# Encarda

> Comprehensive offline encyclopedia of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth lore. (iPhone/iPad app by Virtix Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Virtix Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/370367680)
- Category: Reference, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 207 App Store ratings · 52 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.1 · 136 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-01-28
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384/reviews.md

## What is Encarda?

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 interactive 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.
If you'd like to help us develop and improve the Encyclopedia of Arda app, why not take a few minutes to leave us your comments on iTunes?

REQUIREMENTS:
iPhone or iPod Touch and above

## Key features

- Searchable encyclopedia with 4,000+ entries
- Interactive Chronicle and Calendar of Middle-earth
- Maps, family trees, and images
- Lexicon and guide to Tolkien's languages
- Offline access, no internet required
- Guides to film adaptations

## Recent user reviews (10 of 52)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great except for search bar font color

*2024-01-29*

Everything about this is amazing however having a yellow search bar and white font make it’s extremely hard to read. That is the o lot thing I wish would change.

### 4/5 — Update Needed

*2023-04-28*

The app has not been optimized for iPhones without a home button. I know the developer says the app will be discontinued soon so I doubt it will get an update for this. It’s an app with great information and makes reading the books less daunting as I have a way to reference maps and create a good mental image of where the characters are at.

### 5/5 — Indispensable reference to Tolkien’s universe

*2023-01-13, version 1.19*

I’ve been referencing the web version for years, but the mobile app is thoughtfully designed and facilitates quick look-ups. If you are a serious Tolkien devotee, this app is a no-brainier.

### 5/5 — Awesome app

*2022-10-31, version 1.19*

The Silmarillion put me off reading Tolkien for years but this app was a handy reference that opened up JRRT’s amazing world to me.

### 1/5 — Keeps crashing

*2022-09-05, version 1.19*

Probably needs an update

### 5/5 — Super Tolkein reference

*2022-09-04, version 1.19*

Watching the Ring of Power? Download now

### 5/5 — A Must Have

*2022-09-03, version 1.19*

Any time that I’ve entered Arda, I have this encyclopedia at the ready. The wealth of information contained here is invaluable.

### 5/5 — Great App

*2022-07-11, version 1.19*

Excellent.  Must have if you are a real Tolkien fan.

### 5/5 — Truly helpful, thank you!

*2022-03-21, version 1.19*

I want to get into the Tolkien-verse, but am a slow reader and find the idea of reading ALL of the books very intimidating.

Thiz app is so helpful. It seems quicker so far than going online to look through the different sites. AND the quick links to all of the other articles involved are soooooo nice.

For example: I wanted to learn about the Balrog, found it easily. In learning about it, I found out that they're ancient spirits. So I clicked on that. And so forth haha. It's so easy to get sucked into the lore.

### 4/5 — Would be 5 stars, but UI is clunky and slow

*2022-03-11, version 1.19*

I think at this point in the apps development, it’s makers need to focus more on the UI. Simply put, it’s 2022 and this app operates like an app from 2012. I hope this review can be the nudge out of the hobbit-door the devs needed to get to work on an overhaul of the UI making way for a smoother user experience. Especially if users are being charged a $1.99 annual fee for “live updates”. I understand the information is being updated and I’m thankful for that, but I don’t think the UI should be overlooked.

## Frequently asked questions about Encarda

### What is the Encyclopedia of Arda app?

The Encyclopedia of Arda is a comprehensive offline reference guide to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It contains thousands of entries covering characters, places, history, languages, and more, enriched with maps, family trees, and images.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include a searchable encyclopedia with over 4,000 entries, an interactive Chronicle and Calendar to explore Middle-earth's history, detailed language guides, maps, genealogical charts, and guides to film adaptations. It also offers offline access.

### How much does the Encyclopedia of Arda app cost?

Based on the provided information, this app is a standalone purchase and does not appear to have any in-app purchases or subscriptions. It is a paid application.

### What devices is the Encyclopedia of Arda app compatible with?

The app requires an iPhone or iPod Touch and above. It is designed to work independently of the website and does not require an internet connection once installed.

### Who would benefit from using this app?

This app is ideal for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary works, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It's perfect for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the lore, history, languages, and characters of Middle-earth in an organized and accessible format.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.21 — 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.

### 1.20 — 2023-03-13

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

### 1.19 — 2021-06-29

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

### 1.18 — 2021-06-29

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

### 1.17 — 2020-03-23

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

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## More apps by Virtix Ltd

- [Planet Wheel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planet-wheel/id370367677)
- [Encarda HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda-hd/id420396627)

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.*