Moon-letters: Difference between revisions
m (Bot Message: changing links) |
m (Added references) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Moon-letters''' were a method of writing invented by the [[Dwarves]]. Moon-letters were ordinary [[Runes]], but written in such a way that they could only be read when the light of the [[moon]] shone behind the writing. Some moon-letters could be read by any moonlight, but it was possible to make the writing even more secret. More sophisticated moon-letters could only be read by the light of the same shape of moon, or at the same time of year, as when they were written. | |||
'''Moon-letters''' were a | |||
Moon-letters were written with silver pens. The substance [[Ithildin]], made from [[Mithril]], reflected only starlight and moonlight, and it seems likely that ithildin, or something very similar, was used by the Dwarves to write their moon-letters. | Moon-letters were written with silver pens.<ref name="Rest">{{H|Rest}}</ref> The substance [[Ithildin]], made from [[Mithril]], reflected only starlight and moonlight,<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref> and it seems likely that ithildin, or something very similar, was used by the Dwarves to write their moon-letters. | ||
An example of | An example of moon-letters was found by [[Elrond]] on [[Thrór's Map]] of the [[Lonely Mountain]] and surrounding areas that [[Gandalf]] had given [[Thorin]] in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The moon letters were of the more cunning type had been written on a Midsummer's eve under a crescent moon. They said: | ||
:"''Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of [[Durin's Day]] will shine upon the key-hole.''"<ref name="Rest"/> | |||
{{references}} | |||
[[Category:Lettering]] | [[Category:Lettering]] |
Revision as of 06:50, 21 July 2012
Moon-letters were a method of writing invented by the Dwarves. Moon-letters were ordinary Runes, but written in such a way that they could only be read when the light of the moon shone behind the writing. Some moon-letters could be read by any moonlight, but it was possible to make the writing even more secret. More sophisticated moon-letters could only be read by the light of the same shape of moon, or at the same time of year, as when they were written.
Moon-letters were written with silver pens.[1] The substance Ithildin, made from Mithril, reflected only starlight and moonlight,[2] and it seems likely that ithildin, or something very similar, was used by the Dwarves to write their moon-letters.
An example of moon-letters was found by Elrond on Thrór's Map of the Lonely Mountain and surrounding areas that Gandalf had given Thorin in T.A. 2941.[3] The moon letters were of the more cunning type had been written on a Midsummer's eve under a crescent moon. They said:
- "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Short Rest"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Journey in the Dark"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"