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Morgoth

2015-04-10T19:33:00Z

76.11.233.95: /* Characteristics */

{{sources}}
{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| pronun=
| othernames=Melkor ''[[Morgoth#Names|See below]]''
| titles=Dark Lord
| position=
| location=[[Utumno]] [[Angband]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=In the future
| deathlocation=[[Dagor Dagorath]]
| age=
| notablefor=Disrupting the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]] Controlling all of [[Middle-earth]] Creating [[Orcs]] Destroying the [[Two Trees]] Stealing the [[Silmarils]] Taking over [[Beleriand]]
| parentage=
| siblings=[[Manwë]]
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Ainur]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]]
| steed=
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor wove his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last, many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last, Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music finds its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention--and in a few cases, admiration--of the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda, was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. Thrice he staggered to his feet in vain, his crown and shield broken, and thrice Morgoth cast him down, before Fingolfin collapsed over one of the pits left by Grond. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through his foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
It was said of Morgoth that "his might was greatest of all things in this world". Fitting to his name, Morgoth eventually took a form great and terrible, and soon was unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons. Physically, Morgoth was described as highly imposing, and was reckoned to a tower compared to the warrior Fingolfin, and the shadow of the shield he wielded was like a stormcloud. Ever since his downfall, Morgoth held a desire for power; above all else, however, Morgoth held deep hatred of the mere existence of intelligent or beautiful life. Unlike his servant Sauron, Morgoth's ultimate goal was solely the destruction, not control, of all that he despised. He was nonetheless persuasive, and could sway and corrupt many forms of life to become his willing servants.<ref name="Ruin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref><ref>{{MR|Myths}}</ref>

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]), and was clad in black armor, with an iron crown. Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Despite his immense power, it was stated that he alone of the Valar had a deep fear of death, and even against inferior foes he held a hesitance to ever risk his own life.<ref name="Ruin"/>

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Gollum

2015-04-10T06:19:51Z

76.11.233.95: /* Departure of the Ring */

{{Countdown}}
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| steed=
}}
'''Gollum''', also known as '''Sméagol''', was a creature (originally a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]) who bore [[the One Ring]]. He lived in the [[Misty Mountains]] for most of his life. In {{TA|2941}} he lost the Ring to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious" "birthday present". In {{TA|3019}} he followed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and met [[Frodo Baggins]]. After leading Frodo into [[Mordor]] and betraying him to [[Shelob]] he finally seized the Ring in [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]]. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Sméagol was a member of the [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbits who migrated to the [[Gladden Fields]] and became a riverland people under a Matriarch. Sméagol was the Matriarch's grandson and spent the early years of his life living with his extended family during the [[Watchful Peace]], when [[Sauron]] was in the [[East]].

He had some amount of education in lore, as during his youth he had learned of the events concerning the [[War of the Last Alliance]] against [[Sauron]].<ref name=Passage>{{TT|IV2}}</ref>

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol.jpg|left|thumb|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] - Sméagol]]
Around the year {{TA|2463}}, on his birthday, with his close relative [[Déagol]] they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol became the fourth [[Ring-bearer]] after Sauron, [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]].

After this event, he started to make a gurgling sound from his throat; for this his family called him "Gollum". Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a [[Gollum's Lake|cave]] in the [[Misty Mountains]]. The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.

Gollum lived longer than any other Hobbit could, and for over four hundred years he managed to live on raw [[fish]], which he caught from his small raft, and [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|Goblins]] from the nearby [[Goblin-town]]. In later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive. The Ring's corrupting influence as well as centuries of isolation in the Misty Mountains took a deep toll on him both physically and mentally. He became disfigured and grotesque in appearance, and by the time he met the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] he was afflicted with almost complete insanity and madness.

===Departure of the Ring===
[[File:Jay Tyson - Gollum.jpg|thumb|left|Jay Tyson - ''Gollum'']]
In July {{TA|2941}}, during the [[Quest of Erebor]], Bilbo stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Riddle Game'']]
After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - ''"What have I got in my pocket?"'' - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertently stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum is Defeated.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum is Defeated'']]
His addiction to the Ring was so great that he overcame his hatred and fear of the [[Sun]], the [[Moon]] and other creatures. He left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured by the Nazgûl and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Thus Sauron's spies learned from him the names "[[The Shire|Shire]]" and "[[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]]". By {{TA|3017}} Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who turned him over to [[Gandalf]].
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Gollum Held Captive by the Elves.jpg|thumb|Inger Edelfeldt - ''Gollum Held Captive by the Elves'']]
The [[Wizards|Wizard]] managed to interrogate him and learned parts of the history of the Ring which he had not previously known. He placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. In June of {{TA|3018}}, Orcs raided the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] (in an obviously coordinated attack) allowing Gollum to escape. He resumed his search of the Ring and he was brought into [[Moria]] but could not open the [[Doors of Durin]].

===The War of the Ring===
[[File:Anna Lee - Moria Gate.jpg|thumb|left|thumb|Anna Lee - ''Moria Gate'']]
Gollum picked up the trail of the new [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], [[Frodo Baggins]], as he and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] traveled through Moria. On [[15 January|January 15]], {{TA|3019}} the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]]. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lothlórien]] without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down [[Anduin]] to [[Rauros]].

He pursued [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum's Debate.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum's Debate'']]
Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself. Gollum also feared Frodo, and also thought that helping him would deprive Sauron from the Ring.

When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum at the Forbidden Pool.jpg|thumb|Ted Nasmith - ''Gollum at the Forbidden Pool'']]
Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into [[Shelob's lair]]. For this service to Shelob, the Orcs of Cirith Ungol knew Gollum as "Her Sneak".
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol.jpg|right|thumb|185px|[[Peter Xavier Price]] - ''The Stairs of Cirith Ungol'']]
Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.

Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.
[[File:Mariët Theune - The Crack of Doom.jpg|thumb|left|Mariët Theune - ''The Crack of Doom'']]
Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Alvin - It's Ours (Gollum).jpg|thumb|John Alvin - ''It's Ours'']]
Sméagol was a Hobbit, but he spent long centuries (thanks to the Ring) in darkness and damp, influenced by its evil power. It is possible that thanks to his hardy Hobbitish nature that he was not reduced to a [[Wraiths|wraith]].<ref>
{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|website=FAQ of the Rings|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-GollumWraith|articlename=Why hadn’t Gollum turned into a wraith long ago?}}</ref> However, he was reduced to a small, extremely thin and wiry person, with scrawny neck, pale skin, flat feet, long thin hands with clammy fingers, and large pale eyes that seemed to glow. His sense of sight, as well as his hearing and smelling, were very good, due to the time he spent underground.

He could move and climb silently like a spider, and although he had only six teeth left,<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> he could give deep bites, even able to bite off Frodo's finger.

==Personality==
[[File:Turner Mohan - The Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|left|Turner Mohan - ''The Ringbearers'']]
Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed [[#Etymology|his name]] to his interest in roots and deep pools; he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.

During his centuries of loneliness and under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality: his evil personality was a slave to the Ring and would kill for it, overwhelming his former self, who still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love. Not having anyone else to speak to, he often quarrelled with himself. Gollum both loved and hated the Ring and himself. He often referred both to the Ring and himself as "my Preciiouss", perhaps confusing the two entities.<ref name=guide/>

Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker".

Other aspects of the Ring's corruption was the aversion to all living creatures, especially the [[Elves]] and all things Elven. The [[Elven rope]] burnt his skin, and [[lembas]] tasted like dust to him and choked him.

Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was perhaps good at heart, and his killing was entirely the Ring's doing. But it's also likely that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...
# The sight of the Ring at the [[Council of Elrond]] or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
# It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]].
#Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

==Etymology==
Sméagol's (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsmæ͡ɑːɣoɫ]}}) name is [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''". It is etymologically related to the word [[smials]]. This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.

Sméagol's "real" name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both [[Westron]] and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true [[Dalish]]" was ''[[Trāgu]]'', and the ''Trah-'' stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus an analogue of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.

===Pronunciation===
{{Pronounce|Anglo-Saxon - Sméagol.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s recordings of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''.

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Christensen">[[Bonniejean Christensen]], [[Jared Lobdell]] (ed.), "Gollum's Character Transformation in ''The Hobbit''", published in ''[[A Tolkien Compass]]'', pages 7-26</ref>

In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', it is mentioned that [[the One Ring]] was found "ere the Kings failed in Gondor". This can mean that originally, Gollum's age was intended to be considerably more than six hundred years (further reinforced by certain places in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' like Gollum referring to tales about an uncorrupted [[Minas Ithil]] or Gandalf comparing his people to "fathers of the fathers of the [[Stoors]]"). In fact it seems likely that Sauron leaving the Mirkwood in 2063 T.A. and some Hobbits settling there after that are details added for the purpose of making the smaller age possible; perhaps in order to make it possible for Gollum and the other characters to have the same language.

==Inspiration==
[[John Garth]] has suggested that the character of Gollum carries echoes of the "night-haunting, man-eating" [[Ogres|ogre]] [[Wikipedia:Grendel|Grendel]] in ''[[Beowulf (disambiguation)|Beowulf]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John Garth]]|articleurl=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/05/j-r-r-tolkien-beowulf-one-mans-passion-threshold-between-myth-and-reality|articlename=J R R Tolkien's Beowulf: one man's passion for the threshold between myth and reality|dated=29 May 2014|website=[http://www.newstatesman.com/ newstatesman.com]|accessed=29 May 2014}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gollum
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book), 1989]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Concept art Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Gollum poster.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol2.jpg|As Sméagol in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Gollum1 viv lotr.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gollum.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Gollum poster.png|Gollum as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gollum.png|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by [[Brother Theodore]]. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by [[Peter Woodthorpe]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier [[Rankin/Bass]] production. Some footage from ''The Hobbit'' was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]]. He is barely glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.

:In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Andy Serkis]] reprised his role as Gollum.<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gollum is provided by [[Gerik Schjelderup]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[16 November|November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by [[Wolfe Morris]]) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of ''The Hobbit''.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "[[Riddles in the Dark (episode)|Riddles in the Dark]]"
</ref>

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Gail Chugg]] provided the voice of Gollum.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Gollum, again performed by [[Peter Woodthorpe]], has the first lines of the play (save [[Gerard Murphy|the narrator]]). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref>

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum, voiced by [[Quinton Flynn]], is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in [[Moria]], but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], "3 Passages"</ref> His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of [[Nen Hithoel]]. He throws a [[fish]], the "Xiphiidae", at "[[Aragorn|Ranger]]". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces [[Andúril]] in the weapon slots.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Amon Hen"</ref>

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum is accompanying Sam and Frodo during [[Osgiliath]] mission and the is the final boss of the game at the Crack of Doom. Unlike all other enemies of the game, he takes no damage from any attacks - instead the players must perform combinations to push him into lava below.

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit'']]:'''
:Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Riddles in the Dark"</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" unit for the Servants of the Enemy, used primarily for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" for the Mordor factions. His health is extremely low and his attacks extremely weak, but has value for the scout missions.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In non-storyline battles, stealthed Gollum is roaming the map. If detected and killed, he drops The One Ring, which can give huge advantage to the side that gets it.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gollum is encountered thrice, though the player has yet to know his name. The first time he is met in southern [[Trollshaws]], where the player prevents him from attacking the baby of two Fishermen; the second time he is seen in southern Mirkwood, where the player must defeat the Orcs who attempts to capture him, the third time is on the Shores of Anduin, where the player has to make sure he does not fall prey to the spiders.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a striker-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Throttle'', ''My Precious'', ''Coward'' and ''We are starved''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gollum|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gollum|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Gollum|Images of Gollum]]

==External links==

*[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2012/12/smeagol-whats-in-name.html Sméagol — what’s in a name?] by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| born=c. {{TA|2430}}
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Déagol]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{TA|2463}} - {{TA|2941|n}}
| next=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=briefly, [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| nvac=None
| next=Ring destroyed
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]

[[de:Gollum]]
[[fi:Klonkku]]
[[fa:گالوم]]

Gollum

2015-04-10T06:16:55Z

76.11.233.95: /* Early life */

{{Countdown}}
{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[File:John Howe - Gollum.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gollum
| pronun=
| othernames=Sméagol Stinker Slinker
| titles=
| position=
| location=
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=c. {{TA|2430}}<ref name=guide>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 167, entry "Gollum"</ref>
| birthlocation=Near [[Gladden Fields]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Mount Doom]]
| age=c. 589
| notablefor=
| family=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Thin, lank<ref name="Taming">{{TT|Taming}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Gollum''', also known as '''Sméagol''', was a creature (originally a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]) who bore [[the One Ring]]. He lived in the [[Misty Mountains]] for most of his life. In {{TA|2941}} he lost the Ring to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious" "birthday present". In {{TA|3019}} he followed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and met [[Frodo Baggins]]. After leading Frodo into [[Mordor]] and betraying him to [[Shelob]] he finally seized the Ring in [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]]. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Sméagol was a member of the [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbits who migrated to the [[Gladden Fields]] and became a riverland people under a Matriarch. Sméagol was the Matriarch's grandson and spent the early years of his life living with his extended family during the [[Watchful Peace]], when [[Sauron]] was in the [[East]].

He had some amount of education in lore, as during his youth he had learned of the events concerning the [[War of the Last Alliance]] against [[Sauron]].<ref name=Passage>{{TT|IV2}}</ref>

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol.jpg|left|thumb|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] - Sméagol]]
Around the year {{TA|2463}}, on his birthday, with his close relative [[Déagol]] they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol became the fourth [[Ring-bearer]] after Sauron, [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]].

After this event, he started to make a gurgling sound from his throat; for this his family called him "Gollum". Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a [[Gollum's Lake|cave]] in the [[Misty Mountains]]. The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.

Gollum lived longer than any other Hobbit could, and for over four hundred years he managed to live on raw [[fish]], which he caught from his small raft, and [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|Goblins]] from the nearby [[Goblin-town]]. In later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive. The Ring's corrupting influence as well as centuries of isolation in the Misty Mountains took a deep toll on him both physically and mentally. He became disfigured and grotesque in appearance, and by the time he met the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] he was afflicted with almost complete insanity and madness.

===Departure of the Ring===
[[File:Jay Tyson - Gollum.jpg|thumb|left|Jay Tyson - ''Gollum'']]
In July {{TA|2941}}, during the [[Quest of Erebor]], Bilbo stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Riddle Game'']]
After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - ''"What have I got in my pocket?"'' - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertently stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum is Defeated.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum is Defeated'']]
His addiction to the Ring was so great that he overcame his hatred and fear of the [[Sun]], the [[Moon]] and other creatures. He left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured by the Nazgûl's and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Thus Sauron's spies learned from him the names "[[The Shire|Shire]]" and "[[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]]". By {{TA|3017}} Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who turned him over to [[Gandalf]].
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Gollum Held Captive by the Elves.jpg|thumb|Inger Edelfeldt - ''Gollum Held Captive by the Elves'']]
The [[Wizards|Wizard]] managed to interrogate him and learned parts of the history of the Ring which he had not previously known. He placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. In June of {{TA|3018}}, Orcs raided the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] (in an obviously coordinated attack) allowing Gollum to escape. He resumed his search of the Ring and he was brought into [[Moria]] but could not open the [[Doors of Durin]].

===The War of the Ring===
[[File:Anna Lee - Moria Gate.jpg|thumb|left|thumb|Anna Lee - ''Moria Gate'']]
Gollum picked up the trail of the new [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], [[Frodo Baggins]], as he and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] traveled through Moria. On [[15 January|January 15]], {{TA|3019}} the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]]. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lothlórien]] without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down [[Anduin]] to [[Rauros]].

He pursued [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum's Debate.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum's Debate'']]
Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself. Gollum also feared Frodo, and also thought that helping him would deprive Sauron from the Ring.

When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum at the Forbidden Pool.jpg|thumb|Ted Nasmith - ''Gollum at the Forbidden Pool'']]
Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into [[Shelob's lair]]. For this service to Shelob, the Orcs of Cirith Ungol knew Gollum as "Her Sneak".
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol.jpg|right|thumb|185px|[[Peter Xavier Price]] - ''The Stairs of Cirith Ungol'']]
Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.

Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.
[[File:Mariët Theune - The Crack of Doom.jpg|thumb|left|Mariët Theune - ''The Crack of Doom'']]
Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Alvin - It's Ours (Gollum).jpg|thumb|John Alvin - ''It's Ours'']]
Sméagol was a Hobbit, but he spent long centuries (thanks to the Ring) in darkness and damp, influenced by its evil power. It is possible that thanks to his hardy Hobbitish nature that he was not reduced to a [[Wraiths|wraith]].<ref>
{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|website=FAQ of the Rings|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-GollumWraith|articlename=Why hadn’t Gollum turned into a wraith long ago?}}</ref> However, he was reduced to a small, extremely thin and wiry person, with scrawny neck, pale skin, flat feet, long thin hands with clammy fingers, and large pale eyes that seemed to glow. His sense of sight, as well as his hearing and smelling, were very good, due to the time he spent underground.

