Astronomy of Middle Earth

Jedi X · 10-01-2003, 04:19 PM

I was wondering if anyone knew of any word JRR gave concerning the astronomical significances and/or explanations of some of the passages in the books.

At the end of 'Strider' in FOTR; Frodo gazes at the Sickle in the clear night sky. The *note giving that this is also called the Plough or Great Bear- obviously being the Big Dipper.

In the chapter 'Three is Company' there is the mentioning of Remmirath (the Netted Stars) which I assume to be the Pleiades; Menelvagor (the Swordsman of the Sky), presumably Orion with his "shining belt"; and red Borgil, which I assume to be Mars.

Are there any other constellations/stars that bear mention in the works? Did JRR have anything to say concerning these?

Now, if this is something that is commonly known ("it's in Appendix IV; Skies of Middle-Earth; Lost Book of the Works; Section XI- Fool!") then I willingly submit to stoning. I ask only that you use the little, smooth stone and not the big, pointy ones (those ones hurt!).

10-01-2003, 04:19 PM	#1
Jedi X Hobbit Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Behind the East Wind Posts: 22	Astronomy of Middle Earth I was wondering if anyone knew of any word JRR gave concerning the astronomical significances and/or explanations of some of the passages in the books. At the end of 'Strider' in FOTR; Frodo gazes at the Sickle in the clear night sky. The *note giving that this is also called the Plough or Great Bear- obviously being the Big Dipper. In the chapter 'Three is Company' there is the mentioning of Remmirath (the Netted Stars) which I assume to be the Pleiades; Menelvagor (the Swordsman of the Sky), presumably Orion with his "shining belt"; and red Borgil, which I assume to be Mars. Are there any other constellations/stars that bear mention in the works? Did JRR have anything to say concerning these? Now, if this is something that is commonly known ("it's in Appendix IV; Skies of Middle-Earth; Lost Book of the Works; Section XI- Fool!") then I willingly submit to stoning. I ask only that you use the little, smooth stone and not the big, pointy ones (those ones hurt!). __________________ That which was is that which will be; and that which is done is that which will be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

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