IX. The Roster of Thranduil's Household

A reckoning of Thranduil's children, their Mothers, Houses, and Ages follows. There are so many that it gets nearly impossible to remember one from another! Human age equivalents shown thus: (24) are approximate. Tolkien says, up to around age five, elves and humans were close developmentally, but after that humans matured much more quickly, almost 2.8 times faster than elven rates of growth. (Arrived by using Tolkien's age of majority for Noldor elves = 50 years divided by modern American concept of maturity at age 18 =2.8 years for elves is the same as 1 year for humans in terms of growth. See Morgoth's Ring for Tolkien's thoughts on this.)

And I am adding another note due to a comment made on another site: time gaps, and any other strange facet of this tale, are not to be overlooked by anyone. If there is something bugging you, (such as why on earth did Thranduil wait until late in the Third Age to start having all these children) rest assured it is bugging Erestor and Co. and most likely is a way for the humble writer to introduce something outlandish or unexpected. Please remember this story is being written with my tongue shoved quite firmly against my cheek, and it is thus supposed to be rather outrageous and not taken too seriously!

The Children by Mother's Ranking and House:

Ithilloth (Moonflower - 1st Wife)

Sîrgell
(Running River), Aka Necklace Male
House of the Beech Tree
67 years (24)

Crowned Prince, looks like Thranduil, blonde, tall, kind and brave, archer and swordsman. He is the only one representing Oropher's heritage and House, the heir to the throne of Greenwood. After Thranduil, he is Second Commander of the Realm (though the real power does not reside with this position) and despite his young age is very aggressive and has killed over two hundred Orcs and countless spiders. He is in love with the daughter of one of his captains. Both his parents and hers approve the match, for Tulus (Poplar) belongs to the House of the Boa, a worthy affiliation, is skilled with the lance and the bow, and she will make an excellent 1st Wife for the future King.

Orgilion
(Star's Day)
House of the Hawk
58 years (21)

Brunet, hazel eyes, mischievous, clever, archer. He represents his maternal grandfather's House as Ion Vinui (1st Son), youngest Lord of the Hawk clan, very eligible mate material, handsome and knows it. Not serious about anyone, plays the field perhaps too much. He is trying to convince his parents to allow him to become one of the Athedrainyn (Border Crossers, aka messengers) so he can venture beyond the forest and see other lands. He is a captain among the troops guarding the Central Regions and also a delegate to Laketown when such is needed as he is gifted in diplomacy.

Menelfân
(Cloudy Sky)
House of the Hawk
53 years (19)

Brunet with silver streaks, ocean blue eyes, discovered the guests, archer & knives expert. He is more introverted than Orgilion, but will rise to his brother's defence instantly. They are best friends, often plan pranks against the siblings of the other Houses. He is Ion Edwen (2nd Son) of the Hawk clan and also a Lord, highly eligible but not as vain as Orgilion. Has his heart set on an elleth of the House of the Fox but she seems not to know he exists. He is fearless and adept in hunting down Orcs, an inspiration to his fellow warriors, and thus a year before his majority was made a captain of the guards on the Northern Border's defence.

However, the loss of Curóniel on his watch is weighing him down and now he doubts his abilities, the more so because his father, fearing his mental state, has reassigned him temporarily to internal defence, that is patrolling the Dwarven Road, and Orgilion never leaves his side. This over-protective behaviour is due to Menelfân's increasing obsession with striking back at the Wraiths head on. Everyone fears he will ride off to Dol Guldur and challenge the vile spirits alone, trying to atone for what he feels is his failure.

Calargyll (Lamp Bearer - 2nd Wife)

Lothanor
(Sunflower)
aka Butterfly Face
House of the Butterfly
64 years (23)

Brunet hair and green eyed, she is Sell Vinui (1st Daughter) and should anything happen to Sîrgell's mate Lothanor would become Queen. She is the highest ranked daughter and thus is more eligible even than her brothers and is much sought after. Thus far she has refused all suitors and some say (but not in Thranduil's hearing range) this is because she is smitten with a foreign Lord she encountered on a journey to Mithlond. Lothanor planned the prank and is in general rather bored with politics, even though by inheritance she is already Under Councillor of Law and will succeed her mother should the need arise. She is a skilled archer.

