A Guide to Tolkien's Elves | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

What is a topic in Tolkien's works that you'd like to see explained? Let me know!

[@jamesrichardreavis]

I would like to see a video about the geography and important happenings in Aman.

[@Lokitty719]

I'd love to see one on the Dwarven clans

[@Mr.ardhana]

Glorfindel story please

[@spirosalygizakis3686]

Definitely dwarves and their kingdoms

[@meduseldtales3383]

I have a faint recollection that the Cataclysm that sank Numenor also changed the western shoreline of Middle-earth. In general: a video about how the world was changed in that time would be nice.

[@alexshadowfax1119]

"can we please stop changing our names? I don't even know how to introduce myself anymore" - unknown elf

[@AnnikaSB]

😂😂

[@adarian]

Unknown elf's name must change now and be a new faction. They will be known as Negaquendi. "Negative Voice"

[@arminkleinke-manner9453]

@@adarian That'd be Ùquendi or Alaquendi in Quenya - though the latter sounds more like he can't speak.

[@diegonatan6301]

@@arminkleinke-manner9453 "From now on you shall be known as Alaquendi, because it is better you shut up now and let me do my job or else I shall make you eat this pen and those scrolls" - name giver elf probably

[@simonbionary11010]

@@diegonatan6301 Then i shall be of Ambalquendi!

[@philipcallado5693]

Vanyar is pretty straightforward. They went straight to Aman and never left. Noldor also went straight to Aman, but while some never left, most followed Feanor back to Beleriand, and some also lived in Middle Earth. The Teleri is where it gets confusing. Some did go to Aman, but most of them stayed behind, either in Beleriand or Middle Earth, and they were given names based on where they stopped.

[@DinsRune]

The Vanyar are the goody-two-shoes first child, the Noldor are the rebellious middle child, and the Teleri are the rambunctious youngest who keep wandering off.

[@MasterGhostf]

@@DinsRune Also known as the Vanyar are the valar simps, the Noldor are the chad elves; as they refused to bow down.

[@marcheskitv]

During the War of Wrath, I believe some of the Vanyarin elves arrived to Middle Earth with the host of the Valar but left after Melkor’s defeat.

[@theplotarmoredtitan5781]

Yet their forefather, Imin refuse to go to Valinor. Instead Ingwë become their new lord of the Minyar.

[@Veskr]

Well summarized

[@MichaelDG2023]

I was so alone in my obsession with this material in 4th grade. I envy kids today who can connect with other like-minded fans all over the world. It was just me, my imagination, and my dog eared copy of the Silmarillion.

[@Jonnell01]

Some people might dislike phones and such but we can all admit it's a great way to connect with people who share your interests

[@azaram8133]

Ayo dog eared gang let’s go

[@chuckeliason5104]

Same... welcome home!

[@eztvlight1202]

Atleast 10 times i read the silmarillion. How aboit ypi dog ear people?

[@qarmatianwarhorse6028]

I got my copy rather late in life...was already in my 20s and now 32 but it was a treat to read. Few writers in the fantasy genre can hope to match Tolkien, much less surpass him.

[@dominiccarrano9513]

When you think all of this is extremely complex, just think that we are trying to understand them from an established lore. Tolkien created them all in his mind.

[@dolamrothknight]

he also created a few languages. the guy was truly a prodigy

[@NickTheNickname]

@@dolamrothknight "a few" try a few dozen

[@JohnG615]

His level of meticulous detail was evident in his rewriting of an entire chapters because he realized its timing hadnt synced up with the phases of the moon from the previous chapter...like wow.

[@CyanideSprinkles]

this is what we get from a drug-addicted, fantasy-brained genius.

[@SerhiiMartyneko]

Not to diminish the achievements of Tolkien, but, as far as I know, he didn't create them just in mind per se. He wrote down ideas of those all the peoples and places and just thought what would they do given the circumstances, abandoning things that didn't land well or didn't suite in developments made further down the road. What I'm trying to say is that it is, although impressive and commendable, is not, like, incomprehensive. Of course, it required not only a lot of work and creativity, but also a big knowledge of how actual human history played out with all the migrations, language developments, etc to make it believable and "real" We can find artifacts of his creative process that exits as several contradictions regarding some characters and items backgrounds in lore

[@dionysusnow]

So basically, when you read the Silmarillion you will need to stop every page or so and review this video.

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

I JUST read this with my fiancé three days ago and even I retained some extra info from this video. 😂

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

Wolf I always liken it to Middle-Earth’s Bible. It starts with the creation story (maybe my favorite piece of fiction, really meant to be heard aloud I think; if you can get an ebook sample I highly recommend reading at least that) and it goes from there. The movements of the Elves here make me think of the wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, with group breaking off here and there. Later the chapter goes on to stuff with Melkor but for a while, it’s just, “These people liked the water and boats and were slower than others, these people waited til the others left and then were scared, these people wouldn’t progress without being held by the hand by this angelic or God-like (in terms of powers, not canon) being, and some didn’t go at all,” and it took about six pages to go through. Super detailed about them dawdling. I love Tolkien and am rereading this, and it’s a comfort to me, but gawsshhh, it can be pretty friggin dense. It’s fibrous reading. It’s why I always “sip” on this book, instead of just devouring it in a couple of sittings. It’s just one of those books I need time to absorb and is best appreciated by me if I don’t rush it. I recommend using the frequent page breaks to rest when you feel yourself starting to lose focus. 😅

[@felipaorfr]

@dionysusnow That was exactly my experience reading The Silmarillion, in the sense you have to read it with wikipedia or with a finger between the glossary's pages in the end of the book. This video is just scratching the surface, several characters and places have multiple names (Melkor/Morgoth, Olórin/Gandalf/Mithrandir/etc)

[@akuntansibersamaratna2166]

@@felipaorfr I agree. When I read the Silmarillion, I felt that you need to check appendix, map, or searching for some explanation online. However, what impressed me the most is the fact that I managed to remember most of those complicated facts! (only the important ones, of course) Now, I am pretty sure that I remembered most of the Elves' name in Quenya, Sindarin, and their epesse, and that complicated line of Finwe WITHOUT consulting wikiperdia or other sources (while I barely remember my own country's historical figures LOL)

[@sebastianmatt7707]

I've had pages that cost me 10 minutes to read because of all the switching to the map and the family trees

[@gutz166]

"Elves...so.many.Elves!!!" - C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkien

[@nickkorkodylas5005]

I am genuinely impressed he managed to squeeze so many marysues into a single franchise and even in the same story.

