Nimfë

Nimfë is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, appearing primarily in his unpublished works, particularly in the *Quenta Silmarillion* and related texts. The name is derived from Quenya, one of the Elvish languages Tolkien created, and translates roughly to "daughter of the sea" or "daughter of the waves." Nimfë is one of the three daughters of the Vala Ulmo, the god of waters in Tolkien’s mythology, alongside his other daughters, Alarë and Nerdanel.

Nimfë is most notably mentioned in connection with the Elves of Beleriand during the early stages of their history. According to Tolkien’s notes, she was associated with the waters of the Hithlum region in Beleriand, where she played a role in the lives of the Elves who dwelled there. Her presence is often linked to the creation of the first Elvish settlements near the sea and rivers, as well as the establishment of the Teleri, a major Elvish kin.

Unlike other Valar, Nimfë is not depicted as a major figure in Tolkien’s published works, such as *The Lord of the Rings* or *The Silmarillion* (as it was later edited). Her role is primarily inferred from scattered notes and drafts, which suggest she was part of the divine influence shaping the world’s waters and the Elves’ early migrations. Some scholars and fans speculate that her name may have been intended to evoke themes of water, fertility, and the natural world, reflecting Tolkien’s broader mythological themes.

Nimfë’s character remains one of the lesser-known Valar, with her significance primarily tied to the lore of the Elves’ origins and the aquatic elements of Middle-earth’s geography. Her inclusion in Tolkien’s writings highlights the depth of his mythological world-building, even in areas that were later omitted or altered.