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In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Mandos is referred as ''Nefrea'' "Corpse-ruler" and ''neoaerna hlaford'' "master of the houses  of  the  dead".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>
In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Mandos is referred as ''Nefrea'' "Corpse-ruler" and ''neoaerna hlaford'' "master of the houses  of  the  dead".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>
==Inspiration==
The concept of the Fëanturi might have its origin in greek mythology where the two brothers [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnos Hypnos] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanatos Thanatos] are the gods of Sleep and Death, respectively.
In contrast to Thanatos though, Námo's role has been expanded. In greek mythology Thanatos is Death himself, but he neither judges the dead nor does he rule over them.
Thus Námo also resembles [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades Hades] the greek god of the Underworld.
==Rereferences==
<references/>
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{{ainur}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Namo}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Namo}}

Revision as of 14:06, 16 October 2011

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Námo
Vala
Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesMandos, Bannoth, Badhron, The Judge, The Just
Family
SiblingsIrmo and Nienna
SpouseVairë
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Námo

Námo (pron. [ˈnaːmo]) was the Doomsman of the Valar and keeper of the slain in his Halls in the west of Valinor. Vairë the Weaver is his wife.

Námo was more commonly known as Mandos (Q: "Prison-fortress"; [ˈmandos]), which is more correctly the name of his dwelling.

Námo was the brother of the Vala Irmo (also called Lórien). Together, Námo and Irmo are called the Fëanturi (Q: "Masters of Spirits"). Their sister is Nienna.

Námo is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Námo is dark or evil. His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming (one must assume) from that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which he was created. Neither is Námo willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of Arda. Only at the bidding of Manwë will Námo ever pronounce his dooms. Námo and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into , and together they understand most clearly the Vision of Ilúvatar more than any of the other Valar. Together they know nearly all of what is to come within the realm of Arda, though not all. Only Ilúvatar knows with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Námo or Manwë.

Etymology

Námo in Quenya means "Judge" or "Ordainer", from root NAM. The Sindarin equivalent is Badhron ([ˈbaðron]).

The Sindarin name for Mandos is Bannoth ([ˈbanːoθ]).

In Eriol's Old English translations, Mandos is referred as Nefrea "Corpse-ruler" and neoaerna hlaford "master of the houses of the dead".[1]

Inspiration

The concept of the Fëanturi might have its origin in greek mythology where the two brothers Hypnos and Thanatos are the gods of Sleep and Death, respectively.

In contrast to Thanatos though, Námo's role has been expanded. In greek mythology Thanatos is Death himself, but he neither judges the dead nor does he rule over them. Thus Námo also resembles Hades the greek god of the Underworld.

Rereferences

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: Appendix 1: Fragments of a translation of The Quenta Noldorinwa into Old English, made by Ælfwine or Eriol; together with Old English equivalents of Elvish names"
Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar