Years of the Trees

Eru gives life and free will to the Seven Fathers made by Aulë.

FigureEru Ilúvatar

In a hall under the mountains Aulë shapes seven Dwarves and is confronted by Ilúvatar, who adopts them but requires that they sleep until the Elves have awakened.

TaxonDwarves

Takes spider-form in the shadowed land south of Valinor and weaves the Unlight.

FigureUngoliant

Skinbark is among the first Ents to walk the forests of Middle-earth.

FigureSkinbark

The Ents awake in answer to Yavanna's plea; Treebeard is the eldest.

FigureTreebeard

Leaflock is among the first Ents to walk the forests of Middle-earth.

FigureLeaflock

Fimbrethil walks the forests with Treebeard in the youth of the world.

FigureFimbrethil

Yavanna sings Telperion and Laurelin into being on Ezellohar.

FigureYavanna

The eldest Dwarf-father wakes beneath Gundabad and journeys south to found Khazad-dûm.

PlaceMount Gundabad

Estë makes her home in the gardens of Irmo.

FigureEstë

The Valar withdraw to Aman, raise the Pelóri and found Valinor, where Yavanna sings the Two Trees into life.

TaxonAinur

Manwë leads the Valar to Aman and takes his seat on Taniquetil.

FigureManwë

Vána keeps her gardens of golden flowers, tended by Arien.

FigureVána

Arien tends the golden flowers watered with the dew of Laurelin.

FigureArien

Huan runs with Oromë's hunt and is given to Celegorm of the Noldor.

FigureHuan

Ilmarë serves Varda in Ilmarin after the Valar settle in Aman.

FigureIlmarë

Oromë gives the great hound to Celegorm, who hunted with him in the woods of Valinor.

TaxonHounds of Valinor

Tilion rides with the Vala's company and rests in the pools of Lórien.

FigureTilion

Melian tends the trees of Irmo's gardens and teaches the nightingales.

FigureMelian

Olórin dwells in the gardens of Irmo and learns pity from Nienna.

FigureGandalf

Aulë shapes the Seven Fathers; Ilúvatar adopts them and sets them to sleep.

FigureDurin I

Manwë tells Yavanna that the eagles will dwell in the mountains and hear the voices of those in need.

TaxonGreat Eagles

The range is thrown up as a barrier against the riding of Oromë across Middle-earth.

PlaceThe Misty Mountains

Aulë builds the mountain wall of Aman.

FigureAulë

Nienna waters the green mound with her tears and the Two Trees rise.

FigureNienna

Yavanna sings the Two Trees into being on Ezellohar and their light fills the Blessed Realm.

PlaceValinor

Irmo and Estë make their dwelling in the gardens of rest in Valinor.

FigureIrmo

Mandos establishes the Houses of the Dead on the western shore of Aman.

FigureMandos

Vairë takes up her weaving in the Houses of the Dead on the western shore of Valinor.

FigureVairë

Elves who forsook the westward march under Lenwë remain east of the Misty Mountains and become the Silvan folk of the golden wood.

PlaceLothlórien

Yavanna brings forth Telperion and Laurelin on the mound before Valmar's western gate.

PlaceValmar

Yavanna's song and Nienna's tears bring Telperion and Laurelin out of the mound; the count of years begins with Telperion's first flowering.

PlaceEzellohar

Yavanna brings forth Telperion and Laurelin on Ezellohar and the count of the Years of the Trees begins.

PlaceAman

Varda gathers the dew of the Two Trees into great reservoirs.

FigureVarda

A spirit of darkness, corrupted by Melkor long before, takes spider-form and weaves Unlight in the shadowed land south of Valinor.

TaxonGreat Spiders

The Valar raise the Pelóri, build Valmar, and Yavanna brings forth Telperion and Laurelin.

TaxonValar

After the making of the Dwarves, Yavanna asks that the trees be given guardians, and Eru promises the Shepherds of the Trees.

TaxonEnts

Aulë shapes the Seven Fathers in secret and is rebuked and forgiven by Eru.

FigureAulë

Her servant Melian leaves Valinor for Middle-earth.

FigureVána

Melian departs Valinor for Middle-earth and fills its silent woods with birdsong.

TaxonMaiar

In the Great Darkness Morgoth counterfeits the Ents with a race of stony giants.

TaxonTrolls

Through Manwë, Eru grants Yavanna guardians for the trees.

FigureEru Ilúvatar

During the Great Journey the Nandor refuse to cross the mountains and turn south down the Anduin.

PlaceThe Misty Mountains

Elves who refuse to cross the Misty Mountains follow the river south and become the Silvan folk.

PlaceAnduin

Learning of the Dwarves, Yavanna obtains through Manwë the promise of the Ents.

FigureYavanna

Yavanna asks Manwë for protectors for her creatures; Manwë promises that the Eagles will dwell in the mountains and hear the cries of those in need.

TaxonBeasts and Birds

Yavanna, fearing for her trees, obtains the promise of the Ents.

FigureAulë

The eldest of the Dwarf-fathers awakens at Gundabad and makes his halls beneath the three peaks above Mirrormere.

PlaceThe Misty Mountains

Durin the Deathless delves the first halls above Mirrormere.

PlaceMoria

Durin I comes to the dale, sees the crown of stars above his reflection, and founds Khazad-dûm beside it.

PlaceDimrill Dale

Durin I makes his halls under Caradhras and its two sister mountains.

PlaceCaradhras

Durin I sees seven stars crowning his reflection and chooses the dale for Khazad-dûm.