Brithla
(Pearl)
aka Silver Hoop Septum
House of the Butterfly
56 years (20)

Brunet, brown eyes, very fun-loving and has a great sense of humour. She also notices everything and does not forget anything she observes. She devotedly looks up to and follows Lothanor, adores her Adar and Naneth, hates weapons, and is a poet and harpist. She is the second ranked daughter and a hopeless romantic. She can afford to be picky and plans to be, but she has a weakness for a dashing dark-haired ellon of the House of the Stag, a veteran Athedrainyn. She is pretending to play hard to get and I-Vrass (The Heat - his nickname. You know, like those fighter pilots in 'Top Gun'? All the Athedrainyn have colourful nicknames, too.) is pretending not to notice her infatuation. Truthfully, he fears Thranduil because his older brother had a disagreement with the King over territory rights in the central forest, so he is reluctant to follow his heart.

Gwirithiel
(April's Daughter)
House of the Butterfly
50 years (18)

Brunet with hazel eyes, Gwirithiel has just reached her majority mere months ago and is suddenly very bossy and wilful with her younger siblings and the palace staff. She is her mother's favourite, being youngest and last of her children, and does not mind flaunting this to Lothanor, of whose position she is envious. She is smart, intuitive, and empathic, and is training as a healer. She is Glamor's best friend and they frequently try to annoy their older sister and cause her trouble. At this time, she is the best archer in the woods, having won every competition among her age group and among veterans as well.

Huneb'ell (Joy Hearted - 3rd Wife)

Glamor
(Echo)
House of the Blue Dragon
50 years (18)

Redhead with green eyes, she is a ringleader among her siblings despite being just at majority. She is one month younger than Gwirithiel and they are inseparable. Glamor is much like her mother, proud and strong, fierce and loyal, conservative and dedicated, and an accomplished warrior with any weapon she chooses to take up. She competes with Lothanor for leadership, though she is not high enough in rank to ever supplant her sister. She is a bit arrogant and considers all the warriors in her class inferior and unworthy as mates, such that her mother despairs of seeing grandchildren. Glamor prefers the bow but is equally adept with the sword.

Galurem
(Many Blessings)
House of the Blue Dragon
44 years (16)

Brunet hair with dark blue eyes, Galu is highly protective of Legolas, especially after the death of Curóniel, and often puts aside fun with his friends to spend time with the youngster instead. His moods are mercurial due to his maturing body's surging hormones, and he is afraid to tell anyone, especially his mother, that he experiences attraction to males only. As far as he knows, he is the only one like this and he feels like a freak, the real reason he has begun avoiding his friends. He is teaching Legolas to use a child's bow, unknown to Thranduil, and frequently takes care of his brother when Eirien needs a break. Galurem is best with knives and has perfected a throwing technique used with small, four pointed blades that is as accurate as an arrow and better for short range kills.

A brief note regarding the Dragon children: due to the strained relationship between their mother and father, these two have not become as close to Thranduil and the other siblings. Their mother oversees them and usually over-rules whatever Thranduil might suggest. Further explanation found below in the wives' descriptions.

Corchrîn (Crowned Crow - 4th Wife)

Fêrlass
(Beechleaf)
aka Raven Dancer
House of the Raven
47 years (17)

The oldest twin of the Raven House and great-great grandson of Elril, one of the Lost Princes of Dior and thus distantly related to Elrond and his children. Fêrlass is clever and resourceful, highly skilled with the bow, and very gregarious. He loves his twin, but now that he is maturing has begun to seek time apart, trying to establish his identity. It was he that taught the rest of the siblings the secret language he and his twin developed in childhood. The coal black hair and eyes of the Ravens sets them apart and makes them exotic and desirable, so this sometimes goes to their heads. Fêrlass is the more serious of the twins and is an gifted poet. He takes responsibility for everything. He also tries to include Legolas more in family activities, but the elfling is so much younger it is quite difficult to do at times.



Doronlass
(Oakleaf)
aka Orange Clout
House of the Raven
47 years (17)

The second-born twin, identical in appearance. As descendants of the Raven Founders, both twins are highly respected and will be powerful Lords of their kin when they come of age. Even now many clans are vying for the chance to have eligible daughters courted by the twins. Doronlass uses this to garner all sorts of favours and gifts, knowing he has no interest in any of the females. He is disturbed that Fêrlass seems to be pulling away from him and does not understand why. They are still best friends however. Doronlass is an artist, a sculptor, and also prefers the bow. He is left-handed and his twin is right-handed. Doron is a bit smug due to the knowledge that their mother is Thranduil's Beloved, his heart's mate, regardless of her lesser rank among the wives. They married for love rather than necessity.

Annûnfaen
(Magnificent Sunset)
House of the Raven
42 years (15)

Unlike her brothers, she has brown hair and eyes. She is the brains among the twelve siblings and invents things, tinkering with machines and tools of various kinds. She seldom forgets anything and is very inquisitive. She is working her way through the contents of the library and the tutors have given up being able to answer the sorts of questions she comes up with, for she has surpassed them in understanding of many concepts. She is just beginning to notice the appreciative glances sent her way by various would-be suitors and has mixed feelings about it. She secretly believes too much responsibility is placed upon the females of the realm and wishes she had the freedom to refrain from the expected courtship and marriage. She wants to become Radagast's apprentice and learn the arts of wizardry, but keeps this to herself for now. She is a fine singer and skilled with the bow.