He could move and climb silently like a spider, and although he had only six teeth left,<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> he could give deep bites, even able to bite off Frodo's finger.

==Personality==
[[File:Turner Mohan - The Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|left|Turner Mohan - ''The Ringbearers'']]
Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed [[#Etymology|his name]] to his interest in roots and deep pools; he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.

During his centuries of loneliness and under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality: his evil personality was a slave to the Ring and would kill for it, overwhelming his former self, who still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love. Not having anyone else to speak to, he often quarrelled with himself. Gollum both loved and hated the Ring and himself. He often referred both to the Ring and himself as "my Preciiouss", perhaps confusing the two entities.<ref name=guide/>

Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker".

Other aspects of the Ring's corruption was the aversion to all living creatures, especially the [[Elves]] and all things Elven. The [[Elven rope]] burnt his skin, and [[lembas]] tasted like dust to him and choked him.

Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was perhaps good at heart, and his killing was entirely the Ring's doing. But it's also likely that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...
# The sight of the Ring at the [[Council of Elrond]] or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
# It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]].
#Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

==Etymology==
Sméagol's (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsmæ͡ɑːɣoɫ]}}) name is [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''". It is etymologically related to the word [[smials]]. This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.

Sméagol's "real" name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both [[Westron]] and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true [[Dalish]]" was ''[[Trāgu]]'', and the ''Trah-'' stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus an analogue of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.

===Pronunciation===
{{Pronounce|Anglo-Saxon - Sméagol.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s recordings of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''.

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Christensen">[[Bonniejean Christensen]], [[Jared Lobdell]] (ed.), "Gollum's Character Transformation in ''The Hobbit''", published in ''[[A Tolkien Compass]]'', pages 7-26</ref>

In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', it is mentioned that [[the One Ring]] was found "ere the Kings failed in Gondor". This can mean that originally, Gollum's age was intended to be considerably more than six hundred years (further reinforced by certain places in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' like Gollum referring to tales about an uncorrupted [[Minas Ithil]] or Gandalf comparing his people to "fathers of the fathers of the [[Stoors]]"). In fact it seems likely that Sauron leaving the Mirkwood in 2063 T.A. and some Hobbits settling there after that are details added for the purpose of making the smaller age possible; perhaps in order to make it possible for Gollum and the other characters to have the same language.

==Inspiration==
[[John Garth]] has suggested that the character of Gollum carries echoes of the "night-haunting, man-eating" [[Ogres|ogre]] [[Wikipedia:Grendel|Grendel]] in ''[[Beowulf (disambiguation)|Beowulf]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John Garth]]|articleurl=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/05/j-r-r-tolkien-beowulf-one-mans-passion-threshold-between-myth-and-reality|articlename=J R R Tolkien's Beowulf: one man's passion for the threshold between myth and reality|dated=29 May 2014|website=[http://www.newstatesman.com/ newstatesman.com]|accessed=29 May 2014}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gollum
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book), 1989]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Concept art Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Gollum poster.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol2.jpg|As Sméagol in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Gollum1 viv lotr.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gollum.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Gollum poster.png|Gollum as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gollum.png|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by [[Brother Theodore]]. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by [[Peter Woodthorpe]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier [[Rankin/Bass]] production. Some footage from ''The Hobbit'' was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]]. He is barely glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.

:In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Andy Serkis]] reprised his role as Gollum.<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gollum is provided by [[Gerik Schjelderup]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[16 November|November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by [[Wolfe Morris]]) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of ''The Hobbit''.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "[[Riddles in the Dark (episode)|Riddles in the Dark]]"
</ref>

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Gail Chugg]] provided the voice of Gollum.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Gollum, again performed by [[Peter Woodthorpe]], has the first lines of the play (save [[Gerard Murphy|the narrator]]). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref>

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum, voiced by [[Quinton Flynn]], is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in [[Moria]], but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], "3 Passages"</ref> His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of [[Nen Hithoel]]. He throws a [[fish]], the "Xiphiidae", at "[[Aragorn|Ranger]]". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces [[Andúril]] in the weapon slots.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Amon Hen"</ref>

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum is accompanying Sam and Frodo during [[Osgiliath]] mission and the is the final boss of the game at the Crack of Doom. Unlike all other enemies of the game, he takes no damage from any attacks - instead the players must perform combinations to push him into lava below.

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit'']]:'''
:Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Riddles in the Dark"</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" unit for the Servants of the Enemy, used primarily for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" for the Mordor factions. His health is extremely low and his attacks extremely weak, but has value for the scout missions.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In non-storyline battles, stealthed Gollum is roaming the map. If detected and killed, he drops The One Ring, which can give huge advantage to the side that gets it.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gollum is encountered thrice, though the player has yet to know his name. The first time he is met in southern [[Trollshaws]], where the player prevents him from attacking the baby of two Fishermen; the second time he is seen in southern Mirkwood, where the player must defeat the Orcs who attempts to capture him, the third time is on the Shores of Anduin, where the player has to make sure he does not fall prey to the spiders.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a striker-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Throttle'', ''My Precious'', ''Coward'' and ''We are starved''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gollum|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gollum|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Gollum|Images of Gollum]]

==External links==

*[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2012/12/smeagol-whats-in-name.html Sméagol — what’s in a name?] by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| born=c. {{TA|2430}}
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Déagol]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{TA|2463}} - {{TA|2941|n}}
| next=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=briefly, [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| nvac=None
| next=Ring destroyed
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]

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Gollum

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{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[File:John Howe - Gollum.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gollum
| pronun=
| othernames=Sméagol Stinker Slinker
| titles=
| position=
| location=
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=c. {{TA|2430}}<ref name=guide>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 167, entry "Gollum"</ref>
| birthlocation=Near [[Gladden Fields]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Mount Doom]]
| age=c. 589
| notablefor=
| family=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Thin, lank<ref name="Taming">{{TT|Taming}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Gollum''', also known as '''Sméagol''', was a creature (originally a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]) who bore [[the One Ring]]. He lived in the [[Misty Mountains]] for most of his life. In {{TA|2941}} he lost the Ring to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious" "birthday present". In {{TA|3019}} he followed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and met [[Frodo Baggins]]. After leading Frodo into [[Mordor]] and betraying him to [[Shelob]] he finally seized the Ring in [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]]. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Sméagol was a member of the [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbits who migrated to the [[Gladden Fields]] and became a riverland people under a Matriarch. Sméagol was the Matriarch's grandson and spent the early years of his life living with his extended family during the [[Watchful Peace]], when [[Sauron]] was in the [[East]].

He had some amount of education in lore, as during his youth he had learned of the events concerning the [[War of the Last Alliance]] against [[Sauron]].<ref name=Passage>{{TT|IV2}}</ref>

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol.jpg|left|thumb|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] - Sméagol]]
Around the year {{TA|2463}}, on his birthday, with his close relative [[Déagol]] they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol became the fourth [[Ring-bearer]] after Sauron, [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]].

After this event, he started to make a gurgling sound from his throat; for this his family called him "Gollum". Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a [[Gollum's Lake|cave]] in the [[Misty Mountains]]. The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.

Gollum lived longer than any other Hobbit could, and for over four hundred years he managed to live on raw [[fish]], which he caught from his small raft, and [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|Goblins]] from the nearby [[Goblin-town]]. In later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive. The Ring's corrupting influence as well as his prolonged isolation in the Misty Mountains took a deep toll on him both physically and mentally. He became disfigured and grotesque in appearance, and by the time he met the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] he was afflicted with almost complete insanity and madness.

===Departure of the Ring===
[[File:Jay Tyson - Gollum.jpg|thumb|left|Jay Tyson - ''Gollum'']]
In July {{TA|2941}}, during the [[Quest of Erebor]], Bilbo stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Riddle Game'']]
After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - ''"What have I got in my pocket?"'' - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertently stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum is Defeated.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum is Defeated'']]
His addiction to the Ring was so great that he overcame his hatred and fear of the [[Sun]], the [[Moon]] and other creatures. He left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured by the Nazgûl's and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Thus Sauron's spies learned from him the names "[[The Shire|Shire]]" and "[[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]]". By {{TA|3017}} Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who turned him over to [[Gandalf]].
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Gollum Held Captive by the Elves.jpg|thumb|Inger Edelfeldt - ''Gollum Held Captive by the Elves'']]
The [[Wizards|Wizard]] managed to interrogate him and learned parts of the history of the Ring which he had not previously known. He placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. In June of {{TA|3018}}, Orcs raided the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] (in an obviously coordinated attack) allowing Gollum to escape. He resumed his search of the Ring and he was brought into [[Moria]] but could not open the [[Doors of Durin]].

===The War of the Ring===
[[File:Anna Lee - Moria Gate.jpg|thumb|left|thumb|Anna Lee - ''Moria Gate'']]
Gollum picked up the trail of the new [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], [[Frodo Baggins]], as he and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] traveled through Moria. On [[15 January|January 15]], {{TA|3019}} the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]]. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lothlórien]] without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down [[Anduin]] to [[Rauros]].

He pursued [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum's Debate.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gollum's Debate'']]
Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself. Gollum also feared Frodo, and also thought that helping him would deprive Sauron from the Ring.

When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum at the Forbidden Pool.jpg|thumb|Ted Nasmith - ''Gollum at the Forbidden Pool'']]
Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into [[Shelob's lair]]. For this service to Shelob, the Orcs of Cirith Ungol knew Gollum as "Her Sneak".
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol.jpg|right|thumb|185px|[[Peter Xavier Price]] - ''The Stairs of Cirith Ungol'']]
Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.

Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.
[[File:Mariët Theune - The Crack of Doom.jpg|thumb|left|Mariët Theune - ''The Crack of Doom'']]
Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Alvin - It's Ours (Gollum).jpg|thumb|John Alvin - ''It's Ours'']]
Sméagol was a Hobbit, but he spent long centuries (thanks to the Ring) in darkness and damp, influenced by its evil power. It is possible that thanks to his hardy Hobbitish nature that he was not reduced to a [[Wraiths|wraith]].<ref>
{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|website=FAQ of the Rings|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-GollumWraith|articlename=Why hadn’t Gollum turned into a wraith long ago?}}</ref> However, he was reduced to a small, extremely thin and wiry person, with scrawny neck, pale skin, flat feet, long thin hands with clammy fingers, and large pale eyes that seemed to glow. His sense of sight, as well as his hearing and smelling, were very good, due to the time he spent underground.

He could move and climb silently like a spider, and although he had only six teeth left,<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> he could give deep bites, even able to bite off Frodo's finger.

==Personality==
[[File:Turner Mohan - The Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|left|Turner Mohan - ''The Ringbearers'']]
Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed [[#Etymology|his name]] to his interest in roots and deep pools; he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.

During his centuries of loneliness and under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality: his evil personality was a slave to the Ring and would kill for it, overwhelming his former self, who still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love. Not having anyone else to speak to, he often quarrelled with himself. Gollum both loved and hated the Ring and himself. He often referred both to the Ring and himself as "my Preciiouss", perhaps confusing the two entities.<ref name=guide/>

Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker".

Other aspects of the Ring's corruption was the aversion to all living creatures, especially the [[Elves]] and all things Elven. The [[Elven rope]] burnt his skin, and [[lembas]] tasted like dust to him and choked him.

Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was perhaps good at heart, and his killing was entirely the Ring's doing. But it's also likely that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...
# The sight of the Ring at the [[Council of Elrond]] or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
# It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]].
#Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

==Etymology==
Sméagol's (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsmæ͡ɑːɣoɫ]}}) name is [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''". It is etymologically related to the word [[smials]]. This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.

Sméagol's "real" name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both [[Westron]] and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true [[Dalish]]" was ''[[Trāgu]]'', and the ''Trah-'' stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus an analogue of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.

===Pronunciation===
{{Pronounce|Anglo-Saxon - Sméagol.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s recordings of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''.

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Christensen">[[Bonniejean Christensen]], [[Jared Lobdell]] (ed.), "Gollum's Character Transformation in ''The Hobbit''", published in ''[[A Tolkien Compass]]'', pages 7-26</ref>

In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', it is mentioned that [[the One Ring]] was found "ere the Kings failed in Gondor". This can mean that originally, Gollum's age was intended to be considerably more than six hundred years (further reinforced by certain places in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' like Gollum referring to tales about an uncorrupted [[Minas Ithil]] or Gandalf comparing his people to "fathers of the fathers of the [[Stoors]]"). In fact it seems likely that Sauron leaving the Mirkwood in 2063 T.A. and some Hobbits settling there after that are details added for the purpose of making the smaller age possible; perhaps in order to make it possible for Gollum and the other characters to have the same language.

==Inspiration==
[[John Garth]] has suggested that the character of Gollum carries echoes of the "night-haunting, man-eating" [[Ogres|ogre]] [[Wikipedia:Grendel|Grendel]] in ''[[Beowulf (disambiguation)|Beowulf]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John Garth]]|articleurl=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/05/j-r-r-tolkien-beowulf-one-mans-passion-threshold-between-myth-and-reality|articlename=J R R Tolkien's Beowulf: one man's passion for the threshold between myth and reality|dated=29 May 2014|website=[http://www.newstatesman.com/ newstatesman.com]|accessed=29 May 2014}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gollum
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book), 1989]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Concept art Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Gollum poster.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol2.jpg|As Sméagol in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Gollum1 viv lotr.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gollum.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Gollum poster.png|Gollum as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gollum.png|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by [[Brother Theodore]]. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by [[Peter Woodthorpe]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier [[Rankin/Bass]] production. Some footage from ''The Hobbit'' was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]]. He is barely glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.

:In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Andy Serkis]] reprised his role as Gollum.<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gollum is provided by [[Gerik Schjelderup]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[16 November|November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by [[Wolfe Morris]]) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of ''The Hobbit''.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "[[Riddles in the Dark (episode)|Riddles in the Dark]]"
</ref>

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Gail Chugg]] provided the voice of Gollum.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Gollum, again performed by [[Peter Woodthorpe]], has the first lines of the play (save [[Gerard Murphy|the narrator]]). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref>

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum, voiced by [[Quinton Flynn]], is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in [[Moria]], but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], "3 Passages"</ref> His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of [[Nen Hithoel]]. He throws a [[fish]], the "Xiphiidae", at "[[Aragorn|Ranger]]". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces [[Andúril]] in the weapon slots.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Amon Hen"</ref>

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum is accompanying Sam and Frodo during [[Osgiliath]] mission and the is the final boss of the game at the Crack of Doom. Unlike all other enemies of the game, he takes no damage from any attacks - instead the players must perform combinations to push him into lava below.

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit'']]:'''
:Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Riddles in the Dark"</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" unit for the Servants of the Enemy, used primarily for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" for the Mordor factions. His health is extremely low and his attacks extremely weak, but has value for the scout missions.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In non-storyline battles, stealthed Gollum is roaming the map. If detected and killed, he drops The One Ring, which can give huge advantage to the side that gets it.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gollum is encountered thrice, though the player has yet to know his name. The first time he is met in southern [[Trollshaws]], where the player prevents him from attacking the baby of two Fishermen; the second time he is seen in southern Mirkwood, where the player must defeat the Orcs who attempts to capture him, the third time is on the Shores of Anduin, where the player has to make sure he does not fall prey to the spiders.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a striker-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Throttle'', ''My Precious'', ''Coward'' and ''We are starved''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gollum|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gollum|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Gollum|Images of Gollum]]

==External links==

*[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2012/12/smeagol-whats-in-name.html Sméagol — what’s in a name?] by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| born=c. {{TA|2430}}
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Déagol]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{TA|2463}} - {{TA|2941|n}}
| next=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=briefly, [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| nvac=None
| next=Ring destroyed
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]

[[de:Gollum]]
[[fi:Klonkku]]
[[fa:گالوم]]

Harad

2015-03-08T03:07:48Z

76.11.233.95: /* Third Age */

{{location
|image=[[Image:Harad map.jpg|250px]]
|name=Harad
|othernames=Haradwaith, Sunlands, Sutherland
|etymology=
|type=Region
|location=South of [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]]
|inhabitants=[[Haradrim]]
|realms=Various tribal societies
|description=A vast hot area, filled with deserts and jungles
|events=
|references=
|}}
'''Harad''' was the name of the immense lands to the South of [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]]. It was inhabited by many different tribes called [[Haradrim]].

== History ==
[[File:John Howe - Icon Harad.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[John Howe]] - Harad War Icon]]
=== Second Age ===
During the [[Second Age]], the Haradrim came in contact with [[Sauron]] and the [[Númenóreans]]. The Men of [[Númenor]] explored the coasts of [[Middle-earth]], including the coast lands of Harad. In the 9th century of the Second Age, the great mariner [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] explored the coast of Harad far to the south and was nearly shipwrecked.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref>

The Númenóreans, who had explored and colonized the Harad coastlines, initially benefited the people in the lands they explored by teaching them many things about agriculture and craftsmanship.<ref>{{App|Numenor}}</ref> The Númenóreans made settlements on the southern coasts, including the Havens of [[Umbar]] where they built a great fortress in {{SA|2280|n}}.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>

After the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]], the Númenóreans began to set themselves up as lords in Middle-earth as they demanded tribute of goods and wealth, causing the oppression of the Haradrim. [[Sauron]] did not at first dare to extend his power to the coast where the Númenóreans held power. But after the forging of the [[Rings of Power]] and the emergence of the [[Nazgûl]], Sauron began to attack the Númenórean settlements on the coast.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

[[Ar-Pharazôn]] of Númenor landed at [[Umbar]] in {{SA|3261|n}}<ref name="SA"/> with a great fleet and the people on the coasts fled before them. Sauron's forces refused to fight and he allowed himself to be taken to Númenor where he corrupted the King and his followers. Under Ar-Pharazon, the Númenóreans made war on the Men of Middle-earth, enslaving them and using them for human sacrifices.<ref name="Akallabeth"/>

The Númenóreans who lived in Harad survived the destruction of Númenor in {{SA|3319|n}}.<ref name="SA"/> They became known as the [[Black Númenóreans]] because they remained under the influence of Sauron.<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> Some of them "rose to great power amongst the Haradrim".<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

=== Third Age ===
[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Haradrim Camp.jpg|thumb|170px|left|Jan Pospíšil - ''Haradrim Camp'']]
For many centuries of the [[Third Age]], many Haradrim were still ruled by Black Númenórean Lords, or further north by the Kings of [[Gondor]]. Ultimately the Harad fell under the influence of [[Mordor]] for much of the Age.

[[Near Harad]] later formed an alliance—or maybe even a coalition of some sort—with the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], and was involved in a series of continual battles with Gondor over [[South Gondor]] or ''Harondor''. Anciently its northern border was held to be the river [[Harnen]], but by the time of the [[War of the Ring]] all the land south of the river [[Poros]] was under the influence of the Haradrim.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After the union and rebuilding of Gondor and [[Arnor]] in the [[Fourth Age]], the new [[Reunited Kingdom]] conquered Harondor and much of Harad's western coast, though Harad's eastern lands remained independent.

== Geography ==
Harad was located south of Mordor, with the [[Ephel Dúath|Mountains of Shadow]] forming part of the northern border of Harad. The River Harnen flowed westward from the Mountains of Shadow to the [[Bay of Belfalas]] and was Harad's border with South Gondor - a deserted region contested between [[Gondor]] and Harad. The Harad Road ran from Harad northward through South Gondor and on to [[Ithilien]].

To the northeast of Harad was [[Khand]], a land that also had ties with Sauron. It is not known how far eastward or southward Harad stretched. On the west, Harad was bounded by the Bay of [[Belfalas]] and the [[Belegaer|Sea]].

The northernmost part of Harad was called Near Harad and the southern part was [[Far Harad]]. On the coast there was a natural harbor with a narrow cape curving around it. The coastal region around the harbor was known as Umbar, and the harbor was called the Havens of Umbar. The seafaring raiders known as the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] lived there. At the eastern end of the harbor was the City of the Corsairs.<ref>{{FR|Map}}</ref>

Much of Far Harad was a jungle, although there also was a desert. In the [[Great Forest of the South]] in Far Harad lived the gigantic [[Oliphaunts]], which were used by the Haradrim as moving war towers.

Harad's location in the far south isolated it to a certain extent from the rest of Middle-earth. The climate was much warmer and sunnier (Harad was called the "[[Sunlands]]" by the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]]). There were unusual animals such as the Oliphaunts.<ref name="Gate">{{TT|IV3}}</ref> Even the constellations in Harad's night sky down in the southern hemisphere were different from those in northern Middle-earth ([[Aragorn]] had traveled far into Harad "where the stars are strange"<ref name="Council"/>).

== Social Organisation ==
[[Image:Kyle Anderson - Haradrim King.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Kyle Anderson]] - ''Haradrim King'']]
Harad's tribes were divided—at least in the minds of the men of northwestern Middle-earth—into those of [[Near Harad|Near]] and [[Far Harad]], although there were many tribes of the Haradrim, often mutually hostile. Those of Near Harad were brown-skinned, with black hair and dark eyes, whereas the people of Far Harad had black skin.<ref name="Gate"/> It is also presumed that every tribe had a chieftain, who served as their leader and general in the battlefield.

== Etymology ==
''Harad'' means "South" in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{App|E1i}}</ref> The word is derived from [[Sundocarme|root]] [[KHYAR]], and is cognate to [[Quenya]] ''[[hyarmen]]'' ("south").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, '''KHYAR'''</ref> It is also called [[Haradwaith]] which includes ''[[gwaith]]'' ("people").

The [[Men]] of Harad were called [[Haradrim]] ("Southern-host").<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref>
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
An early name of Harad was ''(Sun)Harrowland'', which is derived from the [[Old English]] name of the Aethiopans, ''Sigerhearwan'', and therefore meaning "Aethiopia" (See also: ''[[Sigelwara Land]]'').<ref>{{TI|Fangorn}}, Note 4</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[Category:Southern lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Harad]]
[[fi:Harad]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/harad]]

Harad

2015-03-08T03:05:46Z

76.11.233.95: /* Third Age */

{{location
|image=[[Image:Harad map.jpg|250px]]
|name=Harad
|othernames=Haradwaith, Sunlands, Sutherland
|etymology=
|type=Region
|location=South of [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]]
|inhabitants=[[Haradrim]]
|realms=Various tribal societies
|description=A vast hot area, filled with deserts and jungles
|events=
|references=
|}}
'''Harad''' was the name of the immense lands to the South of [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]]. It was inhabited by many different tribes called [[Haradrim]].

== History ==
[[File:John Howe - Icon Harad.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[John Howe]] - Harad War Icon]]
=== Second Age ===
During the [[Second Age]], the Haradrim came in contact with [[Sauron]] and the [[Númenóreans]]. The Men of [[Númenor]] explored the coasts of [[Middle-earth]], including the coast lands of Harad. In the 9th century of the Second Age, the great mariner [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] explored the coast of Harad far to the south and was nearly shipwrecked.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref>

The Númenóreans, who had explored and colonized the Harad coastlines, initially benefited the people in the lands they explored by teaching them many things about agriculture and craftsmanship.<ref>{{App|Numenor}}</ref> The Númenóreans made settlements on the southern coasts, including the Havens of [[Umbar]] where they built a great fortress in {{SA|2280|n}}.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>

After the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]], the Númenóreans began to set themselves up as lords in Middle-earth as they demanded tribute of goods and wealth, causing the oppression of the Haradrim. [[Sauron]] did not at first dare to extend his power to the coast where the Númenóreans held power. But after the forging of the [[Rings of Power]] and the emergence of the [[Nazgûl]], Sauron began to attack the Númenórean settlements on the coast.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

[[Ar-Pharazôn]] of Númenor landed at [[Umbar]] in {{SA|3261|n}}<ref name="SA"/> with a great fleet and the people on the coasts fled before them. Sauron's forces refused to fight and he allowed himself to be taken to Númenor where he corrupted the King and his followers. Under Ar-Pharazon, the Númenóreans made war on the Men of Middle-earth, enslaving them and using them for human sacrifices.<ref name="Akallabeth"/>

The Númenóreans who lived in Harad survived the destruction of Númenor in {{SA|3319|n}}.<ref name="SA"/> They became known as the [[Black Númenóreans]] because they remained under the influence of Sauron.<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> Some of them "rose to great power amongst the Haradrim".<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

=== Third Age ===
[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Haradrim Camp.jpg|thumb|170px|left|Jan Pospíšil - ''Haradrim Camp'']]
For many centuries of the [[Third Age]], many Haradrim were still ruled by Black Númenórean Lords, or further north by the Kings of [[Gondor]]. Ultimately the Harad fell under the influence of [[Mordor]] for much of the Age.

[[Near Harad]] later formed an alliance—or maybe even a coalition of some sort—with the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], and was involved in a series of continual battles with Gondor over [[South Gondor]] or ''Harondor''. Anciently its northern border was held to be the river [[Harnen]], but by the time of the [[War of the Ring]] all the land south of the river [[Poros]] was under the influence of the Haradrim.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After the revival of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and [[Arnor]] in the [[Fourth Age]], Near-Harad fell under the rule of the West, though Far-Harad remained independent.

== Geography ==
Harad was located south of Mordor, with the [[Ephel Dúath|Mountains of Shadow]] forming part of the northern border of Harad. The River Harnen flowed westward from the Mountains of Shadow to the [[Bay of Belfalas]] and was Harad's border with South Gondor - a deserted region contested between [[Gondor]] and Harad. The Harad Road ran from Harad northward through South Gondor and on to [[Ithilien]].

To the northeast of Harad was [[Khand]], a land that also had ties with Sauron. It is not known how far eastward or southward Harad stretched. On the west, Harad was bounded by the Bay of [[Belfalas]] and the [[Belegaer|Sea]].

The northernmost part of Harad was called Near Harad and the southern part was [[Far Harad]]. On the coast there was a natural harbor with a narrow cape curving around it. The coastal region around the harbor was known as Umbar, and the harbor was called the Havens of Umbar. The seafaring raiders known as the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] lived there. At the eastern end of the harbor was the City of the Corsairs.<ref>{{FR|Map}}</ref>

Much of Far Harad was a jungle, although there also was a desert. In the [[Great Forest of the South]] in Far Harad lived the gigantic [[Oliphaunts]], which were used by the Haradrim as moving war towers.

Harad's location in the far south isolated it to a certain extent from the rest of Middle-earth. The climate was much warmer and sunnier (Harad was called the "[[Sunlands]]" by the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]]). There were unusual animals such as the Oliphaunts.<ref name="Gate">{{TT|IV3}}</ref> Even the constellations in Harad's night sky down in the southern hemisphere were different from those in northern Middle-earth ([[Aragorn]] had traveled far into Harad "where the stars are strange"<ref name="Council"/>).

== Social Organisation ==
[[Image:Kyle Anderson - Haradrim King.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Kyle Anderson]] - ''Haradrim King'']]
Harad's tribes were divided—at least in the minds of the men of northwestern Middle-earth—into those of [[Near Harad|Near]] and [[Far Harad]], although there were many tribes of the Haradrim, often mutually hostile. Those of Near Harad were brown-skinned, with black hair and dark eyes, whereas the people of Far Harad had black skin.<ref name="Gate"/> It is also presumed that every tribe had a chieftain, who served as their leader and general in the battlefield.

== Etymology ==
''Harad'' means "South" in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{App|E1i}}</ref> The word is derived from [[Sundocarme|root]] [[KHYAR]], and is cognate to [[Quenya]] ''[[hyarmen]]'' ("south").<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, '''KHYAR'''</ref> It is also called [[Haradwaith]] which includes ''[[gwaith]]'' ("people").

The [[Men]] of Harad were called [[Haradrim]] ("Southern-host").<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref>
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
An early name of Harad was ''(Sun)Harrowland'', which is derived from the [[Old English]] name of the Aethiopans, ''Sigerhearwan'', and therefore meaning "Aethiopia" (See also: ''[[Sigelwara Land]]'').<ref>{{TI|Fangorn}}, Note 4</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[Category:Southern lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Harad]]
[[fi:Harad]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/harad]]

Rhûn

2015-03-08T03:04:03Z

76.11.233.95: /* History */

{{footnotes}}{{location
| image=[[File:Rhunmap.jpg|250px]]
| name=Rhûn
| othernames=The East
| etymology=[[Sindarin|S.]] ''[[rhûn]]'' "east"
| type=Realm
| location=Eastern Lands of [[Middle-earth]], east of [[Mordor]] and [[Rhovanion]]
| inhabitants=[[Easterlings]]
| realms=Rhûn
| description=East of [[Mordor]] and the [[Sea of Rhûn]]
| events=
| references=
}}
'''Rhûn''' refers to the little-known lands to the east of [[Middle-earth]] inhabited by peoples known as the "[[Easterlings]]", from whom many attacks on [[Gondor]] and its allies came during the [[Third Age]].

It is known as a wide and vast land with many kingdoms, and strange and unexplored places. Almost nothing of the lands beyond the great [[Sea of Rhûn]] is known (see [[Uttermost East]]).
==History==
Far beyond the Sea of Rhûn was another inland sea, the [[Sea of Helcar]], and beyond that the range of [[Orocarni]], the Red Mountains. Somewhere in the lost east, too, lay [[Cuiviénen]] and [[Hildórien]], where [[Elves]] and [[Men]] first awoke: all the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] could trace their ancestries back to the eastward regions of Middle-earth.

The first Men who were migrating to the West, pass from northern Rhûn where they met some [[Dwarves]].<ref>{{WJ|Dwarves}}</ref> At the shores of the inland Sea, the tribes separated and their languages soon diverged.<ref>{{PM|Ros}}</ref>

In the later [[Ages]] Rhûn was the domain of the [[Easterlings]], [[Men of Darkness]] who were ready to follow both the Dark Lords and fought as their allies in war. These lands, too, were peopled by lost Elves, [[Avari]] and [[Úmanyar]], and by four of the seven clans of the [[Dwarves]] who dwelt in the Orocarni.

[[Sauron]] himself journeyed into the eastward lands, in hiding from the [[White Council]] during the centuries of the [[Watchful Peace]].

Rhûn was conquered by Gondor twice: under the Kings [[Rómendacil I]] and [[Rómendacil II]], but the Númenóreans never had full control over it. Western Rhûn was finally subdued in the [[Fourth Age]] under King Elessar and his son [[Eldarion]].

==Geography==
[[File:Stefano Baldo - Rhûn.jpg|thumb|left|''Rhûn'' by Stefano Baldo]]
The western part of Rhûn is shown on the Lord of the Rings map. It contains the great [[Sea of Rhûn]], connected with three rivers, one northeast, a part of [[River Running]], one northwest and one running north from [[Mordor]]. It also shows a small mountain range southwest of the sea and a forest northeast of it.
Northwest of the Sea of Rhûn lays also the land of [[Dorwinion]].

The inland [[Sea of Rhûn]] was located in western Rhûn on the border between Rhûn and [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]]. There were mountains on the southwest side of the Sea of Rhûn and a forest on the northeast side. Wild white [[Kine of Araw]], or oxen, lived near the shores of the Sea of Rhûn.

Rhûn's ancient geography can be gleaned a little from [[The Silmarillion]]; throughout most of the [[First Age]] the vast [[Sea of Helcar]] was located there and beyond that the [[Orocarni]] ('red mountains').

==Etymology==
The word '''''rhûn''''' means "east" in [[Sindarin]]. Compare [[Quenya]] ''[[rómen]]''.<ref>{{App|E2i}}</ref>

{{references}}
* {{FR|Council}}
* {{FR|Breaking}}
* {{TT|Gate}}
* {{TT|Herbs}}
* {{TT|Window}}
* {{RK|Maps}}
* {{App|Gondor}}
* {{App|Eorl}}
* {{PM|Elendil}}
* {{PM|Third}}
* {{PM|A}}
* {{PM|Dwarves}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rhun}}
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[Category:Eastern lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Rhûn]]
[[fi:Rhûn]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/rhun]]

Poros

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76.11.233.95:

The '''Poros''' was a river in south of [[Gondor]]. It formed the northern border of the contested land of Harondor ([[South Gondor]]), and the southern border of [[Ithilien]]. During the later [[Third Age]] it was the effective southern border of Gondor.

About 400 [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] miles long, it began in the [[Ephel Dúath]] of [[Mordor]] and then flowed south-west for about 300 miles, when it bent to the north-west and met the [[Anduin]] just before the Anduin began its delta.<ref>{{RK|Map}}</ref>

The Poros was crossed by the [[Harad Road]] at the ''[[Haudh in Gwanûr]]''.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

In [[T.A. 2885]], Haradrim invaded [[Ithilien]] and the borders of Poros in great strength. Reinforced greatly by Rohan, Steward Túrin II won a victory at the crossings of Poros, though the princes [[Fastred]] and [[Folcred]] were slain.