PlaceMirrormere

Outcast Dwarves wander west into Beleriand before any Elves or other Dwarves settle there.

TaxonPetty-dwarves

Melian leaves Valinor and fills the dark lands with her song.

FigureMelian

Ingwë awakes with the Quendi at Cuiviénen and becomes lord of the first clan.

FigureIngwë

The Avari awake with the other Quendi at Cuiviénen.

TaxonAvari

The Teleri awake with the other Quendi and are the largest of the three clans.

TaxonTeleri

The Vanyar awake with the other Quendi at Cuiviénen.

TaxonVanyar

Olwë awakes at Cuiviénen and with his brother leads the Teleri.

FigureOlwë

The Firstborn awake beneath the newly kindled stars beside the eastern lake.

TaxonElves

Elwë awakes among the first Elves and becomes, with Olwë, a leader of the Teleri.

FigureThingol

The Firstborn Children awake at Cuiviénen, as Eru alone had devised.

FigureEru Ilúvatar

The Entwives come into being with the Shepherds of the Trees.

TaxonEntwives

Tom remembers the Elves walking westward on the Great Journey.

FigureTom Bombadil

Melkor captures Elves at Cuiviénen and corrupts them into Orcs.

FigureMelkor

Varda makes new and brighter stars and constellations; the Elves awake beneath them.

FigureVarda

Melian, who had dwelt in Lórien, leaves for Middle-earth at about the time the Elves awake.

PlaceGardens of Lórien

Melkor's shadows hunt the newly awakened Elves; captives are twisted into the first Orcs.

TaxonMonsters and Servants of the Shadow

The Elves teach the Ents language and Treebeard learns their tongues.

FigureTreebeard

The Firstborn wake beside the water under the new stars of Varda, and the first words of Elvish speech are made.

PlaceCuiviénen

The Firstborn wake at Cuiviénen; Varda has already kindled new stars for their coming.

PlaceAman

The Firstborn open their eyes under starlight beside a lake in the east of Middle-earth.

TaxonChildren of Ilúvatar

The Quendi awake at Cuiviénen, fed by streams from the Orocarni.

PlaceOrocarni

Spirits enter the trees as the Children of Ilúvatar awake; the Ents come into being.

TaxonEnts

Varda uses the gathered dew of Telperion to kindle new stars over Middle-earth before the Elves awake.

PlaceEzellohar

Varda rekindles the heavens with brighter stars in preparation for the Elves, who awake beneath them.

TaxonValar

Melkor's spirits and a dark rider haunt the hills about the lake, sowing fear of the Valar and carrying off stray Elves to Utumno.

PlaceCuiviénen

Melkor's servants prey on the Elves of Cuiviénen; captives are taken to Utumno and, by tradition, made into Orcs.

PlaceUtumno

The Elves hear the hooves of Nahar before Oromë rides into the starlight and finds them.

FigureNahar

Oromë discovers the Quendi at Cuiviénen and returns with the news to Valinor.

FigureOromë

Oromë, riding Nahar, comes upon the newly awakened Elves; the sound of his horse is the first the Quendi hear of the Valar.

TaxonBeasts and Birds

Drawn by singing across the water, Oromë comes to Cuiviénen and names the Elves the Eldar; some flee from him, believing him the hunter of their fear.

PlaceCuiviénen

Oromë comes upon the Quendi and returns to Valinor with the news, prompting the War of the Powers against Melkor.

TaxonElves

At the first meeting Oromë gives the Quendi the name People of the Stars; it will later belong only to those who follow him.

TaxonEldar

Melkor's hunters take Elves from Cuiviénen; in Utumno he twists them into the first Orcs.

TaxonOrcs

After Oromë's report the Valar decide in the Ring to summon the Elves to Aman and to assault Melkor.

PlaceMáhanaxar

Oromë rides with the Valar against Utumno.

FigureOromë

Tulkas breaks Utumno and binds Melkor with Angainor.

FigureTulkas

The Valar assault Utumno and Angband; Tulkas wrestles Melkor down and he is chained with Angainor.

TaxonValar

The War of the Powers against Utumno is felt at the lake as tremors and light in the north, though the Elves know little of its cause.

PlaceCuiviénen

The Valar march from Aman against Melkor for the sake of the Elves.

PlaceUtumno

After Oromë's report, Manwë sends the Valar against Utumno; Melkor is captured.

FigureManwë

After the awakening of the Elves, the Valar assault Utumno, capture Melkor and bring him in chains to Valinor.

TaxonAinur

The Valar march out of Aman, break Utumno and bring Melkor back in chains to the Halls of Mandos.

PlaceAman

Utumno falls and Melkor is bound with Angainor and imprisoned in Mandos.

FigureMelkor

When Utumno falls the Balrogs conceal themselves in the depths of Angband.

TaxonBalrogs

After the War of the Powers Melkor is bound with Angainor and imprisoned for three ages.

PlaceValinor

Bound with Angainor, Melkor begins his three ages in the Halls of Mandos.

PlaceHalls of Mandos

Melkor is brought bound before the Ring and condemned to three ages in the Halls of Mandos.

PlaceMáhanaxar

The Valar unroof the fortress; Tulkas overthrows Melkor and he is chained with Angainor.

PlaceUtumno

The Valar break Utumno beneath the eastern mountains and carry Melkor to Valinor.

PlaceEred Engrin

The Valar break Utumno and take Melkor captive, but the deepest pits of Angband are left unsearched.

PlaceAngband

Durin wakes alone in the north, the first of the Dwarves to rise.

FigureDurin I

Two of the Seven Fathers wake together in the eastern mountains.

