Mindonessë
Era beginning/end
Parting of Ways
Towards the end of the first age, the Elves experienced a profound schism that would shape their future for millennia to come. This event, known as Mindonessë or "the parting of ways", saw many elves move from one settlement to another as their beliefs and values dictated, some families even split up over their differences. The new tribes that emerged were each distinct in their outlook and way of life.
The largest of these new tribes was the Valaraith, or "wise ones". Comprising about 8,500 Elves, the Valaraith claimed the fertile river plains of Eärmithalas as their home. Here, they could easily access food and other resources, allowing them to devote much of their time to study and advancement in many areas. The Valaraith were renowned for their wisdom, ingenuity, and ambition, and they would go on to become the dominant faction among the Elves, for centuries to come. The second tribe to emerge from Mindonessë was the Lómëanor, or "dream weavers". With 2,300 members, they retreated to the deep forests of Neldorath, where they could connect ever more deeply with the spirits of nature and the natural world. The Lómëanor were known for their artistic and mystical inclinations, and they would continue to weave enchanting dreams and visions throughout the ages. The last tribe to emerge from Mindonessë was the Nimrochith, or "those who endure in the marshes". With just 1,200 members, they claimed the vast marshland to the southwest of Tathariel, an area known as Mórinaqua or "black water". Unlike the other two tribes, the Nimrochith were highly territorial and defensive, often attacking anyone who entered their lands without permission. Despite this, they were able to thrive in their inhospitable environment, developing unique skills and knowledge that would set them apart from their Elven kin. Overall, Mindonessë marked a significant turning point in the history of the Elves, as they split into distinct factions and began to develop their own cultures and ways of life. While each tribe had its own strengths and weaknesses, they all shared a deep connection to nature and magic, and they would continue to shape the destiny of Tathariel and its inhabitants for many ages to come. Previous event