Mr. Underhill wrote:

Here is what Hammond and Scull say about the 2nd device pictured here. Taken from Artist and Illustrator.

The focus in Earendil's device lies in the Silmaril of Earendil depicted in the centre, radiating six light beams towards the edges. In the dark corners the moon in its phases is shown. The presence of the moon might reflect Earendil's destiny to become a star, but it is also the only thing that prevents this device from being entirely symmetrical. This perhaps distinguishes him as being Half-elven. The six light rays are accompanied by six others, that seem to go in the opposite direction. Thus forming twelve "points", a clear relatedness with Idril's device is seen (Idril being Earendil's mother), which is reinforced by the shared blue background of the two devices.

Awesome, thanks so much for posting this. I honestly hadn't noticed the phases of the Moon in the second one.

The six circles and four diamonds in the first one really intrigue me, although maybe they don't have a special meaning and were drawn for decorative purposes.

Also, I find it interesting that the second one has the Silmaril emphasized, while the first one seems to have a star in the center of another star.

Rather than phases of the moon, I should think the depiction in the 'second device' is of the phases of Venus, which are discernible to the naked eye (for those benefitting from excellent vision or correction), and very clear with even binoculars or a small telescope.

oxonianus wrote:

Rather than phases of the moon, I should think the depiction in the 'second device' is of the phases of Venus, which are discernible to the naked eye (for those benefitting from excellent vision or correction), and very clear with even binoculars or a small telescope.

I agree 100% with you on this one, the phases of Venus make a lot of sense! I don't think Tolkien offered a mythological explanation for these phases.

FWIW, I'll note that we never see the "full Venus" from Earth, because that occurs only when Venus is opposite us in our orbit around the Sun, at which time Venus is of course obscured from our view by the Sun. And of course we also only see the "new Venus" when it transits the face of the Sun from our point of view (and so only in views through a strongly-filtered telescope — at least, by human eyes!)

Aelfwine wrote:

FWIW, I'll note that we never see the "full Venus" from Earth, because that occurs only when Venus is opposite us in our orbit around the Sun, at which time Venus is of course obscured from our view by the Sun. And of course we also only see the "new Venus" when it transits the face of the Sun from our point of view (and so only in views through a strongly-filtered telescope — at least, by human eyes!)

I thought as much, but couldn't articulate it quite that well, thanks Aelfwine

Excellent points, Aelfwine! Perhaps he filled out the series with the new and full phases simply for symmetry. Despite their incomplete visibility by human eyes, the phases of Venus are, I think it fair to say, more relevant to that emblem/device than the phases of the moon.

Another proof is the size of crescent Venus is much larger than full Venus, which is shown in the heraldry. Also in another version stars took the place of the phases, again suggesting they are Venus.

Apologies all for restarting an old thread, didnt want to start a new one for a brief request.

Does anybody have a copy of the 1979 Silmarillion desk calendar?

I am looking for the Earendil devices from February as one is apparently only published there. I want to see all the versions side by side but I am finding expensive options for the use of one image so I am loathed to get one until I fond a price I am happy with.

The image is MS. Tolkien Drawings 91, fol. 35r in the Bodleian.

Thanks for any help.

Is this what you are looking for?

remy thank you ever so much. That is perfect for my use.

While your calendar is out and if I am not taking too much of your time. Could you possibly (if you know from a visual inspection) confirm if the June "heraldic device of man" (MS. Tolkien Drawings 91, fol. 33r) is unpublished elsewhere as the Tolkien Art Index suggests, essentially does a heraldic device of man exist or is this in error? Hammond and Scull dont seem to have that one listed unless I am mistaken. Once I find a decent priced copy I will purchase a copy so that is not urgent. Just if you know that image from June.

Again, thank you, that Earendil image is very helpful.