The Seedling of Galathilion

Starr Polish · 08-24-2002, 12:15 AM

In the "Of Eldamar" section in the Sil, it mentions one of the seedlings of Galathilion that dwells in Tol Eressea, and it is called Celeborn.

Is this tree Celeborn the Wise's namesake? If so, why?

Keep in mind I haven't finished the Sil yet, so if this is a completely ignorant question, I'm sorry.

Mirahzi · 08-24-2002, 12:28 AM

'Celeborn' is elvish for 'silver tree.' The Lord of Lorien was so named for his silver hair. The seedling of Galathilion is also called that, because, well, that's what it is.

olsonm · 08-24-2002, 12:28 AM

There is a section in Unfinished Tales that talks about this very issue. I'll have to look it up.

Celeborn means "Silver Tree" and refers to the tree. Since Celeborn had silver hair and was tall this name fit. Tolkien had second thoughts about the meaning of his name late in his life but I can't remember what they were. I'll post again when I find it.

olsonm · 08-24-2002, 12:38 AM

Late in life Tolkien considered that the "orn" in Celeborn might have come from "orna" meaning "uprising, tall" instead of the relate noun "orne" which refered to tall slender trees.

Ñólendil · 08-24-2002, 06:24 PM

But when "Celeborn" was meant to mean "silver-tall", he was conceived of as a Teler of Aman, so I don't think this meaning of his name should be accepted. Celeborn is said in the Lord of the Rings and The Road Goes Ever On to have been a Grey-elf in Doriath.

Interestingly, Celeborn's brother was named Galathil. His immediate family had tree-names, it seems. His father was Galadhon and his niece was Nimloth.

markedel · 08-26-2002, 02:04 PM

Similar name though-Teleporno I believe.

08-24-2002, 12:15 AM	#1
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	The Seedling of Galathilion In the "Of Eldamar" section in the Sil, it mentions one of the seedlings of Galathilion that dwells in Tol Eressea, and it is called Celeborn. Is this tree Celeborn the Wise's namesake? If so, why? Keep in mind I haven't finished the Sil yet, so if this is a completely ignorant question, I'm sorry. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell Last edited by Starr Polish : 08-24-2002 at 12:17 AM.

08-24-2002, 12:28 AM	#2
Mirahzi Elf Lord Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,286	'Celeborn' is elvish for 'silver tree.' The Lord of Lorien was so named for his silver hair. The seedling of Galathilion is also called that, because, well, that's what it is. __________________ "For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only; and in that deed his heart shall rest." - Fëanor

08-24-2002, 12:28 AM	#3
olsonm Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: minneapolis MN Posts: 920	There is a section in Unfinished Tales that talks about this very issue. I'll have to look it up. Celeborn means "Silver Tree" and refers to the tree. Since Celeborn had silver hair and was tall this name fit. Tolkien had second thoughts about the meaning of his name late in his life but I can't remember what they were. I'll post again when I find it. __________________ Gandalf lives...oh and Frodo too. Haldir Lives!!! Last edited by olsonm : 08-24-2002 at 12:31 AM.

08-24-2002, 12:38 AM	#4
olsonm Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: minneapolis MN Posts: 920	Late in life Tolkien considered that the "orn" in Celeborn might have come from "orna" meaning "uprising, tall" instead of the relate noun "orne" which refered to tall slender trees. __________________ Gandalf lives...oh and Frodo too. Haldir Lives!!!

08-24-2002, 06:24 PM	#5
Ñólendil Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: California Posts: 60,865	But when "Celeborn" was meant to mean "silver-tall", he was conceived of as a Teler of Aman, so I don't think this meaning of his name should be accepted. Celeborn is said in the Lord of the Rings and The Road Goes Ever On to have been a Grey-elf in Doriath. Interestingly, Celeborn's brother was named Galathil. His immediate family had tree-names, it seems. His father was Galadhon and his niece was Nimloth. __________________ Falmon -- Dylan

08-26-2002, 02:04 PM	#6
markedel 'Sober' Mullet Frosh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Queen's Posts: 1,245	Similar name though-Teleporno I believe. __________________ "Earnur was a man like his father in valour, but not in wisdom"

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