncertain, but apparently 'golden-full'2

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About this entry:

  • Updated 20 July 2023
  • This entry is complete

Laurinquë

A flowering tree of Númenor

A tree of Númenor recognisable by its yellow flowers that hung in long clusters from its branches. The laurinquë was especially common in the wooded southeastern peninsula known as the Hyarrostar, and though its wood was of little use, the Númenóreans valued it for the beauty of its hanging flowers. Rumour said that this tree was descended from Laurelin, one of the Two Trees of Valinor, whose golden flowers had also grown in great clusters, though in reality there was no connection between the two.


Notes

1

Our only reference to the tree known as laurinquë places it in Númenor in the time before the Downfall. There is no record of these trees growing in Middle-earth, so it seems that they would have ceased to exist - at least in mortal lands - with the end of Númenor. Based on its description, the tree seems to have been similar to a laburnum, in which case at least some related trees perhaps survived in Middle-earth. Indeed, though it is never identified as such, laurinquë might conceivably have been a laburnum, in which case it would have survived in Middle-earth after all.

None of this necessarily applies to Aman in the West, from which the trees must have originally found their way to Númenor, and where they would have continued to exist even after the Downfall of Númenor.

2

The laur- part of this tree's name is evidently 'gold', referring to its cascading yellow flowers. The -inquë ending is less certain, but seems to be indicate fullness. In combination, the name seems to be a reference to the tree's dense clusters of golden flowers.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 20 July 2023
  • This entry is complete

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