Undómiel

Undómiel is a Sindarin name used in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium to refer to Arwen, the daughter of Elrond. The epithet is commonly translated as “Evenstar” or “Evening Star,” and it appears in the narratives surrounding the lineages of Elves and Men. In Tolkien’s writings, Arwen is often called Undómiel, highlighting her as a bright star-like figure associated with dusk and transition.

Etymology and meaning: Undómiel is formed from Sindarin elements that convey the idea of the evening or twilight and a feminine designation. The prevailing interpretation in Tolkien’s canon is that the name signifies an “Evenstar,” reflecting Arwen’s enduring presence and beauty as an Elf-lady who spans two ages. The epithet underscores her role as a symbol of hope and the bridging of Elven and human peoples, rather than a given name in the strict sense.

In Tolkien’s texts, Undómiel appears chiefly in the appendices and legends surrounding Aragorn and Arwen. It serves as one of Arwen’s well-known sobriquets, used by Elves and Men alike to refer to her in a poetic, ceremonial manner. The term has since become a recognizable element of Arwen’s character within Tolkien’s broader mythos, distinct from her formal name Arwen Undómiel in some retellings.