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{{disambig-two|the [[Valar|Vala]]|dwelling|[[Halls of Mandos]]}}
{{disambig-two|the [[Valar|Vala]]|dwelling|[[Halls of Mandos]]}}
{{valar infobox
{{valar infobox
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos.jpg|250px]]
| name=Mandos
| name=Mandos
| image=[[File:Elena Kukanova - Namo Mandos.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Namo Mandos" by [[:Category:Images by Elena Kukanova|Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| pronun=
| othernames=Námo, Bannoth, Badhron, The Judge, The Just
| othernames=''Námo'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br />''Bannos'' ([[Sindarin|S]])<br />''Badhron'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=
| titles=The Judge<br />The Just
| position=Ruler of the Dead
| position=Ruler of the Dead
| location=The [[Halls of Mandos]]
| location=The [[Halls of Mandos]]
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}}
'''Mandos''' was the '''Doomsman of the Valar''' who pronounced judgement in matters of fate. He was the keeper of the slain in his [[Halls of Mandos|Halls]] in the north of [[Valinor]].  
'''Mandos''' was the '''Doomsman of the Valar''' who pronounced judgement in matters of fate. He was the keeper of the slain in his [[Halls of Mandos|Halls]] in the west of [[Valinor]].
 
His actual, less common name was '''''Námo'''''. He was the "elder brother" of the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Irmo]] (also called ''Lórien''). Together, Mandos and Irmo are called the [[Fëanturi]] ([[Quenya|Q]]: "Masters of Spirits"). Their sister is [[Nienna]]. [[Vairë]] the Weaver is his wife.  


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Mandos was the "elder brother" of the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Irmo]] (also called ''Lórien''). Together, Mandos and Irmo are called the [[Fëanturi]] ([[Quenya|Q]]: "Masters of Spirits"). Their sister is [[Nienna]]. [[Vairë]] the Weaver is his wife. His actual — less common — name was '''''Námo''''', "Mandos" being the name of his dwelling place.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref> He keeps the [[Houses of the Dead]] where he summons the spirits of the slain.
He keeps the [[Halls of Mandos]] where he summons the spirits of the slain. For this he is also known as "Mandos" after his dwelling place.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref>  


Mandos knows and remembers nearly all things that were and shall be. Only Ilúvatar knew with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Mandos or Manwë.<ref name=vala/> Mandos and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into [[Eä]], and together they understand most clearly the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] more than any of the other Valar.
Mandos knows and remembers nearly all things that were and shall be. He serves as the Doomsman of the Valar, he pronounces his judgements at the bidding of [[Manwë]]. However only [[Ilúvatar]] knows with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Mandos or Manwë.<ref name=vala/> Mandos and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into [[Eä]], and together they understand most clearly the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] more than any of the other Valar.
 
As the Doomsman of the Valar, he pronounces his judgements at the bidding of Manwë.<ref name=vala/>
   
   
Mandos is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Mandos is dark or evil.  His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming (one must assume) from that part of the mind of [[Ilúvatar]] from which he came. Neither is Mandos willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of [[Arda]].
Mandos is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Mandos is dark or evil.  His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming (one must assume) from that part of the mind of [[Ilúvatar]] from which he came. Neither is Mandos willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of [[Arda]].


==History==
==History==
During one of the early councils of the Valar, the Powers worried that the [[Elves]] would come in darkness. Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he revealed that the age of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] approached and it was the doom of the [[Elves]] to wake under the [[stars]] and revere [[Varda]]. This prompted Varda to prepare new stars for the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>
During one of the early councils of the Valar, the Powers worried that the [[Elves]] would come in darkness. Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he revealed that the age of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] approached and it was the doom of the [[Elves]] to wake under the [[stars]] and revere [[Varda]]. This prompted Varda to prepare new stars for the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="Coming">{{S|3}}</ref>