==Etymology==

The meaning of the name ''Poros'' is unknown.<ref>[http://lingwe.blogspot.com/2011/10/poros-and-borphorus.html The Poros and the Bosphorus] at [http://lingwe.blogspot.com/ Lingwë.blogspot.com] (accessed 12 October 2011)</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Rivers]]
[[de:Poros]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/eaux/gondor/poros]]
[[fi:Poros]]

Orcs of Mordor

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76.11.233.95:

[[File:John Howe - Orcs of the Red Eye.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Orcs of the Red Eye'']]
The '''Orcs of Mordor''' were the [[Orcs|orc]] footsoldiers of [[Morgoth]]'s lieutenant [[Sauron]]. After Sauron established himself in the Black Land of [[Mordor]], he took under his command countless Orcs that continued to battle with [[Elves]] and [[Men]] over many centuries.

The Orcs of Mordor were not simply gathered from the remnants of Morgoth's armies, but were also bred anew by Sauron. There were many types in the service of the [[Eye of Sauron|Red Eye]], but the largest and fiercest were the [[Uruk-hai|Uruks of Mordor]], black Orcs of tremendous strength and ferocity irst seen about five hundred years before the end of the [[Third Age]]. It seems that Sauron could breed armies of Orcs with enormous speed when they were needed. According to [[Aragorn]], for instance, it had taken just a few years for the Orcs to multiply in Mordor to the vast hordes seen in the [[War of the Ring]]. Orcs made up the backbone of the Eastern hordes during this War, supplemented by Easterlings, Haradrim, and monstrous creatures of Sauron.

Following Sauron's final defeat at the end of the Third Age, Western forces cleared the Black Gate and surrounding hills of Orcs easily without their master to guide them, though it is suggested many escaped into the vast wastes and steppes of Mordor's eastern lands.

[[category:Orcs]]

Orcs of Mordor

2015-03-07T04:42:44Z

76.11.233.95:

[[File:John Howe - Orcs of the Red Eye.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Orcs of the Red Eye'']]
The '''Orcs of Mordor''' were the [[Orcs|orc]] footsoldiers of [[Morgoth]]'s lieutenant [[Sauron]]. After Sauron established himself in the Black Land of [[Mordor]], he took under his command countless Orcs that continued to battle with [[Elves]] and [[Men]] over many centuries.

The Orcs of Mordor were not simply gathered from the remnants of Morgoth's armies, but were also bred anew by Sauron. There were many types in the service of the [[Eye of Sauron|Red Eye]], but the largest and fiercest were the [[Uruk-hai|Uruks of Mordor]], a form first seen about five hundred years before the end of the [[Third Age]]. It seems that Sauron could breed armies of Orcs with enormous speed when they were needed. According to [[Aragorn]], for instance, it had taken just a few years for the Orcs to multiply in Mordor to the vast hordes seen in the [[War of the Ring]]. Orcs made up the backbone of the Eastern hordes during this War, supplemented by Easterlings, Haradrim, and monstrous creatures of Sauron.

Following Sauron's final defeat at the end of the Third Age, Western forces cleared the Black Gate and surrounding hills of Orcs easily without their master to guide them, though it is suggested many escaped into the vast wastes and steppes of Mordor's eastern lands.

[[category:Orcs]]

Orcs of Mordor

2015-03-07T04:39:57Z

76.11.233.95:

[[File:John Howe - Orcs of the Red Eye.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Orcs of the Red Eye'']]
The '''Orcs of Mordor''' were the [[Orcs|orc]] footsoldiers of [[Morgoth]],{{fact}} and when he was banished from the World, they remained under the control of his lieutenant [[Sauron]]. After Sauron established himself in the Black Land of [[Mordor]], his Orcs continued to battle with [[Elves]] and [[Men]] over many centuries.

The Orcs of Mordor were not simply gathered from the remnants of Morgoth's armies, but were also bred anew by Sauron. There were many types in the service of the [[Eye of Sauron|Red Eye]], but the largest and fiercest were the [[Uruk-hai]], a form first seen about five hundred years before the end of the [[Third Age]]. It seems that Sauron could breed armies of Orcs with enormous speed when they were needed. According to [[Aragorn]], for instance, it had taken just a few years for the Orcs to multiply in Mordor to the vast hordes seen in the [[War of the Ring]].

Following Sauron's final defeat at the end of the Third Age, Western forces cleared the Black Gate and surrounding hills of Orcs easily without their master to guide them, though it is suggested many escaped into the vast wastes and steppes of Mordor's eastern lands.

[[category:Orcs]]

Orcs

2015-03-07T04:38:10Z

76.11.233.95: /* Culture */

{{rewrite}}{{sources}}
{{race
| image=[[File:John Howe - In Mordor.jpg|250px]]
| name= Orcs
| dominions=[[Mordor]], [[Angband]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Mount Gundabad]], [[Angmar]], [[Utumno]]
| languages= [[Black Speech]]; numerous [[Orkish]] languages of their own
| height= generally around 3 1/2' or 4',<ref>{{FR|II5}} The ''Huge'' orc-chieftain is described as ''almost man high''</ref>
| length=
| skincolor= Sallow, Green, Brown, Grey
| haircolor=
| feathers=
| distinctions= Short, sallow
| lifespan= Unknown, but probably immortal or at least very long lives <ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Orcs#Lifespan</ref>
| members=[[Othrod]], [[Azog]], [[Bolg]], [[Gorbag]]
}}
'''Orcs''' (also called '''[[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]''') were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - [[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]] and the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]].

==History==
===Origins and early Years===

The Orcs were bred by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] in mockery of the [[Elves]], sometime during the [[The Darkness#The Great Darkness|Great Darkness]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Orc Swordsman.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[John Howe]] - ''Orc Swordsman'']]

It is unclear exactly when Orcs were created, but it certainly happened before the [[War for Sake of the Elves]] in his stronghold of Utumno. Whether the Orcs were at this time a capable fighting force against the host of Valinor is not known. But at least some of them survived this war, probably hidden in the deep vaults of [[Angband]], and multiplied, waiting for their master.

When Melkor (now known as [[Morgoth]]) returned to Middle-earth, he created new hordes of Orcs and invaded [[Beleriand]], where the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] took place. Orcs also fought in [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]].

===First Age===
Orcs appear in the [[First Age]] as the core force of [[Morgoth]]. Hundreds of thousands of Orcs were bred in [[Angband]] to participate in the [[Battles of Beleriand]], which lasted 587 years.

Orcs first appear in the [[First Age]] in the [[Battle of the Lammoth]], where they were defeated by [[Fingolfin]] and his [[Noldor]]. Orcs participated in battles such as the [[Dagor Aglareb]], [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Fall of the Falas]], and finally in the [[War of Wrath]], where they were almost extinguished. Those that survived the defeat fled eastwards and hid probably in the Mountains of [[Angmar]] and the [[Ered Mithrin]].

===Second Age===
Around the year {{SA|1000}} Sauron reappeared, took the land of [[Mordor]] as his realm and started the construction of [[Barad-dûr]]. It is likely that most of his servants were Orcs at this time that he had gathered under his command. Still for a long time Sauron's foul servants did not play an important role, for the Dark Lord had chosen a more subtle way to overthrow the free people by creating the [[Rings of Power]].

During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], in {{SA|1700}} Orcs formed the main power of Sauron's host. Despite the immeasurable number of Orcs, Sauron was defeated by the united hosts of Elves and [[Númenóreans]]. Still Sauron was powerful east of the [[Misty Mountains]] and the Orcs that inhabited the mountains and the eastern lands multiplied.

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] started a war against the [[Dwarves]], resulting in the [[First Sack of Gundabad]] and its occupation by the Orcs. Finally, Orcs were the core force of [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and fought in great battles such as the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].

===Third Age===
[[File:Richard Sullivan - Orc.jpg|thumb|left|Richard Sullivan - ''Orc'']]
During the [[Third Age]], Orcs were the standard troops of the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]] (both in [[Mordor]] and in [[Dol Guldur]]).

In [[Angmar]], Orcs fought in the [[Angmar War]]. Years later, they invaded [[Eriador]] under the leadership of the [[Necromancer]].

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], one of the few (more or less) independent Orcish societies, and their leader [[Azog]] started out the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and after their defeat they retreated in their caves. They appeared again in {{TA|2941}}, when the [[Battle of Five Armies]] took place.

The [[Orcs of Mordor]] fought in major battles during the [[War of the Ring]], such as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], but the majority of [[Mordor]]'s forces were destroyed or scattered at the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. Sporadic fighting in the following weeks led to the Orcs finally being driven out of the western end of Mordor, though it is unclear how many Orcs Sauron had in his armies, and it is also unclear how many survived after his defeat.

The Orcs in [[Dol Guldur]] remained in [[Mirkwood]] until the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], one of the last battles of the War of the Ring.

===Fourth Age and beyond===
The fate of the Orcs after the Third Age is unknown. Though many of Sauron's Orcs fought on and were slain in the weeks following the Battle of the Morannon, the true number of Sauron's hosts is unclear, as are the numbers of Orcs not within Mordor that may still inhabit the rest of Middle-earth. It is at least known that the Orcs of Moria either fled or were slain by the Fourth Age, as it is mentioned that the Dwarves managed to retake Moria and the mines within it.

==Characteristics==

===Culture===

It is certain all Orcs were dependent on the Dark Lord in various ways: after their leader was defeated, the Orcs were confused and dismayed, and easily scattered by their enemies. In the millennia after Morgoth's defeat and banishment from Arda, they were without a leader and they degenerated to small, quarrelsome tribes hiding in the [[Misty Mountains]]. Only when Sauron returned to power did they begin to reclaim some of their old power. The same happened after Sauron's defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]: only when Sauron returned as the Necromancer of [[Mirkwood]] did the Orcs become a real danger for Middle-earth again. Orcs were warlike and enjoyed the slaughter of their foes, though many had a cowardly nature and were often regarded as inferior, though far more expendable, then the soldiers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves.

It is interesting to note that to an extent, Tolkien did not regard Orcs as evil in their own right, but only as tools of Melkor and Sauron.

===Lifespan===

It is unknown if the Orcs were immortal like the Elves. There is, in any case, a hint for a long lifespan in the story of two of the most famous Orc-chieftains: [[Azog]] and [[Bolg]]. Bolg, being the son of Azog, was the chieftain of the Orcs who attacked Erebor in the Battle of Five Armies in {{TA|2941}}. Azog himself was killed in the Battle of Azanulbizar in {{TA|2799}}, so Bolg was aproximately 150 years old.

===Appearance===

In Tolkien's writing, Orcs are smaller in stature than Men. One "huge orc-chieftain" is "almost Man-high", but others must have been of a similar size to Hobbits (Frodo and Sam succeeded in disguising themselves as Orcs in Mordor). They had long arms and fanged mouths. Some had black skin. Some had short, crooked legs. They had black blood.{{fact}}

===Kinds of Orcs===
The Fellowship usually encountered the large soldier-Orcs bred for war, and sometimes the "snaga" variety which were more geared towards being labourers. Another type is referred to as "snufflers", smaller, black-skinned Orcs with wide nostrils, who excelled in tracking. Despite the smaller size, one snuffler was able to skillfully kill a soldier-orc when they got into a disagreement.<ref name="Cirith">{{RK|VI1}}</ref>

*[[Snaga]]
*[[Snufflers]]
*[[Orcs of Mordor]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]
*[[Half-orcs]] (and [[Goblin-men]])
*[[Uruk-hai]]
*[[Hobgoblins]]

[[File:Darek Zabrocki - Goblins.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Goblins''' by Darek Zabrocki.]]

===Orcs and Goblins===

The term ''goblin'' was used primarily in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' but also in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' where it is used synonymously with "Orc".<ref>{{TT|III1}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 24</ref>

"Goblin" is an English word, whereas "Orc" is Old English, the language used by Tolkien to represent Rohirric.<ref>{{App|F1iv}}</ref> Thus, there is no difference between Orcs and Goblins.

The original edition of ''The Hobbit'' and early drafts of ''The Lord of the Rings'' first used "goblin" everywhere and used "[[Hobgoblins|hobgoblin]]" for larger, more evil goblins: when goblins were replaced with Orcs Tolkien invented the term Uruk-hai for his more evil Orcs.

==Etymology==
{{quote|The word as far as I am concerned actually derived from [[Old English]] ''orc'', demon, but only because of its phonetic suitability.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name=L144/>}}
===Orc===
The word '''''Orc''''' is said to be the "''form of the name that other races had for this foul people as it was in the [[Rohirric|language of Rohan]]''".<ref name=App|F1iv/>

In his late, post-''Lord of the Rings'' writings, Tolkien preferred the spelling '''''Ork'''''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}</ref> It is also possible that the word is a Common Tongue Version of 'orch', the [[Sindarin]] word for Orc. The original sense of the word seems to be "bogey", "bogeyman", that is, something that provokes fear, as seen in the Quenya cognate ''urko'', pl. ''urqui''.{{fact}}

Tolkien derived the word ''orc'' from [[Old English]] believing it refers to a kind of evil spirits,<ref name=L144/><ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Gene Wolfe]]" (letter)</ref> which in turn derives from Latin ''Orcus'' "Hades". He also thought it survives in the modern language for sea-beasts,<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 762</ref> such as the [[Wikipedia:Orca Whale|Orca Whale]].

''Orc'' is an [[Old English]] word that refers mainly to a kind of metal cup (from Latin ''Urceus'').<ref group="note">The word ''Orc'' occurs twice in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]''.</ref> However, in a 11th century glossary, this entry was conflated with another entry which refers to evil giants such as ''[[Wikipedia:Jötunn|þyrs]]'' and other monsters, also glossed in Latin as ''Orcus''. This merge of the two entries made many philologists of the previous centuries, like Tolkien, to believe that ''Orc'' was an actual Old English word that refers to any kind of evil creature from the underworld.<ref>Bosworth and Toller's ''An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary'' (1898), corrected in later editions</ref>

The word ''Orcnéas'' is once found only in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]'' (lines 112-113) and is cited as an example of the word "Orc" in Old English text. Actually its meaning is not clear, and it is thought to refer to corpses (''néas'') from the Underworld.

However, it is also mentioned that the word ''Orc'' is Anglo-Saxon for "Foreigner, Monster, Demon" and was used to refer to the Normans invading the Anglish in 1066.<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1329539/ 1066 The Battle for Middle Earth]" 2009 (documentary)</ref>
==="Orcs" in Tolkien's languages===
Tolkien said that one of the reason of choosing "Orc" over "Goblin" was the similarity with his fictional languages.<ref name=WJAC>{{WJ|AC}}, pp. 389-91</ref> Indeed most [[Elvish]], [[Mannish]] and other words for Orc, are similar to the English word.

The basic [[Primitive Quendian]] [[Sundocarme|root]], from which the words for Orc derive, is [[RUKU]] (said to refer to any "bogey" that scared the Elves)<ref name=WJAC/>:

*[[Quenya]] '''''orco'''''<ref name=PE17_47/> (pl. '''''Orkor'''''<ref>{{GA|27}}, p. 12</ref><ref>{{HM|MR}}, pp. 74, 194</ref>); [[Exilic Quenya]] '''''urko''''' (pl. '''''orkor''''' and '''''orqui''''')<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Sindarin]]: '''''orch'''''/'''''Orch''''' (pl. '''''yrch'''''/'''''Yrch''''', class pl. '''''Orchoth'''''/'''''orchoth'''''<ref group="note">''Orchoth'' is likely a compound of ''orch'' + ''[[hoth]]''.</ref>)<ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144/><ref name=PE17_52-4/><ref name=PE17_47/><ref name=App|F1iv/>; '''''[[glamhoth]]'''''
*[[Nandorin]]: '''''ūriʃ'''''<ref name=PE17_52-4>{{PE|17}}, pp. 52-4</ref>

*[[Adûnaic]]: '''''urku''''', '''''urkhu'''''<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Westron]]: '''''orka'''''<ref name=PE17_47>{{PE|17}}, p. 47</ref>
*[[Black Speech]]: '''''[[Uruk-hai#Etymology|uruk]]'''''<ref name=App|F1iv>{{App|F1iv}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=PE17_47/>
*[[Khuzdul]]: '''''Rukhs''''' (pl. '''''Rakhās'''''), possibly derived from an unknown [[Avarin]] word of the same meaning<ref name=WJAC/><ref group="note">''Rukhs'' appears to contain the radical R-Kh-S.</ref>
*[[Drúadan language]]: '''''gorgûn''''' ("orc-folk"; the form ''gorgûn'' is perhaps plural of an unknown singular form)<ref name=PE17_99>{{PE|17}}, p. 99</ref><ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/>

In the earliest versions of [[Qenya]], Tolkien had words such as "'''Ork (orq-)''' pl. '''Orqi''' and fem. "'''orqindi'''".{{fact}}

In [[Noldorin]], the earlier version of Sindarin, the word for Orc is the same: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'').<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref><ref>{{MR|P3I7}}, p. 195</ref><ref>{{MC|Secret}}, p. 217</ref> The [[Gnomish]] word for "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin" is said to be '''''Gong'''''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

*''See also: [[Entish]] ''[[burárum]]''
===Goblin===
''[[Wiktionary:Goblin|Goblin]]'' is a folk word which according to ''The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English'' is probably derived from the Anglo-French ''[[Wiktionary:gobelin|gobelin]]'' a diminutive of ''gobel'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:kobold|kobold]]''). William D.B. Loos notes that ''goblin'' is a Romance-derived word, unlike other Germanic words preferred by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]].<ref>William D.B. Loos, [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/EnemyMisc.html#Orcs Enemies and Miscellaneous: What was the relationship between Orcs and Goblins?] at [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/ The Tolkien Frequently Asked Questions List] (accessed 3 July 2011)</ref>

==="Goblin" in Tolkien's languages===

In the [[The Etymologies|''Etymologies'']], the Elvish names used to translate "goblin" derive from root [[RUKU#Other versions|ÓROK]] and are:<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref>

*[[Quenya]]: '''''orko''''' (pl. '''''orqi''''')
*[[Noldorin]]: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'', archaic ''yrchy''<ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref>)
*[[Nandorin|Danian]]: '''''urc''''' (pl. '''''yrc''''')
*[[Doriathrin]]: '''''urch''''' (pl. '''''urchin''''')

In an early linguistic writing, Tolkien translated the [[Gnomish]] word ''Gong'' as "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin."<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

==Other Versions of the Legendarium==

===Origin===
According to the oldest "theory" proposed by Tolkien, Orcs were made of "subterranean heat and slime", and their hearts were stones like granite, through the sorcery of Morgoth.<ref>{{LT2 | III}}, p.159</ref> But, Tolkien later changed the legendarium so that Morgoth could no longer produce life on his own.

While Tolkien originally saw all Orcs as descended from tortured Elves, later comments of his indicate, according to [[Christopher Tolkien]] in ''Morgoth's Ring'' ("Myths Transformed, text X"), that he began to feel uncomfortable with the theory that orcs were descending from Elves. However, Tolkien died before he could complete his upheaval of the cosmology, and in the published version of ''The Silmarillion'', the Elf origin of Orcs was adopted. It does not appear that the elder Tolkien ever decided on a definitive answer. Different origins proposed were: animals that Morgoth infused with reason (Myths Transformed, text VIII), Elves and (later) Men (M.T.,text IX) and "probably" Men (text X).

The origin of Orcs is an open question. In Tolkien's writings, evil is not capable of independent creation, making it unlikely that the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who was obviously the first to produce them, could do that ''ex nihilo''. In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' is mentioned that the Orcs were transformed from Elves — the purest form of life on [[Arda]] (the Earth) — by means of torture and mutilation; and this "theory" would then become the most popular. There are hints in the ''[[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]]'' series of books, (especially in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' in the section "Myths Transformed"), that some Orc leaders, such as the First Age's [[Boldog]], or the [[Great Goblin]] encountered by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the Dwarves, may in fact have been fallen [[Maiar]] which had taken Orc form.

Yet other Orcs may have begun as animals of vaguely humanoid shapes, empowered by the will of the Dark Lord (first [[Morgoth]], later Sauron): this may explain the references to their "beaks and feathers"{{fact}} in Tolkien's writings.

: ''The Orcs were beasts of humanized shape (…).'' ('Morgoth's Ring', "Myths transformed", text VIII')

==Controversy==
Tolkien's Orcs have been a subject of criticism of [[racism]]. Tolkien described Orcs as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types".<ref>{{L|210}}</ref>

==Other writings==
In ''[[The Father Christmas Letters]]'', goblins appear as the enemies of [[Father Christmas]] and the [[Red Elves]].

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
===Orcs===
{{stub}}<gallery>File: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Ork.jpg|Concept art of an orc in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Orc3.jpg|An Orc in [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.</gallery>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Orc-kind is a genus that include the species of Orc, Goblins, [[Half-orcs]], [[Boggarts]], [[Bugans]] and [[Uruk-hai]].

:Orcs are very common in Middle-earth. They are about the size of a man with a hunchback.

''''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Orcs are first seen in [[Fornost]], where they immediately attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] on their aproach.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> ''Orc wariors'' are stronger then normal Orcs. Some Orcs have been taught [[Magic|sorcery]] by [[Agandaûr]], these are known as ''Orc Sorcerers''.

===Goblins===
<gallery>File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Goblins1.jpg|Goblins in the pits of [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]''</gallery>

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Goblins are a separate race and can be found in [[Evendim]], [[the Shire]], [[Ered Luin]], [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[North Downs]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Angmar]] and [[Moria]]. They are small in stature; a little shorter than [[Hobbits]]. In contrast, Orcs are about the size of [[Men]]. Goblins are also weaker than the orcs.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Goblins first appear in [[Fornost]], where they attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] immediately when they reach the city.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> Goblins are weaker than Orcs.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Goblins are again made clearly distinct from Orcs in the film series. They are possibly lesser relatives of Orcs; they are smaller (the very large Great Goblin notwithstanding), less powerful, and generally have pale, diseased skin.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:A band of "Goblin mercenaries" appear on [[Ravenhill]] during the [[Battle of Five Armies]], but are taken care of by the Dwarves without much trouble.

==See also==
*[[Gongs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Orcs|Images of Orcs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Goblins|Images of Goblins]]

{{references|note}}
[[Category:Orcs| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Orks]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/orques/orques]]
[[fi:Örkit]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:28:08Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath */

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Near-total
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. The city itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over Minas Tirith and the plains following the battle's end, putting out the city's fires much to the relief of its inhabitants. Despite their losses, the arrival of reinforcements from the southern fiefs allowed the city to have a larger garrison after the Siege than it had at the outset.

As for Mordor's losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron are estimated to have been perhaps 75,000 or more. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, allowing the others to rout. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:27:42Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath */

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Near-total
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not even "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. The city itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over Minas Tirith and the plains following the battle's end, putting out the city's fires much to the relief of its inhabitants. Despite their losses, the arrival of reinforcements from the southern fiefs allowed the city to have a larger garrison after the Siege than it had at the outset.

As for Mordor's losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron are estimated to have been perhaps 75,000 or more. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, allowing the others to rout. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Last Debate

2015-03-07T04:26:16Z

76.11.233.95:

{{Quote|[...] This, I deem, is our duty. And better so than to perish nonetheless – as we surely shall, if we sit here – and know as we die that no new age shall be.|[[Gandalf]]}}

The '''Last Debate''' was the council that [[Aragorn]] held with [[Imrahil]], [[Gandalf]], [[Éomer]], [[Elladan]], and [[Elrohir]]. It was held outside [[Minas Tirith]] on [[16 March|March 16]], [[Third Age 3019|3019]], and there it was decided "''that they should set forth on the second morning from that day with seven thousands [of men], if these might be found''" to fight [[Sauron]] in the [[Battle of the Morannon]], in the hope that [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] might finish the [[Quest of the Ring]] in [[Mordor]].<ref name=RKV9>{{RK|V9}}</ref>

Also debated was what size expeditionary force should be mustered, and the number to leave behind for defense. In the end they decided to leave behind 3,000 Rohirrim to attack a very large blocking force stationed on the [[West Road]] in [[Anórien]]; 4,000 who were coming by land from [[Pelargir]]; possibly several thousand who were coming up the [[Anduin]]; and probably some 1-2,000 survivors from the siege of the city. All in all the defensive forces' numbers could been upwards of 9,000, fulfilling Aragorn's plan of leaving Minas Tirith with a larger defensive force than what it had before the siege began.<ref name=RKV9/>

The expeditionary force numbered 7,000 men. Under Aragorn's command were 2,000 of those who sailed with him up the Anduin; under Imrahil were 3,500 who were probably from among the original defenders of the city; under Éomer were 500 Rohirrim unhorsed, and another 500 horsed; and lastly another 500 horsed Knights of Dol Amroth, Dúnedain Rangers and the sons of Elrond.<ref name=RKV9/>

{{references}}
[[Category:Events]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:23:09Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath */

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Near-total
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not even "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. The city itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over Minas Tirith and the plains following the battle's end, putting out the city's fires much to the relief of its inhabitants.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron are estimated to have been perhaps 75,000 or more. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, allowing the others to rout. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:22:01Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath */

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Near-total
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not even "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. The city itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over Minas Tirith and the plains following the battle's end, putting out the city's fires much to the relief of its inhabitants.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron are estimated to have been perhaps 75,000 or more. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, allowing the others to rout. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:02:27Z

76.11.233.95:

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Near-total
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 5 to 1, but lost over a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-07T04:01:12Z

76.11.233.95:

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]] †
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Severe: at least a third
| casual2=Almost Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were fleeing in cowardice, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 5 to 1, but lost over a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-06T22:05:03Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath */

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Heavy
| casual2=Almost Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 5 to 1, but lost over a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2015-03-06T22:03:50Z

76.11.233.95: Fixed small ratio typo based on article force numbers.

{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=15 March {{TA|3019}}|
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
| forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 4000+ troops. Around 1000+ survivors from Osgiliath and Causeway Forts. Approx. 3,000+ auxiliary troops from Southern Gondor in Minas Tirth.{{fact}} 6000+ Rohirrim cavalry<ref name="Muster">{{RK|Muster}}; quote from [[Théoden]], "''Yet six thousands at the least shall ride behind me.''"</ref> Unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)
| forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 75,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000+ [[Haradrim]]<ref>{{RK|Battle}}; "''the Rohirrim at their onset were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.''"</ref>, and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)
| casual1=Heavy
| casual2=Almost Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

===Opposing Forces===
Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]];
The defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 2,000, the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000 (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 5 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the Rohirrim. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Éowyn.

:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets: many orcs, and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers, were killed whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted on top of their fell-beasts, descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and [[Gandalf]] in combat throughout the night. As the battle wages continues in the dark the [[orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and with it the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] are shattered allowing the orcs, [[trolls]] and [[wargs]] to invade the city. In the book the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.

:By morning the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith, there Gandalf helps them to hold out until [[Théoden]] and six thousand [[Rohirrim]] arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Farmer Maggot

2015-03-04T08:29:42Z

76.11.233.95: /* History */

{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[File:Henning Janssen - Harvesting Maggots.jpg|250px]]
| name=Farmer Maggot
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=Farmer
| location=[[Bamfurlong]], the [[Marish]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=Late [[Third Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| family=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Farmer Maggot''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] who at the time of the [[War of the Ring]] owned a farm called [[Bamfurlong]]<ref name="Boating">{{AB|2}}</ref> in the [[Marish]] in the [[Eastfarthing]] of [[the Shire]]. Like most inhabitants of the Marish, which was fertile but boggy, Maggot and his family lived in a house instead of a [[Hobbit-holes|hobbit-hole]]. Maggot had a wife, at least two sons and three daughters, plus a few other hobbits who belonged to the farm.<ref name="mushroom">{{FR|I4}}</ref>

Farmer Maggot was a shrewd hobbit who was familiar with [[Tom Bombadil]]<ref name="Boating"/> and friendly to all [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]]. Living in the borderlands Maggot had to be more on his guard than most Hobbits and for protection he kept three huge dogs called [[Grip]], [[Fang (dog)|Fang]], and [[Wolf (dog)|Wolf]].<ref name="mushroom"/>

==History==
When [[Frodo Baggins]] was young he lived in [[Brandy Hall]] and used to sneak into Farmer Maggot's fields to steal [[mushrooms]]. When Maggot finally caught him he beat the young mushroom poacher and had his dogs chase Frodo all the way to the [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo remained terrified of the old farmer and his dogs thereafter.<ref name="mushroom"/>

On [[25 September]] of {{TA|3018}}, Maggot was approached by a [[Nazgûl|Black Rider]] who asked him if he has seen ''[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]''. Maggot told him that the Bagginses were in [[Hobbiton]]. The rider said that this Baggins had left Hobbiton and that he would reward Maggot with gold if he informed him the next time he came. Maggot however, despite the chill this stranger caused him, was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his dogs. Though Maggot's dogs yelped and ran, the rider, infuriated by the hobbit's defiance, hissed and left like thunder.

Later that day Frodo, [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] came to Maggot's farm. After [[Mrs. Maggot]] served the travelers mugs of beer, Maggot related his story about the stranger. Frodo thanked the farmer for his hospitality and said that they had to hurry along. Maggot then offered the hobbits supper and said that he would take them by wagon to the Ferry thereafter. The invitation was gratefully accepted.

In the night Maggot and his passengers headed for the Ferry, and they encountered [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] looking for them. Upon reaching their destination, Maggot set out for home after giving Frodo a gift from Mrs Maggot. The gift was a basket of mushrooms.<ref name="mushroom"/>

==Etymology==
Tolkien says that the name "Maggot" was a [[Hobbitish]] name whose meaning has been lost in history. ''Maggot'' should not be understood as the English word [[Wikipedia:maggot|maggot]] or larva. The similarity is coincidental.

==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
In the first phase of writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' the visit to Farmer Maggot was roughly the same as the final version, but in a much abbreviated form. Bingo (who would later be named Frodo Baggins) had never stolen mushrooms from Bamfurlong. The farmer had only one small dog named Gip and while he had a wife, no children or other members of the household were mentioned. At the first sight of the dog, Bingo put on his [[The One Ring|Ring]] and stayed invisible during the visit. Odo and Frodo Took (who were later changed into Pippin and Sam) enjoyed a beer while Maggot told them of the visit by the Black Rider. At the end of the story invisible Bingo lifted Maggot's mug and drank his beer, scaring the old farmer who was glad to see the two (visible) hobbits run away. The hobbits did not get a wagon ride to the Ferry nor did they receive any mushrooms.<ref>{{RS|Maggot}}</ref>

When [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] came to write about [[Tom Bombadil]] he toyed with the idea of making Farmer Maggot some other creature than a hobbit, possibly akin to Tom himself.<ref>{{RS|Tom}}</ref> As this notion brewed a line was given to Frodo Took stating that Maggot was "not a hobbit – not a pure hobbit anyway" and that he had hair under his chin.<ref>{{RS|1VIN}}, note 7</ref>

Farmer Maggot changed considerably in the second phase of writing the story, although he was still a hobbit. Now the One Ring was much more dangerous and Bingo was not supposed to wear it frivolously. However, Tolkien still wanted to retain the mysteriously levitating beer mug incident, which meant that Bingo had to wear the Ring in Maggot's house. To justify this the visit to Bamfurlong took on a much darker hue. Young Bingo used to steal mushrooms. One day, in fear of being mauled, he threw a rock at one of the farmer's dogs and killed it. Maggot beat Bingo and told him he would kill him the next time he trespassed, and would have killed him then if Bingo had not belonged to a rich and powerful family. When the hobbits approached the farm, terrified Bingo slipped on the Ring. Inside the house Maggot emphasized his unrelenting hostility toward all Bagginses. Bingo pulls the floating beer mug trick but then berates the bewildered farmer, pushes him into the fire-irons, and makes his hat sail out of the house.

[[Christopher Tolkien]] commented that the difficulty of keeping the Ring secret eventually killed this version. When the story was rewritten again to make Maggot a shrewd but kindly soul the last of the lighthearted tricks with the Ring was removed from the developing story.<ref>{{RS|Short}}</ref>

In yet another version of the beginning Farmer Maggot's hostility,it was [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and Bingo who stumbled onto Maggot's farm one foggy evening. They accidentally got into his garden and Maggot set a great wolf-like dog upon them. Bilbo broke the dog's head to save Bingo from a mauling and Maggot flung Bilbo into a ditch. Maggot threatened to kill Bingo, Bilbo threatened to come back armed, and Maggot said he had a weapon or two himself.<ref>{{RS|2XVIIN}}, note 6</ref>

==Portrayal in Adaptations==

===Radio series===
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[John Bott]] provided the voice of Farmer Maggot.
<center><gallery>
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Farmer Maggot.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:Maggot viv lotr.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:Farmer Maggot in LOTRO.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery></center>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Cameron Rhodes]] portrays Farmer Maggot when he is questioned by a Ringwraith. In a later scene where he chases away the four hobbits from his fields, his voice is provided by sound engineer [[Mike Hopkins]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Farmer Maggot appears at the end of the Shire levels.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Farmer Maggot|Images of Farmer Maggot]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Maggot]]
[[de:Maggot]]
[[fi:Magot]]

Orcs

2015-03-04T05:46:43Z

76.11.233.95: /* Third Age */

{{rewrite}}{{sources}}
{{race
| image=[[File:John Howe - In Mordor.jpg|250px]]
| name= Orcs
| dominions=[[Mordor]], [[Angband]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Mount Gundabad]], [[Angmar]], [[Utumno]]
| languages= [[Black Speech]]; numerous [[Orkish]] languages of their own
| height= generally around 3 1/2' or 4',<ref>{{FR|II5}} The ''Huge'' orc-chieftain is described as ''almost man high''</ref>
| length=
| skincolor= Sallow, Green, Brown, Grey
| haircolor=
| feathers=
| distinctions= Short, sallow
| lifespan= Unknown, but probably immortal or at least very long lives <ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Orcs#Lifespan</ref>
| members=[[Othrod]], [[Azog]], [[Bolg]], [[Gorbag]]
}}
'''Orcs''' (also called '''[[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]''') were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - [[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]] and the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]].

