Círdan: Difference between revisions

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{{teleri infobox
{{sindar infobox
| name=Círdan
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|250px]]
| name=Círdan
| caption="Cirdan" by [[Jef Murray]]
| othernames=Nowë
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}
| titles=the Shipwright; the Shipbuilder<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 108</ref>
| othernames=''Nōwē'' ([[Primitive Elvish|PE]])</br>''Ciryatan'' ([[Quenya|Q]])</br>''Cirdan of Lune''<ref name=Lune>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Northern Line of Arnor: the Isildurioni'', entry '''entry 25: Arvedui''', p. 195</ref><ref name=Moon>{{PM|Third}}, entry '''1975''', p. 232</ref></br>''Cirdan the Shipwright''<ref name=Aman/>
| birth=Sometime during [[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]], perhaps firstborn
| titles=
| realm=[[Falas]], [[Isle of Balar|Balar]], [[Mithlond]]
| position=Lord of the [[Falas]]</br>Master of the [[Grey Havens]]
| death=Sailed West sometime during the [[Fourth Age]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]]</br>[[Sea of Rhûn]]</br>[[Falas]]</br>[[Isle of Balar]]</br>[[Grey Havens]]</br>[[Aman]] (after the departure of the [[Last Ship]])
| age=Did not die
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]</br>[[White Council]]</br>[[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| spouse=None known
| language=[[Common Eldarin]]</br>[[Sindarin]]</br>[[Quenya]]</br>[[Westron]]
| birth=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, note 29</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]<ref name="LastWritingsN"/>
| rule={{YT|1149}} - {{FA|473}} ([[Falas]])<br>{{FA|473}} - {{FA|587}} ([[Isle of Balar]])<br>{{SA|1}} - after {{FoA|171}}<ref name=prologue/> ([[Grey Havens]])
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|171}}, on the [[Last Ship]]<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=eriador/>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=at least 11,008 years<ref group=note>This figure is arrived at by taking the latest possible year of birth of Círdan ({{YT|1105}} - the year in which the [[Great Journey]] of the [[Eldar]] from [[Cuiviénen]] began), adding the 395 [[Valian years]] (where one Valian year = 9.582 solar years) + 590 solar years of the late [[First Age]] + 3,441 solar years of the [[Second Age]] + 3,021 solar years of the [[Third Age]] + 171 solar years of the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]] (since {{FoA|171}} is the earliest date in which the [[Last Ship]] bearing Círdan to [[Aman]] sailed away).</br></br>Therefore, all these years combined give the approximate value of 11,008 years. However, readers should keep in mind that the above figure is the most conservative estimate, and that Círdan's actual age at the time of his departure from [[Middle-earth]] in the early Fourth Age is almost certainly greater than the one given above.</ref>
| notablefor=''[[#Significance|See below]]''
| house=
| parentage=Unknown (Círdan was a kinsman of [[Thingol]] and [[Olwë]];<ref name=Cirdan>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref> he was also related to the mother of [[Voronwë]]<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, p. 45</ref>)
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| children=
| parentage=Unknown; possibly firstborn
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| hair=Silver, bearded in old age
| height=Very tall<ref name="Havens"/>
| ref=''[[Appendices]]'', ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Last Writings]]''
| hair=Silver; with a long beard (in his old age)<ref name="Havens"/>
|}}
| eyes="Keen as stars"<ref name="Havens"/>
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|[[The Lord of the Rings]], ''[[The Grey Havens]]''}}
| clothing=
'''Círdan''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}) was a [[Sindar|Sinda]], and Lord of the [[Falathrim]] during the First Age. He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]] the oldest known [[Elves|elf]] in [[Middle-earth]], to remain so throughout that age and the [[Third Age]]. He was also awarded [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. He was one of the last elves in Middle-earth, sailing West at last probably sometime in the [[Fourth Age]].
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}
 
'''Círdan''' was one of the highest and most noble of the [[Sindar]],<ref name=Cirdan/> lord of the [[Falas]] during the [[First Age]], and Master of the [[Grey Havens]] through the [[Second Age|Second]], [[Third Age|Third]], and [[Fourth Age]].  
 
He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]], one of the oldest named [[Elves]] in [[Middle-earth]] to remain so throughout that age and into the [[Fourth Age]] as well.
 
