Middle-earth Journeys

Well, I waited for a while, but now I'll give it a go.

The answer is Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard), the great tower built by Finrod Felagund on the island of Tol Sirion to guard the Pass of Sirion in Beleriand. It was held under the guard of Orodreth, Finrod's brother, and was taken by Sauron in I 457 and filled with wolves, werewolves, and other dread things. This is the tower Luthien later destroys during the Quest of the Silmaril after she drives Sauron out and "declares her power" to the very stones, bringing down the now terrible tower, releasing its captives, and enabling her to find Beren, who lay mourning at the side of the dead Finrod.

Later, when the Gondorians choose to rename Minas Anor after the Nazgul captured Minas Ithil in III 2002, they chose the name Minas Tirith, perhaps in memory of this great tower.

Well done again Lindariel. I most certainly appreciate your depth of knowlege and history. Your go.

Excellent question Bruce and what an answer Lindariel, I am humbled by both your knowledge (I was still trying to figure this one out!! ) Well done!

Thanks Hope for the kind words. One study guide is to use the time lines posted on the Encycolpedia of Arda and make notes as to where one's gaps in the history of Middle Earth exist. I am still studying the texts and enjoy learning not only what the professor creatd but also the history of the writer and his times.

Thanks Bruce and Hope! I knew the answer was Minas Tirith off the top of my head, but had to turn back to my copy of The Silmarillion and to The Encyclopedia of Arda to get all the details straight. I just love the way Tolkien reuses names without necessarily telling us why; makes the entire canon seem like a real history, holes/gaps in knowledge and all! In this case, we do not know whether the Gondorians chose the name Minas Tirith as a historical nod to Finrod's accomplishment and Luthien's courage, or whether they simply thought the name "Tower of Guard" (in elvish) would be more appropriate for the evil times they faced. Very cool.

This is a level 2 question:

Who uttered the words "Farewell, O twice beloved! . . . master of doom by doom mastered! O happy to be dead!" Name the place where these words were uttered. What became of this person?

Oh dear, methinks you folks know this person, and is as well known as Frodo.

Oh, now honestly, I don't know this person! As well known as Frodo? Surely you jest, my friend!

I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about Tolkien, but my hat's off to you trivia masters.

I know, but only because I cheated and looked up the answer on Google. So I'm saying nothing . . .

Go ahead, Marbretherese! I'm sure we all have to go back to our books or check out The Encyclopedia of Arda and other on-line sources to get answers for many of these questions. No one is expected to be able to keep all of this complex stuff top-of-mind.

Give it a go!

Sorry for the jest of a clue, look to the demise of a certain dragon and the owner of a reforged sword.

OK, I think these words were spoken by Niniel (Nienor) when the dying dragon Glaurung lifted the curse on the Children of Hurin and she realised that she was carrying her brother Turin's child. She cast herself into the ravine at Cabed-en-Aras while Turin lay badly wounded nearby.

Correct! Your turn!

Quite the Greek tragedy, one of the Professor's darker tales indeed. Well done Marbetherese!

No need to apologize, Bruce. We need a bit of encouragement in here sometimes, don't we? But Niniel as well known as Frodo? Really!

The Silmarillion is as mysterious to me as the Old Testament. After several readings, I still feel like a beginner. But summer is coming--maybe another reading is in order!

I suspect for some of you this will be a level 1 riddle

My first is of Elves but not of Men,
My second in Celebrimbor and Curufin,
My third, Elrond and Celebrian contain,
My fourth, Nenya and Narya have the same,
My fifth is of Sapphire but not of Blue,
There's lots of clues to my name here for you!!