TaxonStiffbeards

Two of the Seven Fathers wake together in the eastern mountains.

TaxonBlacklocks

Two of the Seven Fathers wake together in the eastern mountains and found the eastern houses.

TaxonIronfists

Two of the Seven Fathers wake together in the eastern mountains.

TaxonStonefoots

Durin wakes at Gundabad and settles above Mirrormere.

TaxonLongbeards

The deepest places are left unsearched and Melkor's chief servants survive in hiding.

PlaceUtumno

Durin the Deathless wakes under Mount Gundabad and founds Khazad-dûm beside Mirrormere; the other fathers wake in the Blue Mountains and the far East.

TaxonDwarves

Wandering Elves find the Ents and wake them to language and thought.

TaxonEnts

Melkor being chained, the Valar decide to call the Elves to Aman, and Oromë brings the summons to Cuiviénen.

PlaceCuiviénen

Fleeing the Valar, Ungoliant makes her lair in a ravine beneath the southern mountains.

PlaceAvathar

At Mirrormere he sees seven stars reflected about his head and takes the sign as his own.

FigureDurin I

Finwë sees the Trees and returns to lead the Noldor west.

FigureFinwë

Oromë brings Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë to Valinor; Ingwë returns most eager of all to lead his people west.

FigureIngwë

Goes with Ingwë and Finwë to see the light of the Two Trees and returns to urge the Great Journey.

FigureThingol

Elwë goes to Aman as ambassador of the Teleri and returns eager to lead his people west.

TaxonTeleri

Durin begins the halls above the Dimrill Dale.

FigureDurin I

Ingwë is one of the three ambassadors who see the Trees and return to urge the summons.

TaxonVanyar

Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë come back from Valinor having seen the Two Trees, and urge their peoples to accept the summons.

PlaceCuiviénen

When the ambassadors return, the Unwilling refuse the summons and stay by the lake.

TaxonAvari

The three ambassadors return from Aman; those who agree to go become the Eldar, those who refuse the Avari.

TaxonEldar

Oromë brings Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë to Valinor.

FigureOromë

Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë are brought to Aman and return to urge their peoples to accept the summons; the Sundering into Eldar and Avari follows.

TaxonElves

The Vanyar, Noldor and Teleri begin the march west.

TaxonEldar

Ulmo argues against calling the Elves to Aman and is overruled.

FigureUlmo

The Vanyar march in the van, directly behind Oromë.

TaxonVanyar

The Teleri set out last and slowest under Elwë and Olwë; many stay behind as Avari.

TaxonTeleri

The Vanyar set out in the van of the Great Journey.

FigureIngwë

Searching for Elwë, misses the ferrying of the Teleri and settles the coasts of the Falas.

FigureCírdan

Manwë calls the Elves to Valinor.

FigureManwë

The Valar call the Elves to Aman; Oromë leads the Great Journey west.

TaxonValar

When the Eldar set out for the West, the Unwilling stay in the lands under the Red Mountains.

PlaceOrocarni

The Avari are left alone in the east and pass out of the histories.

TaxonAvari

Marches west with the host of Olwë.

FigureLenwë

Oromë on Nahar leads the Eldar westward toward the Sea.

FigureNahar

Three hosts of the Eldar set out westward toward Aman at the summons of the Valar.

TaxonChildren of Ilúvatar

Three hosts of Eldar set out west; over the following decades the Nandor turn aside and the Teleri linger in Beleriand.

TaxonElves

Oromë leads the Eldar westward from Cuiviénen.

FigureOromë

The three hosts of the Eldar leave Cuiviénen for the West under Oromë; the Avari refuse the road and remain by the water.

PlaceCuiviénen

Mandos foretells that the summoning of the Elves will have consequences.

FigureMandos

Ossë teaches the Teleri who linger on the shores of Beleriand.

FigureOssë

Uinen befriends the Sea-elves on the coasts of Beleriand.

FigureUinen

The Nandor abandon the Great Journey and settle the vales of Anduin.

TaxonSilvan Elves

A part of the Teleri refuse the Misty Mountains and become the Nandor.

TaxonTeleri

A part of the Teleri refuse the Misty Mountains and go south down the Anduin; they become the Nandor.

TaxonEldar

At the Misty Mountains a part of the Teleri refuse to go on and follow Lenwë south down the Anduin.

TaxonNandor

At the Great River Lenwë leads a part of the Teleri away south, the first of the partings that began on the shores of Cuiviénen.

PlaceCuiviénen

Daunted by the Misty Mountains, leads part of the Teleri south down the Great River; they become the Nandor.

FigureLenwë

The king of the Teleri meets Melian and vanishes; his people search for him and are left behind.

TaxonSindar

Elwë meets Melian and vanishes; the Teleri wait in Beleriand for him.

TaxonTeleri

Meets Melian and stands spellbound with her for long years while the Teleri search for him.

FigureThingol

In Nan Elmoth the Maia and the Elf-king meet and are bound to each other; Doriath is founded under her protection.

TaxonMaiar

Elwë finds Melian in the wood and both fall under enchantment.

FigureMelian

Elwë follows the nightingales into Nan Elmoth and stands enchanted with Melian for many years.

PlaceNan Elmoth

The Vanyar and Noldor reach the coast and are ferried to Aman.

FigureOromë

Ingwë's people cross the Sea and dwell in Tirion with the Noldor.

FigureIngwë

The Vanyar and Noldor are ferried across the Sea and settle in Tirion.

TaxonVanyar

Finwë's people cross the Sea and raise their city on the hill of Túna.