[@erickpoorbaugh6728]

@@nickkorkodylas5005 It just goes to show that even a powerful and morally pure paragon can still be a compelling character instead of a Mary Sue if written correctly. You don't need to add artificial moral dubiousness to make a character compelling, and it's not going to save a poorly-written one-dimensional character anyway---if anything, Edgelord Sues are even more annoying than Mary Sue Classic.

[@farahwyn8733]

@@nickkorkodylas5005 I mean elves are supposed to be perfect or something...

[@kaisawatson]

Since here we have a race of may-sues, they are not unique, which de-mary-sues them.

[@TheCandiceWang]

I lol’d

[@babsbixby9845]

Taking the Elves to Valinor is almost like herding cats

[@avryantoinette]

They're taking the elves to Valinor! (nor nor nor nor!) They're taking the elves to Valinor! They're taking the elves to Valinor! They're taking the elves to Valinor! (What did you say?) The elves, the elves, the elves, the elves, To Valinor! To Valinor!

[@unknown.ben2006]

​@@avryantoinetteTell me where is Melkor, for I much desire to speak with him

[@jamaigar]

It literally took decades, as each year of the trees is like 9 normal years, if I'm not mistaken

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Yeah, it took a good long while. If Aragorn had been in charge (and alive), I think it would have taken several months, tops.

[@stgibbs86]

LOL

[@vainor797]

I can’t stop watching nerd of the rings :)

[@bastiaanbogers4114]

Same here. I’m on a real binge this week.

[@julia34278]

Same

[@deathstroke2697]

It is a curse we must face.

[@Lon3wolfexe]

This is what got my 8 year old son interested in middle earth

[@natnut2008]

Tolkien seemed to have an underlying concept that the older/earlier one was, the more powerful one was. In that case, the Vanyar must have been awe inspiring in their power. They merely chose not to meddle with Middle Earth but chose to stay in Valinor. Everyone seems smitten with the power of the Noldor like Feanor and Galadriel but I suspect there were Vanyar elves far older than these 2 Noldor whose power dwarfed theirs. It's just that they were never documented.

[@aesir1ases64]

Thats an interesting thought, but my take is that the Vanyar have the most wisdom among elves and therefore their "power" comes from their willing to have peaceful lives among the Valar, they are basically the "perfect" elves in the way they must be like every person wished to be, thats why there is nothing documented about them, they are the definition of "lived happy ever after". Thats why Morgoth did not even tried to corrupt them, but at the same time they were called upon to fight in the host of the valar in the war of wrath, so they must have had the ability to fight as well, and indeed could be very powerful at that if they chose to. Regarding Feanor, Tolkien tells us that he was "the mightiest of the Eldar made in body and mind", so even counting all of the Vanyar, Feanor was the most powerful elf that ever was.

[@abraham2172]

The Vanyar never created as powerful/beautiful artefacts as the Noldor, especially Feanor who created the Silmaril. Also they were spineless cowards and mere minions of the Valar while the Noldor actually took their fate into their own hands and set out to fight Morgoth and gain back the Silmarils.

[@nickh2209]

Very true. And to add weight to this we can recall that Gandalf says if he dared use the Palantir he would choose to see 'the unimaginable hand and mind of Feanor at their work' (and unimaginable is a big statement for either Gandalf or Tolkien!). However, Feanor was fatally flawed both morally and psychologically - if he hadn't been we wouldn't really have any story at all!! The account of the clans of the elves is fascinating and illuminating; obviously, time was limited but I do think reference might have been made to the kin-slaying - is that the ultimate act of 'clan division' Tolkien described?

[@VikingCarter]

@@abraham2172 that's a dark interpretation. 😳 not necessarily wrong but definitely dark.

[@Seafroggys]

I'm not sure if this was an oversight or maybe just not included it because it's already so much dense information, but the three elvish leaders Ingwe, Finwe, and Elwe (Thingol) all went to Valinor first, before coming back and bringing the rest. That means that despite being a Sindar, Thingol has personally seen the light of the trees.

[@matedajka5254]

??? When did he go to Aman? I've read the Silmarillion three times, but never caught this part.

[@einvidzumprobiernxD]

Came here to say this, well put to the point

[@Jackal21mac]

This is a great explanation. I'd love a breakdown of elven relics, like when and who made the swords, the palantiri, the rings, all that.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Great idea! I've been thinking I should do some videos branching out from characters into locations and items. There's some great options! If you're curious, it was actually Feanor who created the palantiri! Pretty crafty guy, that Feanor!

[@SCREWBY92]

Ohhh yeah that'd be a fascinating topic

[@luine8984]

@@NerdoftheRings wait, what? That damned Feänor also made the Palantiri? I never knew that! Thanks.

[@Sgrunterundt]

@@luine8984 He also made the letters they use

[@luine8984]

@@Sgrunterundt this one I knew, though the language itself he just picked up from someone and made it so much better than the “original” version.

[@michaelphillips8960]

My dude. Nothing in Eä has plagued me more than this topic. To be perfectly honest, I'm still pretty confused lol but will rewatch it at least a dozen times. Thanks so much for making this video in particular. I've been binging hard since I found your channel last week!

[@NerdoftheRings]

So glad you found the channel and that this video can be a resource for you! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewthomas891]

I'm on my 8th rewatch and still clueless yet love viewing every time!

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

The biggest eyeopener for me? That they travelled from east to west. Somehow where exactly on the map they came from had never stuck in my brain and that confusion made keeping track of the threads of the story and names so much more difficult. To see it visualised like this is extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@9Dunk]

The maps with the little icons are definitely one of my favorite parts of this channel.

[@valentintihenea]

Fun fact, Beleg was one of the original elves that awoke. This is noted in the Lay of the Children of Hurin where it is is said he knew no sire.

