Places in Middle-earth
Menelrond
Type: Buildings, Halls, Houses
Region: Beleriand & North
Meaning: heaven-dome
Other Names Hall of the Throne of Elwë
Location: The royal hall of Menegroth; the throne room of Thingol, King of Doriath.
Description:
Now Elrond was a word for the firmament, the starry dome as it appeared like a roof to Arda; and it was given by Elwing in memory of the great Hall of the Throne of Elwë in the midst of his stronghold of Menegroth that was called the Menelrond, because by the arts and aid of Melian its high arched roof had been adorned with silver and gems set in the order and figures of the stars in the great Dome of Valmar in Aman, whence Melian came.
The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 2, Ch 12, The Problem of Ros
Etymology
menel 'the heavens' in Meneldil, Menelmacar, Meneltarma....
rond meant a vaulted or arched roof, or a large hall or chamber so roofed; so Nargothrond..., Hadhodrond, Aglarond. It could be applied to the heavens, hence the name Elrond 'star-dome'.
The Silmarillion, Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names
Contributors: Elena Tiriel 13Aug07
