J.R.R. Tolkien > The Silmarillion >
Quenya word meaning 'Haven of the Swans', the chief city and capital of the Teleri on the eastern shores of the land of Aman, founded by Olwë, brother of King Thingol of Doriath.
The city was where the great ships of the Teleri were built and moored, so when Fëanor and the Noldor who followed departed from Valinor to retrieve the Silmarils from Morgoth, they demanded the Teleri lend them their ships. When they refused, there was bloodshed on the lamplit quays and piers there. This was the Kinslaying at Alqualondë, the only time there was ever slaying of elf by elf in the land of Aman, and is counted great among the many sins of the Noldor.