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An [[Elvish]] name for the regions of air above [[Arda]], a name which is generally translated into English as 'heaven' or 'the heavens'. Sometimes the word is simply synonymous with the sky, but in other uses it is meant as a more sublime reference to the domain of the stars and heavenly bodies. Menel is seen in numerous personal and place-names, including [[Meneltarma]] (the 'Pillar of Heaven'), [[Meneldil]], [[Tar-Meneldur]], [[Armenelos]], and so on. 
'''Menel''' was an [[Elvish]] (both [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]) name for the regions of air above [[Arda]], a name which is generally meant as "firmament, heaven" or "the heavens".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, ''menel''</ref> Sometimes the word is simply synonymous with the sky, but in other uses it is meant as a more sublime reference to the domain of the stars and heavenly bodies.  


The word is the same in [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]].  In translating the word as "heaven" it should be noted that this does not have the connotation of Christian "Heaven" (paradise).  Menel is a physical place, although arguably a sacred one as it is the location of the stars.
Menel is a physical place, although arguably a sacred one as it is the location of the stars.
==Etymology==
The word is understood as ''[[men (Elvish)|men]]'' "towards" + ''[[el]]'' "star" meaning "the Direction of the Stars".<ref name="RGEO">{{RGEO|7}}, p. 72</ref>


In [[''The Lord of the Rings'']], "menel" is used in the two [[Sindarin]] hymns to [[Elbereth]].  It appears first in a song in the Hall of Fire: "''o menel aglar elenath''" ("from the glories of the star-host of heaven") ([[Many Meetings]]).  Later, [[Sam]] uses it in his parallel invocation from [[Cirith Ungol]]: "''o menel palan-diriel''" ("from heaven gazing afar") ([[The Choices of Master Samwise]]).
The loremaster [[Quennar]] is attributed as having devised the word ''Menel'' ("heavens, firmament").<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 84</ref>
 
==Examples==
Menel is seen in numerous personal and place-names, including [[Meneltarma]] (the "Pillar of Heaven"), [[Meneldil]], [[Tar-Meneldur]], [[Armenelos]] and [[Meneldor]].   
 
It also appears in ''[[A Elbereth Gilthoniel]]'' "''o [[menel]] [[aglar]] [[elen]][[-ath|ath]]''" ("from the glories of the star-host of heaven").<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
 
[[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] used it in his invocation from [[Cirith Ungol]]: "''o menel [[palan]]-[[tir|diriel]]''" ("from heaven gazing afar").<ref>{{TT|IV10}}</ref>
 
==Derivatives==
It already existed in [[Avarin]], and survived as such in [[Adûnaic]] ''minal''.<ref>{{SD|3vi}} p.414</ref>
 
==See also==
*[[Tarmenel]]
{{references}}
{{cosmology}}
[[Category:Cosmology]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[fi:Menel]]

Revision as of 21:44, 17 November 2019

Menel was an Elvish (both Quenya and Sindarin) name for the regions of air above Arda, a name which is generally meant as "firmament, heaven" or "the heavens".[1] Sometimes the word is simply synonymous with the sky, but in other uses it is meant as a more sublime reference to the domain of the stars and heavenly bodies.

Menel is a physical place, although arguably a sacred one as it is the location of the stars.

Etymology

The word is understood as men "towards" + el "star" meaning "the Direction of the Stars".[2]

The loremaster Quennar is attributed as having devised the word Menel ("heavens, firmament").[3]

Examples

Menel is seen in numerous personal and place-names, including Meneltarma (the "Pillar of Heaven"), Meneldil, Tar-Meneldur, Armenelos and Meneldor.

It also appears in A Elbereth Gilthoniel "o menel aglar elenath" ("from the glories of the star-host of heaven").[4]

Sam used it in his invocation from Cirith Ungol: "o menel palan-diriel" ("from heaven gazing afar").[5]

Derivatives

It already existed in Avarin, and survived as such in Adûnaic minal.[6]

See also

References

Middle-earth Cosmology
 Constellations  Anarríma · Durin's Crown · Menelmacar · Remmirath · Soronúmë · Telumendil · Valacirca · Wilwarin
Stars  Alcarinquë · Borgil · Carnil · Elemmírë · Helluin · Luinil · Lumbar · Morwinyon · Nénar · Star of Eärendil · Til 
The Airs  Aiwenórë · Fanyamar · Ilmen · Menel · Vaiya · Veil of Arda · Vista
Narsilion  Arien · Moon (Isil, Ithil, Rána) · Sun (Anar, Anor, Vása) · Tilion
See also  Abyss · Arda · Circles of the World · · Timeless Halls · Two Lamps · Two Trees · Void