[@qarmatianwarhorse6028]

If so, it makes his death even more tragic.

[@jout738]

It seems the further you made your journey to the west as elf. The better chances for you and your descendants survival was then. Thoese elves that were scared to go further or wanted to stay where they were born in. Maybe they and their descendants became the test subjects for Morgoth to create the first orcs. Thoese elves that then stayed middle-earth. Didnt become orcs, but needed to fight countinously in conflicts against Morgoth forces and easterlings and then the ones who made it to Aman. Could live in peace with no conflict and so could their children also, because they were safe from any of Morgoths attacks. So it paid to do the journey in the first place, than stay behind, because your scared of where you going towards to.

[@mon_moi]

So Beleg, like Cirdan and the Elf Fathers, was personally crafted by Iluvatar? That's a big distinction to have. Even Thingol his king was born later

[@barnabasmike4318]

The Dwarven clans should definitely have a video of their own too!

[@mahirahaque9317]

Agreed

[@timberwolf3781]

really?? Durin's folk are the only Dwarves that Tolkien even spent time on. The rest are like the blue wizards......something he just never got back around to finishing

[@barnabasmike4318]

@@timberwolf3781 well the Firebeards and the Broadbeams have been featured in the first age (Silmarillion)

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

+1

[@micahorr8669]

I'd love to see a video on the history and significance of Helm's Deep! Maybe it could be an entire series on the prominent fortresses throughout Middle-Earth?

[@NerdoftheRings]

I like this idea! I've mostly focused on characters, but there are some epic locations in Middle-earth that could definitely warrant their own vids!

[@PleaseNThankYou]

@@NerdoftheRings Revisiting this video and comments, I see this query about HELM'S DEEP. How do you think the anime movie is coming along. It was a hot topic for a minute then faded. Did I miss the cliff it fell off of?

[@jeffreytsao]

Best elves introduction I've ever seen, a must-watch for every Tolkien readers.

[@maxkronader5225]

As a Tolkien aficionado since the late 1970s, I say "Well done." As an aside; my senior quote in my HS yearbook was the first time the Black Speech was ever written down in that publication. One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. "Ash nazg durbataluk. Ash nazg ginbatul. Ash nazg thrakataluk. Ag burzum-ishi krimpatul."

[@JRandaII]

When I was eight years old I spent so much time trying to get understand this. It took me decades, lol

[@BrettWMcCoy]

The depth of Tolkien's imagination is beyond compare... and this is just one aspect of his Legendarium. I've been reading Tolkien since 1977 and I still find new stuff every time I re-read.

[@thewimp9630]

I must admit. My passion for Arda came with the films. I never really came around reading the books but played the online-game. Thanks to your videos I can appreciate much of the detail that flowed into the game and you made me order the book “the hobbit” this morning :3 thank u

[@phazoneatermetroid77]

Loved the video. Would like to learn more about the origins of men

[@NerdoftheRings]

Great idea! I think the next one of these I do will be on men, as I think it's definitely a lesser-known origin that elves and dwarves. Thanks for watching!

[@danialvarez3378]

@@NerdoftheRings Please a Guide of tolkien's Men. The best Channel of Tolkien nowadays. :D

[@untruelie2640]

@@NerdoftheRings Yes, thjat would be great. :D Since the awakening of the humans is closely linked to the first rising of the sun (as you know, in the west, not in the east), perhaps it would be a great idea to make a video about the creation of moon and sun as well? Another suggestion would be to make a video about the different changes Arda underwent since it's creation (You know, the shattering of the original land mass after the destruction of Ilmaren, Beleriand sinking beneath the waves and of course Illúvatar making the Earth round instead of flat) :)

[@krunschold]

@@NerdoftheRings I would say not just the origin of men in general, but also the origin of the houses of men and which houses are still alive from Beleriand times

[@geoffwysham1731]

@@untruelie2640, yeesss! “...the different changes Arda underwent...!” I’ve already asked for that! I would love it!

[@qarmatianwarhorse6028]

Man, of all the works in Tolkien's Legendarium, the Silmarillion resonates the most. If you've read that and then read the subsequent installments, you can get a full sense of the loss the elves feel in the Second and Third Ages. Truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

[@grayden4138]

It saddens me to ever hear that readers, who are self-professed Tolkien fans, have never read The Silmarillion. I think there would a lot more understanding of things happening in LotR/Hobbit, but Rings of Power as well, despite Amazon not having the rights to it in full.

[@jinwoochung2222]

Love your work, but I think it's important to mention how the three elf kings visited the west before the elves journeyed west. I also don't think Luthien is Sindarin because Elwe saw the light of the trees so his line aren't dark elves.

[@unlimitedduckgamer]

The fact that Tolkien came up with every single one of these all within his mind is both impressive, admirable, and inspiring. I have deep respect for Tolkien.

[@freiheit8582]

I was lucky enough to have a teacher, who introduced us to the Hobbit in 6th grade. One of the very few fun books we read in school. Shortly after, I first read LOTR for the first time and I think have read it 7-8 times since. Tolkien was such a master and I will be forever grateful for his work. Its nearly 30 years, since I read the Hobbit for the first time, but the whole Tolkien universe is still such a source of inspiration for me and may even have a lot more power in todays everyday life times for humans than most will suspect.

[@Darkstar-se6wc]

Indeed, I am frequently reminded of the exchange where Frodo tells Gandalf that he wishes he didn’t live in such troubled times and Gandalf responds: So do all who live in such times, but that is not ours to choose. We only can choose what to do with the time we are given.

[@drvince0725]

After watching the Tolkien documentary I am really amazed by how a single man can create and make ideas and fantasies super complex all on his own and make it very believable and comprehensive Not to mention making up believable new words and names of characters and places that sounds RIGHT to what it intends to portray

[@philipcallado5693]

So pretty much all the elves in the third age were originally Teleri? The only elves from the other clans I remember are Galadriel and Glorfindel, both of Noldor. Elrond had roots in all elven clans.

[@ten_tego_teges]

Wasn't Lindon and Rivendell populated by Nordol elves as well? We don't know how many, but they definitely had armies, so it must have been a sizeable amount.