On separate occasions, Mandos would break his silence with words of warning, which were unheeded. When the Valar decided to summon the Elves to live in Valinor, Mandos spoke aloud "So it is doomed...", foreboding the misdeeds of Feanor and the Noldor. When Feanor declared he would be the first to die in all of Aman if he must break the silmarils, Mandos corrected him by saying "Not the first", referring the death of Finwe, Feanor's father.
After [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was overthrown in the [[Battle of the Powers]], the Valar debated on whether to summon the [[Elves]] to [[Aman]]. Though some such as [[Ulmo]] felt the Elves should be left to dwell in Middle-earth, the Valar decided to summon the Elves. At this, Mandos broke his silence with the words "So it is doomed".<ref name="Coming"/>


When the rebellious [[Noldor]] carried out the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|Kinslaying]] at [[Alqualondë]] and were in the lands of [[Araman]] north of Valinor, Mandos, or one of his servants, pronounced the [[Doom of Mandos]], a warning if they continued in their rebellion. This caused [[Finarfin]] to repent and return to [[Eldamar]].<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref> The Noldor were filled with the desire to establish great kingdoms in Middle-Earth, but Mandos foretold that all of these fair kingdoms would come to an evil end for their actions in Valinor. The curse was so powerful that it pursued all of the Noldor who followed Feanor. Many of the Noldor were indeed slain, and suffered terrible grief, treason became rife, and ever the silmarils were snatched away from the Noldor, as Mandos foretold. Ulmo himself, who was greater than Mandos in the order of the Aratar, could not remove the prophecy for Turgon. It was only after the War of Wrath that the curse was lifted, and the Noldor were allowed to return to Aman.  
When the unrest of the Noldor began and Fëanor drew sword upon Fingolfin, Mandos was present at the council when Fëanor was interrogated for his actions. Though it was revealed that Melkor had sown the seed of dissent, Mandos would not allow Fëanor's haughty actions to go unpunished. Therefore he banished Fëanor from Tirion for 12 years, only allowing him to return if one should release him. At which point, Fingolfin offered to do so.


When [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] died, she sang a song of such extraordinary power and beauty that it moved even the implacable heart of Mandos. Discovering pity, Mandos sought Manwe's council, and then proposed two choices for Luthien. The elf maiden chose for Beren and herself to live again, albeit as mortals. So Beren was returned to a second life and Lúthien was granted a unique fate, to become mortal and return to [[Middle-earth]] with him.
But after Melkor slew the Trees of Valinor and stole the Silmarils, Fëanor was overcome with rage and led the [[Noldor]] in rebellion against the Valar. Driven by their Oath, Fëanor's host carried out the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|Kinslaying]] at [[Alqualondë]] in the lands of [[Araman]] north of Valinor. For this act Mandos, or one of his servants, pronounced the [[Doom of Mandos]], a warning if they continued in their rebellion. This caused [[Finarfin]] to repent and return to [[Eldamar]].<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref> The curse of Mandos remained upon all the Noldor, tied to the [[Oath of Fëanor]] and thwarting the Noldor in all the [[Wars of Beleriand]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos'']]
When [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] died, she sang a song of such extraordinary power and beauty that it moved even the implacable heart of Mandos. Deeming that this matter was beyond him, yet unable to reverse the fates, Mandos sought the counsel of Manwë. In turn, Manwë gave him the response from Ilúvatar. Mandos returned to Lúthien and gave her a choice; to remain in Valinor forever and forget all her griefs, or to return with Beren to Middle-earth as a mortal. Luthien chose the latter, forsaking her immortality. So Beren was returned to a second life and Lúthien was granted a unique fate, to become mortal and return to [[Middle-earth]] with him.


