Star of Eärendil
The Star of Eärendil is the light that shines in the horizon both in the morning and the evening. It consists in a boat raised by the Valar and led by Eärendil, who carries a shining Silmaril while watching the Doors of Night.
History
After Beren and Lúthien rescued a Silmaril from Morgoth's Iron Crown, this was later given to their descendant Elwing, wife of Eärendil. Both took it to Aman, and the Valar decided to rise it as a new star. In a vessel appointed by Elbereth, Eärendil rose in the horizon as a sign of hope for Elves and Men.
As it first rose in the West, it was recognised by the Noldo-lord Maedhros as the jewel of his father that he had sought for so long, now placed out of his reach beyond the Circles of the World.
It was Eärendil and the light of his star that led the Edain to Númenor in the early Second Age, and at that time the light of the Star was so brilliant that it hid all the other stars in the sky. From its guiding light came the Númenóreans' name for their land, Elenna, meaning "Starwards".
The light of Eärendil's Star played a crucial role much later in history as well. It was light from this star that was gathered in Frodo's phial, his gift from Galadriel, which helped him survive his journey into Mordor. Even today the star still shines — the story of Eärendil and his Silmaril was the Elvish account of the "star" we know today as the planet Venus.
Other versions of the legendarium
Earlier forms of the name Gil-Estel were Gil-Orestel, Gil-Amdir and Gil-Orrain.
In The Nature of Middle-earth, this star was historically known as Elmō in Primitive Elvish.
Referencias
1. Esta ficha se ha importado inicialmente de TolkienGateway.net el día 29/05/2026.
