Mahtan

From the One Wiki to Rule Them All, the Lord of the Rings Encyclopedia.

Mahtan was a renowned Ñoldorin metallurgist and the father of Nerdanel, the wife of Fëanor.

[edit] History

A skilled smith in Valinor, Mahtan learned the arts of metal and stone work under the Vala Aulë, and for this Mahtan was also called Aulendur, or 'Servant of Aulë'.^[1] He wore a copper circlet around his head and was known for his fondness for the metal and for this he was also known Urundil, 'copper-lover'.^[1] Mahtan in turn taught Fëanor, the greatest of all elven craftsmen, who — to Mahtan's regret — used this knowledge to forge the first ever weapons and armour in Valinor. He like his daughter did not join the Revolt of the Ñoldor.

[edit] Appearance and name

Mahtan had a beard, which was unusual for an elf — especially one as young as he. According to J. R. R. Tolkien most elves could only grow beards from the "third cycle" of their lives, while Mahtan was an exception in being only early in his second. It is unclear what these "cycles" actually refer to. Mahtan's name seems to come from an old root mahta-, meaning "to handle", with special reference to the arts and skills of making.

[edit] References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} The Peoples of Middle-earth pgs. 365 & 366

[edit] The House of Fëanor

Finwë = Míriel   Mahtan
      |           |
    Fëanor = Nerdanel
           |
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      |        |       |          |         |       |      |
  Maedhros  Maglor  Celegorm  Caranthir  Curufin  Amrod  Amras 
                                            |  
                                       Celebrimbor