Name:
Culfaron
Race:
Noldorin Elf
History & Family:
Born in Tirion about the time of Feanor. He is kin of Mahtan, and hunted sometimes with the sons of Feanor while they lived in Tirion.
He is one of the greatest of the many jewel smiths of Tirion, and when the Noldor began to make weapons he also took up this art. He especially loves to make jewels for swords and armour. His wife Nierwende (called Nierwen in the language of Beleriand) was kin of Angrod's spouse.
They had a daughter named Aikanorna in the language of Valinor, and she moved off to Formenos with her husband Tyelkatano. Culfaron was not pleased with this because he did not want to be parted from her. But he journeyed to Formenos often to visit them, and sometimes to work for a while in smithies with some of his old friends.
In Tirion, when he was not working with gems or hunting, he would sometimes work with his wife Nierwende keeping bees, or with some masons in the city. He had long wanted a son and expected a baby very soon when Valinor was darkened.
Tyelkatano was a late come messenger from Formenos to bring news of the death of Finwe and the theft of the Silmarils. Culfaron went to him for news of his daughter and hearing she was safe, he rode there to bring her back to Tirion and Tyelkatano rode with him. When the three returned with others from Formenos Feanor entered Tirion and made his famous speech. Culfaron was not moved by the words of Feanor to return to Middle-earth but in fact he had already shared a secret suspicion of the Valar. But with his son on the way and his work in Tirion, he did not want to leave the city. He exchanged heated words with his daughter who insisted on going with her husband into exile. Then Culfaron blamed Tyelkatano for leaving Aikanorna in Formenos during the darkening. But in the end, being unable to keep her behind and unwilling to be apart from her if she couldn't be stopped, he and his pregnant wife left in the host of Feanor with Aikanorna and Tyelkatano.
When battle errupted at the ships of the Teleri, Culfaron first saw Nierwende away from the battle and then fought his way through to his daughter who fought beside Tyelkatano, but he had slain no one until returning he found an arrow in his wife's back. He killed many of the Teleri in a rage then, and not all were armed. Then he took his wounded wife onto a ship and she was healed before long. Because of those deeds at Alqualonde, he was later estranged from Nierwende's kin in the host of Fingolfin on account of Culfaron's pride and shame. At the time of the burning of the ships his son was born. He named him after his own mother-name Maikanaro, and he was called Maegnor in the language of Middle-earth.
His daughter and Tyelkatano were slain in the Battle Under the Stars. Then Culfaron dwelt by Mithrim with his wife and baby son, but he was angry and blamed Feanor for the deaths, and also for the Kinslaying and Ship-burning, and the suffering of his wife. He kept to himself for some time, and none who knew him would approach.
He was later nick-named Culfaron by Feanorians, and most everyone in Middle-earth took to calling him by this name, and it had the added bonus of preventing confusion with his son Maegnor.
After the sons of Feanor moved into the East Culfaron dwelt south of the hills east of Maglor's Gap, near the sources of Gelion. During the Dagor Aglareb he rode with the folk of Maedhros and Fingolfin over the plain of Ard-galen where the elves hunted down the last of the fleeing orcs before the gates of Angband. But after the batttle was ended and the riders of Fingolfin departed, and the riders of Maedhros turned south for home, they noticed hooves galloping madly across the dusty plain behind. Then in the distance they heard a sword on an Iron shield and a cry, then the twang of a bow. Just as they started forward to see what this was about, two horses were seen running towards them out off the dust. It was Maegnor shining like a golden ruby, and he carried with him maimed elf that none of the host of Maedhros knew, for he had belonged to Finrod's people. It was at this time that they named him Culfaron 'Golden-red Hunter'.
Personality:
He loves jewel-smithing and hunting. Hot tempered and skeptical. The only patience he shows is in his work. The only loyalty is to his few friends and nearest kin rather than any of the "lords" of Beleriand. He is often quiet because of his reserved nature, but when he speaks he has a musical and soothing voice, which seems to contrast with his fiery temper. He is grumbly, and might become animated if angered or otherwise excited.
Appearance:
Tall and stern, long red hair like flames. Wears lots of deep reds and golds. He wears a ring that has a golden hammer set against garnet and encased over the top with a paper thin sliver of diamond.
His emblam is shimmering ruby and garnets set on gold in the form of a gemstone, encircled with flames and axes with handles like the feathered ends of arrows.
Weapons and Armour:
Primarily bow, but also carries a sword. Steel and iron armour.
He was a long time archer from hunting days in Valinor and he always has a bow and quiver when he travels or hunts, but in these dangerous times he also carries a sword around. A long steal sword, adorned with rubies and gold. His helm, which his son and law made him in Formenos, is like the sons of Feanors' but without the huge plume. His long shield is steel plated and bears his emblem, in reds and golds. His iron mail shirt was made for him in Tirion by an apprentice whom Culfaron was teaching about jewels.
Culfaron & Emblems Image