Denethor of Ossiriand
For the steward of Gondor, see Denethor.
| Biography: Denethor of Ossiriand | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age YT 1100 - YT 1497 |
| Race: | High Elf |
| Gender: | Male |
| Denethor of Ossiriand | |
| Info: | King of the High Elves of Ossiriand |
Denethor of Ossiriand was an Elf of the Nandor, and the first and only king of the High Elves of Ossiriand in Beleriand during the First Age.
History
During the Great Journey, a portion of the Teleri abandoned the westward march and turned south down the Anduin. Among them was Denethor, who later became their leader. These Elves became known as the Nandor.
In the centuries before the first rising of the Sun, the Orcs and other creatures of Morgoth began to harass the Nandor east of the Blue Mountains. Hearing of the power and protection of King Thingol in Beleriand, Denethor led a great host of his people westward across the mountains. They settled in Ossiriand, where Denethor became their king.
In Year of the Trees 1497, Morgoth loosed an army upon Beleriand, beginning the first battle in the Wars of Beleriand. The lightly armed Laiquendi fought bravely but were driven back to a hill in the west, where Denethor was slain. Though the Green-elves survived as a people, they became secretive and reclusive, never again appointing a lord or king. Denethor was remembered as the first and last king of the High Elves of Ossiriand. His name endured into later Ages, most notably borne by Denethor II, the last ruling Steward of Gondor.
Etymology
It is stated that the name Denethor is Nandorin adapted into the Sindarin sound range, meaning "lithe and lank."
Earlier linguistic writings provide additional derivations. In The Lost Road, the name is said to contain the element Dani (a reference to the Nandor). In The Lhammas, it derives from Primitive Elvish Ndani-thārō, meaning "Saviour of the Dani," referring to Denethor’s leadership in guiding his people west. Other recorded forms include: Daintáro (Telerin), Nanisáro (Qenya), Dainthor (Noldorin), and Denipor (Doriathrin).
References
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves"
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Sindar"
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Return of the Noldor"
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Sindar"
- The Silmarillion, "Of Beleriand and its Realms"
- The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F
- The Lost Road and Other Writings, "The Etymologies"
- The Lost Road and Other Writings, "The Lhammas"