Curóniel (Daughter of the Crescent Moon - 5th Wife)

Legolas
(Green Leaf)
House of Tawar
5 years (4)

Beautiful, bright, and very lonely, Legolas resembles his mother with luminous golden hair and clear blue eyes. He is small for his Naneth was, but also because grief has stalled his development somewhat. The baby of the family, Legolas is so much younger than his other siblings it is almost like being an only child. They seldom have time for him and when they plan things as a group he is left out because he is too young. He cannot go riding in the woods and cannot join the hunts. He does not like staying with Eirien in the nursery, for he is not a baby anymore. He is the heir to the Lordship of the House of Tawar and also the heir to the title 'Tawarwaith', a spiritual leader among the Wood Elves. He takes this very seriously and feels he should grow up right away so he can take his mother's place. Her death has left him ill with grief, but he is slowly coming around due to the rest of the family's love and care, especially Thranduil, Corchrîn, and Galurem.

The WIVES

It should be obvious by now that Nandor culture is quite a bit different compared to the other elven realms. More explanation will follow and for now the confusion is an important part of the story, so if you feel mystified that is normal for this is to be viewed from the Noldor perspective. How and why these females were chosen to be Thranduil's wives will be made clear eventually. Here is a list of the wives, their ranks, and their Houses. You will note the House of the child does not always match the House of the mother, or of Thranduil. There is a reason for this. Please keep in mind that Thranduil is Sindarin, and customs among those elves are vastly different from that of the Wood Elves among which he now lives.
 

Ithilloth
(Moonflower)
1st Wife
House of Tawar

Silver-haired, ice-blue eyes, regal and noble, she is the highest-ranking female of her clan, the oldest recognised House among the woodland folk. Though first-born and also Sell Vinui (1st Daughter), she was not graced with the birthmark of Tawar. Her mother was Tawarwaith and died of spider poison centuries ago. Her father still lives. He is Lord of the Hawks and a powerful noble. She is Queen in her own right and thus it was pre-ordained that she and Thranduil must wed after the Last Alliance destroyed not only Oropher and his first-born but also Ithilloth's aunt, who was the prince's wife. They were childless.

Ithilloth is much older than Thranduil and is the Principal Councillor of the Realm. As eldest female of the House of Tawar, she is gifted in many magical arts. Unfortunately, she has borne only sons to Thranduil, and none of these gifts pass to males in the line. It was for this reason she agreed to the wedding of her younger sister, the Tawarwaith, with the King as soon as she came of age. So Ithilloth is Legolas' aunt. The birth of Legolas was not viewed as a good sign to Ithilloth, for without a female to carry on the line, their House must fall. Ithilloth is adept with paired long knives and combines her skill with spell casting when she fights. Yet, she does not consider it seemly for the Queen to go to battle often, and confines her contribution to major hunts only.

Calargyll
(Lamp Bearer)
2nd Wife
House of the Butterfly

Brown hair and light green eyes, she is pleasant in disposition, funny, and always ready to celebrate. She is also very shrewd and an excellent judge of hearts. Thus, she is the Councillor of Law for the Realm; a hereditary position that was her mother's before her. Her Naneth sailed to the Undying lands after Calargyll's father died in the Last Alliance. Calargyll's marriage to the King is warranted by her position on the Council. She has given Thranduil three daughters, a fact that has raised a great deal of contention between herself and Ithilloth. It would be safe to say the two are friendly rivals and their power struggles provide the Realm with much drama.

Calargyll is close in age to Thranduil and is a Sinda on her father's side. She paints and weaves when she has free time but her position is extremely busy, for all petitions and complaints come before her prior to public hearing and decision. Calargyll loves to throw parties and now that her youngest has reached majority she tries to mother Legolas. Ithilloth discourages this, however, finding the Butterfly House unworthy to raise up the Tawarwaith. Calargyll hates weapons but is capable with a bow and not afraid to kill if need arises.