==History==
===Origins and early Years===

The Orcs were bred by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] in mockery of the [[Elves]], sometime during the [[The Darkness#The Great Darkness|Great Darkness]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Orc Swordsman.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[John Howe]] - ''Orc Swordsman'']]

It is unclear exactly when Orcs were created, but it certainly happened before the [[War for Sake of the Elves]] in his stronghold of Utumno. Whether the Orcs were at this time a capable fighting force against the host of Valinor is not known. But at least some of them survived this war, probably hidden in the deep vaults of [[Angband]], and multiplied, waiting for their master.

When Melkor (now known as [[Morgoth]]) returned to Middle-earth, he created new hordes of Orcs and invaded [[Beleriand]], where the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] took place. Orcs also fought in [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]].

===First Age===
Orcs appear in the [[First Age]] as the core force of [[Morgoth]]. Hundreds of thousands of Orcs were bred in [[Angband]] to participate in the [[Battles of Beleriand]], which lasted 587 years.

Orcs first appear in the [[First Age]] in the [[Battle of the Lammoth]], where they were defeated by [[Fingolfin]] and his [[Noldor]]. Orcs participated in battles such as the [[Dagor Aglareb]], [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Fall of the Falas]], and finally in the [[War of Wrath]], where they were almost extinguished. Those that survived the defeat fled eastwards and hid probably in the Mountains of [[Angmar]] and the [[Ered Mithrin]].

===Second Age===
Around the year {{SA|1000}} Sauron reappeared, took the land of [[Mordor]] as his realm and started the construction of [[Barad-dûr]]. It is likely that most of his servants were Orcs at this time that he had gathered under his command. Still for a long time Sauron's foul servants did not play an important role, for the Dark Lord had chosen a more subtle way to overthrow the free people by creating the [[Rings of Power]].

During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], in {{SA|1700}} Orcs formed the main power of Sauron's host. Despite the immeasurable number of Orcs, Sauron was defeated by the united hosts of Elves and [[Númenóreans]]. Still Sauron was powerful east of the [[Misty Mountains]] and the Orcs that inhabited the mountains and the eastern lands multiplied.

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] started a war against the [[Dwarves]], resulting in the [[First Sack of Gundabad]] and its occupation by the Orcs. Finally, Orcs were the core force of [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and fought in great battles such as the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].

===Third Age===
[[File:Richard Sullivan - Orc.jpg|thumb|left|Richard Sullivan - ''Orc'']]
During the [[Third Age]], Orcs were the standard troops of the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]] (both in [[Mordor]] and in [[Dol Guldur]]).

In [[Angmar]], Orcs fought in the [[Angmar War]]. Years later, they invaded [[Eriador]] under the leadership of the [[Necromancer]].

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], one of the few (more or less) independent Orcish societies, and their leader [[Azog]] started out the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and after their defeat they retreated in their caves. They appeared again in {{TA|2941}}, when the [[Battle of Five Armies]] took place.

The [[Orcs of Mordor]] fought in major battles during the [[War of the Ring]], such as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], but the majority of [[Mordor]]'s forces were destroyed or scattered at the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. Sporadic fighting in the following weeks led to the Orcs finally being driven out of the western end of Mordor, though it is unclear how many Orcs Sauron had in his armies, and it is also unclear how many survived after his defeat.

The Orcs in [[Dol Guldur]] remained in [[Mirkwood]] until the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], one of the last battles of the War of the Ring.

===Fourth Age and beyond===
The fate of the Orcs after the Third Age is unknown. Though many of Sauron's Orcs fought on and were slain in the weeks following the Battle of the Morannon, the true number of Sauron's hosts is unclear, as are the numbers of Orcs not within Mordor that may still inhabit the rest of Middle-earth. It is at least known that the Orcs of Moria either fled or were slain by the Fourth Age, as it is mentioned that the Dwarves managed to retake Moria and the mines within it.

==Characteristics==

===Culture===

It is certain all Orcs were dependent on the Dark Lord in various ways: after their leader was defeated, the Orcs were confused and dismayed, and easily scattered by their enemies. In the millennia after Morgoth's defeat and banishment from Arda, they were without a leader and they degenerated to small, quarrelsome tribes hiding in the [[Misty Mountains]]. Only when Sauron returned to power did they begin to reclaim some of their old power. The same happened after Sauron's defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]: only when Sauron returned as the Necromancer of [[Mirkwood]] did the Orcs become a real danger for Middle-earth again.

It is interesting to note that to an extent, Tolkien did not regard Orcs as evil in their own right, but only as tools of Melkor and Sauron.

===Lifespan===

It is unknown if the Orcs were immortal like the Elves. There is, in any case, a hint for a long lifespan in the story of two of the most famous Orc-chieftains: [[Azog]] and [[Bolg]]. Bolg, being the son of Azog, was the chieftain of the Orcs who attacked Erebor in the Battle of Five Armies in {{TA|2941}}. Azog himself was killed in the Battle of Azanulbizar in {{TA|2799}}, so Bolg was aproximately 150 years old.

===Appearance===

In Tolkien's writing, Orcs are smaller in stature than Men. One "huge orc-chieftain" is "almost Man-high", but others must have been of a similar size to Hobbits (Frodo and Sam succeeded in disguising themselves as Orcs in Mordor). They had long arms and fanged mouths. Some had black skin. Some had short, crooked legs. They had black blood.{{fact}}

===Kinds of Orcs===
The Fellowship usually encountered the large soldier-Orcs bred for war, and sometimes the "snaga" variety which were more geared towards being labourers. Another type is referred to as "snufflers", smaller, black-skinned Orcs with wide nostrils, who excelled in tracking. Despite the smaller size, one snuffler was able to skillfully kill a soldier-orc when they got into a disagreement.<ref name="Cirith">{{RK|VI1}}</ref>

*[[Snaga]]
*[[Snufflers]]
*[[Orcs of Mordor]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]
*[[Half-orcs]] (and [[Goblin-men]])
*[[Uruk-hai]]
*[[Hobgoblins]]

[[File:Darek Zabrocki - Goblins.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Goblins''' by Darek Zabrocki.]]

===Orcs and Goblins===

The term ''goblin'' was used primarily in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' but also in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' where it is used synonymously with "Orc".<ref>{{TT|III1}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 24</ref>

"Goblin" is an English word, whereas "Orc" is Old English, the language used by Tolkien to represent Rohirric.<ref>{{App|F1iv}}</ref> Thus, there is no difference between Orcs and Goblins.

The original edition of ''The Hobbit'' and early drafts of ''The Lord of the Rings'' first used "goblin" everywhere and used "[[Hobgoblins|hobgoblin]]" for larger, more evil goblins: when goblins were replaced with Orcs Tolkien invented the term Uruk-hai for his more evil Orcs.

==Etymology==
{{quote|The word as far as I am concerned actually derived from [[Old English]] ''orc'', demon, but only because of its phonetic suitability.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name=L144/>}}
===Orc===
The word '''''Orc''''' is said to be the "''form of the name that other races had for this foul people as it was in the [[Rohirric|language of Rohan]]''".<ref name=App|F1iv/>

In his late, post-''Lord of the Rings'' writings, Tolkien preferred the spelling '''''Ork'''''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}</ref> This was evidently mainly to avoid the form ''Orcish'', which would be naturally pronounced with the c as /s/ instead of /k/. (In [[Languages|Tolkien's languages]] the letter ''c'' was always pronounced /k/.) It is also possible that the word is a Common Tongue Version of 'orch', the [[Sindarin]] word for Orc. The original sense of the word seems to be "bogey", "bogeyman", that is, something that provokes fear, as seen in the Quenya cognate ''urko'', pl. ''urqui''.{{fact}}

Tolkien derived the word ''orc'' from [[Old English]] believing it refers to a kind of evil spirits,<ref name=L144/><ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Gene Wolfe]]" (letter)</ref> which in turn derives from Latin ''Orcus'' "Hades". He also thought it survives in the modern language for sea-beasts,<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 762</ref> such as the [[Wikipedia:Orca Whale|Orca Whale]].

''Orc'' is an [[Old English]] word that refers mainly to a kind of metal cup (from Latin ''Urceus'').<ref group="note">The word ''Orc'' occurs twice in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]''.</ref> However, in a 11th century glossary, this entry was conflated with another entry which refers to evil giants such as ''[[Wikipedia:Jötunn|þyrs]]'' and other monsters, also glossed in Latin as ''Orcus''. This merge of the two entries made many philologists of the previous centuries, like Tolkien, to believe that ''Orc'' was an actual Old English word that refers to any kind of evil creature from the underworld.<ref>Bosworth and Toller's ''An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary'' (1898), corrected in later editions</ref>

The word ''Orcnéas'' is once found only in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]'' (lines 112-113) and is cited as an example of the word "Orc" in Old English text. Actually its meaning is not clear, and it is thought to refer to corpses (''néas'') from the Underworld.

However, it is also mentioned that the word ''Orc'' is Anglo-Saxon for "Foreigner, Monster, Demon" and was used to refer to the Normans invading the Anglish in 1066.<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1329539/ 1066 The Battle for Middle Earth]" 2009 (documentary)</ref>
==="Orcs" in Tolkien's languages===
Tolkien said that one of the reason of choosing "Orc" over "Goblin" was the similarity with his fictional languages.<ref name=WJAC>{{WJ|AC}}, pp. 389-91</ref> Indeed most [[Elvish]], [[Mannish]] and other words for Orc, are similar to the English word.

The basic [[Primitive Quendian]] [[Sundocarme|root]], from which the words for Orc derive, is [[RUKU]] (said to refer to any "bogey" that scared the Elves)<ref name=WJAC/>:

*[[Quenya]] '''''orco'''''<ref name=PE17_47/> (pl. '''''Orkor'''''<ref>{{GA|27}}, p. 12</ref><ref>{{HM|MR}}, pp. 74, 194</ref>); [[Exilic Quenya]] '''''urko''''' (pl. '''''orkor''''' and '''''orqui''''')<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Sindarin]]: '''''orch'''''/'''''Orch''''' (pl. '''''yrch'''''/'''''Yrch''''', class pl. '''''Orchoth'''''/'''''orchoth'''''<ref group="note">''Orchoth'' is likely a compound of ''orch'' + ''[[hoth]]''.</ref>)<ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144/><ref name=PE17_52-4/><ref name=PE17_47/><ref name=App|F1iv/>; '''''[[glamhoth]]'''''
*[[Nandorin]]: '''''ūriʃ'''''<ref name=PE17_52-4>{{PE|17}}, pp. 52-4</ref>

*[[Adûnaic]]: '''''urku''''', '''''urkhu'''''<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Westron]]: '''''orka'''''<ref name=PE17_47>{{PE|17}}, p. 47</ref>
*[[Black Speech]]: '''''[[Uruk-hai#Etymology|uruk]]'''''<ref name=App|F1iv>{{App|F1iv}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=PE17_47/>
*[[Khuzdul]]: '''''Rukhs''''' (pl. '''''Rakhās'''''), possibly derived from an unknown [[Avarin]] word of the same meaning<ref name=WJAC/><ref group="note">''Rukhs'' appears to contain the radical R-Kh-S.</ref>
*[[Drúadan language]]: '''''gorgûn''''' ("orc-folk"; the form ''gorgûn'' is perhaps plural of an unknown singular form)<ref name=PE17_99>{{PE|17}}, p. 99</ref><ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/>

In the earliest versions of [[Qenya]], Tolkien had words such as "'''Ork (orq-)''' pl. '''Orqi''' and fem. "'''orqindi'''".{{fact}}

In [[Noldorin]], the earlier version of Sindarin, the word for Orc is the same: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'').<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref><ref>{{MR|P3I7}}, p. 195</ref><ref>{{MC|Secret}}, p. 217</ref> The [[Gnomish]] word for "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin" is said to be '''''Gong'''''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

*''See also: [[Entish]] ''[[burárum]]''
===Goblin===
''[[Wiktionary:Goblin|Goblin]]'' is a folk word which according to ''The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English'' is probably derived from the Anglo-French ''[[Wiktionary:gobelin|gobelin]]'' a diminutive of ''gobel'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:kobold|kobold]]''). William D.B. Loos notes that ''goblin'' is a Romance-derived word, unlike other Germanic words preferred by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]].<ref>William D.B. Loos, [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/EnemyMisc.html#Orcs Enemies and Miscellaneous: What was the relationship between Orcs and Goblins?] at [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/ The Tolkien Frequently Asked Questions List] (accessed 3 July 2011)</ref>

==="Goblin" in Tolkien's languages===

In the [[The Etymologies|''Etymologies'']], the Elvish names used to translate "goblin" derive from root [[RUKU#Other versions|ÓROK]] and are:<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref>

*[[Quenya]]: '''''orko''''' (pl. '''''orqi''''')
*[[Noldorin]]: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'', archaic ''yrchy''<ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref>)
*[[Nandorin|Danian]]: '''''urc''''' (pl. '''''yrc''''')
*[[Doriathrin]]: '''''urch''''' (pl. '''''urchin''''')

In an early linguistic writing, Tolkien translated the [[Gnomish]] word ''Gong'' as "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin."<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

==Other Versions of the Legendarium==

===Origin===
According to the oldest "theory" proposed by Tolkien, Orcs were made of "subterranean heat and slime", and their hearts were stones like granite, through the sorcery of Morgoth.<ref>{{LT2 | III}}, p.159</ref> But, Tolkien later changed the legendarium so that Morgoth could no longer produce life on his own.

While Tolkien originally saw all Orcs as descended from tortured Elves, later comments of his indicate, according to [[Christopher Tolkien]] in ''Morgoth's Ring'' ("Myths Transformed, text X"), that he began to feel uncomfortable with the theory that orcs were descending from Elves. However, Tolkien died before he could complete his upheaval of the cosmology, and in the published version of ''The Silmarillion'', the Elf origin of Orcs was adopted. It does not appear that the elder Tolkien ever decided on a definitive answer. Different origins proposed were: animals that Morgoth infused with reason (Myths Transformed, text VIII), Elves and (later) Men (M.T.,text IX) and "probably" Men (text X).

The origin of Orcs is an open question. In Tolkien's writings, evil is not capable of independent creation, making it unlikely that the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who was obviously the first to produce them, could do that ''ex nihilo''. In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' is mentioned that the Orcs were transformed from Elves — the purest form of life on [[Arda]] (the Earth) — by means of torture and mutilation; and this "theory" would then become the most popular. There are hints in the ''[[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]]'' series of books, (especially in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' in the section "Myths Transformed"), that some Orc leaders, such as the First Age's [[Boldog]], or the [[Great Goblin]] encountered by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the Dwarves, may in fact have been fallen [[Maiar]] which had taken Orc form.

Yet other Orcs may have begun as animals of vaguely humanoid shapes, empowered by the will of the Dark Lord (first [[Morgoth]], later Sauron): this may explain the references to their "beaks and feathers"{{fact}} in Tolkien's writings.

: ''The Orcs were beasts of humanized shape (…).'' ('Morgoth's Ring', "Myths transformed", text VIII')

==Controversy==
Tolkien's Orcs have been a subject of criticism of [[racism]]. Tolkien described Orcs as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types".<ref>{{L|210}}</ref>

==Other writings==
In ''[[The Father Christmas Letters]]'', goblins appear as the enemies of [[Father Christmas]] and the [[Red Elves]].

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
===Orcs===
{{stub}}<gallery>File: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Ork.jpg|Concept art of an orc in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Orc3.jpg|An Orc in [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.</gallery>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Orc-kind is a genus that include the species of Orc, Goblins, [[Half-orcs]], [[Boggarts]], [[Bugans]] and [[Uruk-hai]].

