How Do You Spell HITHLUM?

Pronunciation: [hˈɪθləm] (IPA)

Hithlum is a fictional place in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe. The correct pronunciation of Hithlum is /ˈhɪθlʊm/. The "h" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a breathy voice, similar to the "h" in "ham". The "th" in "Hithlum" is pronounced as an unvoiced dental fricative, like the "th" in "thin". The "l" is pronounced with the tip of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge, and the "u" is pronounced as the vowel in "book". The final "m" is pronounced as a bilabial nasal sound.

HITHLUM Meaning and Definition

1. Hithlum is a fictional region that appears in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, specifically in his works The Silmarillion and The Children of Húrin. In the context of Tolkien's writings, Hithlum is a vast land located in the northern part of Beleriand, which itself is a fictional continent.

   The name "Hithlum" is derived from the Elvish language of Sindarin, where "hith" means "mist" or "fog," while "lum" translates to "sound." Hithlum is often described as a misty land, encompassing both highlands and plains, covered by dense fogs and mists. Its geography is characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, and steep mountains, with the Ered Wethrin range forming its western border.

   Hithlum played a significant role in the War of the Jewels, serving as the dwelling place for the Sindarin Elves, particularly the people of Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor Elves. It was known for its natural beauty, lush grasslands, and breathtaking vistas. However, Hithlum also faced many hardships, being exposed to the cold northern winds and the tumultuous weather of Beleriand.

   In the narrative, Hithlum became a battlefield during the battle between the Noldor and Morgoth, the Dark Lord. Despite its strategic importance, Hithlum ultimately fell under Morgoth's control, leading to tragic consequences for its inhabitants. Thus, Hithlum represents a prominent location within Tolkien's fictional universe, renowned for its scenery, cultural significance, and its pivotal role in the epic conflicts of Middle-earth.

Etymology of HITHLUM

The word "Hithlum" comes from J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional language, Sindarin, which he created for his legendarium. In Tolkien's Middle-earth mythology, Hithlum was a region in the northwest of Beleriand, a land in the First Age of Middle-earth.

The word "Hithlum" is composed of two Sindarin elements: "hith" and "lum". "Hith" means "mist" or "fog", while "lum" means "echo" or "sound". So, "Hithlum" can be translated as "Mist-shadow" or "Land of Mist".

It is worth noting that Tolkien's fictional languages, including Sindarin, were influenced by various real-world languages, such as Welsh, Finnish, and Old English, as well as his own invented languages from his childhood.