CĂrdan, also called NowĂ« or the Shipwright was among the cleverest of the Elves. He has the most powerful foresight among the Eldar. He belongs to the most elite, aristocratic nobles of Sindar. His title during the First Age was Lord of the Falathrim. From the Second, Third, until the Fourth Age, his title was Master of the Grey Havens. Celebrimbor gave one of the Three Rings, Narya, to CĂrdan as a gift. He was the bearer of the Ring until he gave it to Gandalf. Cirdan was the most ancient among the Elves in Middle-earth by the Second Age. He was the oldest to remain from that age through the Fourth Age. He was among the last of the Eldar who left Middle-earth and sailed West by FO 120.
History
First Age
CĂrdan was born with the name NowĂ«. He was kin to ElwĂ« and OlwĂ«, Elf-Lords in their realm. During the “Great Journey,” when Elves dwelt by the Sea of RhĂ»n, they considered NowĂ« among the most skilled Elves in shipbuilding, When they sailed westward as they went to find Valinor, CĂrdan, together with his followers, pressed on when many gave up or perished during their journey. When ElwĂ« disappeared, NowĂ« searched for him despite his great eagerness to fulfill his greatest desire: to see Valinor’s light. For this reason, the Teleri failed to go on their first journey aboard Tol EressĂ«a towards Valinor.
The Vanyar and the Noldor, who are kin of the Teleri, were able to proceed to Valinor. Taking after the King OlwĂ«, NowĂ« led the crafting and sailing of their ships, as he grew weary while waiting for Ulmo to return to them. NowĂ« began to use the name “CĂrdan” from this profession, which is the Sindarin word for “shipwright.” The Teleri and OssĂ« then became close friends. Around this time, almost all the Teleri had stopped searching, but CĂrdan continued to look for ElwĂ«. CĂrdan searched harder and longer, unlike all the Teleri out of his love and allegiance to Ulmo. During the second embarking of EressĂ«a, he arrived too late again at the coast because of his search. He arrived at the shore and found them departed.
Cirdan was hopeless. He saw a far-off gleaming light surrounding EressĂ«a that disappeared West towards Belegaer. Seeing the light fade away, CĂrdan wept out loud. Then, the Valar relayed a message into his heart. It gave him a warning that CĂrdan’s ship would not make it through the voyage. And no other ship would sail for years to come. Only until his work would be of the greatest worth and turned into songs could this prophecy be broken. His response was with obedience. And he beheld a vision in which he saw a ship. Therefore, because of their devotion to OssĂ«, CĂrdan and his kin stayed by the sea in the east. CĂrdan ruled as lord over them. The folk becomes the Falathrim, which means “people of the foaming shore.” They remained in Falas, the seacoast.
The Falathrim built ships in great numbers. They built the cities of Brithombar and Eglarest. [1] They also sent pearls to King Thingol of Doriath, the Falathrim’s overlord, known before as ElwĂ«. During the First Battle of Beleriand in YT 1497, when Morgoth broke forth, CĂrdan did not make it in time to aid Thingol. But Thingol won through Laiquendi’s help. But they pushed the Falathrim to the seacoast. They trapped the Falathrim in the siege for several months. It only ended when the Noldor returned from the north as FĂ«anor attacked Morgoth.
The siege of Falas finally ended as the Orcs moved to the north in their master’s orders. And so, the Falas [2] finally won. In Mereth Aderthad, CĂrdan came with his kin. Here, the Noldors and CĂrdan’s people made oaths to remember their lasting friendship. This is the time when he became friends with neighbors, Finrod, and Turgon. Turgon, who lived in Vinyamar, moved eventually to distant Gondolin. CĂrdan and Finrod had a lasting friendship. CĂrdan was appointed as the Noldor’s advisor. He is a relative since the grandfather of Finrod is OlwĂ«.
Tales about the Kinslaying of AlqualondĂ« spread. It was Morgoth who set out these rumors. Being immensely wise, CĂrdan perceived that the rumors came from wicked intentions. He suspected that the plans were from the kin slayers, knowing the jealousy and disagreement among the Noldor. Still, he relayed to Thingol all that he had heard out of his sense of duty. Thus, Thingol renounced Quenya and caused a greater conflict among the Noldor and the Sindar. CĂrdan possibly helped during the Dagor Aglareb, although this is unknown. However, he did not fight in Dagor Bragollach. Even if he could spare time to assist his comrades, he was far away, and his land was not attacked directly. In the second assault on Hithlum, CĂrdan revived his presence as an ally. CĂrdan arrived in time to help Fingon’s when he was at the brink of defeat. They moved towards the Firth of Drengist [3] and attacked the unsuspicious orcs out of the west.