He was also gifted [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], by [[Celebrimbor]] until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]].{{fact}}
 
== History ==
=== First Age ===
==== Early life ====
Círdan, born '''Nōwē'''<ref name=Cirdan/>, was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], the kings of the [[Teleri]].<ref name=Cirdan/> Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at [[Cuiviénen]] or when the [[Teleri]] dwelt by the [[Sea of Rhûn]], Nōwē was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.<ref name="LastWritingsN"/> During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nōwē and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.{{fact}}
 
Despite Nōwē's great eagerness to see the [[light of Valinor]] (his "greatest desire"),<ref name=Cirdan/> he loyally searched for [[Elwë]] upon his disappearance. Because of this, the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their kin, the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]]. They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nōwē headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "'''Círdan'''" which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The [[Teleri]] also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]]. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought [[Elwë]] longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.<ref name=Cirdan/>


The [[Quenya]] form of Círdan's name is '''[[Ciryatan]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}).
Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.<ref name=Cirdan/> He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]]. But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work would be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].<ref name=Cirdan/>


==History==
==== Lord of the Falas ====
===Early History===
===== Foundation =====
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim.jpg|225px|thumb|left|''Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty [[Havens of the Falas]], and found pearls which they sent to their king, [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was known as Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


Círdan, born '''[[Nowë]]'''<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan", note 30</ref> ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnowe]}}), was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], a lord in the host of the former.  During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nowë and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.  Despite Nowë's great eagerness to see the light of Valinor (his "greatest desire"),<ref name="LastWritings">{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref> he loyally searched for Elwë upon his disappearance.  Because of this the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their close friends the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]].  They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nowë headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name '''Círdan''' which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The Teleri also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]].  At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought Elwë longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.
When [[Morgoth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle]] in {{YT|1497}}, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol's aid. Further, although Thingol prevailed with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]] from Aman, when [[Fëanor]] struck at [[Morgoth]] from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]] and his forces, and the Falas was saved.<ref name="Sindar"/><ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref>


Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.  He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]].  Then he cried aloud:
===== Wars of the Noldor =====
{{quote|I will follow that light, alone if none will come with me, for the ship that I have been building is now almost ready.|Círdan, ''[[Last Writings]]''}}
Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.<ref name="return"/> Between Círdan and [[Finrod Felagund]], [[King of Nargothrond]], there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the [[Noldor]] the havens of [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were built anew.<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>
But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years: "''Abide now that time, for when it comes then will your work be of utmost worth, and it will be remembered in song for many ages after.''"  Círdan answered "''I obey''", and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].


===Foundation and Return of the Noldor===
When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Morgoth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in Thingol banning the speaking of [[Quenya]] and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their King.  The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea.  There they built many ships, and the cities [[Eglarest]] and [[Brithombar]], and found pearls which they sent to their overlord, King [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was once Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


When [[Morgoth|Belegurth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] in [[Years of the Trees 1497|Y.T. 1497]], Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol’s aid.  Further, although Thingol conquered with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]], when [[Fëanor]] struck [[Morgoth]] from the north.  The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]].  The Falas were saved.
Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Wars of Beleriand|wars of the Noldor]] with his role in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]] in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting [[Orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the Elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>


Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor, and quite possibly met and befriended his later neighbors and friends [[Turgon]] and [[Finrod]]. Although Turgon eventually moved from [[Vinyamar]] to faraway [[Gondolin]], Círdan’s friendship with Finrod was lasting,<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref> and Círdan became a close advisor to the Noldo.  Círdan was, after all, a relative of his, being related (probably quite closely) to Olwë, Finrod’s grandfather.
Many years later, in {{FA|472}}, after the disastrous [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]]. Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him the young [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>


===Early First Age===
==== Refuge in Balar ====
[[Turgon]], the King of [[Gondolin]], receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]]. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only [[Voronwë|one mariner]] of the [[Gondolindrim]] who was also his kinsman.<ref name="Tuor">{{UT|1}}</ref> The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth"/>


When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Belegurth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice.  Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard.  This resulted in the banishment of [[Quenya]], and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.
Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], the King of [[Nargothrond]], warning of the doom of Nargothrond, and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting in the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495}}.{{fact}}


Círdan may have assisted in the [[Dagor Aglareb]], but this is unknown.  Nevertheless he did not take part in the [[Dagor Bragollach]], as he was far away and not directly attacked, if even he had time to come to the aid of his allies. Nevertheless Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed.  They sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]], then struck the unsuspecting [[orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>
After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]]. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name=Cirdan/>


After the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in the Falas.  The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea.  But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]].  Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train.  The elves fought valiantly, but the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved.  [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste.  But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor.  They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new kingdom, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there, making a refuge for all who fled there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>
Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,<ref name=Cirdan/> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly).{{fact}}


===Lord of Balar===
After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart's desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].


