Tolkien Gateway


Lefnui was the westernmost of the many rivers of southern Gondor, the Lefnui rose in the far west of the White Mountains. It followed an erratic course through the lands west of the hills of Pinnath Gelin, until it emptied into the Bay of Belfalas through a long narrow firth.[1] This river formed the eastern boundary of the Drúwaith Iaur.[2]

The Lefnui played little part in history, though it was remembered by the Men of Rohan. When the Dunlendings invaded Rohan in T.A. 2758, they were aided by Gondor's enemies from the south. These sea-going marauders landed at Lefnui's mouth on their mission to overrun and destroy the Rohirrim, though they would eventually be defeated.[3]

[edit] Etymology

Lefnui (also spelt Levnui) is a Sindarin name. The name appears to mean "fifth".[4]

[edit] Other Versions of the Legendarium

In the "working map" that J.R.R. Tolkien used while writing The Lord of the Rings this river had the name Lhefneg.[5]

[edit] References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age" [map]
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Drúedain", p. 384
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Ring, "Part Three: Minas Tirith", "The Second Map", West, p. 434