Yuletide Blessings !

The significance of the Phial may perhaps not be obvious at first, but it is one of the most powerful objects in Middle-earth, especially around Christmas time.

'She held up a small crystal phial: it glittered as she moved it, and rays of white light sprand from her hand. "In this phial," she said, "is caught the light of Eärendil's star, set amid the waters of my fountain. It will shine still brighter when night is about you." (Farewell to Lorien - J.R.R. Tolkien) 

The origins of the Phial are in an ancient Old English poem that Professor Tolkien had known for over twenty years. The few lines in the poem where to become one of the most important building blocks in the creation of the history of Middle-earth.

Eala Earendel engla beorhtast
Ofer middangeard monnum sended

Modern English translation:

Hail Earendel, brightest of angels
Above middle-earth sent unto men.

'I felt a curious thrill as if something had stirred in me, half awakened from sleep. There was something very remote and strange and beautiful behind these words, something far beyond ancient English.' (J.R.R. Tolkien)

In the poem the star announces the birth of Jesus , although Tolkien also linked it to a much earlier legend about a bright star that announces the 'birth' of the dawn each day by appearing in the sky before the sun. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam are gifted with Hope by Galadriel,  inside the Phial  is the brightest light to defeat darkness, just like at Yule we celebrate the light the re-birth of light and  hope in the darkness of midwinter.

Every year at this time, in cold and dark December, people around Middle-earth gather to celebrate the re-birth of light, with presents and with parties, with feasting and with fun, customs and traditions for old and young.

MAGICAL WINTER IN MIDDLE-EARTH

Light descents on Middle-earth,
In the softness of the snow
Hobbits dancing by the fire,
With the lanterns all aglow

While the whole world is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, the people of Middle-earth are busy getting ready for the celebrations of Yule, This is a time of hope across Middle-earth, so from all of us in the Luarelin Archives Webteam, warm wishes to you all of a Joyous Yuletide and a Happy New Year .

Article by Amorey - Laurelin Archives Webteam

Video by Lina - Lina's Bisquity Burrow