Menelmacar

A Quenya name for the constellation known today as Orion. Menelmacar superseded the older form, Telumehtar (which nonetheless continued in use), and was itself adopted into Sindarin as Menelvagor. The bright red star that formed Menelmacar's left shoulder - today called Betelgeuse - was known in Elvish as Borgil.

Menelmacar was one of the brilliant constellations placed in the sky by Varda to bring light to the world in defiance of Melkor. These stars were profoundly significant in Elvish legend: it was said that when Menelmacar first rose in the sky, the first Elves had awoken at Cuiviénen. What's more, the swordsman was said to be a sign of the Last Battle foretold by Mandos, and was even said to represent Túrin Turambar, who was prophesied to return and join the final war against Melkor.