Ilmen

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Ilmen (Q, pron. [ˈilmen]) was a part of the atmosphere that surrounded the world of Arda before the cataclysm at the end of the Second Age. Ilmen formed the outer layer of normal air: unlike Vaiya it only existed above Arda itself. Below Ilmen was the inner air, Vista.

The Moon passed through Ilmen on its way around the world, plunging down the Chasm of Ilmen on its way back.

Etymology

Christopher Tolkien has noted that Ilmen is related to such words as Ilmarë and Ilmarin.[1]

Names

In some manuscripts, Tolkien used the name Elenarda, the "Stellar Kingdom", for Ilmen.[2][3]

References

Middle-earth Cosmology
 Constellations  Anarríma · Durin's Crown · Menelmacar · Remmirath · Soronúmë · Telumendil · Valacirca · Wilwarin
Stars  Alcarinquë · Borgil · Carnil · Elemmírë · Helluin · Luinil · Lumbar · Morwinyon · Nénar · Star of Eärendil · Til 
The Airs  Aiwenórë · Fanyamar · Ilmen · Menel · Vaiya · Veil of Arda · Vista
Narsilion  Arien · Moon (Isil, Ithil, Rána) · Sun (Anar, Anor, Vása) · Tilion
See also  Abyss · Arda · Circles of the World · · Timeless Halls · Two Lamps · Two Trees · Void