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Welcome to The Encyclopedia of ArdaThe Encyclopedia of Arda is a personal project - a tribute to and a celebration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The site is evolving into an illustrated hypertext encyclopedia of Tolkien's realms and peoples. It already contains about four thousand entries, and we're constantly adding new entries and expanding existing ones. Inside the encyclopediaThe Encyclopedia of Arda contains thousands of articles covering topics from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, some brief, some lengthy and some containing detailed essays and discussions. You'll also find a selection of interactive tools, including a chronicle to help you explore Tolkien's fictional history, and calendar to translate dates and events, a lexicon of names, a glossary of old and rare words, and much more. Context and approachThe content of the Encyclopedia is written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself simply as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. Hence, we try to describe his world from a 'historical' rather than a literary perspective, though sometimes it's useful to explore ideas in their wider context. Where relevant, therefore, you'll also find a few references to Tolkien's life or opinions, or to real historical or mythological parallels to events in his universe. About the name ArdaArda was the name given by the Elves to their world and all it contained, and so 'Encyclopedia of Arda' seemed a peculiarly apt title for this project. Special thanksThanks to all those who've e-mailed us over the years with their suggestions, corrections, ideas and just general support. But the real Special Thanks, though, belong to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien for his extraordinary and unparalleled creation. For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1997-2026. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.Discus is a powerful, flexible DISC profile solution - find out much more in our free guide. |
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Featured EntryStone of Amon SûlThe chief palantír of the North-kingdomSet in the Tower of Amon Sûl at the heart of Arnor, the Stone of Amon Sûl was said to be the most powerful of the three possessed by the Northern Dúnedain. It was larger than most of the palantíri: so large, in fact, that it could not easily be transported, and so it remained set in its Tower throughout the early centuries of the Third Age. When Arnor broke up into three lesser realms, the Tower of Amon Sûl marked the point where the three new kingdoms met, and there was much conflict over the ownership of the powerful Stone. The Tower was ultimately destroyed by the forces of Angmar, but its Seeing-stone was rescued and carried away to Fornost. Centuries later, Fornost itself was overthrown by the Witch-king, but the Stone of Amon Sûl was rescued once again, and carried into the north by Arvedui and his companions. It was finally lost when Arvedui took it aboard an Elven-ship that foundered in the Icebay of Forochel. |
