September 22, 2002

To Elfhelm
Lady of Rohan

In response to your question about the Sindarin and Noldorian Elves, Elfhelm:

Sindarin (or Grey Elves)are Telerian Elves that did not go to Aman--the Blessed Realm where the Valar live. The Sindarin stayed in Beleriand, as opposed to the other Teleri that DID travel to Aman.

The Teleri were the "Sea-elves", and the ones that stayed in Beleriand (or Middle-earth) were called the Sindar. They are the ones you hear the most about in LOTR. (Thingol and Luthien were Sindar, and therefore Earendil and Elrond were
partly.)

All the Noldorian Elves went to Aman. They were the "Deep Elves." Galadriel is a Noldorian Elf.

All of this is in "The Silmarillion", as well as several very precise charts and genealogical tables. I highly recommend it-- it is a really awesome work.