Alqualondé, also known as Lebedin Gavan, was the glorious city of the Falmari on the coast of Valinor. It spread from the Northern Tirion to the South, between Calaciries and Aramano in the Northern Part of Eldamar.

The city was built around a natural harbor formed by a strong stone curve and surrounded by a steep cloud of spray. The entrance was through a great stone arch leading to the city's main square. Most of the houses were built of white stone, and in Alqualondé there were two doors of the Olve.

The city was famous for its beautiful gemstones, where the Elves lived in the sea and also dragon-guarded cameras, received from the Noldor. Evening streets were illuminated by many-colored lanterns. In the harbor stood notable coral-lebedis with golden keys and glasses from black agate.

History

In 1162 of the Third Age, the Teleri of Tol Eressš falmari began building Alqualondé. They were aided by the Noldor. The ruler of the new city was Olwe.

Later, Feanor was displeased with the Valar and took the shores of Aman in search of a way to Middle-earth. For his purpose, he needed the Teleri's corables, but they refused to give them. When Feanor tried to seize them by force, the Teleri showed resistance.

Thus began the first fratricide among Elves. The Teleri were overwhelmed by the superior numbers of Noldor and suffered heavy losses. They also tried to retreat from the harbor, but the corables did not give them room to pass.

Later, Fingolf and Fingolfin entered the battle. Many of their people fell, but eventually the Teleri were the first to reach the Noldor, and they managed to support their relatives. The battle in Alqualondé was the first bloody conflict between Elves and nauseas the first tragedian events in the history of Arda.

In the following years, Pervo Epohe's Alqualondé was haunted by Earendil and Elwing, destroying Valinor. Elwing briefly lived amid the Teleri and spread the plague of Beleriand and wars, which devastated Middle-earth.

Etymology

The name Alqualondé means “Lebedin Gavan>” or “Gavan of Lebeding” in Quenya. It is derived from the words alqua (“swan”) and londé (“gavan” or “port”).

In early versions of the legendarium, the city was published in the book , where the gavan was called Alqualunté.