Eärendil

This page is about Eärendil the Mariner. For King Eärendil of Gondor, see Eärendil (Gondor). 

Biography: Eärendil
Birth - Death	First Age 503
Race:	Half-elf
Gender:	Male
Ancestor(s):	Turgon
Parent(s):	Tuor Idril
	Eärendil
Spouse:	Elwing
Child(ren):	Elrond Elros

Eärendil the Mariner was a half-elven lord, grandson of High King Turgon and member of the Edain. He was also husband of Elwing, herself of half-elven blood, and father of their twin sons Elrond and Elros. Playing a critical role in the War of Wrath, Eärendil survived the Fall of Gondolin and eventually sailed west to Valinor with Elwing his wife, rousing the Valar against Morgoth.

Eärendil was accounted the lord of the Havens of Sirion as an adult. He was often out sailing on his ship, Vingilot (Sindarin for Foam-flower) (or Vingilotë in Quenya). He was away when the Havens were attacked; Elwing, flinging herself and the Silmaril she bore into the Sea, took the shape of a sea-bird and came to him on Vingilot, and together they sailed to Valinor by the light of the Silmaril.

The Valar listened to his words, and formed the Host of Valinor to finally crush the evils of Morgoth in Beleriand. Among the other preparations, Vingilot was blessed with a bright white flame and sent into the skies. Great was that battle, and terrible its effects, but in the end, Morgoth was cast out of Arda for all time.

For his brave and noble deeds, Eärendil and Elwing were granted a Choice: the immortal life of elves, or the mystery of the Gift of Men. Eärendil bid Elwing choose for them both; theirs is now the fate of elves. Eärendil sails Vingilot with the Silmaril across the night sky, returning home to the white wings of his wife Elwing each morning. Eärendil had thus taken on the form of the brightest star of the night, most sacred to all Elves. The blessed light of Eärendil would always grant the Eldar hope, even in the darkest of times to come.