The Isle of Balar, known in Sindarin as Tol Balar was a significant island situated approximately seventy-five miles off the southern coast of Beleriand in the expansive Bay of Balar. This island served as a crucial refuge and gathering point for both the Eldar and Edain during the tumultuous events of the First Age of Middle-earth. It was here where Cirdan the Shipwright and Gil-galad dwelt after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
Geography[]
The Isle of Balar was a verdant and tranquil haven amidst the turbulent seas of the Bay of Balar. Its coastline was dotted with white sand beaches, where countless shimmering pearls lay scattered among the tidal pools. Dense forests of silver birch and towering oak covered much of the island, their leaves whispering in the sea breeze. The central part of the island was slightly elevated, forming gentle hills that offered a clear view of the surrounding waters. Streams of crystal-clear water flowed from these hills, forming small waterfalls that fed into lush meadows below. The Havens of Círdan also known as Lond Balar, were located on the eastern shores, with wooden piers extending into the bay and intricately carved elven ships moored alongside. Its northern coast featured sheltered coves, which provided natural harbors for the elven ships of Círdan. The settlements on the island were modest but well-fortified, reflecting its role as a haven for refugees from the wars of Beleriand. Tents and wooden dwellings dotted the landscape, with many built around central halls used for gatherings and planning the resistance against Morgoth. The waters around the island shimmered with pearls, which were sometimes harvested to aid in trade or crafting.
History[]
According to ancient legends, the Isle of Balar was originally the eastern horn of Tol Eressëa, the Lonely Isle, which broke away when Ulmo, the Vala of the Seas, ferried the Eldar to Aman. This fragment remained anchored in the Bay of Balar, becoming a sanctuary amidst the encroaching darkness of Morgoth's dominion.
Before the catastrophic Dagor Bragollach, Turgon, the King of Gondolin, foresaw the need for secure outposts and established a haven on the Isle of Balar. He dispatched ships bearing messengers to Aman, pleading for the Valar's intervention against Morgoth. Tragically, none of these emissaries returned, except for the Elf Voronwë, who was saved by Ulmo and brought back to Middle-earth.
The destruction of the Falas by Morgoth's forces led to a mass exodus of survivors, including Círdan the Shipwright and his people, who sought refuge on the Isle of Balar. Here, they established a thriving community, maintaining close contact with the settlement in Arvernien, led by the Half-elf Eärendil. It was on Balar that Círdan assisted Eärendil the Mariner in constructing the legendary ship Vingilotë, with which Eärendil embarked on his perilous journey to Valinor to seek the Valar's pardon and aid against Morgoth.
During the War of Wrath, the Isle of Balar remained a bastion for the Sindar and some Noldor, who continued to resist Morgoth's tyranny. After the war, as Beleriand was submerged beneath the waves, many survivors gathered on Balar. From this sanctuary, numerous Elves journeyed to Lindon, while others returned to Valinor. The Edain, guided by the Valar, sailed to the newly raised isle of Númenor. Sometime after the year 32 of the Second Age, the Isle of Balar eventually sank beneath the Belegaer, becoming one of the Lands Under the Wave.
The shallow waters surrounding the isle were renowned for their abundance of pearls, which were highly prized by the Elves. The island was also a center of shipbuilding and maritime activity, with Círdan's Haven serving as the primary port and shipyard. This haven was a hub of commerce and communication, linking the various Elven realms and facilitating the exchange of goods, knowledge, and culture.
Places of note[]
Cirdan's Haven, Hall of Gil-galad, Watchtower of the East, Pearl Shores
Inhabitants:[]
Círdan the Shipwright, Gil-Galad, Elwing, Eärendil the Mariner, Voronwë, Aerandir, Erellont of Sirion, Falathar, Pengolodh, Gaelira, Baranor, Mithrion, Lirion
References[]
Read Sil 57, 92,121,159,196,244,246-7.