[Aran e-Godhellim]

Hi, I looked around for a thread on this, but couldn't find one.

My question is, should we actually use the name "Pengolodh" for the last of the Lambengolmar?

The reason I ask is because in one of his later writings, Tolkien wrote that "Pengolodh" was to be replaced by "Thingódhel." This change actually makes sense in light of its context in the "Quendi and Eldar" essay.

Etymologically, "Pengolodh" seems to mean (somewhat freely) "one who has wisdom with words," or "the Noldo of words." (As a note, this means it was likely an epesse.) The "golodh" is obviously the same form as the Sindarin word for "Noldo." However, in "Quendi and Eldar" Tolkien states that the form "Golodh" was used almost exclusively in Doriath, and never among Feanor's sons or their allies. This throws its use in Pengolodh's name into question.

Also, in the same essay, Tolkien states unequivocally that the common name for one of the Noldor was "Gódhel." Therefore, "Thingódhel" would mean "Grey-Noldo," a fitting title. (Though perhaps it should be spelt with the Latin "þ," as Professor Tolkien was apt to do.)