Elemmírë

Elemmírë was one of the lights kindled by Varda far in the past, to welcome the Elves to Arda on their awakening. It is described in Quenta Silmarillion as a star, but in fact it was most likely identified with one of the planets.^[1]

[edit] Etymology

Elemmírë means "star-jewel". It's a compound from elen and mírë. The letters n+m from both words are assimilated to long mm

[edit] Inspiration

Tolkien's notes on the subject are open to interpretation, but they appear to identify Elemmírë as the planet we know today as Mercury.^[2]

[edit] References

1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Index: Star-names", p. 435