Who is Aredhel in Lord of the Rings?

Answer 1

Aredhel Ar-feiniel does not appear in The Lord of the Rings, but The Silmarillion. She was of the royal house of the Noldor, the daughter of Fingolfin and Anaire, and only sister of Fingon and Turgon. She was the granddaughter of Finwe and Indis, and good friends with her cousins, the Feanorians. Aredhel was known as the White Lady of the Noldor for her unvaried wearing of silver or white raiment. As a side note, Aredhel means "High/Noble elf." In Beleriand, she dwelt with her brother Turgon in the hidden kingdom of Gondolin, but grew restless, and sought permission to leave the city. Reluctantly, Turgon granted her request, but only on the conditions that she travel under escort and only to their brother Fingon's realm. During the journey, Aredhel and her guard was separated in the darkness of Nan Dungortheb, and Aredhel was lost. She was found by Eol, a dark elf and a smith, who took her to wife. Aredhel bore Eol a son, Maeglin, and stayed for many years in the dim forest of Nan Elmoth with her husband. Eventually Aredhel longed to return to Gondolin, and escaped with Maeglin to the city. She was pursued by Eol, who, upon being brought before Turgon, demanded the return of his wife and son, or at least his son. When both Turgon and Maeglin refused, Eol cast a hidden spear at Maeglin, saying that he and his son would die rather than live in Gondolin. Aredhel leaped in front of the spear aimed at her son, and, as the spear was poisoned, died that night.