Cuiviénen

Cuiviénen (Quenya Tengwar: ; IPA: or Third Age Middle-earth ) was the land where the Quendi or the Elves awoke.

Before and After the Great Journey
Cuiviénen was said to have been on the shore of a large gulf in the inland Sea of Helcar in the far east of Middle-earth. The Awakening of the Elves took place in very ancient times, during the Years of the Trees and the Sleep of Yavanna. The Elves dwelt here for a long time in bliss under the starlight and were content. Here the elves were divided into their three basic groups: the Minyar (Vanyar), Tatyar (Ñoldor), and Nelyar (Teleri) and learned and developed the basic skills of survival, culture, and language.

Unfortunately, Melkor discovered this land first before the Valar and disrupted the peace making many fear him and they were forced to hid, and those unfortunate to be left behind or overwhelmed by fear and unhappiness, were taken or slain. Then years later, Oromë discovered Cuiviénen on his travels throughout Middle-earth and from this time, the first Sundering of the Elves took place when the Eldar departed from Cuiviénen to Valinor, leaving behind the Avari who refused to leave and those who turned back to Cuiviénen a few hundred miles from the land.

It is unknown how long the Avari remained at Cuiviénen during the First Age, but they were certainly still there when Men awoke at the rising of the Sun in the near by land of Hildórien, as its residents befriended early Men and apparently taught them the basic skills of survival.

Later Days
It is possible that Cuiviénen was ruined after the War of Wrath, and its inhabitations fled as it is certain that the Sea of Helcar ceased to exist so "to Cuiviénen there is no returning"; however, according to The Atlas of Middle-earth it still lies in the far east east of the land of Rhûn and its Sea. With all ruins to the world over ages and the later Dominion of Men, Cuiviénen was probably no longer inhabited by any elf of any kindred ever more.

Others mentions
Fëanor mentioned the "sweet waters" of Cuiviénen that they had left in vain for Aman in his attempt to sway the Ñoldor to join him in pursuit of Melkor to Middle-earth.

Etymology
Its name (cuiviër+nen) means 'water of awakening'.

External link


Cuiviénen Cuiviénen Куйвиэнен