Turgon, receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]].  Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward.  None returned, save for only one mariner of the [[Gondolindrim]].  The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth"/>{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
=== Second Age ===
The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the [[Grey Havens]], which the Elves built in the newly-formed [[Gulf of Lune]] whence the [[Eldar]] could sail the [[Straight Road]], but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>


Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], warning of the doom of [[Nargothrond]], and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge.  The warning went unheeded, resulting of the [[Fall of Nargothrond]].
At the very beginning of the [[Second Age]], Círdan was instrumental in devising and overseeing the construction of the boats that were used to transport the remnants of the [[Edain]] to their new land, which would later become the realm of [[Númenor]].<ref name=Edain>{{NM|P3xiii}}, p. 339</ref>


After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]].  Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him.  Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help.  Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name="LastWritings"/>
Círdan personally elected the Elven captains and helmsmen who were in charge of transporting the Edain to Númenor, and since those boats were small, it took a great number of such boats to transfer all of the Edain and their possessions - a process that took at least 50 years, and which only ended when the Valar instructed Círdan to cease any future migration of Men to the island.<ref name=Edain/>


Círdan and Gil-galad came with their armies from the Isle of Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell.  But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife.  Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the elves,<ref name="LastWritings"/> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly).  After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart’s desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].
Many centuries later, in {{SA|600}}, Círdan welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.{{fact}}


===Second Age===
Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]]  were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="rings"/> [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the [[Sack of Eregion|destruction of Eregion]] and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's [[Mithlond]] or [[Lindon]], fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="rings"/>


The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, in [[Harlindon]] with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]].<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>  Harlindon was located south of the [[Gulf of Lune]], to the north of which was [[Forlindon]], where [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] dwelt. There he welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.  At some point he moved to [[Mithlond]].
Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought alongside [[Gil-galad]]. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil's heir, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.<ref name="rings"/><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>  


Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the joy and enthusiasm of the [[Eregion]]-elves, and especially [[Celebrimbor]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]] escaped the [[Sack of Eregion]], Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them.  He received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>  [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the destruction of Eregion and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow. Nevertheless, though he killed many elves, he dared not attempt to take Mithlond or Lindon, feeling they were too strong and because they had the help of the Númenóreans.  Indeed, they were his bane in that chapter of history, for the Númenóreans came and pushed him back beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], ending the [[Black Years]].<ref name="Rings"/>
=== Third Age ===
{{blockquote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the [[Last Ship|last ship]] sails. I will await you.| Círdan to Gandalf, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}


Eventually there came the [[Akallabêth|Fall of Númenor]], when the great man-isle of Númenor was overturned and [[Aman]] removed from the circles of the world.  But [[Elendil]] escaped with his sons to [[Middle-earth]] and founded the [[Two Kingdoms]] over a vast space of land, on both sides of the Misty Mountains.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> This new kingdom of men profoundly impacted the lives of the elves of Lindon, as is seen in the [[War of the Last Alliance]].
[[File:Alystraea - Cirdan.jpg|250px|thumb|right|''Cirdan'' by [[:Category:Images by Alystraea|Alystraea]]]]
After the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan remained the Lord of the Havens<ref name="rings"/>. For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}}, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all Elves in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.<ref name="AppB2"/> He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.<ref name="rings"/>


Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|alliance]], and fought steadily beside his friends and comrades. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. Yet again Círdan outlived those around him, and survived the battle.  With Elrond he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil’s first-born, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade.<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> But Isildur refused.
Throughout the [[Angmar War]], the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported [[Arnor]]. They assisted King [[Arveleg I|Arveleg]] and the men of [[Cardolan]] drive off the [[Hill-men]] from the [[Weather Hills]]. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, [[Araphor]], drove [[Angmar]]'s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]]. Combining forces with [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] who joined them from beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], they subdued Angmar for some time.<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>


===Third Age===
In {{TA|1975}}, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost king [[Arvedui]]. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon [[Host of the West (Arnor)|joined]] with the remnants of [[Arnor]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].<ref name=eriador/><ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>
The early years of the [[Third Age]] were, for Círdan and the elves, mostly a time to catch their breaths after the fall of Sauron in the War of the Alliance.  For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}} a shadow began to lengthen.  Though many deemed that Sauron was defeated forever, for the first time in many centuries some evil was stirring, and awake.  It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Though the [[Blue Wizards]] and [[Glorfindel]] may have come earlier during the [[Second Age]], and Círdan most probably greeted them in [[Mithlond]], it is known for sure that he met [[Gandalf]] there.  Círdan was one of the few of the [[Wise]] left; of the other ancient elves, only Celeborn, Galadriel, Glorfindel (who was resurrected), and Elrond remained.  He was the most foresighted of all of them, and alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.  He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.
{{quote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself.  For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill.  But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails.  I will await you.|Círdan, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}


