Vingilot
Vingilot was the ship in which Eärendil and Elwing sailed to Aman to seek pardon and assistance from the Valar. This vessel was said to be the fairest ever fashioned – it had white timbers of birchwood from Nimbrethil, oars of gold, sails of silver, and its prow was swan-shaped.
History
After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and the Fall of the Falas, the remnant of the Noldor and Men gathered about the Havens of Sirion where Eärendil was their lord. Eärendil sought to sail into the West to seek Tuor and Idril and to ask for pardon from the Valar for his people. For these purposes Vingilótë was built by Eärendil and Círdan the Shipwright.
Eärendil sailed in Vingilótë while his wife Elwing waited by the mouths of Sirion. Although he had many adventures he could not make his way to the shores of Valinor. Finally, having fearful dreams concerning Elwing, he hastened back to Middle-earth. It was well that he hurried, for the sons of Fëanor, having learned that Elwing possessed a Silmaril, made a sudden attack upon the exiles and refugees of Gondolin and Doriath. Though Maedhros and Maglor won the battle they did not gain the Silmaril; Elwing cast herself into the sea with the jewel upon her breast.
Ulmo lifted Elwing from the sea and transformed her into a great white bird. In this guise she flew to Vingilótë and fell into a swoon, but in the morning regained her normal form. Eärendil and Elwing, with the mariners Falathar, Erellont, and Aerandir, turned westward and again sought Valinor. On this voyage Eärendil stood in the prow of Vingilótë with the Silmaril bound to his brow. The jewel shone ever brighter as they traveled west and by its light and power they pierced the Shadowy Seas.
Once in Valinor, the Vingilot was remade. Eärendil then flew through the skies in it and participated in the War of Wrath where Eärendil, along with a host of great birds, gave battle to Morgoth's dragons. Finally Eärendil slew Ancalagon and the host of the Valar prevailed.
After this, Eärendil eternally sails the vessel with the Silmaril still upon his brow and he and his ship are called Gil-Estel, the Star of High Hope, and Star of Eärendil.
Appearance
In Valinor, Vingilótë was hallowed, and became fair and marvelous; it was made transparent so that the light of the Silmaril could be seen.
Etymology
Vingilótë means "Foam-flower" in Quenya, from winga ("foam, spray") + lótë ("flower").
Other names
Rothinzil is its cognate in Adûnaic.
In a manuscript, Tolkien considered the name Eälótë.
Referencias
1. Esta ficha se ha importado inicialmente de TolkienGateway.net el día 31/05/2026.