After, when [[Eärendil]] set foot in [[Aman]] and begged the Valar for the forgiveness of the [[Noldor]] and help in their war with [[Morgoth]], he was the one who demanded he be executed for no mortal should set foot in Aman and live. But [[Ulmo]] spoke against him, asking whether he was the son of [[Tuor]] of the [[Edain]] or [[Idril]] of the Noldor. Mandos responded that in either case, since the Noldor are still under the ban, he should not live. Regardless of that, [[Manwë]] answered his prayer and commanded the [[Host of the Valar]] be assembled and wage war on Morgoth. Considering Eärendil's doom, along with [[Elwing]]'s, his wife, he offered them and their children a choice: whether to be counted among [[Elves]] or [[Men]].<ref>{{S|24}}</ref>
After, when [[Eärendil]] set foot in [[Aman]] and begged the Valar for the forgiveness of the [[Noldor]] and help in their war with [[Morgoth]], he was the one who demanded he be executed for no mortal should set foot in Aman and live. But [[Ulmo]] spoke against him, asking whether he was the son of [[Tuor]] of the [[Edain]] or [[Idril]] of the Noldor. Mandos responded that in either case, since the Noldor are still under the ban, he should not live. Regardless of that, [[Manwë]] answered his prayer and commanded the [[Host of the Valar]] be assembled and wage war on Morgoth. Considering Eärendil's doom, along with [[Elwing]]'s, his wife, he offered them and their children a choice: whether to be counted among [[Elves]] or [[Men]].<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> After the [[War of Wrath]], the exiled Noldor were forgiven and the Curse of Mandos was ended.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Námo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈnaːmo]}}) in [[Quenya]] means "Judge" or "Ordainer",<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref> from [[root]] [[NAM]].
''Námo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈnaːmo]}}) in [[Quenya]] means "Judge" or "Ordainer",<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref> from [[root]] [[NAM]].


''Mandos'' ({{IPA|[ˈmandos]}}) is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "Castle of Custody".<ref>{{HM|MR}}, p.350</ref> It derived from the early Elvish ''Mandostŏ''.<ref>{{VT|39a}}, p. 6</ref>  
''Mandos'' ({{IPA|[ˈmandos]}}) is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "Castle of Custody".<ref>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref> It derived from the early Elvish ''Mandostŏ''.<ref>{{VT|39a}}, p. 6</ref>
 
In the previous ''[[Etymologies]]'', ''Mandos'' was translated as "Imprisoner, Binder", derived from [[root]] [[MBAD]]. Note that here, ''Mando'' was envisioned as the actual name of the Vala proper (not his realm). In that conception, the form ''Mand-os'' (from ''Mand-osse'') is a "lengthened" form  meaning "''Dread'' Imprisoner".<ref name=Etymologies>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "MBAD-"</ref> The [[Noldorin]] names for ''Mandos'' were '''''Bannos''''' ("Dread Imprisoner"") and '''''Badhor'''''/'''''Badhron''''' ("judge").<ref>{{VT|45a}}, p. 33</ref>


In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Mandos is referred as ''Nefrea'' "Corpse-ruler" and ''neoaerna hlaford'' "master of the houses  of  the  dead".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>
In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Mandos is referred as ''Nefrea'' "Corpse-ruler" and ''neoaerna hlaford'' "master of the houses  of  the  dead".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>
<!-- Check whether Badhor is canonical Sindarin name -->
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
[[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that in the early version of the [[legendarium]] Mandos does exclaim prophecies, but he doesn't function as the "Doomsman of the Valar" as in the later ''[[Silmarillion]]''.<ref name=lt13n>{{LT1|IIIn}}</ref>  His wife was [[Nienna#Other versions of the Legendarium|Fui Nienna]].


In the ''[[Qenya Lexicon]]'' the Vala in [[Qenya]] was called Ve or Vefantur Mandos. In the [[Gnomish Lexicon]] his [[Gnomish]] names are Bannoth Gwi, Gwi-fanthor and Gwivannoth. His personal name(s) Ve/Gwi are said to derive from a primitive [[root]] VEHE, but no meaning or translation are given.<ref name=ltapp/>  
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN='''MANDOS'''|NIE=[[Nienna]]|IRM=[[Irmo]]|EST=[[Estë]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 
==Other versions of the legendarium==
[[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that in the early version of the [[Legendarium]] Mandos does exclaim prophecies, but he doesn't function as the "Doomsman of the Valar" as in the later ''[[Silmarillion]]''.<ref name=lt13n>{{LT1|IIIn}}</ref> His wife was [[Nienna#Other versions of the Legendarium|Fui Nienna]] and he had a [[hound]] named [[Gorgumoth]].
 