They accomplished victory for the elves. When the Nirnaeth Arnoediad ended, a large number fled to the Falas and took refuge there. The seafarers of the Falathrim struck the orcs with insurgent assaults. Soon afterward, Morgoth attacked. This brought the tragic Fall of the Falas. There were magnificent walls and a stronghold in both Eglarest and Brithombar. Still, Morgoth’s formidable line of siege warriors from his army train brought Brithombar and Eglarest’s downfall. The elves battled with valor. Still, the walls came down. They decimated and imprisoned the Falathrim. Barad Nimras fell, and the Falas were destroyed to ruins. Fortunately, CĂrdan and his companions fled through the sea. And with them was Gil-galad, one of Noldor’s last princes.
They took refuge in the Isle of Balar. There, they built another kingdom. They maintained a fort in the Mouths of Sirion and also kept their ships concealed behind the reeds. The new kingdom was known to become a safe place for those who escaped there. Upon receiving the terrible news of the Fall of Falas, Turgon requested that CĂrdan send seafarers to Valinor and ask for the Valar’s help. CĂrdan made seven fast ships that sailed westward. None but one crew from the Gondolindrim returned. The route West to Valinor has been closed.
CĂrdan eventually served as a messenger. It started from the time Ulmo gave CĂrdan a message to deliver to Orodreth. It was a warning for Nargothrond’s doom. Orodreth was ordered to close the gates of his kingdom and cast down the bridge of Nargothrond. But the warning was unheeded and resulted in the Fall of Nargothrond. Later, news reached Balar about the Fall of Gondolin. The title High King of the Noldor was given to Gil-galad. CĂrdan quickly became friends with Eärendil, who was the half-elf son of Idril and Tuor.
CĂrdan raised Eärendil under his guidance and became his apprentice. He helped Eärendil when he made the ship Vingilot. CĂrdan assisted and advised him. The Vingilot was the ship in his vision long ago, and he knew that the vision was finally fulfilled. In the Third Kinslaying, the enemies of the Havens of Sirion ambushed them, and many fell. Gil-galad and CĂrdan’s armies set out from the Isle of Balar to prevent it, but they were too late. However, Eärendil was on a journey then and was not there during the attack.
The Silmaril of Beren and LĂşthien was saved by his wife, Elwing. Eärendil came to Valinor wielding the Silmaril and received the Valar’s pardon. CĂrdan received the power of foresight. From then on, he surpassed all the elves’ in this power. The Valar gave this favor to CĂrdan because of his world-changing deeds in the event. This is like Glorfindel’s return and his significant contribution. At the end of the War of Wrath, CĂrdan once more obeyed the Valar’s direction from before. He again abstained from fulfilling his heart’s desire to sail to the west. He stayed in Middle-earth with his followers.
The Vanyar and the Noldor, who are kin of the Teleri, were able to proceed to Valinor. Taking after the King OlwĂ«, NowĂ« led the crafting and sailing of their ships, as he grew weary while waiting for Ulmo to return to them. NowĂ« began to use the name “CĂrdan” from this profession, which is the Sindarin word for “shipwright.” The Teleri and OssĂ« then became close friends. Around this time, almost all the Teleri had stopped searching, but CĂrdan continued to look for ElwĂ«. CĂrdan searched harder and longer, unlike all the Teleri out of his love and allegiance to Ulmo. During the second embarking of EressĂ«a, he arrived too late again at the coast because of his search. He arrived at the shore and found them departed.
Cirdan was hopeless. He saw a far-off gleaming light surrounding EressĂ«a that disappeared West towards Belegaer. Seeing the light fade away, CĂrdan wept out loud. Then, the Valar relayed a message into his heart. It gave him a warning that CĂrdan’s ship would not make it through the voyage. And no other ship would sail for years to come. Only until his work would be of the greatest worth and turned into songs could this prophecy be broken. His response was with obedience. And he beheld a vision in which he saw a ship. Therefore, because of their devotion to OssĂ«, CĂrdan and his kin stayed by the sea in the east. CĂrdan ruled as lord over them. The folk becomes the Falathrim, which means “people of the foaming shore.” They remained in Falas, the seacoast.
