From
The Encyclopedia of Arda:
Eärendil
The Mariner
| Dates: |
Born I 503, sailed into the West c. I 575; immortal |
| Race: |
Elves (Half-elven) |
| Divisions: |
Edain (through his father), Noldor (through his mother) |
| Culture: |
Exiles of Gondolin |
| Titles: |
The Blessed, The Mariner |
| Meaning: |
'Sea-lover' |
| Pronunciation: |
e(r)are'ndeel
(The '(r)' here is silent. Pronounce the word as if there were an 'r' where '(r)' is shown, but not the 'r' sound itself) |
|
The mariner who sailed the Great Sea at the end of the First Age. He long sought a way to Aman, to seek the aid of the Valar against Morgoth, but the way was hidden. After the Sons of Fëanor attacked the Exiles of Gondolin seeking the Silmaril, Elwing his wife escaped and came to him at sea, through the power of Ulmo, in the shape of a white sea-bird bearing the Silmaril on her breast.
Through the power of the jewel, it is said, Eärendil was at last able to find a way to the Undying Lands, and there stood before the Valar and begged their aid in the wars against Morgoth. The Valar listened to his plea, and sent the great force that finally conquered the Dark Lord and freed Middle-earth.
Eärendil's father was a Man, and his mother an Elf, so he and his wife Elwing and their sons were given the choice of race to which they wished to belong. Elwing chose Elvenkind, and Eärendil did so too for her sake. He now sails the high airs with the Silmaril upon his brow, shining as the morning and evening star.