In the ''[[Qenya Lexicon]]'' the Vala in [[Qenya]] was called Ve or Vefantur Mandos. In the ''[[Gnomish Lexicon]]'' his [[Gnomish]] names are Bannoth Gwi, Gwi-fanthor and Gwivannoth. His personal name(s) ''Ve''/''Gwi'' are said to derive from a primitive [[root]] VEHE, but no meaning or translation are given.<ref name=ltapp/>  


''Mandos'' is the Qenya name of the region and their Halls, also known as ''Ve'' after him. The Gnomish form ''Bannoth'' also refers to the Vala and the region of the souls, but also improperly his Halls (properly ''Gwi'' or ''Ingwi'').<ref name=ltapp>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>
''Mandos'' is the Qenya name of the region and their Halls, also known as ''Ve'' after him. The Gnomish form ''Bannoth'' also refers to the Vala and the region of the souls, but also improperly his Halls (properly ''Gwi'' or ''Ingwi'').<ref name=ltapp>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>


In the later ''[[The Etymologies]]'', the name of the Vala was '''Mando''', translated as "Imprisoner, Binder", derived from [[root]] [[MBAD]]. Note that here, Mando was envisioned as the actual name of the Vala proper (not his realm). In that conception, the form '''Mand-os''' is a ''lengthened'' form (from Mandosse) meaning "''Dread'' Imprisoner". The [[Noldorin]] name for ''Mandos'' is ''Bannos''. Cf. [[GOS]], [[Osse]].
An epithet of Mandos was '''''Morimando''''' ("Dark Mando"), being the dark counterpart of Manwë ''Kalamando'' ("Light Mando"). Tolkien notes that in those epithets, the element ''man'' loses its sense as "doom, prison", and is understood as the root referring to "holiness" (root MAN in ''Man''we).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry MBAD</ref>


An epithet of Mandos was '''Morimando''' (Dark Mando), being the dark counterpart of Manwe Kalamando (Light Mando). Tolkien notes that in those epithets, the element ''man'' loses its sense as "doom, prison", and is understood as the root referring to "holiness" (root MAN in ''Man''we).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry MBAD</ref>
==Inspiration==
Mandos is comparable to gods of the dead of real world mythologies, like Hades or Hel. The instance of Lúthien singing to him in order to release her beloved, is reminiscent of similar ancient tales, such as Orpheus singing to Hades to release Eurydice, or Hermod who asks Hel to release Baldur.<ref>{{webcite|author=Dawn Felagund|articleurl=http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/namo2.php|articlename=Námo Mandos|website=[http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org Silmarillion Writers Guild]}}</ref> (The story of Orpheus has been retold in English literature as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'').


==Inspiration==
Another similarity shared between Mandos and the two mythological figures, is that they bear the name of their realms. Mandos in the early writings had a hound, [[Gorgumoth]], while Hades was guarded by the monstrous dog Cerberus.
Mandos is comparable to gods of the dead of real world mythologies, like Hades or Hel. The instance of Lúthien singing to him in order to release her beloved, is reminiscent of similar ancient tales, such as Orpheus singing to Hades to release Eurydice, or Hermod who asks Hel to release Baldur.
<ref>{{webcite|author=Dawn Felagund|articleurl=http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/namo2.php|articlename=Námo Mandos|website=[http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org Silmarillion Writers Guild]}}</ref> Another similarity shared between Mandos and the two mythological figures, is that they bear the name of their realms.


