Elves of Eregion

Eregion was informally founded by Galadriel and Celeborn, who led a large contingent of Noldor eastward in the early Second Age. As they travelled, they were joined by a number of Nandor Elves, as well as Sindar refugees from Doriath. Thus, although the Noldor were the most notable group, they were certainly not the only inhabitants. In fact, they were not even a majority by the time that Eregion was being settled. They naturally were at the top of the Elven hierarchical system, however, and ruled the lesser kindreds by birthright and by their “blessed” status. ln this fashion there were very real castes in the society of Eregion, with the Noldor as the Elite, the Sindar as a middle group, respected in some ways by the Noldor, but definitely considered to be inferior. and ﬁnally the Silvan Elves, who were the most rustic and closest to the earth. They were the “laborers” (if such a term can be used) of the society. This was not to say that there wass “repression” or a forced system of classes; the lesser kindreds willingly defered to the Noldor, and were usually quite happy gardening, building and acting in other functions that the Noldor sometimes thought of as too menial. Around S.A. 850, Thranduil — submitting to pressure from the Dwarves who held no liking for that kindred — departed Eregion with the majority of the Sindar. The land was thus left with an elite class of Noldor and a large number of Silvan Elves in service and support roles.