[@philipcallado5693]

@@ten_tego_teges Lindon and Rivendell were populated by Noldor elves, but Sauron’s forces had killed a lot of them by the end of the second age, especially the ones in Eregion. Those who weren’t killed sailed West to Valinor, and some fled to Rivendell with Elrond.

[@dragonfly12]

The early days elves of the first age are like me exploring the Minecraft, when I refuse to fight the ender dragon because I don’t want the game to just be complete that fast. Those elves are like this is to easy to the main quest, so they just choose to find a base and make it their new home.

[@DracoMaverick]

It's amazing how Tolkien's elves translate to the other fantasy settings. Like Warhammer, Warcraft, and Elder Scrolls.

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

My Mom is dying from cancer, and one night when I got off a video call from my fiancé, he knew I was still very upset. He couldn’t shake his concern and called me back and sort of caught me crying again, alone. He proceeded to read the next chapter of the Silmarillion to me, since we both love Tolkien, he knew I was rereading, and he has an awesome reading voice (he’s going into narration work until he’s certified to teach, so proud), the gesture was really sweet, and it helped calm me down a lot. It was Chapter 4 of Quenta Silmarillion, though, and while I do LOVE Tolkien, it IS one of those chapters that make me think the Bible very strongly (Israelites wandering the desert for 40 years and some groups branching off). While it did get into some Melkor stuff in the back half, it was a bit dense. I’m really glad he read it with me; it made it more enjoyable to comment on the little things. We also reread the paragraphs leading up to chapter three, at my behest, because I wanted to hear his reaction, which I predicted. Yavanna was super pumped she got the Ents to be a thing, to protect the trees, as they were defenseless and her heart ached for them most, being under the dominion of Man. She goes and to Aule is like, “Honey, I’m home! Guess what I accomplished! Ha, it’ll be great, and your guys will have to think twice before mistreating trees!” And HE replies, verbatim, “Nonetheless, they will have need of wood.” Basically, “Yeah yeah, protect all you want, but they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do, your trees are still friggin screwed, lady.” He basically shrugged at all her work. My fiancé, as I expected, lowered his head in reflected shame and discomfort and somberly said, “Damn.” 😂 On my Kindle versions of books I know when to mark “Jon-damn,” in them, knowing that if he ever reads them and I’m RIGHT, it’ll be close to everything I ever wanted in a relationship. He’s been amazing through all of this, and I’m sure it’s not the last time we’ll end up reading the Silmarillion to get my mind off of distressing stuff. It’s hard to lose your mom, but usually you talk to your best friend about that. When your best friend IS your Mom, it kind of... it’s one of the worst two for ones around.

[@ErelasInglor]

I would love to see more of the Vanyar fleshed out, who they were, what they did, how they lived, what made them honored above Noldor even unto the Noldor, and how they played a part in the War of Wrath/legacy. So little is known about them even though they are honored above all other elves.

[@ZakhadWOW]

well , you'll have to speak to Eru about resurrecting him then.. He left basically nothing else for Christopher to use, thus we have what ilttle he wrote down as the sum total of it. Basically, they went, ;iked it, stayed put, end of story.. THe only truly relevant point comes with FInwe's second wife Indis, a Vanyar. From her, the Vanyar bloedlines filtered down al the way to both AragornII Elessar, and Arwen Undomiel, and their children. chief of which is Eldarion. WHo like ELros/Elrond, carried all Edain lines, Maia, and all 3 prime Eldar lines.

[@mojojojoslyfoxharris]

My main motivation was to get the gist of the Desolation of Smaug scene where Tauriel mentions how Thranduil wouldn't want to pledge his son Legolas to what she said was, "a lowly Silvan elf." I based that to mean that Legolas was of more royal/higher blood and that Silvan was like lowest of the low elven blood. After seeing this, Legolas was a Sindar elf who's clan made it across the Misty Mountains, but didn't make it Valinor whereas Tauriel's kind stayed behind the Misty Mountains to settle in Mirkwood/Lorien area. Thus, it doesn't really seem the type of elf was the reason Thranduil would let Legolas court Tauriel, but just that Thranduil wanted a more royal blooded elf for his son. My hunch was that Legolas would have been one of like the Noldor or something like that, but glad to know that's not the case!

[@fistsoffaith4888]

Best Tolkien channel ever!

[@MichaelDG2023]

Indeed! 👏

[@I_Get_Computers_Puting]

Men of The West is great too but this is my other favorite channel. Both of them

[@shanpeco2546]

Good summary but you've omitted a very important detail. Elwe, as the leader of the Teleri, initially traveled with the appointed leaders of the Vanyar and Noldor to Valinar alongside Orome, as ambassadors of the Eldar. Having seen the might of the Valar, all three elven kings returned to guide their respective clans back to Aman. It was when guiding the Teleri back that Elwe came upon Melian and lost his way. Thus the Teleri were left in disarray. Some were gathered under Elwe's brother, Olwe, and made the journey to Valinar, while others remained and became the Sindar. Because he alone of the Sindar had seen the light of the trees, Elwe (Thingol) was also counted as a high elf (Calaquendi), a distinction that could be claimed by all in his lineage.

[@MLP-Trinary]

This is a great video with a lot of helpful information. There's a few things that I'd like some clarification on though. You said the Elves that reached Aman were called the High Elves. I was under the impression that was a name for the Vanyar alone as it was one of the (numerous) cognomens for the Vanyar. The Vanyar were the High Elves, the Noldor were the Deep Elves, the Falmari the Sea Elves, the Falathrim the Shore Elves, the Sindar the Grey Elves, the Laiquendi the Green Elves, the Nandor the Brown Elves, the Silvan the Wood Elves, etc. Maybe it's just different sources, but I had the impression that the Silvan Elves were a sort of amalgamation of the Nandor Elves who stayed east of the Misty Mountains intermixing with the surviving Laiquendi who went west after Beleriand's destruction, some Avari, and -maybe- some Sindar who intermingled, though Silvan rulers were mostly derived from high Sindar lords. I've heard that the Avari were originally led by a Tatyar and a Nelyar and eventually formed six tribes, but the canonicity of this was questionable. Also, I'm SO curious about the original kings of the original three clans: Imin of the Minyar, Tata of the Tatyar, and Enel of the Nelyar. What happened after they were replaced by Ingwe, Finwe, and Elwe?

