Nameless things

This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.

"Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day."

― Gandalf

Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing

The Nameless Things were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of Arda (though they are only known to have lived under the Misty Mountains). They tunnelled deeper than any dwarf would ever go.

History

They were described by Gandalf as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown, as are their nature and appearance. It's not clear how the Nameless Things could be "older" than Sauron, since as a Maia, Sauron is older than Eä itself. Hammond and Scull suggest this could have been a rhetorical flourish on Gandalf's part.

These creatures were said to be "slimier than fish" and preferred to dwell in darkness. They were known to have inhabited the caves deep in the hearts of mountains as far back as the Elder Days, long before the arrival of goblinkind. When the Orcs of the Misty Mountains dug around Goblin-town, expanding and joining the existing caves and tunnels, the nameless things withdrew to the deepest depths and lurked beyond the goblins' knowledge.

The Balrog known as Durin's Bane had learned how to navigate their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him into the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the Endless Stair. Gandalf considered the demon's knowledge of the tunnels to be his only hope of escape, so he followed it closely out of the tunnels.

Inspiration

Todd Jensen suggests that the Nameless Things may have been inspired by the dragon Nidhog of Norse mythology, which gnawed at the roots of Yggdrasil the World Tree.

Portrayal in adaptations

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Nameless is a creature type categorized as "Ancient Evil". They have a variety of shapes, but most of them are humanoid, only with no eyes or no head at all. They can be found in the Drúadan Forest, having come out of the White Mountains during the Dawnless Day; and beneath the Iron Hills, where a horde of Morgoth's monsters were sealed away by the Dwarves long ago. The largest concentration of Nameless, however, are within the Foundations of Stone, the deepest level of Moria. The Watcher in the Water is also classified as Nameless, as is "Helchgam", another tentacled creature, found in the sewers of Carn Dûm.

External links

• What Are the Nameless Things Gandalf Refers to Below Khazad-dum? by Michael Martinez