In {{TA|1409}}, Círdan aided King [[Araphor]] of [[Arnor]] in battle against [[Angmar]] during the [[Fall of Rhudaur]], after [[Weathertop]] was burned.  With Círdan’s help, young Araphor drove the wraith’s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]].<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>  The second time Círdan came to the aid of men was four and a half centuries later, in {{TA|1975}}, when Círdan sent a ship north to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost [[Arnor]]ian king [[Arvedui]].  The crew endured a perilous journey, but found Arvedui.  Yet Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished.<ref name="Gondor"/>  The next year Círdan mustered the elves to join with the [[Dúnedain]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].  Later Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other palantíri.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>
Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later in {{TA|3021|n}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]] and attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord's behalf.<ref name="Council"/>


Círdan was invited onto the [[White Council]] when it was formed in {{TA|2463}} in response to the rise of the [[Necromancer]], whose identity was at that point concealed. Throughout all the recorded history of the White Council, his actions go unrecorded.  His role may have only been passive; as an advisor rather than a planner.  At any rate, nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later {{TA|3021}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]], though for reasons unknown.  It may be that he, too, felt the growing shadow, even as his friend [[Gandalf]] did.  Sent by Círdan "on errand", Galdor attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord’s behalf.<ref name="Council"/>
The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the [[White Ship|ship]] he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.{{fact}}


[[File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|left|thumb|''Círdan'' depicted by [[Decipher]]]]The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates.  Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the ship he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.  Eventually, however, he passed west on the last ship, fulfilling his heart’s desire that had waited so long.
=== Later history ===
{{main|Last Ship}}
Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early [[Fourth Age]], but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Eldar wished to cross the [[Sea]]. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the [[Straight Road]] himself.<ref name=eriador/> On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]], but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=prologue/>


==Characteristics and Impact==
== Etymology ==
Círdan appeared very old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''", wearing a long beard.<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven Life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>
{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Círdan'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "Shipbuilder"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 27</ref><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries '''KIR-''' and '''TAN-'''</ref> or "Shipwright"<ref>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan", p. 385</ref>.


Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history.  He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart’s desire in search of him.<ref name="LastWritings"/>  This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name="LastWritings"/> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.  He was also the most foresighted of the elves, a gift from the Valar.<ref name="AppB2"/><ref name="LastWritings"/>  He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth"/> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil"/>  His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2"/> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number messages passed through him.
The [[Quenya]] cognate was '''''Ciryatan''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry "kir-''</ref>


==Portrayal in Adaptions==
== Other names ==
[[Image:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|thumb|'''Círdan''' as visualized by the [[Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]]]  
Círdan's original name was '''''Nōwē'''''. According to [[Paul Strack]], it was a [[Primitive Elvish]] name, but its meaning is unclear.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-2331717483.html|articlename=✶ ''Nōwē'' pn.|website=Eldamo|accessed=10 October 2023}}</ref>
 
He was also called '''''Cirdan the Shipwright''''',<ref name=Aman>{{AA|70}}, p. 85</ref> as well as '''''Cirdan of Lune'''''<ref name=Lune/><ref name=Moon/> (in both instances, without accent over the letter ''i'', though).
 
== Appearance ==
In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared very old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''"; he also had a long beard.<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}, p. 1030</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>
 
== Significance ==
[[File:David Greset - Cirdan the Carpenter.jpg|130px|thumb|left|''Cirdan the Carpenter'' by [[:Category:Images by David Greset|David Greset]]]]
Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart's desire in search of him.<ref name=Cirdan/>
 
This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name=Cirdan/> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.
 
He was also the most foresighted of the Elves, a consequence of the gift from the Valar.<ref name="AppB2"/><ref name=Cirdan/> He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth"/> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil"/> His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2"/> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number of messages passed through him.
 
 
== Genealogy ==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | | |D|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | THI | | OLW | | ELM | | | CÍR | | | | | | UNK |y| ARA |THI=[[Thingol]]<br/><small>''d. {{FA|503}}''</small>|OLW=[[Olwë]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|ELM=[[Elmo]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|CÍR='''CÍRDAN'''<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|UNK=''unknown mother''|ARA=[[Aranwë]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
 
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | VOR | | |VOR=[[Voronwë]]<br/><small>''b. {{FA}}''</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>
 
== Other versions of the legendarium ==
=== ''The Lord of the Rings'' drafts ===
The character of Círdan is a fairly late addition to [[Tolkien]]'s [[legendarium]], with his first appearance in the drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (dating to the early [[1940]]s) being in an outline of what would become the eleventh chapter, ''[[The Palantír]]'', of the first book in ''[[The Two Towers]]''.<ref name=Wright>{{WR|1|VI}}, pp. 76-7</ref>
 
The name ''Círdan'' in this outline was spelled as ''Cirdan'', and in one other instance as ''Kirdan''.<ref name=Wright/>
 
Nonetheless, in a draft for the chapter ''[[Many Partings]]'', the term ''Círdan'' is used.<ref>{{SD|Partings}}, p. 67</ref>
 
=== ''The Etymologies'' ===
However, Círdan's first appearance in the legendarium as a whole seems to be in ''[[The Etymologies]]'' (dating from the late [[1930]]s), where his name was instead given as ''C(e)irdan'' ("shipbuilder" in [[Noldorin]]), with the ''(e)'' probably indicating a development from the Noldorin word ''[[ceir]]'' ("ship"). The name ''Ceirdan'' was itself changed from an earlier form ''Certhan''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry '''TAN-''', p. 390</ref>
 
=== Later legendarium ===
In a late text called ''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'' (c. [[1969]]), there appears a passage in which Tolkien briefly considered Círdan as being one of the Noldor,<ref name=Weird>{{NM|P3xxii}}, pp. 387-8</ref> in a text explaining the origin of the name ''[[Belfalas]]'':
 
{{blockquote|There appears, however, in the beginning of the Second Age, to have been a group of Sindar who went south. They were a remnant, it seems, of the people of Doriath, who harboured still their grudge against the Noldor and left the Grey Havens because these and all the ships there were commanded by '''Círdan (a Noldo)'''.|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', ''"Belfalas"'' <ref name=Weird/>}}
 
However, [[Carl Hostetter]] later comments, quoting [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s own commentary on the text:
 
{{blockquote|The manuscript page ends mid-sentence, and without reaching an explanation of the element ''Bel-''. Christopher Tolkien writes: "It was perhaps a purely experimental extension of the history, at once abandoned; but the assertion that Círdan was a Noldo is very strange. This runs clean counter to the entire tradition concerning him — yet it is essential to the idea sketched in this passage. Possibly it was his realization of this that led my father to abandon it in mid-sentence."|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', "Commentary on the text ''Belfalas''" <ref name=Weird/>}}
 
At no other point in the legendarium was Círdan ever considered a Noldo.
 
== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Círdan in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]
|File:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Círdan.jpg|Círdan  in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}


'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
Line 87: Line 179:
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.  
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.  
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Círdan  appears in several flashbacks depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]].


==See also==
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
*[[:Category:Images of Círdan|Images of Círdan]]
:It has been confirmed that Círdan will appear in the series' second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://time.com/6205027/cirdan-the-rings-of-power-season-2/|articlename=Exclusive: This Fan-Favorite Character Is Joining the Second Season of The Rings of Power|dated=15 August 2022|website=Time.com|accessed=4 January 2023}}</ref>
{{References}}


{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=sindar
| house=
| born=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}
| died=Sailed west after {{FoA|171}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Falas]]
| dates={{YT|1149}} – {{FA|473}}
| nvac=None
| next=[[Falas]] overrun by [[Morgoth]]'s forces
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Grey Havens]]
| dates={{SA|1}} – after {{FoA|171}}
| nvac=None
| next=Sailed west on the [[Last Ship]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=''[[Celebrimbor]], as its creator''
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - c. {{TA|1000}}
| next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Nelyar]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[fa:کیردان]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]

Latest revision as of 16:14, 17 March 2024

Círdan
Sinda
Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg
"Cirdan" by Jef Murray
Biographical Information
PronunciationS, [ˈkiːrdan]
Other namesNōwē (PE)
Ciryatan (Q)
Cirdan of Lune[1][2]
Cirdan the Shipwright[3]
PositionLord of the Falas
Master of the Grey Havens
LocationCuiviénen
Sea of Rhûn
Falas
Isle of Balar
Grey Havens
Aman (after the departure of the Last Ship)
AffiliationLast Alliance of Elves and Men
White Council
Host of the West
LanguageCommon Eldarin
Sindarin
Quenya
Westron
BirthBetween Y.T. 1050 and 1105[4]
Cuiviénen[4]
RuleY.T. 1149 - F.A. 473 (Falas)
F.A. 473 - F.A. 587 (Isle of Balar)
S.A. 1 - after Fo.A. 171[5] (Grey Havens)
Sailed westAfter Fo.A. 171, on the Last Ship[5][6] (aged at least 11,008 years[note 1])
Grey Havens
Notable forSee below
Family
ParentageUnknown (Círdan was a kinsman of Thingol and Olwë;[7] he was also related to the mother of Voronwë[8])
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightVery tall[9]
Hair colorSilver; with a long beard (in his old age)[9]
Eye color"Keen as stars"[9]
GalleryImages of Círdan
"As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'"
The Return of the King, "The Grey Havens"

