Epessë

An "epessë" (in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium) is one of the three categories of Elven names, equivalent to a nickname or honorary title.

Elves were typically given two names ("essi") at birth: a father-name and a mother-name. The "father-name" was often based on the father's own name or (in later times) was derived from old legends. A father-name might even be the same as the father's, with a suffix added — such is the case with Gildor Inglorion. (This is similar to the Russian patronymic.) A "mother-name" would be given later at birthhuh and had great significance, as Elven mothers were said to hold great insight into the character of their children — even the gift of prophecy in such matters.citation needed|date=July 2008

The "epessë" or "after-name" is the third type. The after-name would be given later in life, but not necessarily by the Elf's kin, as a title of admiration. In some circumstances, the "epessë" would be chosen by the Elf himself.citation needed|date=July 2008 An Elf could be referred to by any of the three, but the "epessë" typically took preference.

In Tolkien's works, the "epessë" is usually used rather than the "essi".

Examples

*Maedhros, the oldest son of Fëanor, was by his brothers referred to as "Russandol" (copper-top): an "epessë" he had earned because of his ruddy hair. "Maedhros" itself was an "epessë": his father-name had been "Nelyafinwë" (Finwë the third: Fëanor's own father name had been (Curu)finwë), and his mother-name "Maitimo".

*Gil-galad (Star of Radiance) is the mother-name of "Rodnor", son of Orodreth. He is given the epessë "Ereinion" because of his heritage: the name literally means "Scion of Kings".

*Círdan (Shipwright) is the "epessë" of a Telerin Elf who remained in Beleriand, and later Lindon, until the end of the Third Age. His original name had been forgotten, and he was referred to always as Círdan, a title which had been given to him as Lord of the Falas before the First Age.

*Finrod is usually referred to as "Felagund" (hewer of caves), an original derogatory nickname given to him because of his dwellings at Nargothrond. Finrod adopted the name, and made it a title of honour.

*Galadriel is the Sindarin translation of Alatáriel, the latter being the Telerin "epessë" originally given to her by Celeborn. "Galadriel" means "Maiden Crowned by a Radiant Garland". The name itself is an "epessë": her father-name is Artanis ("noble woman") and her mother-name is Nerwen ("man-maiden").