"J.R.R. Tolkien - The History of Middle-Earth - 00" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tolkien J.R.R)

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of the Istari were perhaps the last direct intervention of the Valar in the affairs of the Children of
Iluvatar. But in the end one of five proved victorious, and he vanquished the last Balrog and
aided the Free Peoples in overthrowing Sauron.

The Quendi (Speakers, or Elves)
The first speaking people to awake in Middle-earth were the Quendi, the Elves, and they are
called the Elder Children of Iluvatar (whereas Men are the Younger Children, and Dwarves are
the Adopted Children). The Quendi were fated to dwell within Arda until the End, and their
spirits cannot leave Ea. So they may, if their bodies perish, in time be re-embodied by the grace
of Iluvatar and the Valar.

The Quendi were divided into three kindreds: Minyar (firsts), Tatyar (seconds), and the Nelyar
(thirds). At the first sundering of the Quendi they were divided into two nations: Eldar and Avari.
Of the Eldar there were in origin three kindreds. All of the Minyar eventually became the
Vanyar, about half the Tatyar became the Noldor, and two-thirds of the Nelyar became the
Lindar. The remaining Tatyar and Nelyar eventually became known as the Avari (Unwilling).

The Vanyar were the fewest in number and they were perhaps the wisest of the Quendi. They
loved the woods and open lands, and most if not all had golden hair.

The Tatyar and Noldor were the craftsmen of the Quendi, makers of things and seekers of lore.
They dwelt most in the hills and mountains, and were miners and smiths.

The Nelyar were the most gifted singers of the Quendi, and they loved water most. Those Nelyar
who joined the Eldar called themselves Lindar (singers), but in time they acquired other names.

When Orom├л the Vala discovered the Quendi in Cuivi├лnen, he learned that they had been
troubled by a Dark Hunter, whom he perceived was Melkor or one of his servants. At Orom├л's
bidding the Valar held a great council where they chose to wage war upon Melkor and to
summon the Quendi to live in Aman.

When the war was finished Orom├л returned to the Quendi to deliver the summons of the Valar,
but the Elves were afraid and refused to go. So Orom├л chose three ambassadors from among
their leaders to visit Aman and report to their peoples what they found there. These three were
Ingw├л (of the Minyar), Finw├л (of the Tatyar), and Elw├л (of the Nelyar). Of the three, only Ingw├л
found peace in Aman.

Ingw├л persuaded all the Minyar to follow him to Aman, and they undertook the Great Journey,
leading the way for others to follow. Finw├л persuaded half the Tatyar to follow him to Aman,
and they took the road after the Vanyar. Elw├л, aided by his brother Olw├л, persuaded more than
half the Nelyar to undertake the Great Journey, but they were the most reluctant of the Quendi to
leave their homeland, and so they became known to the other Eldar as the Teleri, the Last-
comers.