Ithildin

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Ithildin was a substance made by the Elves out of the metal mithril and used by the Gwaith-i-Mirdain in constructions such as gateways. Ithildin could only be seen by the reflected light of the Moon and stars, and even then remained hidden until a "magic" word was said. The designs on the Doors of Durin were made from this substance.[1]

Etymology

In the legendarium, Gandalf translated ithildin as "starmoon".[1]

Tolkien stated that ithildin is a Sindarin name, meaning "moon-star(light"), "moonlight" or "starlight". The word contains the elements Ithil ("moon") + tin/tîn ("spark; star; twinkle of stars"). He noted that the correct Sindarin form should be ithildim.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Journey in the Dark"
  2. 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), pp. 39, 66