The Falathrim built ships in great numbers. They built the cities of Brithombar and Eglarest. [1] They also sent pearls to King Thingol of Doriath, the Falathrim’s overlord, known before as ElwĂ«. During the First Battle of Beleriand in YT 1497, when Morgoth broke forth, CĂrdan did not make it in time to aid Thingol. But Thingol won through Laiquendi’s help. But they pushed the Falathrim to the seacoast. They trapped the Falathrim in the siege for several months. It only ended when the Noldor returned from the north as FĂ«anor attacked Morgoth.
The siege of Falas finally ended as the Orcs moved to the north in their master’s orders. And so, the Falas [2] finally won. In Mereth Aderthad, CĂrdan came with his kin. Here, the Noldors and CĂrdan’s people made oaths to remember their lasting friendship. This is the time when he became friends with neighbors, Finrod, and Turgon. Turgon, who lived in Vinyamar, moved eventually to distant Gondolin. CĂrdan and Finrod had a lasting friendship. CĂrdan was appointed as the Noldor’s advisor. He is a relative since the grandfather of Finrod is OlwĂ«.
Tales about the Kinslaying of AlqualondĂ« spread. It was Morgoth who set out these rumors. Being immensely wise, CĂrdan perceived that the rumors came from wicked intentions. He suspected that the plans were from the kin slayers, knowing the jealousy and disagreement among the Noldor. Still, he relayed to Thingol all that he had heard out of his sense of duty. Thus, Thingol renounced Quenya and caused a greater conflict among the Noldor and the Sindar. CĂrdan possibly helped during the Dagor Aglareb, although this is unknown. However, he did not fight in Dagor Bragollach. Even if he could spare time to assist his comrades, he was far away, and his land was not attacked directly. In the second assault on Hithlum, CĂrdan revived his presence as an ally. CĂrdan arrived in time to help Fingon’s when he was at the brink of defeat. They moved towards the Firth of Drengist [3] and attacked the unsuspicious orcs out of the west.
They accomplished victory for the elves. When the Nirnaeth Arnoediad ended, a large number fled to the Falas and took refuge there. The seafarers of the Falathrim struck the orcs with insurgent assaults. Soon afterward, Morgoth attacked. This brought the tragic Fall of the Falas. There were magnificent walls and a stronghold in both Eglarest and Brithombar. Still, Morgoth’s formidable line of siege warriors from his army train brought Brithombar and Eglarest’s downfall. The elves battled with valor. Still, the walls came down. They decimated and imprisoned the Falathrim. Barad Nimras fell, and the Falas were destroyed to ruins. Fortunately, CĂrdan and his companions fled through the sea. And with them was Gil-galad, one of Noldor’s last princes.
They took refuge in the Isle of Balar. There, they built another kingdom. They maintained a fort in the Mouths of Sirion and also kept their ships concealed behind the reeds. The new kingdom was known to become a safe place for those who escaped there. Upon receiving the terrible news of the Fall of Falas, Turgon requested that CĂrdan send seafarers to Valinor and ask for the Valar’s help. CĂrdan made seven fast ships that sailed westward. None but one crew from the Gondolindrim returned. The route West to Valinor has been closed.
CĂrdan eventually served as a messenger. It started from the time Ulmo gave CĂrdan a message to deliver to Orodreth. It was a warning for Nargothrond’s doom. Orodreth was ordered to close the gates of his kingdom and cast down the bridge of Nargothrond. But the warning was unheeded and resulted in the Fall of Nargothrond. Later, news reached Balar about the Fall of Gondolin. The title High King of the Noldor was given to Gil-galad. CĂrdan quickly became friends with Eärendil, who was the half-elf son of Idril and Tuor.
