elves of arda ◆ misc. noldor ◆ headcanon disclaimer
back to middle-earth month 2022 ◆ textual ghosts bingo ◆ mother(s) of erestor
Curulaer was a Noldo of Fëanor’s host who crossed the Sea upon the swan-ships. When her lord died, she attached herself to his sons and Maedhros in particular, following him to Himring. She was a talented archer, one of the few who matched Fingon’s followers in her skill with a bow, but her greatest strength lay in Songcraft. In Valinor, Curulaer (then known as Curulírë) studied under Maglor, learning Songs of Power, and it was he who recommended her service to his elder brother. Her voice was mighty, calling up intricate illusions and stirring the world around her, and her fellow soldiers greatly respected her musical abilities. In Himring, Curulaer met the warrior Lagrieth, a Sinda of Mithrim who admired the Noldor’s dedication to waging war upon Morgoth and joined the Fëanorian host when they departed for the east. Lagrieth served as a captain in Maedhros’ army, and saw firsthand the power of Curulaer’s magic. She even saved the Singer’s life in battle, defending her from assailants as Curulaer Sang the earth to tremble around them and open up to swallow a band of orcs into the depths of Arda. Lagrieth and Curulaer became fast friends, and in time a greater love grew between them, and they were wed with their lord’s blessing. After two centuries of marriage, Lagrieth and Curulaer began a family, retiring from the frontlines for a time. Curulaer bore her wife a son, Erestor, whom they greatly cherished. But Erestor’s youth would be marred by tragedy, for suddenly the Siege of Angband broke and dragonfire burst forth upon the Noldor and their allies. Curulaer and Lagrieth returned to Himring to defend their keep with Erestor in tow, and in the ensuing siege they both were slain. Maedhros honored all his fallen warriors, but these two especially, and learning that their son yet lived he took Erestor under his wing and promised to provide for him ever after. Erestor grew to adulthood in Himring, fiercely devoted to his lord. Maglor told him stories of Curulírë in Valinor, and his mothers’ comrades affirmed to him their bravery and might in battle. Though his own skills lay not in fighting, Erestor showed promise in organization and management, apprenticing under Himring’s steward Ferior. When the fortress fell after the Fifth Battle, and Ferior with it, Erestor led many survivors east to what safety remained in Beleriand, settling in Amon Ereb long before his Fëanorian lords returned to the castle. Grateful for his skill in restoring Amon Ereb to a greater glory than it had before possessed, Maedhros appointed Erestor his new steward and gave to him the responsibility of caring for the fortress and its inhabitants. Thus Erestor remained behind whenever his lords went to war, maintaining a home base for the sons of Fëanor throughout the end of the First Age. After the Third Kinslaying at the Havens of Sirion, Maedhros and Maglor returned as the last of their brothers with twin hostages in tow. It was Erestor who aided Elrond and Elros in settling into Amon Ereb, for he was a friendly face who had not been present amid the carnage, and they trusted him more easily than their captors. In time, the twins would come to love Maedhros and Maglor as their foster parents, but Erestor was always a dear companion to them. As the War of Wrath descended upon the remnants of Beleriand, it was only a matter of time before Amon Ereb fell and what was left of the Fëanorian host were forced to flee. Maglor and Maedhros sent the twins away from the war zone with Erestor as their guardian, first dwelling in Belegost among the dwarves, and then when they insisted they were old enough to fight, among the Noldor under High King Gil-galad’s banner. Erestor and Gil-galad bonded over their mutual care of Elrond and Elros, and became closer than brothers by the end of the War. When Maglor disappeared and Maedhros cast himself into flame, Erestor deeply grieved his lords’ deaths despite their ill deeds. He, Elrond, and Elros mourned them together, as few others could understand their loss. Erestor now swore loyalty to Gil-galad and Elrond both, and dwelt with them in Lindon throughout much of the Second Age, learning to be a counselor and administrator in the Noldorin court. He was instrumental to Elrond’s founding of Imladris, though he remained mostly by Gil-galad’s side until the War of the Last Alliance, where he took over leadership of the hidden valley while his friends were away. Erestor was devastated by Gil-galad’s death in this War and retreated into himself as soon as Elrond could take over his duties as Imladris’ lord. It took many years for him to recover his quick wit and joy in life, and it was Elrond’s steadfast kindness—and a new friend’s bright presence—that taught him to hope and laugh again.