:Orcs are very common in Middle-earth. They are about the size of a man with a hunchback.

''''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Orcs are first seen in [[Fornost]], where they immediately attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] on their aproach.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> ''Orc wariors'' are stronger then normal Orcs. Some Orcs have been taught [[Magic|sorcery]] by [[Agandaûr]], these are known as ''Orc Sorcerers''.

===Goblins===
<gallery>File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Goblins1.jpg|Goblins in the pits of [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]''</gallery>

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Goblins are a separate race and can be found in [[Evendim]], [[the Shire]], [[Ered Luin]], [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[North Downs]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Angmar]] and [[Moria]]. They are small in stature; a little shorter than [[Hobbits]]. In contrast, Orcs are about the size of [[Men]]. Goblins are also weaker than the orcs.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Goblins first appear in [[Fornost]], where they attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] immediately when they reach the city.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> Goblins are weaker than Orcs.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Goblins are again made clearly distinct from Orcs in the film series. They are possibly lesser relatives of Orcs; they are smaller (the very large Great Goblin notwithstanding), less powerful, and generally have pale, diseased skin.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:A band of "Goblin mercenaries" appear on [[Ravenhill]] during the [[Battle of Five Armies]], but are taken care of by the Dwarves without much trouble.

==See also==
*[[Gongs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Orcs|Images of Orcs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Goblins|Images of Goblins]]

{{references|note}}
[[Category:Orcs| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Orks]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/orques/orques]]
[[fi:Örkit]]

Orcs

2015-03-04T05:42:52Z

76.11.233.95: /* Fourth Age and beyond */

{{rewrite}}{{sources}}
{{race
| image=[[File:John Howe - In Mordor.jpg|250px]]
| name= Orcs
| dominions=[[Mordor]], [[Angband]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Mount Gundabad]], [[Angmar]], [[Utumno]]
| languages= [[Black Speech]]; numerous [[Orkish]] languages of their own
| height= generally around 3 1/2' or 4',<ref>{{FR|II5}} The ''Huge'' orc-chieftain is described as ''almost man high''</ref>
| length=
| skincolor= Sallow, Green, Brown, Grey
| haircolor=
| feathers=
| distinctions= Short, sallow
| lifespan= Unknown, but probably immortal or at least very long lives <ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Orcs#Lifespan</ref>
| members=[[Othrod]], [[Azog]], [[Bolg]], [[Gorbag]]
}}
'''Orcs''' (also called '''[[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]''') were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - [[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]] and the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]].

==History==
===Origins and early Years===

The Orcs were bred by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] in mockery of the [[Elves]], sometime during the [[The Darkness#The Great Darkness|Great Darkness]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Orc Swordsman.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[John Howe]] - ''Orc Swordsman'']]

It is unclear exactly when Orcs were created, but it certainly happened before the [[War for Sake of the Elves]] in his stronghold of Utumno. Whether the Orcs were at this time a capable fighting force against the host of Valinor is not known. But at least some of them survived this war, probably hidden in the deep vaults of [[Angband]], and multiplied, waiting for their master.

When Melkor (now known as [[Morgoth]]) returned to Middle-earth, he created new hordes of Orcs and invaded [[Beleriand]], where the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] took place. Orcs also fought in [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]].

===First Age===
Orcs appear in the [[First Age]] as the core force of [[Morgoth]]. Hundreds of thousands of Orcs were bred in [[Angband]] to participate in the [[Battles of Beleriand]], which lasted 587 years.

Orcs first appear in the [[First Age]] in the [[Battle of the Lammoth]], where they were defeated by [[Fingolfin]] and his [[Noldor]]. Orcs participated in battles such as the [[Dagor Aglareb]], [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Fall of the Falas]], and finally in the [[War of Wrath]], where they were almost extinguished. Those that survived the defeat fled eastwards and hid probably in the Mountains of [[Angmar]] and the [[Ered Mithrin]].

===Second Age===
Around the year {{SA|1000}} Sauron reappeared, took the land of [[Mordor]] as his realm and started the construction of [[Barad-dûr]]. It is likely that most of his servants were Orcs at this time that he had gathered under his command. Still for a long time Sauron's foul servants did not play an important role, for the Dark Lord had chosen a more subtle way to overthrow the free people by creating the [[Rings of Power]].

During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], in {{SA|1700}} Orcs formed the main power of Sauron's host. Despite the immeasurable number of Orcs, Sauron was defeated by the united hosts of Elves and [[Númenóreans]]. Still Sauron was powerful east of the [[Misty Mountains]] and the Orcs that inhabited the mountains and the eastern lands multiplied.

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] started a war against the [[Dwarves]], resulting in the [[First Sack of Gundabad]] and its occupation by the Orcs. Finally, Orcs were the core force of [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and fought in great battles such as the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].

===Third Age===
[[File:Richard Sullivan - Orc.jpg|thumb|left|Richard Sullivan - ''Orc'']]
During the [[Third Age]], Orcs were the standard troops of the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]] (both in [[Mordor]] and in [[Dol Guldur]]).

In [[Angmar]], Orcs fought in the [[Angmar War]]. Years later, they invaded [[Eriador]] under the leadership of the [[Necromancer]].

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], one of the few (more or less) independent Orcish societies, and their leader [[Azog]] started out the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and after their defeat they retreated in their caves. They appeared again in {{TA|2941}}, when the [[Battle of Five Armies]] took place.

The [[Orcs of Mordor]] fought in major battles during the [[War of the Ring]], such as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], but the entire [[Mordor]] force was destroyed or scattered at the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. The remainder were hunted down later.

The Orcs in [[Dol Guldur]] remained in [[Mirkwood]] until the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], one of the last battles of the War of the Ring.

===Fourth Age and beyond===
The fate of the Orcs after the Third Age is unknown. Though many of Sauron's Orcs fought on and were slain in the weeks following the Battle of the Morannon, the true number of Sauron's hosts is unclear, as are the numbers of Orcs not within Mordor that may still inhabit the rest of Middle-earth. It is at least known that the Orcs of Moria either fled or were slain by the Fourth Age, as it is mentioned that the Dwarves managed to retake Moria and the mines within it.

==Characteristics==

===Culture===

It is certain all Orcs were dependent on the Dark Lord in various ways: after their leader was defeated, the Orcs were confused and dismayed, and easily scattered by their enemies. In the millennia after Morgoth's defeat and banishment from Arda, they were without a leader and they degenerated to small, quarrelsome tribes hiding in the [[Misty Mountains]]. Only when Sauron returned to power did they begin to reclaim some of their old power. The same happened after Sauron's defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]: only when Sauron returned as the Necromancer of [[Mirkwood]] did the Orcs become a real danger for Middle-earth again.

It is interesting to note that to an extent, Tolkien did not regard Orcs as evil in their own right, but only as tools of Melkor and Sauron.

===Lifespan===

It is unknown if the Orcs were immortal like the Elves. There is, in any case, a hint for a long lifespan in the story of two of the most famous Orc-chieftains: [[Azog]] and [[Bolg]]. Bolg, being the son of Azog, was the chieftain of the Orcs who attacked Erebor in the Battle of Five Armies in {{TA|2941}}. Azog himself was killed in the Battle of Azanulbizar in {{TA|2799}}, so Bolg was aproximately 150 years old.

===Appearance===

In Tolkien's writing, Orcs are smaller in stature than Men. One "huge orc-chieftain" is "almost Man-high", but others must have been of a similar size to Hobbits (Frodo and Sam succeeded in disguising themselves as Orcs in Mordor). They had long arms and fanged mouths. Some had black skin. Some had short, crooked legs. They had black blood.{{fact}}

===Kinds of Orcs===
The Fellowship usually encountered the large soldier-Orcs bred for war, and sometimes the "snaga" variety which were more geared towards being labourers. Another type is referred to as "snufflers", smaller, black-skinned Orcs with wide nostrils, who excelled in tracking. Despite the smaller size, one snuffler was able to skillfully kill a soldier-orc when they got into a disagreement.<ref name="Cirith">{{RK|VI1}}</ref>

*[[Snaga]]
*[[Snufflers]]
*[[Orcs of Mordor]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]
*[[Half-orcs]] (and [[Goblin-men]])
*[[Uruk-hai]]
*[[Hobgoblins]]

[[File:Darek Zabrocki - Goblins.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Goblins''' by Darek Zabrocki.]]

===Orcs and Goblins===

The term ''goblin'' was used primarily in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' but also in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' where it is used synonymously with "Orc".<ref>{{TT|III1}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 24</ref>

"Goblin" is an English word, whereas "Orc" is Old English, the language used by Tolkien to represent Rohirric.<ref>{{App|F1iv}}</ref> Thus, there is no difference between Orcs and Goblins.

The original edition of ''The Hobbit'' and early drafts of ''The Lord of the Rings'' first used "goblin" everywhere and used "[[Hobgoblins|hobgoblin]]" for larger, more evil goblins: when goblins were replaced with Orcs Tolkien invented the term Uruk-hai for his more evil Orcs.

==Etymology==
{{quote|The word as far as I am concerned actually derived from [[Old English]] ''orc'', demon, but only because of its phonetic suitability.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name=L144/>}}
===Orc===
The word '''''Orc''''' is said to be the "''form of the name that other races had for this foul people as it was in the [[Rohirric|language of Rohan]]''".<ref name=App|F1iv/>

In his late, post-''Lord of the Rings'' writings, Tolkien preferred the spelling '''''Ork'''''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}</ref> This was evidently mainly to avoid the form ''Orcish'', which would be naturally pronounced with the c as /s/ instead of /k/. (In [[Languages|Tolkien's languages]] the letter ''c'' was always pronounced /k/.) It is also possible that the word is a Common Tongue Version of 'orch', the [[Sindarin]] word for Orc. The original sense of the word seems to be "bogey", "bogeyman", that is, something that provokes fear, as seen in the Quenya cognate ''urko'', pl. ''urqui''.{{fact}}

Tolkien derived the word ''orc'' from [[Old English]] believing it refers to a kind of evil spirits,<ref name=L144/><ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Gene Wolfe]]" (letter)</ref> which in turn derives from Latin ''Orcus'' "Hades". He also thought it survives in the modern language for sea-beasts,<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 762</ref> such as the [[Wikipedia:Orca Whale|Orca Whale]].

''Orc'' is an [[Old English]] word that refers mainly to a kind of metal cup (from Latin ''Urceus'').<ref group="note">The word ''Orc'' occurs twice in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]''.</ref> However, in a 11th century glossary, this entry was conflated with another entry which refers to evil giants such as ''[[Wikipedia:Jötunn|þyrs]]'' and other monsters, also glossed in Latin as ''Orcus''. This merge of the two entries made many philologists of the previous centuries, like Tolkien, to believe that ''Orc'' was an actual Old English word that refers to any kind of evil creature from the underworld.<ref>Bosworth and Toller's ''An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary'' (1898), corrected in later editions</ref>

The word ''Orcnéas'' is once found only in ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]'' (lines 112-113) and is cited as an example of the word "Orc" in Old English text. Actually its meaning is not clear, and it is thought to refer to corpses (''néas'') from the Underworld.

However, it is also mentioned that the word ''Orc'' is Anglo-Saxon for "Foreigner, Monster, Demon" and was used to refer to the Normans invading the Anglish in 1066.<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1329539/ 1066 The Battle for Middle Earth]" 2009 (documentary)</ref>
==="Orcs" in Tolkien's languages===
Tolkien said that one of the reason of choosing "Orc" over "Goblin" was the similarity with his fictional languages.<ref name=WJAC>{{WJ|AC}}, pp. 389-91</ref> Indeed most [[Elvish]], [[Mannish]] and other words for Orc, are similar to the English word.

The basic [[Primitive Quendian]] [[Sundocarme|root]], from which the words for Orc derive, is [[RUKU]] (said to refer to any "bogey" that scared the Elves)<ref name=WJAC/>:

*[[Quenya]] '''''orco'''''<ref name=PE17_47/> (pl. '''''Orkor'''''<ref>{{GA|27}}, p. 12</ref><ref>{{HM|MR}}, pp. 74, 194</ref>); [[Exilic Quenya]] '''''urko''''' (pl. '''''orkor''''' and '''''orqui''''')<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Sindarin]]: '''''orch'''''/'''''Orch''''' (pl. '''''yrch'''''/'''''Yrch''''', class pl. '''''Orchoth'''''/'''''orchoth'''''<ref group="note">''Orchoth'' is likely a compound of ''orch'' + ''[[hoth]]''.</ref>)<ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144/><ref name=PE17_52-4/><ref name=PE17_47/><ref name=App|F1iv/>; '''''[[glamhoth]]'''''
*[[Nandorin]]: '''''ūriʃ'''''<ref name=PE17_52-4>{{PE|17}}, pp. 52-4</ref>

*[[Adûnaic]]: '''''urku''''', '''''urkhu'''''<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Westron]]: '''''orka'''''<ref name=PE17_47>{{PE|17}}, p. 47</ref>
*[[Black Speech]]: '''''[[Uruk-hai#Etymology|uruk]]'''''<ref name=App|F1iv>{{App|F1iv}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=PE17_47/>
*[[Khuzdul]]: '''''Rukhs''''' (pl. '''''Rakhās'''''), possibly derived from an unknown [[Avarin]] word of the same meaning<ref name=WJAC/><ref group="note">''Rukhs'' appears to contain the radical R-Kh-S.</ref>
*[[Drúadan language]]: '''''gorgûn''''' ("orc-folk"; the form ''gorgûn'' is perhaps plural of an unknown singular form)<ref name=PE17_99>{{PE|17}}, p. 99</ref><ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/>

In the earliest versions of [[Qenya]], Tolkien had words such as "'''Ork (orq-)''' pl. '''Orqi''' and fem. "'''orqindi'''".{{fact}}

In [[Noldorin]], the earlier version of Sindarin, the word for Orc is the same: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'').<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref><ref>{{MR|P3I7}}, p. 195</ref><ref>{{MC|Secret}}, p. 217</ref> The [[Gnomish]] word for "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin" is said to be '''''Gong'''''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

*''See also: [[Entish]] ''[[burárum]]''
===Goblin===
''[[Wiktionary:Goblin|Goblin]]'' is a folk word which according to ''The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English'' is probably derived from the Anglo-French ''[[Wiktionary:gobelin|gobelin]]'' a diminutive of ''gobel'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:kobold|kobold]]''). William D.B. Loos notes that ''goblin'' is a Romance-derived word, unlike other Germanic words preferred by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]].<ref>William D.B. Loos, [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/EnemyMisc.html#Orcs Enemies and Miscellaneous: What was the relationship between Orcs and Goblins?] at [http://tolkien.slimy.com/tfaq/ The Tolkien Frequently Asked Questions List] (accessed 3 July 2011)</ref>

==="Goblin" in Tolkien's languages===

In the [[The Etymologies|''Etymologies'']], the Elvish names used to translate "goblin" derive from root [[RUKU#Other versions|ÓROK]] and are:<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref>

*[[Quenya]]: '''''orko''''' (pl. '''''orqi''''')
*[[Noldorin]]: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'', archaic ''yrchy''<ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref>)
*[[Nandorin|Danian]]: '''''urc''''' (pl. '''''yrc''''')
*[[Doriathrin]]: '''''urch''''' (pl. '''''urchin''''')

In an early linguistic writing, Tolkien translated the [[Gnomish]] word ''Gong'' as "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin."<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

==Other Versions of the Legendarium==

===Origin===
According to the oldest "theory" proposed by Tolkien, Orcs were made of "subterranean heat and slime", and their hearts were stones like granite, through the sorcery of Morgoth.<ref>{{LT2 | III}}, p.159</ref> But, Tolkien later changed the legendarium so that Morgoth could no longer produce life on his own.

While Tolkien originally saw all Orcs as descended from tortured Elves, later comments of his indicate, according to [[Christopher Tolkien]] in ''Morgoth's Ring'' ("Myths Transformed, text X"), that he began to feel uncomfortable with the theory that orcs were descending from Elves. However, Tolkien died before he could complete his upheaval of the cosmology, and in the published version of ''The Silmarillion'', the Elf origin of Orcs was adopted. It does not appear that the elder Tolkien ever decided on a definitive answer. Different origins proposed were: animals that Morgoth infused with reason (Myths Transformed, text VIII), Elves and (later) Men (M.T.,text IX) and "probably" Men (text X).

