Mithril

Mithril is a fictional metal from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe.

Properties

Mithril is the strongest metal known in Middle-earth. It looks similar to silver. It does not weigh much, and it is easy to make into things. Mithril is very rare and precious. It was only found in Khazad-dûm (Moria), where it was mined by the Dwarves, and (perhaps) in Númenor.

The name "mithril" comes from the Sindarin words mith, meaning "grey", and ril meaning "glitter". In Quenya, its name is mistarille. Mithril was also called "true-silver" or "Moria-silver".

The most well known object made of mithril is probably the mail shirt of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Influence on other fiction

Mithril is now often used in other fictional works, usually as a strong and magical metal. It other fictional works, mithril it is also sometimes written differently, for example as mythril or mithral.

This short article about literature can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.

Mithril Media

Semi-schematic drawing of Kimberley Diamond Mine in South Africa, 1885. Tolkien was born near deep mines, and may have chosen to use them in his fiction.
Artist's impression of the flag of the kings of Gondor