The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Removed from the world in II 3319, though still accessible via the Straight Road after that date
Location
The lands originally lying in the far West of Arda, now removed from the world
Races
The land of the Ainur, but also inhabited by many Elves
Settlements
Numerous halls, mansions and fortresses; the city of the Valar was Valmar, and the Elves' most important cities were Tirion and Alqualondë
Important peaks
Passes
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 19 October 2018
  • This entry is complete

West over Sea

The Uttermost West beyond the Great Sea

Map of West over Sea
The lands West over Sea (somewhat conjectural - see the entry for Aman for a discussion of the sources behind this map)
The lands West over Sea (somewhat conjectural - see the entry for Aman for a discussion of the sources behind this map)

A name for Aman, the Undying Lands. These were the lands to the west of the Great Sea, including Valinor, the land of the Valar. After the Downfall of Númenor, they were taken away from the mortal realms, and could only be reached by those permitted to travel the Straight Road.

The term 'West over Sea' is only recorded as being used by Men. Specifically, it was used by the Men of Rohan in reference to Béma, their name for Oromë the great horseman of the Valar. Béma dwelt in the unreachable lands West over Sea, but he had travelled to Middle-earth in the distant past. The Rohirrim considered their magnificent mearas to be descended from a horse brought by the Vala from the mysterious place beyond the impassable western ocean.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 19 October 2018
  • This entry is complete

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