Elronds parents - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

elbenprincess · 08-21-2010, 01:28 PM

OK, then I was wrong, I always thought he and his brother lost their parents when they were still babys. Either way it must have been an impressive moment for him, I would guess.

Guinevere · 08-21-2010, 04:40 PM

This quote from one of Tolkien's letters (explaining elvish names) suggests that Elros and Elrond really were still toddlers when left by their mother:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tolkien,letter211

*rossē meant 'dew, spray (of fall or fountain)'. Elrond and Elros, children of Eärendil (sea-lover) and Elwing (Elf-foam), were so called, because they were carried off by the sons of Fëanor, in the last act of the feud between the high-elven houses of the Noldorin princes concerning the Silmarils; the Silmaril rescued from Morgoth by Beren and Lúthien, and given to King Thingol Lúthien's father, had descended to Elwing dtr. of Dior, son of Lúthien. The infants were not slain, but left like 'babes in the wood', in a cave with a fall of water over the entrance. There they were found: Elrond within the cave, and Elros dabbling in the water.

Galin · 08-21-2010, 08:39 PM

That tale about Elros and Elrond appears in a letter dated 1958, and the idea seems quite connected to Elrond meaning *Elf of the Cave.

Not long after however, Elrond is said to mean 'Star-dome' (1959-60, Quendi and Eldar), and in The Shibboleth of Feanor (1968 or later) it was said that the names Elros and Elrond: 'were formed to recall the name of their mother Elwing' with Elros meaning 'Starlit foam'. In The Problem of ROS (1968 or later): 'Now Elrond was a word for the firmament, the starry dome as it appeared like a roof to Arda; and it was given by Elwing in memory of the great Hall of the throne of Elwe in the midst of his stronghold Menegroth that was called the Menelrond,...'

And in letter 345 (1972) Elrond meant 'The vault of stars'.

If a meaning 'Elf of the Cave' is out, as it appears, my guess would be that so too is the story that goes with it. Tolkien could have retained the detail of course, or something similar regarding the young brothers, but with JRRT -- as stories might spring from names -- I thought I would at least point out my annoying, somewhat off topic guess.

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08-21-2010, 01:28 PM	#1
elbenprincess Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 69	OK, then I was wrong, I always thought he and his brother lost their parents when they were still babys. Either way it must have been an impressive moment for him, I would guess.

08-21-2010, 08:39 PM	#3
Galin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,036	That tale about Elros and Elrond appears in a letter dated 1958, and the idea seems quite connected to Elrond meaning Elf of the Cave. Not long after however, Elrond is said to mean 'Star-dome' (1959-60, Quendi and Eldar), and in The Shibboleth of Feanor (1968 or later) it was said that the names Elros and Elrond: 'were formed to recall the name of their mother Elwing'* with Elros meaning 'Starlit foam'. In The Problem of ROS (1968 or later): 'Now Elrond was a word for the firmament, the starry dome as it appeared like a roof to Arda; and it was given by Elwing in memory of the great Hall of the throne of Elwe in the midst of his stronghold Menegroth that was called the Menelrond,...' And in letter 345 (1972) Elrond meant 'The vault of stars'. If a meaning 'Elf of the Cave' is out, as it appears, my guess would be that so too is the story that goes with it. Tolkien could have retained the detail of course, or something similar regarding the young brothers, but with JRRT -- as stories might spring from names -- I thought I would at least point out my annoying, somewhat off topic guess.