“Silmarillion Chapter 5: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië”

“But the memory of Middle-Earth under the stars remained in the hearts of the Noldor, and the abode in the Calacirya, and in the hills and valleys within the sound of the western sea”

Above is a painting of the Tirion, which became the capital city of the Noldor. It faces the gap of Calacirya, which is the only opening in the mountain range where the light of the Two Trees (a divine source of illumination) can pass through. I’ve also incorporated this image into the clothing and banners of the Noldor Elves. The black eye markings are used to mimic the dirt marks the Noldor get while working their furnaces, as they are very proud of their crafting and metalworking.

The House of Finwë From left to right:

1. Indis - Finwë’s second wife. She is not actually Noldor, but a Vanyar Elf.
2. Finwë - High King of the Noldor.
3. Míriel - Finwë’s first wife who died after giving birth to her only son, Fëanor.
4. Fingolfin - Indis and Finwë’s son, and a significant hero in the Silmarillion.
5. Fëanor - Finwë’s eldest son, mightiest of the Noldor and creator of the Silmarils.

 Previous Silmarillion entries:

1. Ainulindalë - The Music of the Ainur
2. Valaquenta - Account of the Valar and Maiar in according to the lore of the Eldar
3. The Monsters of Middle-Earth
4. The Free Peoples of the First Age
5. Silmarillion Chapter 1 - Of the Beginning of Days
6. Silmarillion Chapter 2 - Of Aulë and Yavanna
7. Silmarillion Chapter 3 - Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor
8. Silmarillion Chapter 4 - Of Thingol and Melian

Silmarillion Project Part 4: The Free Peoples of the First Age

• Part 1: “Ainulindalë - The Music of the Ainur”
• Part 2: “Valaquenta - Account of the Valar and Maiar in according to the lore of the Eldar”
• Part 3: “The Monsters of Middle-Earth”

There are three houses of High Elves:

1. Teleri - The largest of the houses, Teleri are a diverse group that has often found its home in the sea. They are among the most skilled shipbuilders and navigators of their time. The Teleri usually had brown hair and eyes, though those of royal lineage had silver hair.
2. Vanyar - The ruling house of Elves, the Vanyar comprise the wisest and most powerful of their race, including the high king of all Elves, Ingwë. The most distinctive element of the Vanyar is that once arriving in Aman, they would virtually never leave it again. As such, their influence in the history of Middle-Earth is brief. Vanyar are exceptionally fair, with bright golden hair.
3. Noldor - Easily the most famous of the High Elves, the Noldor are the most ambitious and industrious of their kind. They are above all legendary craftsmen; it was the Noldor Fëanor who crafted the Silmarils, for which the Silmarillion is named. As one might expect, the Noldor are extremely proud, becoming the source of much tragedy in Middle-Earth. Noldor have a strong, muscular build, usually bearing very dark hair and grey eyes.

Of the Elves who chose to stay in Middle-Earth, the most notable are the Sindar. They, along with the Dwarves, comprise the rest of the non-human allies during the First Age of the Silmarillion.

1. Sindar- A large population of Teleri never completed the journey to Aman and stayed in Middle-Earth. These became known as the Sindar, and comprise the Elves most familiar to the human history of MIddle-Earth. They largely prefer natural surroundings, creating cities in harmony with the forests. 
2. Dwarves - Created by Aluë as a crude imitation/homage to the true Children of Illuvatar (Elves & Men), Dwarves were given true life, though their nature and appearance is notably different from the other races. Dwarves are stubborn, hardy, and resistant to both evil and harsh elements. They prefer mining and crafting, surpassing all others in the skill of smithing. Their relationship with Elves is complicated, though they found good friends amongst the Noldor.

In the First Age, the humans who participated in the wars against Morgoth were known as the Edain, who were divided into three houses: 

1. Hador - The House of Hador was large and fond of warfare. Many of the greatest warriors of the First Age came from these people, and above all the Edain gained the most renown. They were very tall and usually had blonde or goldenhair.
2. Haleth - The House of Haleth were the most peaceful and reclusive of the Edain, largely keeping out of the conflicts of the First Age. They were dark-haired, short, and survived well into later times.
3. Bëor - The smallest house of the Edain, Bëor consisted of patient, steadfast people who were quick to resist the evil temptations of Morgoth. They endured significant menace and tragedy from the Dark Lord and his armies throughout the First Age.