Who was Eriol?

Hi

Im a newcomer and I think my question should be posted in this section.

I just want to ask if someone can give me a short background on the storyteller Eriol. I just started to read the book of lost tales II. From reading the Silmarillion I like the stories included in book lost tales II better then the ones included in book of lost tales I and therefore I didn’t start with no I. Since Eriol is just introduced as a "known" character in book lost tales II, I want to ask some things. For example, how did he come to Tol Eresssa? why did he go there? In what age is this mariner living and other interesting things about him.

/the ignorant Cave troll

[Fingolfin II]

Welcome to the Downs, Cave Troll!

Eriol, or Aelfwine, was a mortal mariner who found the Isle of Tol Eressea during his voyages. It is said that there he learnt the true history of Elves and Men of the Elder Days. I'm not sure which Age he is from, though Tolkien says it was a long time ago (I'm guessing around about the 4th-5th ages).

Like Amroth, Eriol is a shadowy figure and there are several versions of his story. In one of them I recall he was a descendant of Earendil and learnt about the Elder Days from Pengolodh, in the earlier versions of The Silmarillion. He was originally meant to be the writer of the Book of Lost Tales, by the way, but then this was changed.