TaxonNoldor

Ulmo draws the island across the Sea, carrying the Vanyar and Noldor to Aman.

FigureUlmo

The Noldor reach Aman and build Tirion; Finwë is their king.

FigureFinwë

Ossë befriends the Teleri on the shores of Beleriand and persuades some to remain; later he anchors Tol Eressëa at Uinen's plea.

TaxonMaiar

At Ossë's plea Círdan and his people stay in Middle-earth.

FigureOssë

Ulmo draws the first two hosts to Aman on a floating island.

TaxonEldar

Ulmo ferries the first two hosts across the Sea on the island that becomes Tol Eressëa.

TaxonElves

A pass is opened in the wall so the Eldar may dwell in the light of the Trees and still see the sea.

PlacePelóri

The Vanyar and Noldor are brought across the sea on the island and settle on Túna in the Calacirya.

PlaceEldamar

Ulmo carries the Vanyar and Noldor across the sea on the island to the Bay of Eldamar.

PlaceTol Eressëa

The Valar open the Calacirya in the Pelóri and raise Túna in its mouth for the Eldar.

PlaceCalacirya

Ulmo ferries the first two kindreds across the sea on the island that becomes Tol Eressëa; Tirion is founded in the Calacirya.

PlaceAman

The first two kindreds are settled on Túna in the Calacirya within sight of the Trees.

PlaceValinor

The Vanyar and Noldor build the white city on Túna in the newly cut Calacirya; Yavanna gives it the tree Galathilion.

PlaceTirion

Ulmo anchors the island in the bay of Eldamar at Ossë's request.

FigureOssë

Over time the first kindred leave Tirion and make their homes on the mountain and the plains beneath it.

PlaceTaniquetil

The Nandor settle the vales of Anduin and the great forests on either side.

TaxonNandor

Aulë and his people instruct the Noldor of Tirion in craft.

FigureAulë

Círdan's people make their homes at the mouths of the Brithon and Nenning.

PlaceEglarest

Círdan's people remain on the coast when Tol Eressëa is drawn away to Aman.

PlaceThe Falas

The Falathrim settle at the mouth of the Brithon.

PlaceBrithombar

The Teleri of Olwë sail to Aman, but those who stayed to search for Thingol remain behind and become the Grey-elves.

PlaceBeleriand

The Teleri who stayed behind gather about Elwë and Melian in the forests of central Beleriand.

PlaceDoriath

Ulmo returns for the Teleri and, at Ossë's plea, anchors the island in the bay within sight of Aman.

PlaceTol Eressëa

At Ossë's plea Ulmo roots the island in the Bay of Eldamar with the Teleri aboard.

FigureUlmo

Ulmo roots the island in the Bay of Eldamar at the request of the Teleri, who remain on it for an age.

PlaceEldamar

At Ossë's plea, Círdan's people stay on the coast of Beleriand when Olwë's host sails.

TaxonFalathrim

Olwë leads the waiting Teleri onto Ulmo's island and across the Sea.

TaxonFalmari

Olwë's people sail to Aman; the followers of Elwë and the Falathrim of Círdan remain and become the Sindar.

TaxonEldar

Melian and Thingol emerge and rule the Elves who remained in Beleriand.

FigureMelian

Olwë's host sails; those who remain, together with Círdan's coast-dwellers, become the Sindar.

TaxonSindar

Olwë leads most of the Teleri to Aman; the followers of Elwë and the Falathrim remain as the Sindar.

TaxonTeleri

Olwë's people are ferried to Tol Eressëa and later build Alqualondë; the Sindar remain in Beleriand under Thingol.

TaxonElves

After long search for Elwë, Olwë leads the Teleri onto the island of Ulmo and across the Sea.

FigureOlwë

Olwë leads the greater part of the Teleri to Aman; those who stay become the Sindar under Elwë.

FigureThingol

At Ossë's plea the island is rooted in the Bay of Eldamar and the Teleri dwell on it apart.

TaxonFalmari

The island is anchored in the Bay of Eldamar and the Teleri dwell there under Ossë's teaching.

FigureOlwë

The Falmari leave Tol Eressëa for the coast and build the Haven of the Swans.

TaxonTeleri

Taught shipcraft by Ossë, the Teleri sail to Aman and build the Haven of the Swans.

TaxonFalmari

The Teleri sail to the coast on their new ships and build the Haven of the Swans.

PlaceEldamar

Ossë teaches the Teleri shipbuilding and they sail to Alqualondë.

FigureOssë

Taught by Ossë, the Teleri sail from Tol Eressëa to the coast and build the Haven of the Swans.

PlaceAlqualondë

After long delay on Tol Eressëa the Teleri build ships and reach the coast, founding Alqualondë.

PlaceAman

The light of the Trees through the pass falls on the bay and the Teleri come to dwell on the shore.

PlaceCalacirya

Having learned shipbuilding from Ossë, the Teleri sail to the coast and found Alqualondë.

PlaceTol Eressëa

Finwë's eldest son is born in Tirion; his mother Míriel does not recover.

PlaceTirion

Míriel bears Finwë's eldest son and afterwards passes to Mandos; Finwë remarries, sowing the first division of the house.

TaxonNoldor

Míriel bears Finwë's first son and afterwards departs to Mandos.

FigureFinwë

Míriel bears the son who will surpass all the Noldor, and is left without strength.

FigureMíriel

Míriel bears Finwë's eldest son and her strength is consumed.

FigureFëanor

Míriel lies down in the gardens of Lórien and her spirit goes to Mandos.

