Estolad

Estolad was a green and fertile plain in Eastern Beleriand.

History

It is possible that some of the Sindar not under the rule of Thingol lived in Estolad, practicing cattle-rearing and sheep-farming as well as growing grain and other crops. These they traded both with Doriath to the west and with the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains to the east.

In the late First Age, the Noldor returned to Middle-earth and established realms across Beleriand. Estolad lay within the region ruled by the youngest sons of Fëanor, though few Elves appear to have settled in the plain itself.

Over three centuries after the return of the Noldor, Men began migrating westward over the Ered Luin into the Elvish lands of Beleriand. Finrod first encountered these newcomers in Ossiriand and befriended their leaders. The High Elves of Ossiriand, disliking the felling of trees and the hunting of beasts, refused to allow Men to remain in their lands. They asked Finrod to persuade the newcomers and others to move on, and he guided them to Estolad. The name Estolad in Sindarin meant "Encampment." One of the chieftains continued to rule his people there after entering Finrod’s service.

Other groups of Men also crossed the mountains, some moving southward, but many followed the first settlers into Estolad, establishing themselves to the south and east of the earlier arrivals. Many longed to continue westward. The kings of the Noldor, recognizing the potential of Men as allies, invited them into their realms. Within fifty years thousands had departed from Estolad, though many remained until the Battle of Sudden Flame when East Beleriand was overrun by the armies of Morgoth.

Later, one of the migrant peoples was attacked by Orcs. Their leaders fell in the defense of their stockade before a host of Elves arrived to drive back the enemy. The survivors were offered land, but their new chieftain refused and instead led her people to Estolad, where they dwelt for a time before removing to the forest of Brethil.

Like most of the rest of Beleriand, Estolad was lost beneth the waves of the sea at the end of the First Age.

In-game mentions

• Estolad Mernael in Mirkwood and Estolad Lân in Morgul Vale bears the same name.

Etymology

Estolad is a Sindarin word meaning "Encampment".

References

• The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of Men into the West"
• The Silmarillion, "Of the Sindar"
• The Silmarillion, "Of Beleriand and its Realms"
• The Silmarillion, "Of the Ruin of Beleriand"
• Unfinished Tales, "Narn i Hîn Húrin"