Huneb'ell
(Joy Hearted)
3rd Wife
House of the Blue Dragon

Red haired with eyes of dark green, she is a veteran warrior who fought in the Last Alliance. There her mother perished and her first husband and a son also. She is suffering but refuses to give in to her grief, feeling it would allow Sauron a victory over her and her people. She is adamant about restoring the numbers of the Wood Elves to that prior to the end of the Second Age. Thus she agreed to marry again and accepted the King's proposal, which was actually made formally in Council by Ithilloth. She was and is of tremendous importance to her Realm, for her tactical ability and gift of intuitive strategizing have saved the remnant of the Wood Elves from falling to the darkness spreading over the Greenwood. She works closely with Thranduil and Sîrgell, and in this arena they accept her decisions without question, so true is her perception of the enemy's whereabouts and intentions, for she is Councillor of War and Defence.

Becoming a mother once more gave her both stronger reasons to live and also wounded her heart and soul, for she loved her first mate dearly and finds Thranduil a poor substitute, both as a warrior and a husband. She considers he is too softhearted, especially regarding his children. She cannot grant Galurem Lordship in her father's house, the Foxes, as would be normally done for a male child, for they consider him of very low rank even if he is a King's son. The Foxes are holdouts against the custom of polygamy, never having approved of the concept in the first place. Though none of the Foxes ever said it, both Huneb'ell's children are considered illegitimate among the clan members. She worries much for Galurem.

Corchrîn
(Crowned Crow)
4th Wife
House of the Raven

Black haired and green eyed; this lively elleth is Thranduil's beloved. The two literally fell in love with each other when Corchrîn's horse was killed from under her during a spider hunt and she was thrown into the King's arms. They fought side by side and both knew by the end of the hunt that each had found their hearts' contentment. Thranduil courted her with all the solemnity and nervousness of an elf of 75 rather than the husband to three other females. Corchrîn did not care about them at all, and truthfully it was as though they did not exist. Those were nothing more than political alliances and expedients to restore stability to the population. Her union with Thranduil was for love and everyone knew this. Corchrîn and her offspring are the absolute pride and joy of the King. Then Legolas' mother was killed. After this, Thranduil took on care of the little one as much as possible on the advice of the healers, and has come to love the child far more than he had the mother.

Corchrîn holds no jealousy regarding this, however, and possibly loves Legolas just as much as if he was one of her own. Ithilloth, however, feels duty-bound to ensure the proper upbringing for the heir to her House's highest rank and honour. She does no allow any of the other wives much access to him unless it is during their private times with Thranduil. Corchrîn runs the household with assistance of Galion, the seneschal. Together they conspire to lighten Thranduil's work load and give him more time with Legolas and the Raven children, who are nearing majority and thus rather in need of extra attention, even if they fail to acknowledge this. Corchrîn is an accomplished archer and not bad with javelins, exceptionally good at hitting spiders with them. She loves to dance and sing.

Curóniel
(Daughter of the Crescent Moon)
5th Wife
(deceased)
House of Tawar

Golden haired and blue eyed, Curóniel was a vision of beauty second to none. Even Corchrîn with her dark exotic locks and pale skin could never compare to the angelic countenance of the Tawarwaith. Curóniel had known since childhood that she was to be the Tawarwaith but thought she would not have to take on the role so young. Usually the title and duties passed to the next in line only upon death of the predecessor after millennia had transpired. In fact, the numbers of these spiritual leaders recorded over the ages was small, with Curóniel being only the 11th Tawarwaith born to the Greenwood since the Nandor settled there before the rising of Anor and Ithil.

She was coaxed into marrying the King immediately upon her majority, for her mother had perished just five years earlier and the decisions regarding her fate fell to Ithilloth, her older sister and Sell Vinui of their House. She had no love for the King, but the two were friendly to each other and he was both very kind and deeply respectful of her, realising what an honour it was to join the power of his House to the Spiritual Leaders of the Greenwood for evermore. He treated her like a goddess and greeted the birth of their son joyously. Unexpectedly, she and Corchrîn became close friends and so her life in the stronghold was not unpleasant.

Curóniel was dedicated to her people and did all within her power to harness the protection of Tawar for the woods and its inhabitants. This extended beyond the elves to all living things of Eru's design under the eaves. She it was that welcomed the woodsmen to the central regions of the forest and though she was repeatedly voted down by the other Councillors and the King combined, often she petitioned to renew ties with the other elven realms to the west. Her loss so soon upon taking on her title was a terrible shock to all, and an unbearable hardship upon her little son, thrust into the position far too young and unprepared, struggling with his grief and despair.

Other elves in the story:

Galion: long-suffering seneschal to Oropher and now Thranduil, a Sinda elf from Beleriand.

Eirien: Galion's wife and nanny to the royal children, now responsible only for Legolas as the others have all but grown up. She is a Wood Elf of the House of the Fox and is an Elder, one who awakened at Cuiviénen.

There may be additional development of some of the extended family or the older siblings' love interests in future, but probably not in this story.

TBC