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The Sprites, also called Spirits, were sapient beings whose nature in essence were of non-corporeality. They existed in the world of Arda in its earliest days and generally they dwelt in the Unseen world, as recorded fleetingly in the earliest forms of Tolkien's Mythology and linguistic writings of the Eldar.[1][2]
History[]
Eru Ilúvatar created the sprites through the Flame Imperishable and came into Arda with the Ainur.[3] It is unknown whether they were Ainur themselves. They were attached to the growing things in nature and were naturally playful beings, known for chanting and singing in the many places where flora grew. They existed in great numbers and were called by many names.[1] Some spirits were corrupted by Melkor and became Úmaiar put under his service.[4] Perhaps, the spirits of "evil vigilance" that are said to have abode in the Two Watchers[5] were part of this group.
Characteristics[]
The sprites were classified through an association with a certain element, or physical phenomenon. In particular there were air spirits, earth spirits, water spirits, fire spirits and shadow spirits.[1] Some others, instead, seem to be inspired to creatures of British folklore (such as Brownies, Laprawns, Lintips and Pixies).[6]
Etymology[]
Ëalar is the collective name of this creatures in Quenya.[7]
In other versions[]
Some character were conceived in earlier versions of the legendarium as some kind of spirits of nature (for example Goldberry or Melian).[8][9][10] Also the Elves were in origin conceived as ethereal creatures called "Fairies".[2][11][12] Later this name was still used in hobbit folklore referring to the Elves.[13]
In later versions of his writings Tolkien probably reprised some of the concept about the sprites in the creation of the Maiar.[4]
Known Sprites[]
There were spirits of trees, forests, dales, and mountain-sides, or those that sang amid the grass at morning and chanted "among the standing corn at eve".
- Alandri
- Brownies
- Dryads
- Fays
- Laprawns
- Lintips
- Mermaids
- Nandini
- Nermir
- Orossi
- Pelloini
- Pixies
- Sáyar
- Sylphs
- Tavari
- Úvalear
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The History of Middle-earth, Vol. I: The Book of Lost Tales Part One, chapter III: "The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "I-Lam na-Ngoldathon: The Grammar and Lexicon of the Gnomish Tongue", Parma Eldalamberon, n. XI
- ↑ The Silmarillion, Valaquenta
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The History of Middle-earth, Vol. X: Morgoth's Ring, Part Two: "The Annals of Aman"
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Ch. I: "The Tower of Cirith Ungol"
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. I: The Book of Lost Tales Part One, chapter III: "The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor"
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. X: Morgoth's Ring, Part Three: "The Later Quenta Silmarillion"
- ↑ In The Fellowship of the Ring Sourcebook for the Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, Goldberry is listed as a nature-spirit and is closely connected to the weather of the Old Forest. "She is the rain and snows that arise from the waters and replenish them again."
- ↑ J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century (London 2001) pg. 60
- ↑ J. Rateliff, Mr Baggins (London 2007), pg. 59 and pg. 50
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. I: The Book of Lost Tales Part One
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. I: The Book of Lost Tales Part Two
- ↑ The Hobbit, Chapter I: "An Unexpected Party"