Círdan was one of the highest and most noble of the Sindar,[7] lord of the Falas during the First Age, and Master of the Grey Havens through the Second, Third, and Fourth Age.

He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the Elves, and by the Second Age, one of the oldest named Elves in Middle-earth to remain so throughout that age and into the Fourth Age as well.

He was also gifted Narya, one of the Three Rings, by Celebrimbor until he surrendered it to Gandalf. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the Last Ship with his kinsman Celeborn.[source?]

History[edit | edit source]

First Age[edit | edit source]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Círdan, born Nōwē[7], was kin of both Elwë and Olwë, the kings of the Teleri.[7] Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at Cuiviénen or when the Teleri dwelt by the Sea of Rhûn, Nōwē was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.[4] During the push westward, seeking to go to Valinor, Nōwē and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.[source?]

Despite Nōwē's great eagerness to see the light of Valinor (his "greatest desire"),[7] he loyally searched for Elwë upon his disappearance. Because of this, the Teleri missed the first trip on Tol Eressëa to Valinor, on which went their kin, the Noldor and the Vanyar. They took for their king Olwë, and while waiting for Ulmo to return for them, Nōwē headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "Círdan" which means "shipwright" in Sindarin. The Teleri also developed a great friendship with Ossë. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought Elwë longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.[7]

Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.[7] He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over Belegaer. But into his heart came a message from the Valar which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work would be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of a ship.[7]

Lord of the Falas[edit | edit source]

Foundation[edit | edit source]
Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim by Peter Xavier Price

Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the Falathrim, "people of the foaming shore", and dwelt in the Falas by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty Havens of the Falas, and found pearls which they sent to their king, Thingol of Doriath, who was known as Elwë.[10]

When Morgoth broke forth in the First Battle in Y.T. 1497, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol's aid. Further, although Thingol prevailed with the help of the Laiquendi, the Green-elves of Ossiriand, the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the Return of the Noldor from Aman, when Fëanor struck at Morgoth from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the Orcs were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by Celegorm and his forces, and the Falas was saved.[10][11]

Wars of the Noldor[edit | edit source]

Círdan attended the Mereth Aderthad with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.[11] Between Círdan and Finrod Felagund, King of Nargothrond, there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the Noldor the havens of Brithombar and Eglarest were built anew.[12]

When the tales began spreading (sown by Morgoth) of the Kinslaying of Alqualondë, Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in Thingol banning the speaking of Quenya and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.[13]

Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the wars of the Noldor with his role in the Second Assault on Hithlum, coming to the timely aid of Fingon when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the Firth of Drengist in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting Orcs from the west, giving victory to the Elves.[14]

Many years later, in F.A. 472, after the disastrous Nirnaeth Arnoediad, many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before Morgoth attacked. Then came the disastrous Fall of the Falas. Though both Brithombar and Eglarest were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. Barad Nimras was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him the young Gil-galad, one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the Isle of Balar and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the Mouths of Sirion, keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.[15]

Refuge in Balar[edit | edit source]

Turgon, the King of Gondolin, receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek Valinor and the aid of the Valar. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only one mariner of the Gondolindrim who was also his kinsman.[16] The way to the West was closed.[15]

Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when Ulmo delivered him a message for Orodreth, the King of Nargothrond, warning of the doom of Nargothrond, and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting in the Fall of Nargothrond in F.A. 495.[source?]

After news came to Balar of the Fall of Gondolin, Gil-galad was proclaimed High King of the Noldor. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf Eärendil son of Tuor and Idril, who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship Vingilot, giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.[7]

Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous Third Kinslaying, when the Havens of Sirion were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the Silmaril of Beren and Lúthien had been spirited away by Elwing his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to Valinor and found the forgiveness of the Valar.[17] From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,[7] perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of Glorfindel, who also contributed significantly).[source?]

After the War of Wrath, Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart's desire and going West, but with a small following remained in Middle-earth.

