 Alqualondë - City and port of the Teleri Elves in Eldamar, on the coast of the Undying Lands. The Teleri were the last of the Three Kindred of Elves to make their way out of Middle-earth during the Ages of the Stars. These were the Sea-Elves, Elves who above all others love the sea and know its ways best. These are the greatest of sailors who were taught the art of ship building by the sea gods. And so, on the seas about Eldamar, the Teleri sail their ships built in the shapes of the swans of Ulmo the Sea Lord. And this is the reason for the Elvish name of their principal city of Alqualondë, which means "swan haven". For Alqualondë was a magnificent city of marble and pearl built beneath the stars on the shore of the Undying Lands in a great natural harbour which shelters their vast fleet of swam ships. It can only be entered through the arching sea-carved stone gate of their haven. |