Remmirath

Remmirath, or the Netted Stars,^[1] was a constellation in the skies over Arda. It is the constellation known in the real world as Pleiades.^[2][3]

[edit] History

Though not mentioned specifically, Remmirath's origin is likely the same to that of other constellations: it was created by Varda to signal the Elves to Valinor.^[4] In the Third Age, it could be clearly seen in the Eastern sky during the autumn.^[1]

[edit] Etymology

Remmirath is quite accurately translated with its Westron name the Netted Stars. The word is composed of three elements: rem, "mesh", mir, "jewel", and the collective plural suffix -ath. It has been translated as "group of gems in a net" and "group of jewels caught in a net".^[2] Two other names were used for Pleiades at early stages of the legendarium: Gnomish Sithaloth or Sithaloctha, which means "fly-cluster",^[5] and Qenya Itselokte of similar meaning.^[6]

[edit] References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, pp. 5-31
3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 24
4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales – Part One, p. 255
6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Qenyaqetsa: The Qenya Phonology and Lexicon", in Parma Eldalamberon XII (edited by Carl F. Hostetter, Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, and Patrick H. Wynne), p. 43