Sindars

The Sindar are a fictional race of Elves in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, specifically featured in The Silmarillion. They are the most numerous and widespread of the Elven kindreds that originated from the Great Journey from Cuiviénen to Valinor. The Sindar are often referred to as the "Grey Elves" due to their homeland of Beleriand, a region in the west of Middle-earth, which was largely grey and overcast.

Their history is marked by a division that occurred during the Great Journey. While most Elves continued on to the Undying Lands of Valinor, a significant portion, led by King Thingol, turned back or remained in Beleriand. This decision was influenced by the awe-inspiring presence of the Vala Melian, who became Thingol's wife. Consequently, the Sindar never reached Valinor and developed their own distinct culture and realm in Middle-earth.

King Thingol established the magnificent realm of Doriath, renowned for its beauty and its defenses, including the Girdle of Melian. The Sindar were skilled craftsmen and loremasters, and their language, Sindarin, became the most commonly spoken Elvish tongue in the Third Age of Middle-earth. Many prominent Sindar characters appear in Tolkien's works, including Celeborn, wife of Galadriel, and arguably the most famous Elf of the Third Age, Legolas, a prince of the Mirkwood Sindar. Their long lives and connection to the fading magic of Middle-earth made them significant figures throughout its history.