FigureMíriel

Fëanor's mother lays down her life and refuses to return; Finwë is later permitted to wed Indis.

PlaceHalls of Mandos

The weary Míriel is brought to Estë's gardens to be healed.

FigureEstë

The weary mother of Fëanor is brought to Lórien, where her spirit departs her body.

FigureIrmo

Míriel's spirit passes to Mandos and her body is kept unwithered in the gardens.

PlaceGardens of Lórien

Míriel, mother of Fëanor, chooses to remain in his halls; Mandos allows Finwë to remarry.

FigureMandos

Asked by the Valar, Míriel declines rebirth, and Finwë is freed to remarry.

FigureMíriel

The blood of the Vanyar enters the royal house of the Noldor.

TaxonVanyar

After the judgement concerning Míriel, Indis of the Vanyar becomes queen of the Noldor.

FigureIndis

After the judgement of the Valar, Finwë remarries; Fingolfin and Finarfin are born of this union.

FigureFinwë

Indis bears Finwë's second son.

FigureIndis

Elder son of Finwë and Indis.

FigureFingolfin

Finwë remarries; Fëanor refuses to accept Indis or his half-brothers.

FigureFëanor

Nerdanel, daughter of Mahtan, weds the eldest son of Finwë.

FigureNerdanel

The Teleri come to the shore of Aman in swan-ships and Olwë becomes king of the Haven.

FigureOlwë

Melian bears Lúthien in Doriath.

FigureMelian

The only child of Thingol and Melian is born in Doriath under the stars.

FigureLúthien

The Elves, not knowing what they are, hunt the Petty-dwarves; the kindred dwindles.

TaxonPetty-dwarves

Ingwë leads the Vanyar to the holy mountain and is honoured as High King of all the Eldar.

FigureIngwë

Brithombar and Eglarest are raised on the Falas.

TaxonFalathrim

Over time the Vanyar leave Tirion for Valmar and the slopes of the holy mountain.

TaxonVanyar

Indis bears Finwë's third son, golden-haired like his mother.

FigureIndis

Youngest son of Finwë and Indis.

FigureFinarfin

The Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod meet the Sindar and delve Menegroth.

TaxonBroadbeams

Dwarves of the Blue Mountains cross into Beleriand, make friends with Thingol and delve the Thousand Caves of Menegroth.

TaxonDwarves

The Naugrim cross the Blue Mountains and befriend Thingol, delving Menegroth for him.

TaxonFirebeards

The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains open their road into Beleriand by the ford.

PlaceSarn Athrad

The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains begin to cross beneath Dolmed to trade with the Sindar.

PlaceMount Dolmed

The folk of Nogrod and Belegost first descend into Beleriand and meet the Sindar.

PlaceNogrod

The folk of Belegost cross into Beleriand and begin their long friendship with Thingol.

PlaceBelegost

Fëanor perfects the alphabet that bears his name.

FigureFëanor

Olwë's daughter weds the youngest son of Finwë, uniting the houses.

TaxonFalmari

The marriage of Finwë's youngest son to Olwë's daughter binds the royal houses of the Noldor and Teleri.

PlaceAlqualondë

His daughter weds Finarfin son of Finwë, joining the houses of the Teleri and the Noldor.

FigureOlwë

Finarfin weds the daughter of Olwë of Alqualondë.

FigureFinarfin

The Dwarves of Belegost delve the Thousand Caves for Thingol.

PlaceDoriath

Thingol and Melian rule Beleriand; the Dwarves of Belegost delve the Thousand Caves.

TaxonSindar

The Thousand Caves are delved with the aid of the Dwarves.

FigureMelian

Thingol's halls are delved into the rock above the southern bank of the river.

PlaceEsgalduin

At Melian's counsel Thingol hires the Dwarves of Belegost to cut the Thousand Caves, paying them in pearls from the Falas; Elves and Dwarves together adorn the halls as a forest of stone.

PlaceMenegroth

With the aid of the Dwarves of Belegost, Thingol builds the Thousand Caves on the Esgalduin.

FigureThingol

The masons of Belegost build the Thousand Caves for Thingol and are paid in pearls.

PlaceBelegost

Thingol's halls are built into the hill on the northern margin of the forest.

PlaceRegion

Círdan's people bring pearls from the bay to Thingol, who pays the Dwarves with them.

PlaceIsle of Balar

Over the following years she bears Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, Amrod and Amras.

FigureNerdanel

Daeron devises the runes of Doriath, which the Dwarves adopt and carry east.

FigureDaeron

Leads the westward Nandor over the Blue Mountains; Thingol receives them.

FigureDenethor

Denethor leads the Nandor into Ossiriand and Thingol welcomes them.

TaxonLaiquendi

Lenwë's son leads many Nandor over the Blue Mountains; they become the Green-elves.

TaxonNandor

Nandor under Denethor cross the Blue Mountains and are welcomed by Thingol.

TaxonTeleri

Denethor leads Nandor into Ossiriand and Thingol welcomes them as kin.

TaxonSindar

Denethor's people descend into Ossiriand by the passes of the Blue Mountains.

PlaceMount Dolmed

Denethor son of Lenwë leads his people over the Blue Mountains, and Thingol gives them Ossiriand.

PlaceOssiriand

The only daughter of Finarfin and Eärwen is born in the bliss of Valinor.

FigureGaladriel

Celegorm hunts with Oromë in Aman and receives the hound Huan.

FigureCelegorm

Released from Mandos, Melkor is allowed to live in the city and begins his corruption of the Noldor.

PlaceValmar

Melkor sues for pardon in the Ring and is released into Valinor.