CĂrdan raised Eärendil under his guidance and became his apprentice. He helped Eärendil when he made the ship Vingilot. CĂrdan assisted and advised him. The Vingilot was the ship in his vision long ago, and he knew that the vision was finally fulfilled. In the Third Kinslaying, the enemies of the Havens of Sirion ambushed them, and many fell. Gil-galad and CĂrdan’s armies set out from the Isle of Balar to prevent it, but they were too late. However, Eärendil was on a journey then and was not there during the attack.
The Silmaril of Beren and LĂşthien was saved by his wife, Elwing. Eärendil came to Valinor wielding the Silmaril and received the Valar’s pardon. CĂrdan received the power of foresight. From then on, he surpassed all the elves’ in this power. The Valar gave this favor to CĂrdan because of his world-changing deeds in the event. This is like Glorfindel’s return and his significant contribution. At the end of the War of Wrath, CĂrdan once more obeyed the Valar’s direction from before. He again abstained from fulfilling his heart’s desire to sail to the west. He stayed in Middle-earth with his followers.
Second Age
The continents shifted in the Second Age, and CĂrdan remained in his refuge close to the sea. The Elves built the Grey Havens in the recently formed Gulf of Lune. From there, the Elves could take the Straight Road. Many were hesitant to leave the lands they fought in and preferred to remain. There, CĂrdan welcomed the friendly and then-undefeated NĂşmenĂłreans. He also befriends VĂ«antur, Tar-Elendil’s chief seafarer. Later, he taught VĂ«antur’s grandson Aldarion in ship construction, operation, and seaside building. CĂrdan was the prime authority on these matters. In the making of the Rings of Power, CĂrdan advised against it upon Annatar’s arrival. Galadriel also warned against this. However, their advice was unheeded because the elves of Eregion were already captivated by the enthusiasm and joy of Celebrimbor. In the Sack of Eregion, they kept the Three Rings safe, and Celebrimbor designated CĂrdan to take one Ring.
CĂrdan received the Ring of Fire called Narya. Sauron, wielding the “One Ring” that he had made, revealed himself in Eregion’s destruction. He destroyed Eregion and attacked Eriador in one strike. Sauron did not attack Lindon or Mithlond in fear of their impressive strength as with the NĂşmenĂłrean’s aid. CĂrdan was part of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. He fought as Gil-galad’s lieutenant. Gil-galad, Elendil, and many others have perished in the battle. When the battle ended, CĂrdan and Elrond convinced Elendil’s first-born, Isildur, to destroy the retrieved One Ring by throwing it into Orodruin. However, Isildur defied them.
CĂrdan received the Ring of Fire called Narya. Sauron, wielding the “One Ring” that he had made, revealed himself in Eregion’s destruction. He destroyed Eregion and attacked Eriador in one strike. Sauron did not attack Lindon or Mithlond in fear of their impressive strength as with the NĂşmenĂłrean’s aid. CĂrdan was part of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. He fought as Gil-galad’s lieutenant. Gil-galad, Elendil, and many others have perished in the battle. When the battle ended, CĂrdan and Elrond convinced Elendil’s first-born, Isildur, to destroy the retrieved One Ring by throwing it into Orodruin. However, Isildur defied them.
Third Age
When the War of the Last Alliance ended, and Gil-galad perished, CĂrdan of the Grey Havens took over Lindon’s rule. They were at peace for longer than a millennium. But around TA 1050, the forces of darkness were growing strong. Many believed Sauron is long gone, but after hundreds of years, evil stirred and awakened. The Istari came to Middle-earth and the Valar sent them. No one but CĂrdan knew the real purpose of the Istari, as he had the strongest foresight among all. He looked through the depth of Gandalf’s future. CĂrdan then gave Narya, his most valued possession, to Gandalf. It was also among the most hidden and most desirable possessions of all. Through the entire duration of the Angmar War, CĂrdan led the Eldar of Lindon and helped Arnor.
They helped the men of Cardolan and Arveleg dispel the men of Weather Hills. Afterward, CĂrdan assists Araphor, son of Arveleg, to drive off Angmar’s forces in Fornost and the North Downs. They subdued Angmar for some time with their army combined with Rivendell’s. The Galadhrim from far over the Misty Mountains also united with their forces. In TA 1975, Eldar mariners from Lindon sailed to Forochel and rescued Arvedui, the lost king. The sailors withstood a dangerous journey, but Arvedui hastily tried to come back for winter. Everyone aboard the ship perished.