[@FredThePhoenix]

Great post!

[@redomega24]

The 3 of them started a bed and breakfast in Toledo Ohio.

[@heathenwizard]

Could you do a video on the cultural or lifestyle differences between the silvan elves and high elves? Obviously you describe why origin of the groups here, but we don’t learn much about WHAT makes them different from one another. Elrond says silvan elves of Mirkwood are “less wise” but they are ruled by Thranduil of the Sindar (High elf). What does that mean?

[@ervolda]

It’s because sindar had many years learning from the dwarves and also the noldor who had returned from aman, and build a whole civilization with its own language. On top of that, before leaving beleriand and coming to greanwood the great (later mirkwood), thranduil was a resident of sindar kingdom of doriath ruled by thingol (who saw the light of the trees) and maia melian, who i’m certain shared some of the “high” wisdom they had with their people.

[@aesir1ases64]

The main difference is that the high elves are more wise and poweful because they have learned from the Valar for many years and also have glazed upon the magical light of the trees for so long, they are taller, fairer, wiser, stronger, and their eyes are the brightest. They spoke the language of the high elves Quenya.

[@Navak_]

This video skips a small but important detail. Before the Elves would agree to embark on the journey to Valinor, each of the three clans sent a single emissary to go first with Orome and see the Blessed Land and report back. The emissary for the Teleri was none other than Thingol himself. As stated in the video, his faction of the Teleri which stayed behind were known as the Sindar in later times. While the Sindar were Moriquendi, having never made the journey to Aman, their king Thingol alone was counted among the Calaquendi as he had been there. So while you can say "the Sindar are Moriquendi," it's technically not correct unless you say "except Thingol."

[@mnledesm]

the most concise and best explanation thus far on youtube

[@JirkaGasik]

Just a minor correction - the Sindar, especially in Doriath, though not Calaquendi, should also not be referred to as Moriquendi. Partly because their king, Thingol, saw the light of the trees, partly because the light of the trees shone from Melian.

[@9Dunk]

In the appendix of the Silmarillion, the Sindar are listed as Moriquendi.

[@jmad318]

Melian never saw the 2 trees. In her face shone the light of Aman, not the light of the trees.

[@hayleyhodgdon6148]

OMG THIS IS so helpful I tried to make my own list and i was getting lost in it 😩 bless you for this

[@NerdoftheRings]

Love it when I hear my vids are helpful for reading Tolkien’s works!!

[@SirJacob220]

Entertaining, educational, and binge worthy, this is legitimately the coolest channel on KZbin.

[@freespiritdamsel]

Finally found a channel that summarizes Tolkien’s masterpiece in a concise and organized way. Thanks!

[@jorgeg922]

I think if I was a neighborhood developer I’d use these names as street names..

[@NerdoftheRings]

Best neighborhood ever!

[@meduseldtales3383]

@@NerdoftheRings My city has Melkonkatu - Melkor's Street :)

[@gavinsmith9871]

@@meduseldtales3383 Noice

[@theharoldsshow]

We have a “Hobbit Hill Drive” in my town

[@AnnikaSB]

@@TheRatsintheWalls i wanna go :D

[@TurinTuramber]

Glad I am not the only one struggling with the names. Very helpful video 👍

[@KermitDaGrung]

Just started reading the Silmarillion and this definitely was a lot of help, actually helped me understand the elves in general a lot more.

[@EirikBull]

Great stuff. Looks like I've forgotten just about everything from The Silmarillion. I need to correct that. :)

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha! There's a lot to remember for sure! Thanks for watching, Eirik!

[@EirikBull]

@@NerdoftheRings Well, there might be a 28 hour flight to New Zealand later this year. Guess I know what book to bring. :P

[@Matthew10950]

@@EirikBull better bring them all for the two week quarantine once you arrive.

[@EirikBull]

@@Matthew10950 Well, luckily, as it stands now, a proof of negative test before done right I leave will be enough (travelling from Norway). But I hope Covid has loosened its grip by then. :)

[@aaronives6990]

Great video as usual! Although you missed the fact that 3 emissaries crossed the sea first to meet with the Valar and came back the convince the elves to leave, one of these is Thingol. So although he dwells with the Moriquendi he is in fact a Calaquendi as he saw the light of the two tree's

[@Anaris10]

Excellent!. Reading about these groups was much akin to reading about the ancient Chinese dynasties. 6 Emperors have the same name spread out over 3 dynasties and 1000 years type stuff. This helps immensely.

[@dtice69]

This actually legitimately helps a bunch, especially with the visualization of the journey and where each group stopped off or returned to. It's one thing to read and memorize the names, it's another thing to have a region represented with them. Nice work.

[@AcidTripOk]

Literally serched for a guide like this a week ago becouse I got really confused about the million of "sub-teleri" elf groups, so this video comes super handy! Also I didn't know there were so few elves that awoke, a.k.a. the "OG elves", I always thought their numbers were around the many thousands. How did they become so numerous by the late FA? I know the fact they are immortal helps a lot and there are literally thousands of years between ages, but I always thought the elves had a low birth rate regardless of their long lifespan. Like, for example Elrond only has 3 children despite the fact he's like 8500 years old? Also, is there any clarification about what "awoke" means? like, were the elves just sleeping there since the creation of Arda? Wasn't the Sea of Helcar created when one of the two lamps crashed into the ground? Idk, seems cataclysmic af to me for them to sleep throught that... Also, how come Melkor or his beasts didn't find them when they were sleeping? I mean, they were just lying there i guess?

[@davidlundquist1979]

I'd always assumed that Iluvatar didn't actually put them into Arda until it was time for them to awaken, though The Silmarillion doesn't address this at all. What I've always wondered is, did that first generation of elves "awaken" as full grown adults who could already walk, talk, hunt, and generally take care of themselves? It seems like they must have, or they would have all been picked off by wolves before the Valar found them. Yet if so, that raises some other issues like, weren't they confused and weirded out when they started having babies? "What is this little screaming thing? None of us came into existence this way!"