PlaceMáhanaxar

Manwë releases Melkor within the bounds of Valinor; he begins to spread lies among the Noldor.

PlaceValinor

After three ages Melkor is pardoned by Manwë and permitted to move freely in Valinor.

TaxonValar

Melkor is freed after three ages in Mandos and begins to corrupt the Noldor with lies.

PlaceAman

At the end of his sentence Melkor is brought before Manwë and pardoned.

PlaceHalls of Mandos

Melkor's sentence of three ages ends; Mandos assents to his release.

FigureMandos

Manwë accepts Melkor's plea and releases him.

FigureManwë

Melkor is released and begins to corrupt the Noldor.

FigureMelkor

Nienna supports the pardon of Melkor after his three ages of imprisonment.

FigureNienna

Tulkas opposes the pardon but obeys Manwë.

FigureTulkas

Melkor's lies spread among the Noldor of Tirion and turn the sons of Finwë against one another.

PlaceTirion

Fëanor completes the Silmarils, in which the blended light of the Two Trees is preserved.

PlaceEzellohar

Fëanor captures the mingled light of the Trees in three jewels, which Varda hallows.

PlaceValinor

Varda blesses Fëanor's jewels so that evil hands are burned by them.

FigureVarda

Fëanor makes the three jewels that hold the light of the Trees.

TaxonNoldor

Fëanor captures the light of the Two Trees in three jewels; Varda hallows them.

FigureFëanor

Provoked by Melkor's lies, Fëanor draws his sword on Fingolfin and is exiled to Formenos.

FigureFëanor

Fëanor is banished to Formenos; Nerdanel does not go with him.

FigureNerdanel

Fëanor is banished; Finwë leaves Tirion to Fingolfin and goes with his eldest son.

FigureFinwë

Melkor's lies bear fruit; Fëanor draws his sword on Fingolfin and is exiled to Formenos.

TaxonNoldor

Judged at Máhanaxar for drawing a sword on Fingolfin, Fëanor is exiled from Tirion to Formenos; Melkor flees Valinor.

PlaceValinor

Fëanor threatens Fingolfin at the door of Finwë's house and is banished from the city for twelve years.

PlaceTirion

Melkor's lies bring the half-brothers to open enmity; Fingolfin rules Tirion during Fëanor's exile.

FigureFingolfin

Fëanor is tried for drawing a sword on his brother; Melkor's lies are uncovered and Fëanor is banished to Formenos.

PlaceMáhanaxar

Fëanor is banished from Tirion for twelve years for threatening Fingolfin with a sword, and Mandos names the quarrel the beginning of the Noldor's strife.

PlaceFormenos

After Fëanor's judgment Tulkas and Oromë leave Valmar to seize Melkor, but he has fled.

PlaceValmar

Fëanor and his sons raise a stronghold and treasury in northern Valinor, the first fortress in the Blessed Realm, and Finwë leaves Tirion to live there.

PlaceFormenos

After escaping Tulkas, Melkor comes south to Avathar and makes his bargain with Ungoliant.

PlaceAvathar

Melkor comes to ensnare Fëanor with warnings against Fingolfin, betrays himself by mentioning the Silmarils, and is driven off; he vanishes south to Avathar.

PlaceFormenos

Melkor comes to Avathar and promises her whatever she desires; she cloaks them in Unlight and they climb Hyarmentir.

FigureUngoliant

After the death of the Trees Manwë sends a herald to warn the departing Noldor and hears of the Kinslaying.

FigureManwë

Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Two Trees; Finwë is slain and the Silmarils stolen.

TaxonElves

Ingwë and the Vanyar remain with the Valar while the Noldor go into exile.

FigureIngwë

Ungoliant drinks the sap of the Two Trees and the Wells of Varda, and flees with Melkor into Middle-earth.

TaxonGreat Spiders

Melkor and Ungoliant slay the Two Trees; Melkor kills Finwë and takes the Silmarils.

FigureMelkor

The Vanyar remain with the Valar and take no part in the rebellion of the Noldor.

TaxonVanyar

Melkor slays Finwë at the door of the stronghold and takes the Silmarils.

FigureFinwë

The Green-elves are broken on Amon Ereb in the First Battle of Beleriand and thereafter fight only from hiding.

TaxonNandor

The Trees are destroyed, Finwë is slain at Formenos and the jewels taken.

TaxonNoldor

Yavanna draws the last flower from Telperion.

FigureTilion

Yavanna draws the last fruit from Laurelin.

FigureArien

Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Trees; Yavanna cannot heal them.

FigureYavanna

Olwë refuses to give the swan-ships to the departing Noldor.

PlaceAlqualondë

Manwë calls Fëanor to the festival to be reconciled with Fingolfin; he goes alone and leaves the Silmarils locked at Formenos.

PlaceFormenos

Slain by Melkor at Formenos, Finwë is the first of the Eldar killed in Aman and chooses to remain among the dead.

PlaceHalls of Mandos

Denethor is slain on Amon Ereb; the Green-elves go into hiding.

TaxonLaiquendi

Orcs assail the Sindar; Denethor is slain, the Falas is besieged, and Melian raises the Girdle.

TaxonSindar

He follows Celegorm out of Valinor in the flight of the Noldor.

FigureHuan

Melkor and Ungoliant climb the southern mountains and descend into Valinor to destroy the Trees.

PlacePelóri

Fleeing with the Silmarils, Melkor and Ungoliant pass over the Helcaraxë into Middle-earth.

PlaceHelcaraxë

Melkor and Ungoliant escape north through Araman toward the Helcaraxë with the Silmarils.

