Mithrim

From Tolkien Gateway
The name Mithrim refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Mithrim (disambiguation).
Mithrim
Region
General Information
LocationSouth-east corner of Hithlum
TypeRegion
DescriptionCool yet fair land
History
EventsDagor-nuin-Giliath
Birth of Tuor

Mithrim was a region in the south-east part of Hithlum. It was the area around Lake Mithrim, surrounded by the Ered Wethrin, and the Mountains of Mithrim, which separated Mithrim from Dor-lómin to the west.[1] Mithrim's climate was the same as Hithlum's; the air was cool and the winter was cold but it was a fair land.[2] Swans were frequently seen in the pools of the land.[3]

Mithrim was first inhabited by the Grey-elves of Mithrim,[4] and then also by Noldor of Fingolfin and Fingon.[5]

Mithrim contained deposits of silver, copper, and tin.[6]

History[edit | edit source]

Some time before the rising of the Moon, Sindarin Elves from Beleriand came over Ered Wethrin and settled in Mithrim.[4]

When the Noldor returned to Middle-earth the host of Fëanor camped upon the northern shore of Lake Mithrim.[4] While here, Fëanor explored the ground and discovered its metals.[6]

Morgoth sent a host of Orcs through the Ered Wethrin to attack the newcomers and thus upper Mithrim was the scene of the Dagor-nuin-Giliath.[4] Fëanor was killed shortly after when he led an overextended force that was ambushed; the metals in Mithrim contributed greatly to his rashness by trying too soon to conquer the region.[6]

The Noldor met the Elves of Mithrim and learned from them of King Thingol, and tidings of what had transpired during their stay in Valinor.[4]

At the rising of the Sun the host of Fingolfin marched into Mithrim. After approaching Angband Fingolfin's host returned to Mithrim and camped upon the northern shore of Lake Mithrim. Due to the rift between Fingolfin's people and the followers of Fëanor, the latter relocated to the southern shores of the lake.[4]

At a council in Mithrim the princes of the Noldor gathered and, among other things, selected Fingolfin as High King.

Later in the First Age Mithrim was ruled by Fingolfin, as it formed the most densely populated part of Hithlum.[2] However, after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad Morgoth overran Mithrim and all of Hithlum and afterwards turned the land over to the Swarthy Men.[7]

In the winter of the year of the Nirnaeth Rían gave birth to Tuor in the wilds of Mithrim, where some Grey-elves yet remained. Annael of the Elves who dwelt there in the caves of Androth fostered Tuor after Rían departed Hithlum.[5]

All of Beleriand and the lands to its north were deluged in the War of Wrath at the end of that Age.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Mithrim is composed of the roots mith ("grey, light grey") and the mass plural rim ("great number, host").[8] The name refers to the Sindar who first dwelt there.[9]

References