Character Bios
Mahtan
Other Names: Urundil (Copper-lover); Rusco (fox); alternative name: Sarmo
Location(s): Tirion, Valinor
Race/Species: Elf
Type/Kind: Noldor
Dates: alive during Age of the Trees
Parents: N/A
Siblings: N/A
Spouse: N/A
Children: Nerdanel
Description:
Table of Contents: Description
Skills
History
Etymology
Notes
Description
'He usually wore a band of copper about his head. His hair was not as dark or black as was that of most of the Noldor, but brown, and had glints of coppery-red in it.'
The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 2, Ch 11, The Shibboleth of Fëanor Note 61
Skills
'Her father, Mahtan, was a great smith, and among those of the Noldor most dear to the heart of Aule. Of Mahtan Nerdanel learned much of crafts that women of the Noldor seldom used: the making of things of metal and stone.'
Morgoth's Ring HoME Vol 10, Part 3, Ch 2, Of Feanor And The Unchaining Of Melkor
History
'Nerdanel's father was an 'Aulendil' [> 'Aulendur'], and became a great smith. He loved copper, and set it above gold.
A note is appended to Aulendur:
' "Servant of Aule": sc. one who was devoted to that Vala. It was applied especially to those persons, or families, among the Noldor who actually entered Aule's service, and who in return received instruction from him.'
The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 2, Ch 11, The Shibboleth of Fëanor Note 61
'But now the lords of the Noldor took out their swords and spears and sharpened them, re-strung their bows and filled their quivers with arrows. And they made shields in those days and emblazoned them with devices of silver and gold and gems. These only they wore abroad, and of other weapons they did not speak, for each believed that he alone had received the warning. But when Feanor got wind of what was being done, he made for himself a secret forge, of which not even Melkor was aware; and there he wrought fell swords of tempered steel for himself and for his seven sons, and tall helms with plumes of red. Bitterly Mahtan rued the day when he had taught to the husband of Nerdanel, his daughter, all the lore of metal work that he learned of Aule.'
Morgoth's Ring HoME Vol 10, Part 3, Ch 2, Of The Silmarils And The Unrest Of The Noldor §52b
Etymology
Mahta means "to handle" other variations in The Etymologies mean "skilled" or "handy".
The Lost Road and Other Writings, HoME Vol 5, Part 3, The Etymologies
Notes
[Given Mahtan's horror at what Feanor had done with his teaching, it can be assumed that Mahtan stayed in Valinor, although it is not explicitly stated.]
Contributors:
Information from Finch 2.22.03, quotes added by Lyllyn 11.18.04
