Notice: With the Laurelin server shutting down, our website will soon reflect the Meriadoc name. You can still use the usual URL, or visit us at https://meriadocarchives.org/

Hithenair

Híthenér Angamaranwë, Gwistuicûndur

Name Hithenair
Status
Active
Occupation
Warrior
Age
5758
Race
Elf
Residence
Imladris
Kinship
Vanimar
Outward Appearance

Tall, dark haired and grey eyed, Híthenér's appearance is that of a typical Noldo. Like those of all Elves his facial features are well-shaped, though his nose is somewhat larger and hooked than is usual. 

Background

In the 701st year of the Second Age, a Noldorin child was born on the shores of Nenuial. His mother named him Angamaranwë, meaning 'iron-fated'. He was still a child when his family took part in the migration to Eregion, the new Elven realm ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn. His father had served in the retinue of Maedhros, and had slain many in Doriath and at the Mouths of the Sirion, and now followed Celebrimbor, the last of Fëanor’s line. Angamaranwë’s mother was of the Nargodhrim, taken prisoner during the third kinslaying. Despite this mournful cause for their meeting, their marriage was one of love, but she struggled to put the cries of the gulls from her mind. Thus it was that she begged Angamaranwë’s father that he would sail with her into the west. He, a kinslayer, knew not whether he would be pardoned in Aman, or condemned to everlasting darkness, but he could not bear to be parted from his wife and so he agreed. Their son however was barely grown to adulthood, and far from tired of Middle Earth and so Angamaranwë remained in Eregion, taking Celebrimbor for his liege lord. The young Noldo learned some smith-craft, but took little interest in ring-lore and the setting of jewels; his metals were iron and steel, those that could be used to make ploughshares and broadforks. Angamaranwë was as devoted to Yavanna as he was to Aulë, and spent much of his time working the land around Ost-in-Edhil. In this time he loved a maid of the city, but she did not love him back and so he thought it best to move away, causing him to sell his farm and buy a flock of sheep, which he grazed in the southeast of Eregion. There the wild hill-men of Dunland often tried to steal from his flock, meaning he became skilled with the spear. His skill with scythe and spear was complimented by an aptitude with the pen, for he had read enough fine tomes that some of their eloquence had rubbed off on him. He took great interest in history, and in religion and the matters of the Valar. What drove him in this was partly his frequent thought on the fate of his father, a kinslayer. In this time, during the sojourn of the one called Annatar in Eregion, tensions rose between the Gwaith-i-Mírdain and Galadriel and Celeborn. Celembrimbor thus gathered what loyal retainers he had to him, and Angamaranwë was among these, with his penmanship the vanguard of the resistance to Eregion’s rulers. Eventually the Mírdain were persuaded to seize power, and they and their followers set out to arrest the golden lady and the silver lord. Angamaranwë was at their head when they reached the hall of Galadriel and Celeborn, finding his path blocked by a Sinda named Maethon. ‘Step aside, grey-elf!’ spoke Angamaranwë.
‘Nay!’ replied Maethon, ‘For you seek to lay hands on my lord and lady, so I shall not willingly let you pass these doors.’
‘So be it!’ declared Angamaranwë, upon whom a great wrath had come. Then he and Maethon levelled their spears and began a fierce combat, lunging and swiping with their weapons. Soon though, Maethon locked spears with Angamaranwë, then slid his down onto his foes fingers, causing him to drop the spear. But before the Sinda could subdue his opponent, the Noldo launched himself at Maethon, pushing him through the doors and onto the floor of the hall. With unquenchable rage in his eyes Angamaranwë drew his dagger and plunged it into the side of Maethon’s neck. As the Elf died, Celeborn seized up his sword and would have killed the murderer, had not Galadriel stayed him, pointing to the entrance of Celebrimbor. The great smith called for calm, and said he wished for no more blood to be shed. Celeborn stared with hatred at Angamaranwë, who met his gaze with equal venom, but the silver-haired remembered the Ruin of Doriath, and placed the safety of his wife and daughter above his own vengeance. Galadriel made ready to leave for Lórinand with Celebrian, but before she departed she named Angamaranwë 'gwistuicûndur', for she saw he had unknowingly served the evil purposes of Annatar. If only the son of Curufin had possessed her wisdom for Annatar would betray the Gwaith and, revealed as Sauron, invade Eregion with an army of foul creatures. In the streets of Ost-in-Edhil Angamaranwë slew many Orcs, but when faced with a stone-troll he was dealt a stunning blow. When he roused himself, all that remained of the city was a charred skeleton. Travelling north, he joined the refugees led by Elrond and fought in the first siege of the Hidden Valley. After the war was done however, Celeborn demanded he be put to death for murder. Before a trial could take place, Angamaranwë fled and wandered around Middle Earth for the next millennium, visiting many strange lands. It was only when Gil-Galad called his banners to assail Mordor that the Elf returned to Eriador, joining the host of Glorfindel under the pseudonym of Híthenér (Quenya for mist-man). Híthenér fought on the Dagorlad in 3434, and again upon the slopes of Orodruin in 3441. Again, once the fighting was done he left his fellow Noldor, and returned to his wandering.
