Mahtan

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Mahtan
Noldo
Karolina Węgrzyn - Mahtan-face-study.jpg
"Mahtan (face study)" by Karolina Węgrzyn
Biographical Information
PronunciationQ, [ˈmaxtan]
Other namesAulendur, Urundil, Rusco (Q, epessi)
LocationValinor
LanguageQuenya
Family
ChildrenNerdanel
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorRed brown
ClothingCopper circlet
GalleryImages of Mahtan

Mahtan was a Noldorin Elf and the father of Nerdanel, the wife of Fëanor.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

A skilled smith in Valinor, Mahtan learned the arts of metal and stone work under the Vala Aulë, and for this Mahtan was also called Aulendur ("Servant of Aulë"). He wore a copper circlet around his head and was known for his fondness for the metal. Thus he was called Urundil - 'copper-lover'.[2] Mahtan in turn taught Fëanor,[1] the greatest of all Elven craftsmen, who—to Mahtan's regret—used this knowledge to forge the first weapons and armour in Valinor.[3]

Mahtan had a beard, which was unusual for an Elf, especially one as young as he. Elves could only grow beards from the third cycle of their lives, while Mahtan was an exception in being only early in his second.[4]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name Mahtan seems to come from the Quenya mahta- ("to handle"), a reference to the arts and skills of making.

Other names[edit | edit source]

His devotion to Aulë had earned him the name Aulendur ("Servant of Aulë")[2] from -ndur ("to serve"). The earlier form of this name was Aulendil, which was later used by Sauron during his treachery to Númenor. His other name Urundil means "Copper-lover"[2] from urun ("copper") and -ndil ("lover, friend").[5] His other epessë Rusco means "Fox", a reference to his red-brown hair.[6]:353

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

MAHTAN
b. Y.T.
 
Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
Finwë
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nerdanel
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Írimë
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maedhros
d. F.A. 587
 
Maglor
b. Y.T.
 
Celegorm
d. F.A. 506
 
Caranthir
d. F.A. 506
 
Curufin
d. F.A. 506
 
Amrod
d. F.A. 538
 
Amras
d. F.A. 538
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Celebrimbor
d. S.A. 1697
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

References