Second Age[edit | edit source]

The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the Grey Havens, which the Elves built in the newly-formed Gulf of Lune whence the Eldar could sail the Straight Road, but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.[18]

At the very beginning of the Second Age, Círdan was instrumental in devising and overseeing the construction of the boats that were used to transport the remnants of the Edain to their new land, which would later become the realm of Númenor.[19]

Círdan personally elected the Elven captains and helmsmen who were in charge of transporting the Edain to Númenor, and since those boats were small, it took a great number of such boats to transfer all of the Edain and their possessions - a process that took at least 50 years, and which only ended when the Valar instructed Círdan to cease any future migration of Men to the island.[19]

Many centuries later, in S.A. 600, Círdan welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen Númenóreans, making friends with Vëantur, chief of the mariners of Tar-Elendil, and later teaching Aldarion his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,[20] doubtless being the foremost authority on both.[source?]

Círdan advised against the creation of the Rings of Power when Annatar came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain. Nevertheless, when the Three Rings were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received Narya, the Ring of Fire.[18] Sauron, having revealed himself in the destruction of Eregion and empowered by the One Ring he had forged, invaded Eriador in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's Mithlond or Lindon, fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the Númenóreans.[18]

Círdan joined the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, and fought alongside Gil-galad. Many fell there, including Gil-galad and Elendil. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged Isildur, Elendil's heir, to throw the captured One Ring into Orodruin, where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.[18][21]

Third Age[edit | edit source]

Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.
— Círdan to Gandalf, Appendix B

Cirdan by Alystraea

After the War of the Last Alliance and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan remained the Lord of the Havens[18]. For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,[22] but at around T.A. 1050, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the Istari, sent by the Valar, came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all Elves in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.[22] He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him Narya, his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.[18]

Throughout the Angmar War, the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported Arnor. They assisted King Arveleg and the men of Cardolan drive off the Hill-men from the Weather Hills. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, Araphor, drove Angmar's armies from Fornost and the North Downs. Combining forces with Rivendell, and the Galadhrim who joined them from beyond the Misty Mountains, they subdued Angmar for some time.[6]

In T.A. 1975, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to Forochel to rescue the lost king Arvedui. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon joined with the remnants of Arnor in the victorious Battle of Fornost.[6][23] Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned Elendil Stone on Emyn Beraid, which could gaze into the lost west and was without link to the other palantíri.[24]

Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the War of the Ring in T.A. 3018 and later in 3021. Galdor was his messenger to Rivendell and attended the Council of Elrond, speaking with authority on his lord's behalf.[21]

The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond passed west on the ship he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.[source?]

Later history[edit | edit source]

Main article: Last Ship

Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early Fourth Age, but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Eldar wished to cross the Sea. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the Straight Road himself.[6] On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the Last Ship with his kinsman Celeborn, but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the Elder Days in Middle-earth.[5]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Círdan is a Sindarin name. It means "Shipbuilder"[25][26] or "Shipwright"[27].

The Quenya cognate was Ciryatan (pron. [ˈkirʲatan]).[28]

Other names[edit | edit source]

Círdan's original name was Nōwē. According to Paul Strack, it was a Primitive Elvish name, but its meaning is unclear.[29]

He was also called Cirdan the Shipwright,[3] as well as Cirdan of Lune[1][2] (in both instances, without accent over the letter i, though).

Appearance[edit | edit source]

In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared very old save for his eyes which "were keen as stars"; he also had a long beard.[9] Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his third cycle of life.[30]

Significance[edit | edit source]

Cirdan the Carpenter by David Greset

Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of Elwë, sacrificing his heart's desire in search of him.[7]

This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the Valar,[7] and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.

He was also the most foresighted of the Elves, a consequence of the gift from the Valar.[22][7] He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the Mouths of Sirion,[15] and with the fostering of both Gil-galad and Eärendil.[17] His precious gift of Narya to Gandalf was also timely and valuable.[22] He was clearly favored by Ulmo, seen by the number of messages passed through him.


Genealogy[edit | edit source]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thingol
d. F.A. 503
 
Olwë
b. Y.T.
 
Elmo
b. Y.T.
 
 
CÍRDAN
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
unknown mother
 
Aranwë
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voronwë
b. F.A.
 