These time though, he did not wander so long. Early in the Third Age Híthenér came to the lands of the Avari north of the Sea of Rhûn. Those few of the Tatyar were hostile to him, but those of the Nelyar welcomed him warmly. In gratitude, Híthenér taught the Avari much of farming, and under his tutelage their land became bountiful. He himself fell in love with an Avarin maiden. She, Hanniel, was of mostly Tatyarin blood and so was initially hostile to the Noldo. Gradually though, she came to see they were similar in thought and countenance, and grew to love him for the merry passion with which he tilled the earth, and his unceasing search for wisdom. The two were married and for centuries they had great happiness together. This time was not, however, wholly one of peace for Easterlings would frequently encroach upon Avarin lands, and both peoples suffered losses in the fighting. In 2901, Hanniel suffered a terrible arrow wound and though the best healers of her people cleansed and bound it, her life force slowly continued to ebb away. On closely inspection it was learned that the dart was cursed, its head inscribed with dark spells. Híthenér realised that Hanniel could only truly be cured in Aman, and so he resolved to take her there, regardless of what his own fate might be as a kinslayer. On the hardiest horse to be found they rode west, making swift progress until they reached the Anduin. There they were forced to stop until Híthenér found a ford, and in the meantime the marchwardens of Lórien came upon the pair. They were brought to the presence of Galadriel and Celeborn, who had not forgotten the gwistuicûndur. The lord and lady resolved to provide an escort to take Hanniel to the Havens, but that her husband would be executed the day after she departed. But in the night Híthenér escaped from the talan on which he was imprisoned, seeking to follow his wife southwards, or failing this go over Caradhras. Both ways, however, were blocked by the riders of Lórien, forcing him to flee into the Dimrill Dale, and through the doors of Khazad-dûm.  Moria was infested with goblins and at first Híthenér wondered whether he would make it through alive. The numbers of Moria's denizens were not however quite yet recovered from the war with the Dwarves and Híthenér knew the mansions of Durin's Folk well, having visited them on several occasions during his time in Hollin. Passing through Moria, Híthenér attempted to catch up with the party escorting his wife. When he finally reached Mithlond he was met by Círdan, who informed him that Hanniel's ship had already sailed. A distraught Híthenér decideded to follow her on the next ship, no matter what punishment might await him in Aman. It was at this point though that Glorfindel approached him. He reminded Híthenér that his case with the Valar might be strengthened if he remained to battle the evil forces at work in Middle Earth. Seeing sense in the Elf-lord's words, he joined the watch that had been set upon Angmar after the Witch King's defeat. Glorfindel ensured that Híthenér's identity remained secret but the rest of the company were nevertheless slow to trust him. After many years the Elven party was set upon by Orcs who slew most of the group and imprisoned the survivors. In the dark dungeons of Urugarth Híthenér began to wonder whether his 'iron-fate' was to die in the 'Iron-home', being driven almost to despair but maintaining his sanity by thinking of Hanniel. When the Men of Angmar marched into the North Downs they took Híthenér with them, hoping that he would come in useful in their dealings with the Elves of Melunien. The camp on Dol Dínen was raided by the Elves of Bar-En-Vanimar however, their leader being none other than Belethoriel. the leader of those who had watched Angmar. The Elves restored him to health, but he did not return to Imladris with them, knowing that there were many there who would recognise him, and demand he be put to trial.
Friends
none
Relatives
none
Rivals/Enemies
none
Loves
Hanniel, but she has passed into the West
Hates
Motivation
To redeem himself in the eyes of the Valar.
Quotes
'We all have our regrets.'

Hithenair's Adventures

Chapter 1: The Enemy's Plans 10 years 6 months ago
On the Right of Free Peoples to Self-Rule 11 years 2 months ago
Observations on the Eglain: Culture and Customs 11 years 7 months ago
Observations on the Eglain: A Hard Land 11 years 7 months ago
Observations on the Eglain: Origins 11 years 7 months ago
Hithenair's Adventures

Hithenair's Gallery

S.A. 3319
Hithenair's Gallery