Nandor

The Nandor were a group of Elves in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, particularly featured in his works "The Silmarillion" and "The History of Middle-earth". They are part of the larger Quendi, the race of Elves in Tolkien's Middle-earth, and have a distinct history and cultural identity within the Elven-kind.

The Nandor were originally part of the Teleri, one of the three clans of Elves. Led by Lenwë (or Denweg in some texts), they embarked on the Great Journey from Cuiviénen to Valinor but chose to remain in Middle-earth. Their name, 'Nandor', means 'those who turn back' in Quenya, reflecting their decision to stay behind in the lands east of the Misty Mountains[1].

After Lenwë's departure, his son Denethor became the leader of those who crossed the mountains into Beleriand. These Elves were later known as the Laiquendi, or Green-elves, of Ossiriand[2].

The Nandor, like other Elves, were immortal and had a deep connection to nature. They were less knowledgeable about the wider world compared to their kin who completed the journey to Valinor but were skilled in woodcraft and stealth. Their physical appearance was similar to other Elves, marked by grace and beauty.

The Nandor developed their own culture, distinct from their Telerin kin. They were forest-dwellers, living in close harmony with nature, and were less inclined towards building cities or large settlements. Their craftsmanship was often inspired by the natural world.

They spoke a dialect of the Telerin language, which over time diverged significantly from the original form. This language influenced Sindarin, the language of the Grey Elves of Beleriand[3].

• Lenwë (Denweg): The original leader of the Nandor, who led them on the Great Journey but chose to remain in Middle-earth.
• Denethor: Son of Lenwë, he led part of the Nandor into Beleriand and became the king of the Green-elves.

The Nandor are not as prominently featured in Tolkien's most popular works, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", as some other Elven clans. However, their history and culture are detailed in "The Silmarillion" and "The History of Middle-earth", providing a deeper understanding of the Elven peoples and their divergent paths[4].

1. ^Tolkien, J.R.R. "The Silmarillion." Edited by Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins.
2. ^Tolkien, J.R.R. "The Silmarillion." Edited by Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins.
3. ^Tolkien, J.R.R. "The Silmarillion." Edited by Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins.
4. ^Tolkien, J.R.R. "The History of Middle-earth." Edited by Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins.