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Remmirath, or the Netted Stars,[1] was a constellation in the skies over Arda. It is the constellation known in the real world as Pleiades.[2][3]

[edit] History

Though not mentioned specifically, Remmirath's origin is likely the same to that of other constellations: it was created by Varda to signal the Elves to Valinor.[4] In the Third Age, it could be clearly seen in the Eastern sky during the autumn.[1]

[edit] Etymology

Remmirath is quite accurately translated with its Westron name the Netted Stars. The word is composed of three elements: rem, "mesh", mir, "jewel", and the collective plural suffix -ath. It has been translated as "group of gems in a net" and "group of jewels caught in a net".[2] Two other names were used for Pleiades at early stages of the legendarium: Gnomish Sithaloth or Sithaloctha, which means "fly-cluster",[5] and Qenya Itselokte of similar meaning.[6]

[edit] References

  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, pp. 5-31
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Qenyaqetsa: The Qenya Phonology and Lexicon", in Parma Eldalamberon XII (edited by Carl F. Hostetter, Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, and Patrick H. Wynne), p. 43
Middle-earth Cosmology