PlaceAraman

Ungoliant binds Morgoth in her webs on this shore; his cry names the land and summons the Balrogs from Angband.

PlaceLammoth

Morgoth, escaped from Ungoliant, rebuilds Angband and raises Thangorodrim above its gates.

PlaceAngband

After the death of the Trees Tulkas leads the chase but is blinded by Ungoliant's darkness.

FigureTulkas

At the festival Fingolfin publicly forgives Fëanor and promises to follow him.

FigureFingolfin

The Balrogs come from Angband to free Melkor from Ungoliant's webs.

FigureGothmog

The Balrogs answer Melkor's cry in Lammoth and drive Ungoliant away with their whips.

TaxonBalrogs

In the First Battle of Beleriand the Falathrim are cut off and besieged by Orcs until the Noldor arrive.

TaxonFalathrim

Returning from Aman with the Silmarils, Morgoth redelves Angband and piles the slag of the work into three smoking peaks above its Gate.

PlaceThangorodrim

Wrapped in unlight, Melkor and Ungoliant scale the mountains from Avathar and enter Valinor.

PlaceAvathar

Morgoth's scream when Ungoliant nets him echoes in the northern mountains and gives the range its name.

PlaceEred Lómin

Melkor and Ungoliant slay the Trees; the Noldor rebel and depart; Mandos pronounces their Doom.

TaxonValar

Melkor and Ungoliant slay the Trees during the festival on Taniquetil and empty the Wells of Varda.

PlaceValinor

Melkor, released from his sentence, destroys the Two Trees with Ungoliant and flees with the Silmarils.

TaxonAinur

Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Two Trees; Finwë is slain at Formenos and the Silmarils are stolen.

PlaceAman

Manwë summons the Eldar to the harvest festival; Fëanor and Fingolfin are reconciled at the threshold of the halls.

PlaceIlmarin

Fëanor and Fingolfin are reconciled before Manwë; in that same hour the Trees are destroyed below.

PlaceTaniquetil

Uinen weeps for the slain Teleri and the Sea turns against the Noldor's stolen ships.

FigureUinen

The harvest festival is kept while Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Trees at the city's gate.

PlaceValmar

Fëanor refuses Yavanna the Silmarils; then learns that Morgoth has killed his father and taken them.

FigureFëanor

Melkor pierces the Trees with his spear and Ungoliant drinks their sap and empties the Wells of Varda.

PlaceEzellohar

The spider-spirit from the outer dark helps Melkor slay the Two Trees, then tries to devour him.

TaxonSpirits and Enigmas

Fleeing Morgoth's Balrogs, Ungoliant dwells beneath the mountains and breeds her spiders there.

PlaceEred Gorgoroth

The spiders left by Ungoliant infest the valley beneath the Mountains of Terror.

PlaceNan Dungortheb

After the Darkening Nienna's tears cleanse Ungoliant's filth from the Trees.

FigureNienna

Finwë is slain at Formenos; Indis remains in Aman when the Noldor depart.

FigureIndis

The watchers on Taniquetil see the light fail on the plain as Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Trees.

PlaceIlmarin

Drinks the sap of Telperion and Laurelin and drains the Wells of Varda.

FigureUngoliant

Fëanor returns to the city, swears his oath before the Mindon and leads the Noldor out of Aman.

PlaceTirion

Fëanor leads the Noldor out of Aman after the Kinslaying at Alqualondë; Mandos pronounces their Doom in Araman.

PlaceAman

Ungoliant demands the Silmarils and nets Melkor; the Balrogs drive her off.

TaxonGreat Spiders

From the mountain Manwë sends a messenger to the departing Noldor to warn them and release them from his service.

PlaceTaniquetil

Fëanor swears his Oath, the Noldor slay the Teleri at Alqualondë, and Mandos pronounces the Doom of the Noldor.

TaxonNoldor

FigureAmrod and Amras

FigureCurufin

Maedhros swears the Oath of Fëanor with his father and brothers.

FigureMaedhros

Maglor joins his father and brothers in the Oath of Fëanor.

FigureMaglor

FigureCaranthir

FigureCelegorm

Mandos pronounces exile and doom on the departing Noldor.

FigureMandos

The Noldor take the ships by force; Fingon's host joins the fight unknowing, and many Teleri are slain.

PlaceAlqualondë

The Noldor seize the swan-ships at Alqualondë and Elves slay Elves for the first time.

PlaceEldamar

Fëanor swears his Oath, the Noldor rebel, and the Teleri of Alqualondë are slain for their ships; the Doom of Mandos is pronounced.

TaxonElves

Fëanor and his sons swear to pursue anyone who withholds a Silmaril; the Noldor follow him out of Tirion.

FigureFëanor

On the night of the Darkening Melkor kills Finwë at the door of Formenos, the first death by violence in Aman, and breaks open the treasury.

PlaceFormenos

The orcs shut the Falathrim inside Eglarest until the Noldor's coming draws them off.

PlaceEglarest

The Valar and Eldar gather on Ezellohar before the gate; Fëanor refuses the Silmarils and Finwë's death is announced.

PlaceValmar

The king of the Green-elves is surrounded on the hill in the First Battle and slain with his kin.

PlaceAmon Ereb

The Green-elves march to Thingol's aid in the First Battle; Denethor is slain on Amon Ereb and the Laiquendi turn to secrecy.

PlaceOssiriand

In the darkness the Valar ask for the jewels to remake the Trees; Fëanor refuses, and news of Finwë's death arrives.

