# Encarda HD

> Digital encyclopedia for J.R.R. Tolkien's works with maps, lore, and language guides. (iPhone/iPad app by Virtix Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda-hd/id420396627 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Virtix Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/370367680)
- Category: Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 45 App Store ratings · 45 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.1 · 136 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-02-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda-hd/id420396627/reviews.md

## What is Encarda HD?

The Encyclopedia of Arda is an indispensible reference guide to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, based on the popular Website of the same name.  The Encyclopedia contains around 4,000 individual entries, many with additional features such as maps, family trees and images.

Also included in the Encyclopedia are a selection of articles and reference guides, including a detailed lexicon and a guide to old and rare words used in Tolkien's works.  The interactive Chronicle and Calendar let you explore the history of Middle-earth from its earliest times, and the Encyclopedia even contains detailed guides to the recent film versions of The Lord of the Rings.  

FEATURES:

- Search the Encyclopedia, choose from an A-Z index, or browse articles by topic.  Each entry is rich in hypertext links, letting you freely explore the world of Middle-earth and beyond.

- Many entries provide their own factbox and timeline, along with maps, genealogical charts, and images.

- The Chronicle of Arda lets you explore any period from Middle-earth's history.  The Interactive Calendar lets you choose dates in any of seven different calendars and see which events took place on those dates.

- Language guides include a dictionary of old and rare words used by Tolkien, and also a lexicon explaining the origins of many names of characters and places in Elvish and other languages.

- The 'Excyclopedia' feature is an additional guide to less canonical topics, exploring concepts from Tolkien's earlier work, and related topics from other sources.

- This is a standalone app that works completely independently of the Encyclopedia of Arda Website; no Internet connection is required.

LANGUAGE:
English

ABOUT THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ARDA:
The Encyclopedia of Arda has been a popular source of Tolkien lore on the Web since 1997.  Visit the Encyclopedia of Arda site at http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/

The app includes reference information on more than 4,000 topics, including maps, charts and genealogies.  Also included are detailed analyses of all three Lord of the Rings films, and also The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Movie guides for The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again will be released soon!

The Encyclopedia app was developed by Virtix Ltd: visit our Website at http://www.virtix.co.uk/

The Encyclopedia of Arda is not an official reference work.

REQUIREMENTS:
iPad

## Key features

- 4,000+ entries on Tolkien's works
- Interactive Chronicle and Calendar
- Maps, family trees, and images
- Lexicon and guide to rare words
- Offline functionality
- Film guides for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

## Recent user reviews (10 of 45)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda-hd/id420396627/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Te best Tolkien reference app

*2022-10-30, version 1.15*

The best Tolkien reference app

### 1/5 — Live update not working and app freezes

*2022-09-03, version 1.15*

Not sure if this is a result of the latest iPadOS version 15.6.1 or because the app has not been optimised for the latest iPadOS version (I have no issue with other apps so I suspect the latter) but it is just not possible to do a Live Update ($1.99 per year). The pop-up comes on but clicking on the button does nothing. You can close the pop-up window but the app actually freezes after that, so you need to close it and open it again to access its contents. Also, it is very slow to load, though once it does then there are no further delays (presumably because all the content has been loaded). As is, it’s difficult to recommend for an iPad although the content is very good - but this is a review of the app itself. Since it still works partially, it gets 2/5.

### 4/5 — No recover password option?

*2019-12-03, version 1.13*

This app is fantastic. There’s simply nothing better out there.  Would you please update it so that your password can be recovered or reset via email?  Thanks.

### 5/5 — Best of the best

*2019-05-25, version 1.12*

You can’t find a better way to waste time, I promise.

### 5/5 — Awesome middle earth info!!!

*2018-07-29, version 1.12*

As a long time Tolkien fan in both gaming like the lord of the rings online to all the books this is am awesome app!!!

### 5/5 — Comprehensive guide for any Tolkien fan

*2018-06-09, version 1.12*

I’ve been using this encyclopedia since well before anyone had heard of smart phones. A great resource, in-depth, wide-ranging and a whole hell of a lot of fun.

### 5/5 — Must have for any Tolkien fan!

*2017-03-06, version 1.12*

I can't say anything more, it's excellent! A great companion for new readers as well!

### 5/5 — Great app for the Middle Earth fan!

*2016-11-06, version 1.12*

Wonderful app. Great price for getting updates. I get so excited when I check once a week or so and get new updates! 
I would like to see the third Hobbit movie guide included in the app since it exists on the web version.

### 4/5 — I love this labor of love!

*2016-05-24, version 1.12*

Having read LOTR a double digit number of times over several decades, how could I not?

One UI glitch bugs me a bit.
In the A to Z lists of names, after reading an entry, the back arrow takes me to the TOP of the section.  E.g. Go to the "G"s, scroll to Gwahir, look up Gwahir, hit the back arrow and you're back to the top of G.

### 2/5 — Functional, Not Attractive

*2016-03-29, version 1.12*

While the reference material is useful, the application looks a bit dated. The small font and the light-on-dark color scheme makes it hard to read. Pictures & maps mediocre. This could be so much more with a bit of a facelift. Seems to be updated only once or twice. A year at this point.

## Frequently asked questions about Encarda HD

### What is Encarda HD?

Encarda HD is a comprehensive digital encyclopedia dedicated to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It provides access to thousands of entries covering characters, places, events, and lore from Middle-earth and beyond. The app also includes features like maps, family trees, language guides, and interactive timelines.

### What kind of information does Encarda HD offer?

The app offers detailed information on over 4,000 topics related to J.R.R. Tolkien's writings. This includes extensive entries with hypertext links, maps, genealogical charts, images, and timelines. It also features a lexicon of Elvish and other languages, a guide to old and rare words, and analyses of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

### Does Encarda HD require an internet connection?

No, Encarda HD is a standalone app that works completely independently of its website. Once downloaded, you do not need an internet connection to access its extensive content, making it a convenient offline reference tool.

### What are the system requirements for Encarda HD?

Based on the provided information, Encarda HD is designed for iPad. Specific iOS version requirements are not detailed, but it is intended for tablet use.

### Is Encarda HD an official Tolkien reference?

No, the description explicitly states that 'The Encyclopedia of Arda is not an official reference work.' It is a fan-created resource based on the popular website of the same name, providing extensive lore and information for enthusiasts.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.17 — 2023-03-20

The Encyclopedia of Arda app is now free to download.

The Live Updates feature will keep your Encyclopedia database up to date.  You can run an update immediately on installing the app, and then get new content every three months.  (If you previously purchased an annual update subscription, you'll continue to receive unlimited access to updates.)

NOTICE: We're planning to ultimately discontinue support for this app in 12 months, though you'll still find all the latest information at the Encyclopedia of Arda Website, which will operate in just the same way as on your device.

### 1.16 — 2023-03-13

This release contains a fully up-to-date content database

### 1.15 — 2021-06-28

- Updated for the latest version of iOS
- Includes 647 new or updated entries

### 1.14 — 2020-03-23

Addresses an issue that prevented some users from viewing downloaded maps or images under the latest version of iOS.

### 1.13 — 2019-10-22

681 new or updated entries

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## More apps by Virtix Ltd

- [Planet Wheel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planet-wheel/id370367677)
- [Encarda](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384)

All apps by Virtix Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/370367680

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*