The land in northwest Middle-earth where the Sindar dwelled, named after the island and bay of Balar (S/54). It ends with the archaic suffix †-ian(d) “land” (PE17/29, 37, 42), hence: “Country of Balar” (SI/Beleriand).
Conceptual Development: The first name for this region in Tolkien’s writings was ᴱN. Broceliand >> Broseliand, an indication that Tolkien was inspired by the legendary forest of Brocéliande in France (LB/160). He then considered a wild variety of possible names before settling on ᴱN. Beleriand (LB/157, 160). The name N. Beleriand appeared in Silmarillion drafts and The Etymologies from the 1930s, already with the derivation given above (LR/404, Ety/BAL).
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