PlaceMáhanaxar

Fëanor crosses to Middle-earth with the ships and burns them at Losgar, abandoning Fingolfin's host in Araman.

PlaceAraman

The stolen ships of the Teleri come into the firth and are beached at Losgar.

PlaceFirth of Drengist

Thingol breaks the Orc host in the east; Melian raises the Girdle about Doriath.

FigureThingol

Marches against the Orcs and is slain on Amon Ereb.

FigureDenethor

Besieged in the havens until the Noldor land.

FigureCírdan

Blinds the pursuit and follows Melkor from Formenos over the Helcaraxë.

FigureUngoliant

The greater part of the Noldor leave Aman in rebellion; the Vanyar and Falmari remain.

TaxonEldar

Finarfin marches last, after his brother and children, and arrives at Alqualondë after the Kinslaying.

FigureFinarfin

Fingolfin leads the larger host out of Tirion and is drawn into the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

FigureFingolfin

Refuses Fëanor the ships; the Noldor take them by force and slay many Teleri on the quays.

FigureOlwë

The Noldor take the swan-ships by force and slay many of the Falmari.

TaxonTeleri

Fëanor's host seizes the swan-ships and slays the Teleri; Mandos pronounces the Doom.

FigureFëanor

Fingon's company joins the fighting on the quays without knowing its cause.

FigureFingon

With the raising of the Girdle, the twilit fens become the southern guard of Doriath.

PlaceAelin-uial

In the First Battle the orcs cut the Falathrim off in Brithombar and Eglarest.

PlaceThe Falas

Fëanor and all her sons leave for Middle-earth; Nerdanel remains behind.

FigureNerdanel

On a rock above the shore of Araman the Doom of the Noldor is pronounced; Finarfin turns back.

PlaceAraman

Mandos pronounces on the exiles the sentence that they will die and wait long in his Halls.

PlaceHalls of Mandos

Orcs overrun East Beleriand; the Green-elves lose Denethor on Amon Ereb and Thingol withdraws behind the Girdle.

PlaceEast Beleriand

Orcs from Angband assault the Sindar and Green-elves; Denethor is slain on Amon Ereb and Melian fences Doriath.

PlaceBeleriand

Morgoth's orcs shut the Falathrim inside the haven during the First Battle of Beleriand.

PlaceBrithombar

Follows Fingolfin's host into exile, taking no part in the Kinslaying; his father turns back.

FigureFinrod

Joins the departure from Aman with Fingolfin's host, defending the Teleri at Alqualondë.

FigureGaladriel

After the First Battle of Beleriand, Melian fences Doriath with enchantment.

PlaceDoriath

With the first war of Beleriand Melian fences Doriath with her power.

FigureMelian

With Morgoth returned to Middle-earth, Melian draws her enchantment about the woods and Menegroth becomes the safe centre of the strongest realm in Beleriand.

PlaceMenegroth

The Noldor seize the swan-ships by force and many Falmari die on the quays.

TaxonFalmari

Fëanor destroys the Telerin fleet at Losgar rather than return for Fingolfin's host.

PlaceLosgar

On the mound in the dark, Fëanor refuses to yield the jewels for the Trees' healing; in that hour he learns they are stolen.

PlaceEzellohar

Melkor takes the three jewels and every other gem in the hoard, Ungoliant devouring the lesser ones; the Silmarils burn his hand and he does not let them go.

PlaceFormenos

The sea rises against the stolen fleet on the voyage north and many of the Noldor are lost.

PlaceAlqualondë

Hearing of his father's death and the theft, Fëanor names Melkor Morgoth and swears with his sons to pursue the Silmarils against anyone who withholds them.

PlaceFormenos

After the Doom of Mandos, Finarfin brings part of his people back to Tirion and rules the remaining Noldor.

PlaceTirion

Betrayed, Fingolfin's people leave Araman and begin the crossing of the Helcaraxë.

PlaceAraman

Abandoned by Fëanor, the Noldor under Fingolfin begin the crossing of the Grinding Ice.

PlaceHelcaraxë

Devours the gems of Formenos, demands the Silmarils, and nets Melkor until the Balrogs drive her off.

FigureUngoliant

Hearing the Doom of Mandos, Finarfin returns to Tirion and is pardoned; he becomes king of the Noldor in Aman.

FigureFinarfin

The Noldor march out of Aman on the road north, and Formenos is left empty and unmentioned thereafter.

PlaceFormenos

The Valar raise the Pelóri, set the Enchanted Isles, and send up the Moon and Sun from the last flower and fruit of the Trees.

PlaceAman

The survivors, having lost many including Elenwë, reach Middle-earth as the Moon first rises.

PlaceHelcaraxë

Arien sets aside her form and takes the helm of the vessel Anar.

FigureArien

In the Hiding of Valinor the Pelóri are made sheer and impassable save for the guarded Calacirya.

PlacePelóri

Tilion raises the Moon over Middle-earth as Fingolfin crosses the Helcaraxë.

FigureTilion

The Pelóri are raised higher and the seas enchanted; the Moon and Sun are launched from the last flower and fruit.

PlaceValinor

In the Hiding of Valinor the Valar place the Enchanted Isles and the Shadowy Seas across the western ocean.

PlaceEnchanted Isles

Telperion's final flower and Laurelin's final fruit are taken by Aulë and Varda and sent into the sky as the Moon and the Sun.

PlaceEzellohar

In the Hiding of Valinor the Calacirya is fortified and watched, the only way left through the mountains.

PlaceCalacirya

Leaves Doriath after the raising of the Girdle and settles in the dark wood, paying Thingol with Anglachel.

FigureEöl