[@AcidTripOk]

@@davidlundquist1979 I believe they were probably full grown adults by the time they awoke, since they picked their wives as soon as they awoke right on the spot (actually it's the first thing they do I think) and I doubt the first thing a child would do would be pick a wife lol

[@slwrabbits]

ok, now I am imagining a bunch of sleeping elves before the great awakening all piled up like fluffy bunnies, and the image is very cute and insane. thanks.

[@TheCandiceWang]

Awoke, like in the Bible, I think :) breathed in to life

[@marionbaggins]

"If you get Left Behind You Get A New Name..." LOL, That sums up the Different Elves in a Nutshell!!! Well, the Men of Middle Earth is also strange, very likely most of the people who get confused are only 3rd Age readers... So I say for all those people the Men and maybe the Dwarves of Middle Earth of Arda!!! Why not Hobbits because are Easy to Understand and Valar and Maiar that group is smaller... *Weird I looked at a book that had this, can't borrow it anymore, because I have finished High School*

[@bryanreilly1290]

This was extremely helpful. I've been a Tolkien fan my whole life and basically resigned myself to the fact that I will never understand what you just illustrated perfectly.

[@jasper4331]

I would love to see a series made by you about the ENTIRE history of Arda. From the songs of the Valar, through the age of the lamps, tree's and first and second age. I especially love the way you make your video's with maps and moving characters. That would be awesome

[@ZakhadWOW]

PLEASE DON'T USE APOSTROPHES IN PLURAL WORDS. Makes you look very unintelligent and unable to write the language properly.

[@jasper4331]

@@ZakhadWOW lol dude relax. Sometimes I do it accidentally automatically because in my language thats very normal

[@michaelpace99]

I love Tolkiens world but remembering everything can be overwhelming at times. Videos like this really help. Thank you

[@radagast7200]

I always thought it was funny that the Noldor were called Gnomes. It's my favorite trivia question... "were there gnomes in middle earth"

[@shaolin1derpalm]

You left out that thingol has seen the light of the trees. That was a good part of his animosity towards the noldor for thinking themselves above the Sindar and him in particular.

[@gianna526]

Finally an accurate video that actually covers what it says it's going to cover, unlike most of the LOTR videos out there. Good job :)

[@krupam0]

One thing that comes really strange to me in all this are the numbers. For example, we have 28 (or in other words at most 14 pairs) Ñoldor leaving Cuiviénen, and by the time of their exile it seems that third generation (Celebrimbor, Idril, Orodreth) was the newest. Even if we assume that every Ñoldo found a spouse (which we know some didn't like Finrod) and was as prolific as Fëanor with his seven kids, you'd only have about 2.5 thousand Ñoldor by the time of their exile. Then you consider that some of them stayed behind in Aman and "many" died in Helcaraxë, you have maybe two thousand Ñoldor landing in Middle-Earth, and it's really strange to think that they apparently founded several actual kingdoms with numbers that at best could fill a medium-sized village.

[@Underhill-x2l]

The 28 noldor were their initial number when they woke up , their numbers increased by a good margin, even before Orome found them. Besides that, the journey took a long time, long enough to have more children.

[@gandalfolorin-kl3pj]

Excellent summary of the Tolkien elves. I have been reading Tolkien's works and studying background works about his sub-creation since 1972. Your concise explanation of the elves is the first I've heard of its kind. Keep up the good work. Namarie.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

General characteristics of the Quendi: Tall, beautiful faces and body (Tolkien often uses the word lithe combined with the physical build of the character, be It strong or leaner, to indicate an elegante/shapely form and of graceful movement). Fair skin, often very pale and occasionally rudy complexion for those with red hair. Maidros is a good example of everything described here as he was very tall, strong, shapely/elegant in form and movement, very beautiful, red-brown-haired, fair skin but possibly with a rudy complexion. The Avari: Proto Eldar Noldor, Vanyar and Teleri, the oldest of elves belong to this clan. The name means "the refusers" but call themselves the originals. Less skilled in all things than the other clans because of their lack of contact with the Ainur or Exiles or Sindar. The Eldar: Strongest, most adventurer and valiant elves that decided to make the Great Journey. Also tallest for their woman were 'seldom less' than 6 feet tall and their men 'no less' than 6 foot 6. The male average is elsewhere described as about 7 feet, which meakes sense considering their shortest. Also generally younger members at the time of the Journey. About 2/3 of the elven people at the time. Hadoreans and specially the Númenóreans were said to be hardly distinguishable from the Eldar until their youth lasted. The Eldar generally considered long hair very beautiful. The Eldar clans: 1. Teleri or Lindar: Generaly dark-haired, but not black as some of the Noldor clan. There are also those with fair hair, varying from very light blonde to white and silver-grey, these were generally related to Thingol's bloodline. They are said to be *'somewhat' less in stature and in build than the Noldor, but Tolkien used 'somewhat' heavily indicating Celeborn (called 'silver-tall' among his people) would not be considered tall among the Noldor, thus a noticible difference though not great, for they were in fact very similar to the Noldor in general, hardly distinguishable, specially those of Valinor who also had brighter eyes. They were, however, still described as 'strong' by Tolkien, indicating, in average, a stronger body than most clans of men. Their eye colour ranged from dark to grey to even blue (regarding those fair-haired). * somewhat was used to height differences up to 6 inches (Gimli somewhat taller than the hobbits). Even the 'petty-dwarves' were said to be 'somewhat' smaller than their kin despite their name. Just a bit of context, but is up for interpretation, even though is certainly a substantial/noticeable difference. 1.1. Lindar of Valinor: Exactly as was described above. They mastered the art of singing, they were also great ship builders and sailors. Brighter eyes than the other Teleri clans. 1.2. Sindar or Grey-elves: As was described in Teleri, but with less bright eyes, which was the chief distinction between them and the exiles. Their knowledge on forests (living and for military purpouses) was also among the greatest in history. Also great sailors and shipwrights in the case of the elves of the Falas and Balar. Greatest voices of the Eldar. 1.3. Nandor: Same characteristics, but they were afraid of the misty mountains at some point, indicating less courage and generally less strength. 1.3.1. Green elves: Eventually arrived in Beleriand through the Misty and Blue mountains. Vegetarian for the most part, take that as you wish regarding potential physical characteristics. 1.3.2. Silvan Elves: Not accounted among the Eldar according to the lore in LOTR. Also said to be hardly distinguishable to the Avari, in fact some Avari clans mixed with them through out millenia, thus probably a lack of stature and strength when compared to other Eldar clans as well as more *variable hair colour. *See 'The Avari' above and the other Eldar big clans hair characteristics. 2. Noldor: Described as physically strong and very tall (about 7 feet). The tallest and strongest of the Elven folk, also 'the mightiest of the children of the world'. The best overall smithcrafts of the world as well as the greatest loremasters, specially regarding linguistics. Their hair colour was in general very dark-brown or black, but red-brown, *golden and even silver (Míriel) was possible but very rare. Very bright eyes, generally grey and also in different "shades" of It like blue-grey, but also dark. High level of curiosity and want for knowledge when in comparison with the other clans. That natural ambition, high courage along with their great overall abilities and accomplishments makes them very prideful in general, the consequences of that can be very negative such as arrogance and supremacy (Feanor and some of his children). *Marriages between the clans were rare in Valinor except for the royal and noble houses, the Golden hair appears because of Vanyarin individuals marrying into the clan. 2.1. The Exiled Noldor: Many of them and their descendants intermarried with the Sindar during their years on ME. Thus some (future generations) were not so tall and spiritually enhanced as those original exiles. They also suffered a cultural "sindarization" that could be observed specially towards the language, but Quenya remained as the loremasters's language for their works. The culture among the exiles and their descendants was much more militaristic due to rampant wars when compared to other clans. They became the 'guardians of ME'. The Noldorin culture was the chief one that influenced the civilization of Númenór. 3. Vanyar: The name was given because of their golden hair, but also because they are considered the 'highest' of elves, the first ones. They were considered the *fairest of elves and the most loyal to the Valar, even lived nearer to them abandoning Tirion. As It was seen among the Noldor with Vanyar blood, they seemed to be less proud and wiser than the Noldor for the most part. They also loved music and poetry very much. Ingwe was considered by all elves of Aman as their High-King, thus they commanded a lot of respect from the other clans. *All Eldar were beautiful but is possible, since the loremasters are of Noldorin descent, that their love for gold and Its colour could've heavily influenced that view. Those are the basics.

[@OmegaTrooper]

I'd love to have gotten Tolkien's thoughts on the actual populations of these elves as they moved around. What did he mean when he say 'most' of the Teleri moved to Aman, or that 'the greater whole' of the Noldor moved to Beleriand?

[@captaincruloc3200]

I can't keep up with it even with the explanations you give. The fact this all came out of Tolkien's brain.....is just incredible.

[@dwarvenerd9397]

Thank you! really nice video. Please do the dwarves just like this. Where each clans awoke from and their migration to each halls. Thank you again!👍👍

[@simonwiggins8570]

That was very useful! So essentially what it boils down to isn't first, second and third elves but more light (high) elves and dark (middle-earth) elves. Those who have seen the trees being considered the higher in stature.

[@peterandjunko]

Always look forward to the “...and Debbie” at the end. Sorry- don’t know why but it makes me smile.

[@Matthew10950]

Dude, I thought I was the only one!

[@sekoudiallo6870]

This is the clearest breakdown of the elves’ clans I’ve ever seen. Thanks 🙏

[@Daggerfall40]

I've been subscribed to many Tolkien channels here on KZbin but this one is starting to be my favorite one. Excellent job on the research and presentation, as always.

[@itswysdumb]

Man every time i watch you video i fall more in love in Tolkien’s creation. Really glad i stumble upon this page of yours !

[@rofald]

0:24 144, "a number called by the hobbits one Gross, though the word was not considered proper to use of people." "Many of the [elves] ...were insulted, feeling sure that [Eru had only created them] ...to fill up the required number, like goods in a package. 'One Gross, indeed!' [they snorted, 'So vulgar!']."

[@michaelandreipalon359]

0:33, actually. Other than that...

[@thedirty530]

Another example of your videos highlighting the interconnection of this entire world... I really have enjoyed reading the books for myself along with having the understanding your clarifications allow us to enjoy. LOTR is a work of art that goes unseen because of it's complexity but your work has also magnified it! Thank You!

[@amkessel2014]

Another great video! Question, tho: am I mistaken to remember that Elwe/Thingol was a Calequendi? Wasn’t there a small group of elves that went to Aman and then returned to convince other elves to go there? I believe Elwe/Thingol was part of this group, and this happened before he met Melian, the meeting of whom kept him from going back with the second, larger group. So although most of the elves in his realm were Morequendi, Elwe was Calequendi. Is this right, or am I misremembering?

[@chrisgulledge4841]

Yeah, according to Simarillian. Maybe got changed in later writings?

[@aesir1ases64]

Elwe/Elu Thingol was indeed a Calequendi, the only one of Middle-earth before the the Noldor arrive.

[@danjoseph3385]

Nerd of the Rings and Men of the West are the best channels for Middle Earth lore.

[@oSimian]

Good lord, this is a lot to grasp. Great video!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks! Hopefully I didn't go too fast or jam too much in there!

[@oSimian]

@@NerdoftheRings not at all! You made a system out of it for where every tribe settled, making it much easier to understand than what it could have been! Will definitely watch the video a good few times more, though, as you recommended.

[@DonMeaker]

IIRC, the Sindar or Grey Elves, are those who did not themselves see the light of the Two Trees, but did look upon eyes that had see them. Thingol went west, saw the trees, then returned.

[@Anfernee3355]

This is literally so incredibly helpful as I have tried so many videos to help myself understand their concept. Thanks!

[@Xagzan]

Probably one of the more complex topics you've covered. So many groups and migrations!

[@gorghor]

You forgot to mention that Thingol was uniquely of both the Calaquendi and Silvan elves, having been an ambassador of the Teleri and dwelling in Valinor for a short time.

[@CB-zv9cl]

The Amazon series coming out has me bingeing all your videos again. Ugh. ALL THESE ARE SO GOOD. 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@bennyoaks131]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. Keep up the good works.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! I definitely will! :)

[@midimusicforever]

This was a great summary! And youtube recommended it to me JUST as I got confused over this topic. It's scary how well the algorithm can read my mind!

[@dr.k1012]

Complex area: a video on all the different names of the Descendants of Finwë (& their origins/meanings) would be really helpful for my tiny little memory :')

[@shawnstricklin976]

Nerd of the Rings provides Tangible Context - from reading Tolkien to experiencing Tolkien, and we thank you!

[@trishbrockman2703]

I'm really interested in the geography of Arda and how the world changed from the beginning of the world to the end of the Third Age. Also, your videos are awesome and I wish you could breakdown my research for me.

[@Rizu-kc3ze]

This was a much better explanation than any I've seen before. Next request: Guide to Middlemen and Lessermen of MiddleEarth

[@sbeaber]

in only 7 minutes? You got skills, buddy.

[@Jayinhk1972]

I think the original elves that awoke lived for a long time (as each Valarian year is roughly 10 solar year) before Orome discovered them. To my understanding many more than just the original 14 original Vanyar elves made the journey as they had children by the time. I believe it is also possible that many may have been born during the journey as if took a very long time. The same can be said for the other 2 tribes as well.

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

Nerd of the rings you should do a video on the kingdoms of elves.

[@miguiPR21]

I just started reading the silmarillion and while reading chapter 3 when the elves awakened the book threw so many names, factions and places at once that I had to read the chapter twice lol.. thank god I found your Chanel, I’m watching your videos as I read to further understand.

[@quaffdowngin]

An army of the Vanyar returned to Middle Earth for The War of Wrath

[@SloansCreekFarm]

Could you do a video explaining the Clans of Men (i.e. Numenoreans, People of Gondor and Rohan, People of Laketown, etc.), similar to what you did with the Elves? That would be great!

[@ManhHungPham3003]

I feel sorry for the Orcs, who would have live divine Elf lives of beauty, but was corrupted to live in misery for uncountable generations, breeding and crawling on the face of Arda and to be hated by all. Hard to imagine what evil deeds Melkor had done to corrupt such poor elves, even harder to imagine what could be done to save their soul.

[@ManhHungPham3003]

@EpsilonGoods But they still have souls, right? In Tolkien's world, only the fire of Iluvatar could grant souls to being, so Orcs' soul must come from that fire and thus be a part of the music. Melkor cannot create it, only corrupt it. I read somewhere in LOTR that there was 2 Orcs talking about a life far from Mordor, so it may signal there was still something not so dark in them, and thus they may be saved, if only there is someone as wise, power and so much sympathy as Gandarf willing to guide them.

[@Mantil82]

@EpsilonGoods Orcs and goblins are the same thing, as far as Tolkiens works are concerned. There are works of other fantasy authors were orcs are huge and goblins are small, but in LOTR the first dead Uruk-hai (the largest orc breed) Argaorn, Legolas and Gimli see, are referred to as "goblin-warriors". While a small one that Frodo and Sam are observing in Mordor is referred to as orc. Also note that the sword that Thorin Oakenshield took from the trolls loot in The Hobbit was called "Orcrist", which was translated as "Goblin-cleaver". And Tolkien was indeed not happy with creating beings that were irredeemable. He even considered making orcs into a sort of organic robot. And as mentioned, in LOTR there is a conversation between to orc officers in which they conclude that they have no other choice but to fight for Sauron, because the other peoples of Middle-Earth hate them just as much.

[@Mantil82]

@EpsilonGoods Everybody is of course free to interpret Tolkiens works as they see fit, but I believe that as far as there is a message, it is that humbleness, pity and tolerance are the most important values. Bilbo could only give up the ring because he had pity on Gollum, which later was only destroyed because Frodo had developed pity for Gollum too, while at the beginning of LOTR he wished that Bilbo had killed him. Pride was the downfall of Melkor, Sauron, Faenor, Turin, most of the Numenoreans and Saruman, to name just a few. And the increase of pride was usually accompanied by greed and mercilessnes. Examples would be the kinslayings commited by Faenor and his sons over the Silmarils, the Numenoreans starting to demand tributes from the people in middle-earth etc. From a modern standpoint one would say narcisissm instead of pride, but I think that is what Tolkien observerd in some people and put into writing in his way, among other things.

[@dollmonn3641]

This is my reference video. I marked it and come here often to see this whenever I feel lost.

[@TheGeekMonster]

No matter how many times I read or listen to the elves' history, I'll NEVER remember it, lol.

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

For me, it’s all the name changes. Casual reader: Oh, are they this group? Knowledgeable reader: Yes, but they were called THAT at the time. CR: Aren’t they also called THIS other thing though? KR: Yeah, to those in the know. CR: Because they didn’t follow along? KR: Well... they DID make it eventually. CR ...Of course, yes, of course they did... everyone knows and remembers that. My goodness. 😂 I’m going ahead and changing my entire name when I marry my fiancé, as a nod to my mother, who won’t be there to see it, and every time I go over the name changes with the Elves, I wince. Hopefully just having to remember one change won’t be nearly as tricksy. 😅

[@spider-man5294]

i had to take notes for me to actually understand what was happening lmao

[@ephraimsension]

This is the most amazing guide to Tolkien's Elves ever🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯.

[@FattyMcFox]

Elf1: "I am a Noldor." Elf2: "I am an Eladrin." Elf3: "I am a Teleri." Drow to Elf2: "I am pretty sure we aren't where we are supposed to be."

[@simoncooper6752]

Thank you for the video. The complexity of all the different names and groups don't make the Silmarillion an easy read, but this will really help next time I read it. 👍🏻×10

[@JoeDaveycrockettsoundlabs]

Would love a video on the Travels of Ulmo :)

[@iustitiamerchantxiv5872]

I have been using some of these words incorrectly, and most of them I am not even aware of. I love this video. It's informative.