 

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

The Lord of the Rings drafts[edit | edit source]

The character of Círdan is a fairly late addition to Tolkien's legendarium, with his first appearance in the drafts of The Lord of the Rings (dating to the early 1940s) being in an outline of what would become the eleventh chapter, The Palantír, of the first book in The Two Towers.[31]

The name Círdan in this outline was spelled as Cirdan, and in one other instance as Kirdan.[31]

Nonetheless, in a draft for the chapter Many Partings, the term Círdan is used.[32]

The Etymologies[edit | edit source]

However, Círdan's first appearance in the legendarium as a whole seems to be in The Etymologies (dating from the late 1930s), where his name was instead given as C(e)irdan ("shipbuilder" in Noldorin), with the (e) probably indicating a development from the Noldorin word ceir ("ship"). The name Ceirdan was itself changed from an earlier form Certhan.[33]

Later legendarium[edit | edit source]

In a late text called The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor (c. 1969), there appears a passage in which Tolkien briefly considered Círdan as being one of the Noldor,[34] in a text explaining the origin of the name Belfalas:

There appears, however, in the beginning of the Second Age, to have been a group of Sindar who went south. They were a remnant, it seems, of the people of Doriath, who harboured still their grudge against the Noldor and left the Grey Havens because these and all the ships there were commanded by Círdan (a Noldo).
The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor, "Belfalas" [34]

However, Carl Hostetter later comments, quoting Christopher Tolkien's own commentary on the text:

The manuscript page ends mid-sentence, and without reaching an explanation of the element Bel-. Christopher Tolkien writes: "It was perhaps a purely experimental extension of the history, at once abandoned; but the assertion that Círdan was a Noldo is very strange. This runs clean counter to the entire tradition concerning him — yet it is essential to the idea sketched in this passage. Possibly it was his realization of this that led my father to abandon it in mid-sentence."
The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor, "Commentary on the text Belfalas" [34]

At no other point in the legendarium was Círdan ever considered a Noldo.

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Círdan in adaptations

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

His role as lieutenant of Gil-galad is given to Elrond instead (Elrond was Gil-galad's herald in the books). He does, however, appear very briefly in Galadriel's Monologue at the start of the movie, in the very brief shot of the three elven ringbearers.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Círdan appears in several flashbacks depicting the War of the Last Alliance.

2022: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power:

It has been confirmed that Círdan will appear in the series' second season.[35]

Notes

  1. This figure is arrived at by taking the latest possible year of birth of Círdan (Y.T. 1105 - the year in which the Great Journey of the Eldar from Cuiviénen began), adding the 395 Valian years (where one Valian year = 9.582 solar years) + 590 solar years of the late First Age + 3,441 solar years of the Second Age + 3,021 solar years of the Third Age + 171 solar years of the beginning of the Fourth Age (since Fo.A. 171 is the earliest date in which the Last Ship bearing Círdan to Aman sailed away).

    Therefore, all these years combined give the approximate value of 11,008 years. However, readers should keep in mind that the above figure is the most conservative estimate, and that Círdan's actual age at the time of his departure from Middle-earth in the early Fourth Age is almost certainly greater than the one given above.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", The Northern Line of Arnor: the Isildurioni, entry entry 25: Arvedui, p. 195
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VIII. The Tale of Years of the Third Age", entry 1975, p. 232
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "The Annals of Aman": §70, p. 85
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings", note 29
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue"
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur"
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings", "Círdan"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin", p. 45
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Grey Havens", p. 1030
  10. 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Sindar"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Noldor in Beleriand"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin"
  17. 17.0 17.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  19. 19.0 19.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XIII. Of the Land and Beasts of Númenor", p. 339
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife"
  21. 21.0 21.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Palantíri"
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 27
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entries KIR- and TAN-
  27. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings", "Círdan", p. 385
  28. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry "kir-
  29. Paul Strack, "Nōwē pn.", Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon (accessed 10 October 2023)
  30. J.R.R. Tolkien, "From The Shibboleth of Fëanor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 41, July 2000, p. 9
  31. 31.0 31.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Ring, "Part One: The Fall of Saruman", "VI. The Palantír", pp. 76-7
  32. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Sauron Defeated, "Part One: The End of the Third Age: VII. Many Partings", p. 67
  33. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entry TAN-, p. 390
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XXII. The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor", pp. 387-8
  35. "Exclusive: This Fan-Favorite Character Is Joining the Second Season of The Rings of Power" dated 15 August 2022, Time.com (accessed 4 January 2023)


Círdan
Born: Between Y.T. 1050 and 1105 Died: Sailed west after Fo.A. 171
None
New position
Lord of the Falas
Y.T. 1149F.A. 473
None
Falas overrun by Morgoth's forces
None
New position
Lord of the Grey Havens
S.A. 1 – after Fo.A. 171
None
Sailed west on the Last Ship
None
Celebrimbor, as its creator
Keeper of Narya
c. S.A. 1600 - c. T.A. 1000
Followed by:
Gandalf