Aliases Elwing the White Title Princess of Doriath Book The Silmarillion Significant other Eärendil | Race Half-elven Spouse Eärendil Creator J. R. R. Tolkien | |
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Similar Eärendil, Elros Tar‑Minyatur, Elrond, Dior Eluchíl, Tuor | ||
Elwing is a character of Middle-earth, created by J. R. R. Tolkien. She is Half-elven but counted among the Elves, notable for saving a Silmaril from the destruction of the Havens of Sirion and, with her husband Eärendil, going to the Valar to ask their help for the people of Middle-earth. Her name means "Star-spray" in Sindarin.
She was born in Ossiriand about Y.S. 500, before the Ruin of Doriath. She lost her parents Dior and Nimloth, as well as her brothers Eluréd and Elurín, in the attack on Doriath, but escaped to the Havens of Sirion, then ruled by Eärendil, whom she married. They had two sons: Elrond and Elros.
While Eärendil was away at sea, the remaining sons of Fëanor descended upon the Havens, killing many Elves. Elwing cast herself into the sea rather than be captured, but Ulmo changed her into a great white bird, in which form she found her husband. Lacking a home to return to, they instead went together west to Aman.
The Valar gave her the choice of kindred just as for her husband and sons, and she elected to be with the Elves and live in the Blessed Realm. But instead of travelling with Eärendil and the Silmaril on his nightly sky-voyages, she lived in a white tower next to the Sundering Seas, conversing with the seabirds and flying among them.
Elwing's lineage makes her 5/8 Sindar, 1/8 Maia, and 2/8 of the house of Bëor.