The story of Orpheus has been retold in English literature as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]''.
{{References}}
{{References}}
{{Ainur}}
{{Ainur}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mandos}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mandos}}
 
[[Category:Aratar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Valar]]


[[de:Mandos (Person)]]
[[de:Mandos (Person)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/mandos]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/mandos]]
[[fi:Námo]]
[[fi:Námo]]

Revision as of 12:50, 26 October 2021

"...It is a long tale..." — Aragorn
This article or section needs expansion and/or modification. Please help the wiki by expanding it.
This article is about the Vala. For the dwelling, see Halls of Mandos.
Mandos
Vala
Elena Kukanova - Namo Mandos.jpeg
"Namo Mandos" by Elena Kukanova
Biographical Information
Other namesNámo (Q)
Bannos (S)
Badhron (S)
TitlesThe Judge
The Just
PositionRuler of the Dead
LocationThe Halls of Mandos
LanguageValarin, Quenya
Family
SiblingsIrmo and Nienna
SpouseVairë
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Mandos

Mandos was the Doomsman of the Valar who pronounced judgement in matters of fate. He was the keeper of the slain in his Halls in the west of Valinor.

His actual, less common name was Námo. He was the "elder brother" of the Vala Irmo (also called Lórien). Together, Mandos and Irmo are called the Fëanturi (Q: "Masters of Spirits"). Their sister is Nienna. Vairë the Weaver is his wife.

Attributes

He keeps the Halls of Mandos where he summons the spirits of the slain. For this he is also known as "Mandos" after his dwelling place.[1]

Mandos knows and remembers nearly all things that were and shall be. He serves as the Doomsman of the Valar, he pronounces his judgements at the bidding of Manwë. However only Ilúvatar knows with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Mandos or Manwë.[1] Mandos and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into , and together they understand most clearly the Vision of Ilúvatar more than any of the other Valar.

Mandos is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Mandos is dark or evil. His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming (one must assume) from that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which he came. Neither is Mandos willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of Arda.

History

During one of the early councils of the Valar, the Powers worried that the Elves would come in darkness. Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he revealed that the age of the Children of Ilúvatar approached and it was the doom of the Elves to wake under the stars and revere Varda. This prompted Varda to prepare new stars for the Awakening of the Elves.[2]

After Melkor was overthrown in the Battle of the Powers, the Valar debated on whether to summon the Elves to Aman. Though some such as Ulmo felt the Elves should be left to dwell in Middle-earth, the Valar decided to summon the Elves. At this, Mandos broke his silence with the words "So it is doomed".[2]

When the unrest of the Noldor began and Fëanor drew sword upon Fingolfin, Mandos was present at the council when Fëanor was interrogated for his actions. Though it was revealed that Melkor had sown the seed of dissent, Mandos would not allow Fëanor's haughty actions to go unpunished. Therefore he banished Fëanor from Tirion for 12 years, only allowing him to return if one should release him. At which point, Fingolfin offered to do so.

But after Melkor slew the Trees of Valinor and stole the Silmarils, Fëanor was overcome with rage and led the Noldor in rebellion against the Valar. Driven by their Oath, Fëanor's host carried out the Kinslaying at Alqualondë in the lands of Araman north of Valinor. For this act Mandos, or one of his servants, pronounced the Doom of Mandos, a warning if they continued in their rebellion. This caused Finarfin to repent and return to Eldamar.[3] The curse of Mandos remained upon all the Noldor, tied to the Oath of Fëanor and thwarting the Noldor in all the Wars of Beleriand.

Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos

When Beren and Lúthien died, she sang a song of such extraordinary power and beauty that it moved even the implacable heart of Mandos. Deeming that this matter was beyond him, yet unable to reverse the fates, Mandos sought the counsel of Manwë. In turn, Manwë gave him the response from Ilúvatar. Mandos returned to Lúthien and gave her a choice; to remain in Valinor forever and forget all her griefs, or to return with Beren to Middle-earth as a mortal. Luthien chose the latter, forsaking her immortality. So Beren was returned to a second life and Lúthien was granted a unique fate, to become mortal and return to Middle-earth with him.

