The Silmarillion Flashcards: Chapters 1-14

The Valar and Their Realms

• Tulkas is the last Valar to arrive in Arda, known for his strength.
• The initial source of light in Middle-earth came from the Two Lamps, Illuin and Ormal.
• Almaren is the first dwelling of the Valar located in the Great Lake.
• The fortress of Melkor is called Utumno, symbolizing his power and malevolence.
• Aman, the westernmost land, serves as the second home of the Valar, offering peace and beauty.
• The Pelóri mountain range encircles Aman, providing protection for the Valar and their realm.

Geographic Features

• Belegaer is the Great Sea, lying to the west of Middle-earth.
• Ekkaia refers to the Outer Sea, which encircles the whole of Arda.
• Valmar is the city of the Valar, symbolized by its many bells.
• Ezellohar, also known as Corollairë, is the significant hill near Valmar's western gate.
• Máhanaxar, or the Ring of Doom, is where the Valar convene for council.

The Great Trees

• Telperion and Laurelin are the two great trees of Arda that provide light and beauty.
• Telperion, the elder tree, has dark green leaves that glow like silver.
• Laurelin, the younger tree, has leaves of green edged with glittering gold and blooms with clusters of yellow flame.

The Elves

• Quendi, meaning "those who speak," is the term for Elves.
• Eldar refers to the Elves who undertook the Great Journey from Cuiviénen, the lakes of awakening.
• Vanyar, the first host of Eldar, are fair-haired and closest to the Valar Manwe and Varda.
• Noldor, the second host, are known for their skills and closer ties to Aule.
• Teleri represent the third and largest host; some reached Aman, others stayed in Middle-earth.
• Sindar are the Grey Elves, part of the Teleri who did not journey to Aman.

Different Groups of Elves

• Avari, "The Unwilling," are Elves who resisted the Great Journey and later became wood elves.
• Úmanyar are the Elves categorized as "not of Aman," including Sindar.
• Calaquendi, or Elves of Light, are those who saw the light of the Two Trees in Aman.
• Moriquendi, or Elves of Darkness, never experienced the light from the Trees.

Valinor and its Significance

• Valinor refers to the continental portion of the Valar's abode.
• The Undying Lands consist of Valinor and the lonely isle, Tol Eressëa.

Key Characters in Elven History

• Orome was the first Valar who made contact with the Elves during their awakening.
• Cuiviénen, meaning "water of awakening," is where the Elves first emerged.
• Ingwe is the king of the Vanyar, known as the high king of the Elves.
• Finwe served as the first king of the Noldor, ultimately murdered by Melkor.
• Olwe led his people, the Teleri, into Valinor.
• Elwe, also known as Thingol, is the king of the Teleri who remained in Beleriand.

The Land of Beleriand

• Beleriand is a significant region located in northern Middle-earth.
• Melian, a Maia, falls in love with Elwe in the forests of Beleriand.

Feanor and the Silmarils

• Feanor, often considered the most gifted Elf, created the Silmarils, which are three jewels infused with the light of the two trees.
• Fingolfin is the second king of the Noldor, a son of Finwe.
• Finarfin, also a son of Finwe, is noted for his many children, including Galadriel.
• Curufinwe is the real name of Feanor, known for his pride and talent.

Important Artifacts and Lore

• The Silmarils are celebrated for their beauty and significance, created before the destruction of the Two Trees.
• Feanor is recognized as the first to forge swords and weapons, a milestone in the history of Elves.