In the victorious Battle of Fornost the following year, the Elves joined with the DĂşnedain. CĂrdan later used the Elendil Stone from Emyn Beraid. The Elendil stone can be seen through the west and separate from the palantĂri on the other side. In the War of the Ring in TA 3018 and TA 3021, CĂrdan sent a messenger named Galdor to Rivendell. Galdor joined the Council of Elrond and spoke in his lord’s command. CĂrdan’s name was last referenced in the ending of the Third Age. This was when he greeted the Ringbearers at Mithlond’s gates. Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf boarded a ship built by CĂrdan and journeyed to the west. CĂrdan may have stayed there for a while.
They helped the men of Cardolan and Arveleg dispel the men of Weather Hills. Afterward, CĂrdan assists Araphor, son of Arveleg, to drive off Angmar’s forces in Fornost and the North Downs. They subdued Angmar for some time with their army combined with Rivendell’s. The Galadhrim from far over the Misty Mountains also united with their forces. In TA 1975, Eldar mariners from Lindon sailed to Forochel and rescued Arvedui, the lost king. The sailors withstood a dangerous journey, but Arvedui hastily tried to come back for winter. Everyone aboard the ship perished.
In the victorious Battle of Fornost the following year, the Elves joined with the DĂşnedain. CĂrdan later used the Elendil Stone from Emyn Beraid. The Elendil stone can be seen through the west and separate from the palantĂri on the other side. In the War of the Ring in TA 3018 and TA 3021, CĂrdan sent a messenger named Galdor to Rivendell. Galdor joined the Council of Elrond and spoke in his lord’s command. CĂrdan’s name was last referenced in the ending of the Third Age. This was when he greeted the Ringbearers at Mithlond’s gates. Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf boarded a ship built by CĂrdan and journeyed to the west. CĂrdan may have stayed there for a while.
Fourth Age
CĂrdan kept the haven through the Fourth Age, at least. Its purpose will conclude if none of the Elves left desired to sail beyond the sea. CĂrdan would finally leave the Grey Havens and journey down the Straight Road. Early in the Fourth Age, CĂrdan finally journeyed west with the last High Elves and Celeborn. Aboard the last ship, CĂrdan left with the last legacy of the Eldar’s Days in Middle-earth.
Characteristics
CĂrdan has an aged appearance, despite being an elf. His eyes had a description as “keen as stars” in the last years of the Third Age. He wore a long beard, perhaps since he reached his life’s third cycle.
Significance
CĂrdan had a large and far-reaching role in Middle-earth’s history. CĂrdan was a genuine friend and faithful servant of ElwĂ«. He set aside his ultimate desire in his search for him. It proved his character’s dedication to duty and faithfulness many times throughout history. He also showed his loyalty to the Valar by reporting possibly damaging rumors to Thingol, his overlord. His exceptional gift of foresight given by the Valar was the most powerful and well known among the Elves. CĂrdan helped save the civilization of the Elves when he founded and built Mouths of Sirion’s havens and through his nurturing Eärendil and Gil-galad. CĂrdan’s valuable giving of one of the Elven rings to Gandalf was very significant and timely. He was trusted by Ulmo, as shown in the various messages entrusted to him.
Etymology
CĂrdan is Sindarin for “Ship-maker”. Ciryatan is its Quenya form. CĂrdan’s original name, NowĂ«, is perhaps equivalent to the word “nowo,” which means “think, form, idea, imagine.”
Portrayal in Adaptations
Lord of the Rings film trilogy
In the film trilogy The Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson, [4] CĂrdan briefly appeared in the first and third movies. Michael Elsworth starred as CĂrdan. During the first movie, CĂrdan briefly appeared at the beginning of Galadriel’s monologue. They showed him in a shot showing the three bearers of the Elven rings. CĂrdan was in the third movie’s ending. In the background, CĂrdan briefly appears standing as Gandalf, Galadriel, Elrond, Bilbo, and Frodo board the ship at the Grey Havens. They changed the role of the lieutenant of Gil-galad to Elrond in the first movie. CĂrdan is Gil-galad’s lieutenant in the books, while Elrond is the herald.
The Lord of the Rings Online
In The Lord of the Rings Online video game, [5] CĂrdan can be seen in the flashbacks on the War of the Last Alliance.