After, when Eärendil set foot in Aman and begged the Valar for the forgiveness of the Noldor and help in their war with Morgoth, he was the one who demanded he be executed for no mortal should set foot in Aman and live. But Ulmo spoke against him, asking whether he was the son of Tuor of the Edain or Idril of the Noldor. Mandos responded that in either case, since the Noldor are still under the ban, he should not live. Regardless of that, Manwë answered his prayer and commanded the Host of the Valar be assembled and wage war on Morgoth. Considering Eärendil's doom, along with Elwing's, his wife, he offered them and their children a choice: whether to be counted among Elves or Men.[4] After the War of Wrath, the exiled Noldor were forgiven and the Curse of Mandos was ended.

Etymology

Námo (pron. [ˈnaːmo]) in Quenya means "Judge" or "Ordainer",[5] from root NAM.

Mandos ([ˈmandos]) is a Quenya name meaning "Castle of Custody".[6] It derived from the early Elvish Mandostŏ.[7]

In the previous Etymologies, Mandos was translated as "Imprisoner, Binder", derived from root MBAD. Note that here, Mando was envisioned as the actual name of the Vala proper (not his realm). In that conception, the form Mand-os (from Mand-osse) is a "lengthened" form meaning "Dread Imprisoner".[8] The Noldorin names for Mandos were Bannos ("Dread Imprisoner"") and Badhor/Badhron ("judge").[9]

In Eriol's Old English translations, Mandos is referred as Nefrea "Corpse-ruler" and neoaerna hlaford "master of the houses of the dead".[10]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vairë
 
MANDOS
 
Nienna
 
Irmo
 
Estë
 
 
 


Other versions of the legendarium

Christopher Tolkien notes that in the early version of the Legendarium Mandos does exclaim prophecies, but he doesn't function as the "Doomsman of the Valar" as in the later Silmarillion.[11] His wife was Fui Nienna and he had a hound named Gorgumoth.

In the Qenya Lexicon the Vala in Qenya was called Ve or Vefantur Mandos. In the Gnomish Lexicon his Gnomish names are Bannoth Gwi, Gwi-fanthor and Gwivannoth. His personal name(s) Ve/Gwi are said to derive from a primitive root VEHE, but no meaning or translation are given.[12]

Mandos is the Qenya name of the region and their Halls, also known as Ve after him. The Gnomish form Bannoth also refers to the Vala and the region of the souls, but also improperly his Halls (properly Gwi or Ingwi).[12]

An epithet of Mandos was Morimando ("Dark Mando"), being the dark counterpart of Manwë Kalamando ("Light Mando"). Tolkien notes that in those epithets, the element man loses its sense as "doom, prison", and is understood as the root referring to "holiness" (root MAN in Manwe).[13]

Inspiration

Mandos is comparable to gods of the dead of real world mythologies, like Hades or Hel. The instance of Lúthien singing to him in order to release her beloved, is reminiscent of similar ancient tales, such as Orpheus singing to Hades to release Eurydice, or Hermod who asks Hel to release Baldur.[14] (The story of Orpheus has been retold in English literature as Sir Orfeo).

Another similarity shared between Mandos and the two mythological figures, is that they bear the name of their realms. Mandos in the early writings had a hound, Gorgumoth, while Hades was guarded by the monstrous dog Cerberus.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Valar"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Qenya Noun Structure", in Parma Eldalamberon XXI (edited by Christopher Gilson, Patrick H. Wynne and Arden R. Smith), p. 85
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Four. Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth: Glossary", p. 350
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, "From Quendi and Eldar, Appendix D" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 39, July 1998, p. 6
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entry "MBAD-"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Addenda and Corrigenda to the Etymologies — Part One" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter and Patrick H. Wynne), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 45, November 2003, p. 33
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: Appendix 1: Fragments of a translation of The Quenta Noldorinwa into Old English, made by Ælfwine or Eriol; together with Old English equivalents of Elvish names"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "III. The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor": "Notes and Commentary"
  12. 12.0 12.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales – Part I
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entry MBAD
  14. Dawn Felagund, "Námo Mandos", Silmarillion Writers Guild (accessed 28 March 2024)
Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar