Oiolossë
Oiolossë (Sindarin for 'Everlasting Snow'), also known by its Quenya name Taniquetil ('High White Peak' or 'High White Point'), is the highest mountain in [[Arda]] and the most prominent feature of [[Aman]], the Undying Lands. It stands on the eastern border of [[Valinor]], overlooking the [[Calacirya]] pass and the [[Encircling Seas]]. Oiolossë is renowned as the dwelling place of [[Manwë]], King of the [[Valar]], and his spouse, [[Varda]], Queen of the Stars, and thus holds immense spiritual and symbolic significance in Middle-earth lore.
History
Oiolossë's origins trace back to the very shaping of [[Arda]] by the [[Valar]] after the [[Ainulindalë]]. When the [[Valar]] made their home in [[Aman]] following the destruction of their first dwelling on the isle of [[Almaren]] by [[Melkor]], they raised the [[Pelóri]] mountains as a defensive wall around [[Valinor]]. Oiolossë was the loftiest and most majestic peak among them, serving as the central and most sacred point of their new realm.
From its summit, [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]] established their halls, [[Ilmarin]], from which [[Manwë]] could observe the entire world and hear every sound, even the rustling of leaves and the beating of wings. It was upon Oiolossë that [[Varda]] often sat, receiving the light of [[Ilúvatar]] and the Two Trees, and from there she kindled the stars of the heavens, a deed that earned her the deep reverence of the [[Elves]].
Throughout the history of [[Valinor]], Oiolossë served as the primary gathering place for the councils of the [[Valar]]. Many pivotal decisions concerning the fate of [[Arda]], the [[Elves]], and later [[Men]], were deliberated upon its heights. It was here that [[Melkor]] was judged and imprisoned in [[Mandos]] after his first defeat, and later, after his release and subsequent corruption of the [[Noldor]], it was from Oiolossë that [[Manwë]] sent his summons for [[Fëanor]] to appear before the [[Valar]].
Perhaps one of the most significant events associated with Oiolossë in the First Age was the arrival of [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. They sailed the [[Vingilótë]] across the [[Encircling Seas]], a feat unprecedented for mortals, and landed at the foot of Oiolossë. There, [[Eärendil]] ascended to [[Ilmarin]] to plead with the [[Valar]] for aid against [[Morgoth]], a plea that ultimately led to the [[War of Wrath]].
Description
Oiolossë is depicted as a mountain of immense height and breathtaking beauty. Its peak is perpetually covered in snow, gleaming white under the light of [[Valinor]] and the stars. It is often described as being "white as [[Varda]]'s snows" and "the purest mountain in the world."
- Location: It forms the highest point of the [[Pelóri]] mountain range, which encircles [[Valinor]] in [[Aman]]. It specifically stands on the eastern side, making it visible to those approaching [[Valinor]] from the Great Sea.
- Halls of Ilmarin: Near its summit, or perhaps directly upon it, are the Halls of [[Ilmarin]], the dwelling place of [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]]. These halls are described as being open to the air and the light, reflecting the nature of their inhabitants.
- Symbolic Appearance: Its towering height signifies the majesty and power of the [[Valar]], particularly [[Manwë]]'s dominion over the airs and skies. Its pure, unblemished snow represents the incorruptible nature of [[Valinor]] and the divine purity of [[Varda]].
- Light: Oiolossë is strongly associated with light. It reflects the light of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]] (and later the Sun and Moon) and is the place from which [[Varda]] set the stars. It stands as a beacon of light and hope in [[Arda]].
Notable Facts
- Highest Peak in Arda: Oiolossë is explicitly stated to be the highest mountain in all of [[Arda]], surpassing even [[Thangorodrim]] in [[Beleriand]] before its destruction.
- Names:
- Oiolossë: Sindarin for 'Everlasting Snow'.
- Taniquetil: Quenya for 'High White Peak' or 'High White Point'.
- Elerrína: Quenya for 'Crown of Stars', a poetic epithet referring to the mountain as the place where [[Varda]] set the stars.
- Seat of Manwë and Varda: It is the primary dwelling and seat of power for [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]], making it the spiritual and political heart of [[Valinor]].
- Valarin Councils: Most, if not all, of the great councils and deliberations of the [[Valar]] concerning the fate of [[Arda]] took place on Oiolossë.
- Eärendil's Landing: It was at the foot of Oiolossë that [[Eärendil]] landed after his legendary voyage, and from its slopes, he ascended to plead his case before the [[Valar]].
- Untouched by Evil: Unlike many other significant locations in [[Arda]], Oiolossë itself remained entirely unmarred and unconquered by [[Morgoth]] or any other evil force, symbolizing the purity and invincibility of the [[Valar]]'s realm.
- Connection to the Heavens: Due to its immense height and [[Manwë]]'s dominion over the air, Oiolossë is considered the closest point in [[Arda]] to [[Ilúvatar]] and the heavens, and the place where the airs of [[Arda]] are purest.