The Seedling of Galathilion

[Starr Polish]

In the "Of Eldamar" section in the Sil, it mentions one of the seedlings of Galathilion that dwells in Tol Eressea, and it is called Celeborn.

Is this tree Celeborn the Wise's namesake? If so, why?

Keep in mind I haven't finished the Sil yet, so if this is a completely ignorant question, I'm sorry.

[Mirahzi]

'Celeborn' is elvish for 'silver tree.' The Lord of Lorien was so named for his silver hair. The seedling of Galathilion is also called that, because, well, that's what it is.

[olsonm]

There is a section in Unfinished Tales that talks about this very issue. I'll have to look it up.

Celeborn means "Silver Tree" and refers to the tree. Since Celeborn had silver hair and was tall this name fit. Tolkien had second thoughts about the meaning of his name late in his life but I can't remember what they were. I'll post again when I find it.

[olsonm]

Late in life Tolkien considered that the "orn" in Celeborn might have come from "orna" meaning "uprising, tall" instead of the relate noun "orne" which refered to tall slender trees.

[Ñólendil]

But when "Celeborn" was meant to mean "silver-tall", he was conceived of as a Teler of Aman, so I don't think this meaning of his name should be accepted. Celeborn is said in the Lord of the Rings and The Road Goes Ever On to have been a Grey-elf in Doriath.

Interestingly, Celeborn's brother was named Galathil. His immediate family had tree-names, it seems. His father was Galadhon and his niece was Nimloth.

[markedel]

Similar name though-Teleporno I believe.