The origin of Orcs is an open question. In Tolkien's writings, evil is not capable of independent creation, making it unlikely that the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who was obviously the first to produce them, could do that ''ex nihilo''. In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' is mentioned that the Orcs were transformed from Elves — the purest form of life on [[Arda]] (the Earth) — by means of torture and mutilation; and this "theory" would then become the most popular. There are hints in the ''[[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]]'' series of books, (especially in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' in the section "Myths Transformed"), that some Orc leaders, such as the First Age's [[Boldog]], or the [[Great Goblin]] encountered by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the Dwarves, may in fact have been fallen [[Maiar]] which had taken Orc form.

Yet other Orcs may have begun as animals of vaguely humanoid shapes, empowered by the will of the Dark Lord (first [[Morgoth]], later Sauron): this may explain the references to their "beaks and feathers"{{fact}} in Tolkien's writings.

: ''The Orcs were beasts of humanized shape (…).'' ('Morgoth's Ring', "Myths transformed", text VIII')

==Controversy==
Tolkien's Orcs have been a subject of criticism of [[racism]]. Tolkien described Orcs as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types".<ref>{{L|210}}</ref>

==Other writings==
In ''[[The Father Christmas Letters]]'', goblins appear as the enemies of [[Father Christmas]] and the [[Red Elves]].

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
===Orcs===
{{stub}}<gallery>File: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Orcs.jpg|Orcs in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Ork.jpg|Concept art of an orc in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Orc3.jpg|An Orc in [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.</gallery>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Orc-kind is a genus that include the species of Orc, Goblins, [[Half-orcs]], [[Boggarts]], [[Bugans]] and [[Uruk-hai]].

:Orcs are very common in Middle-earth. They are about the size of a man with a hunchback.

''''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Orcs are first seen in [[Fornost]], where they immediately attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] on their aproach.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> ''Orc wariors'' are stronger then normal Orcs. Some Orcs have been taught [[Magic|sorcery]] by [[Agandaûr]], these are known as ''Orc Sorcerers''.

===Goblins===
<gallery>File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Goblins1.jpg|Goblins in the pits of [[Fornost]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Goblins.jpg|Goblins in ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]''</gallery>

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Goblins have been made clearly distinct from Orcs.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Goblins are a separate race and can be found in [[Evendim]], [[the Shire]], [[Ered Luin]], [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[North Downs]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Angmar]] and [[Moria]]. They are small in stature; a little shorter than [[Hobbits]]. In contrast, Orcs are about the size of [[Men]]. Goblins are also weaker than the orcs.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Goblins first appear in [[Fornost]], where they attack [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] immediately when they reach the city.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Main Gate''</ref> Goblins are weaker than Orcs.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Goblins are again made clearly distinct from Orcs in the film series. They are possibly lesser relatives of Orcs; they are smaller (the very large Great Goblin notwithstanding), less powerful, and generally have pale, diseased skin.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:A band of "Goblin mercenaries" appear on [[Ravenhill]] during the [[Battle of Five Armies]], but are taken care of by the Dwarves without much trouble.

==See also==
*[[Gongs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Orcs|Images of Orcs]]
*[[:Category:Images of Goblins|Images of Goblins]]

{{references|note}}
[[Category:Orcs| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Orks]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/orques/orques]]
[[fi:Örkit]]

Nameless things

2015-03-03T07:24:56Z

76.11.233.95:

{{unnamed}}
{{quote|Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="tWR">{{TT|White}}</ref>}}
[[File:Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing.jpg|thumb|[[Heather Hudson]] - ''Nameless Thing'']]
'''Nameless Things''' were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of [[Arda]] (though they are only known to have lived under the [[Misty Mountains]]). They tunnelled deeper than any [[Dwarves|dwarf]] would ever go.<ref name="tWR"/>

They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it. As they were said to be "dark" things, they may have also been creations of [[Morgoth]] or spirits corrupted by him whom fled to the "depths of the world" when their master was cast out by the [[Valar]].

The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>

It is also possible the [[Watcher in the Water]]<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> was one of these Nameless Things.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Nameless Things can be found in the Foundation of Stones, the deepest location of Moria. They appear as humanoid creatures that are all black and faceless.

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/21/what-are-the-nameless-things-gandalf-refers-to-below-khazad-dum/ What Are the Nameless Things Gandalf Refers to Below Khazad-dum?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}

{{Legend}}
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]

Nameless things

2015-03-03T07:21:31Z

76.11.233.95:

{{unnamed}}
{{quote|Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="tWR">{{TT|White}}</ref>}}
[[File:Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing.jpg|thumb|[[Heather Hudson]] - ''Nameless Thing'']]
'''Nameless Things''' were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of [[Arda]] (though they are only known to have lived under the [[Misty Mountains]]). They tunnelled deeper than any [[Dwarves|dwarf]] would ever go.<ref name="tWR"/>

They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it. As they were said to be "dark" things, they may have also been creations of [[Morgoth]] whom fled to the "depths of the world" when their master betrayed the [[Valar]].

The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>

It is also possible the [[Watcher in the Water]]<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> was one of these Nameless Things.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Nameless Things can be found in the Foundation of Stones, the deepest location of Moria. They appear as humanoid creatures that are all black and faceless.

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/21/what-are-the-nameless-things-gandalf-refers-to-below-khazad-dum/ What Are the Nameless Things Gandalf Refers to Below Khazad-dum?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}

{{Legend}}
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]

Nameless things

2015-03-03T07:20:28Z

76.11.233.95:

{{unnamed}}
{{quote|Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="tWR">{{TT|White}}</ref>}}
[[File:Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing.jpg|thumb|[[Heather Hudson]] - ''Nameless Thing'']]
'''Nameless Things''' were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of [[Arda]] (though they are only known to have lived under the [[Misty Mountains]]). They tunnelled deeper than any [[Dwarves|dwarf]] would ever go.<ref name="tWR"/>

They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it. As they were said to be "dark" things, they may have also been creations of [[Morgoth]] whom fled to the "depths of the world", where even the Valar could not find them, after the [[War of Wrath]].

The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>

It is also possible the [[Watcher in the Water]]<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> was one of these Nameless Things.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Nameless Things can be found in the Foundation of Stones, the deepest location of Moria. They appear as humanoid creatures that are all black and faceless.

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/21/what-are-the-nameless-things-gandalf-refers-to-below-khazad-dum/ What Are the Nameless Things Gandalf Refers to Below Khazad-dum?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}

{{Legend}}
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]

Nameless things

2015-03-03T07:19:05Z

76.11.233.95:

{{unnamed}}
{{quote|Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="tWR">{{TT|White}}</ref>}}
[[File:Heather Hudson - Nameless Thing.jpg|thumb|[[Heather Hudson]] - ''Nameless Thing'']]
'''Nameless Things''' were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of [[Arda]] (though they are only known to have lived under the [[Misty Mountains]]). They tunnelled deeper than any [[Dwarves|dwarf]] would ever go.<ref name="tWR"/>

They were described by [[Gandalf]] as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the [[Music of the Ainur|Ainulindalë]]<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref> or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it. As they are said to be "dark things", they may have also been creations of [[Morgoth]] whom fled to the "depths of the world", where even the Valar could not find them, after the [[War of Wrath]].

The [[Balrogs|Balrog]] known as [[Durin's Bane]] learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the [[Endless Stair]]. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.<ref name="tWR"/>

It is also possible the [[Watcher in the Water]]<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> was one of these Nameless Things.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Nameless Things can be found in the Foundation of Stones, the deepest location of Moria. They appear as humanoid creatures that are all black and faceless.

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/21/what-are-the-nameless-things-gandalf-refers-to-below-khazad-dum/ What Are the Nameless Things Gandalf Refers to Below Khazad-dum?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}

{{Legend}}
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Namenlose Wesen]]

Fall of Gondolin

2015-03-01T03:01:27Z

76.11.233.95: /* Prelude */

{{sources}}
{{Disambig-two|the event of the Fall of Gondolin|[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]] chapter|[[The Fall of Gondolin]]}}
{{battle
| name=''Fall of Gondolin''
| image=[[File:John Howe - The Fall of Gondolin.jpg|250px]]
| conflict=[[The War of the Jewels|War of the Jewels]]
| date={{FA|510}}
| place=[[Tumladen]], [[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for Morgoth
*The destruction of Gondolin and the majority of its people
*Scattered survivors fled to [[Nan-tathren]]
| side1=The forces of [[Morgoth]] and the [[House of the Mole]]
| side2=The [[Noldor]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] †
* [[Beast of Gondolin]] †
* [[Maeglin]] †
* [[Salgant of the Harp]]
| commanders2=
* [[Turgon]] †
* [[Tuor]]
* [[Ecthelion]] †
* [[Glorfindel]] †
* [[Duilin of Gondolin|Duilin]] †
* [[Rog]] †
* [[Egalmoth]]
* [[Penlod]] †
* [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]]
* [[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas of Gondolin]]
| forces1=Balrogs, wolves, dragons, [[Gondolindrim]] led by Maeglin, and many Orcs
| forces2=Many Noldor under the command of various lords and warriors
| casual1=Moderate
| casual2=Near-total
}}

The '''Fall of Gondolin''', or the ''Siege of Gondolin'', was a dramatic battle in which the hidden city of [[Gondolin]] was destroyed after its location was betrayed to [[Morgoth]] by [[Maeglin]]. As Morgoth intended, the destruction of the majority of the Noldor peoples was nearly complete, though a handful of survivors managed to escape.

==Prelude==
Gondolin had long been a hidden city, heavily fortified and cut off from the Noldor's allies and enemies alike. The Elf [[Maeglin]], a lord of Gondolin, resented both [[Turgon]] and [[Tuor]], primarily because of the latter's marriage to [[Idril]], whom he desired as a lover. After an argument, he set out from Gondolin into the mountains, searching for ore. Orcs captured him, and he pleaded with and bribed them to bring him to Morgoth rather than kill or torture him. Morgoth recognized Maeglin, and told him he would make him ruler of Gondolin and husband of Idril if he betrayed the Noldor and gave Morgoth information on how to gain access to the city. Maeglin agreed to the treachery, and was given a token by Morgoth that would supposedly protect his life during the assault. Maeglin returned to the city and spoke nothing of his capture. Idril noticed a change in him however, and sensing danger she began working on [[Idril's secret way]], a hidden passage deep beneath Gondolin that would later act as an escape route. Lastly, Maeglin began to convince some of the weaker lords, such as [[Salgant of the Harp|Salgant]], to his side, thought not disclosing his allegiance to Morgoth.

==The Battle==
On the evening of the festival [[Tarnin Austa]], as many residents of Gondolin gathered to observe the sunset over the mountains, many riders suddenly poured forth from them, and the forces of Morgoth advanced on all sides around the city. A war council was hastily called by Turgon. Tuor suggested that the forces of Gondolin sally out to attack Morgoth's hosts, while Maeglin and Salgant suggested they remain within the strong walls of the fortress. Turgon was fond of Maeglin, and took his side. Maeglin revealed to Salgant, after the council, his alliance with Morgoth, and suggested that Salgant aid him. Salgant became frightened and departed to his home, where he "lay... aquake on his bed". As the lords of Noldor prepared their defenses, Morgoth's hosts launched their assault. Turgon's war machines and the skilled Noldor archers opened fire, but could do little to slow the advance.

The Orcs, wolves, and other creatures of Morgoth reached the walls, but could not climb up them as they were completely smooth. Morgoth ordered Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs and the marshal of his armies, to assault the North Gate using "iron monsters" that he had forged within Angband. These machines hit the walls and opened, and hosts of Orcs charged out from within, smashing into the forces of Rog and Galdor, who were hard pressed to hold them back. Salgant ordered his troops to betray the other lords and not assist them in the battle, but they turned against his command and joined up with the other lords in defense. Salgant's fate was left unknown, though it is suggested he either perished or became a servant of Morgoth after the siege.

During the havoc of the battle, Maeglin travelled with the troops of his [[House of the Mole|House]] to Tuor's home on the southern wall and attempted to assassinate both Idril and her son [[Eärendil]], but was caught by Tuor before he could do so. There, Maeglin and Tuor dueled, alongside their respective houses, but Tuor gained the upper hand and struck down Maeglin, before throwing him off the wall to his death below. Maeglin's house had been slain, and Tuor went with what remained of his own forces to assist the defense once more. In the meantime, Balrogs assaulted the city gate, driving back the defenders there and killing Duilin and Penlod, two lords of the city. Rog rallied his house together and made a desperate charge, repulsing Morgoth's forces from the gate to the field. But Rog was slain and his forces, cut off from the city, were annihilated.

A fresh host of Morgoth reached the western walls, and his dragons broke through them. Tuor and Ecthelion held reserves there, however, and charged Morgoth's forces head-on. The two lords proved mighty in battle, slaying Orc chieftains and several Balrogs, though Ecthelion suffered a grievous wound on his left arm from a Balrog's whip. A great dragon attacked the defenders, killing Elf and Orc alike. Tuor slashed the dragon's foot and it fled in madness, wrecking ruin about itself. Despite their valiance, many of their soldiers fell, and they could no longer hold the walls.

The Noldor forces fell back to the [[Square of the King]], where Turgon and his host reinforced them. They hastily erected barricades, but Morgoth's forces broke through them. Gothmog led the assault, accompanied by Orcs and a dragon, and charged through the Square, where Tuor was thrown down and nearly killed. Ecthelion, though wounded, attacked Gothmog, sacrificing himself so that the other Gondolindrim had time to escape. Gothmog disarmed him and ruined his right arm, but Ecthelion impaled the Balrog's chest with the spike of his helmet, falling into the [[Fountain of the King]] where both he and Gothmog drowned. Glorfindel and his house defended the rear as the rest of the Noldor fled from the Square, losing many soldiers in the process. Glorfindel himself managed to fall back successfully.

The remaining Noldor troops retreated to the Tower of the King, where Turgon lamented the city's destruction and his dismissal of his council's advice. He tossed his crown to the ground and declared Tuor to be the leader of Gondolin and whom they should follow, and asked Tuor to lead the survivors out of the city. Turgon went to the highest peak of the Tower and shouted ''"Great is the victory of the Ñoldoli!"'', to which the Orcs mocked him. Turgon refused to leave the city with the others and was slain. Tuor informed the survivors of the tunnel Idril had constructed, and thus they made haste for it, slipping from beneath the city whilst it burned on the surface.

Morgoth was not ignorant of their escape, however, and dispatched patrols to stop them. A Balrog attacked the refugees, though [[Glorfindel]] fought it. He slew the beast, but he too was killed. [[Ulmo]] protected them, and the group managed to escape.

==Aftermath==
Though Morgoth's marshal Gothmog had fallen in the battle, he had conquered the greatest city of the Noldor and had almost entirely wiped out their people. In the north, Morgoth's victory was complete. However, this would later be his doom, for years after the siege, Eärendil, a survivor, sailed to Valinor where he requested their aid in defeating Morgoth. This would lead to the [[War of Wrath]], afterwhich Morgoth was cast into the [[Void]]. 

==See also==
*[[Gondolin]]
*[[The Fall of Gondolin]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]

Nirnaeth Arnoediad

2015-03-01T02:55:44Z

76.11.233.95: /* Aftermath and Repercussions */

{{battle
| name=''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Hill of Slain.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[The War of the Jewels|War of the Jewels]] (Fifth Battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|472}}
| place=[[Anfauglith]]
| result=Decisive victory for Morgoth due to [[Treachery of Men|treachery]], depopulation of [[Hithlum]] with replacement by [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]], occupation of much of [[Beleriand]]
| side1=The [[Union of Maedhros]], consisting of an alliance of the [[Noldor]], [[Edain]], [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]], and [[Dwarves]]
| side2=[[Orcs|Orc]] armies, [[Glaurung]], [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
| commanders1=
{{Maedhros blazon}}
{{Fingon blazon|died}}
[[File:Måns Björkman - Turgon device.gif|30px|left]][[Turgon]]{{clear}}
* [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]
* [[Huor]] †
* [[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]] †
* [[Azaghâl|Azaghâl of Belegost]] †
* [[Bór]] †
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}}
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
* [[Glaurung]]
* [[Ulfang the Black]] †
| forces1=Noldor and [[Edain]] warriors of [[Dor-lómin]], 10,000 [[Gondolindrim]] under Turgon<ref name="NA">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>, a company of Elves from [[Nargothrond]], company of the [[people of Haleth]] from [[Brethil]], and Dwarves of Belegost, the Easterlings from House of Bór
| forces2=Multiple hosts consisting of [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[trolls]]; supplemented by turncoat [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]
| casual1=Huge and crippling to the Noldor, Men of Dor-lómin wiped out except Húrin, thousands of captives
| casual2=Heavy early in the battle, but ultimately moderate
}}The '''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''' or '''Battle of Unnumbered Tears''' was the disastrous Fifth Battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]]. Its name was taken from the first words of the [[Doom of Mandos]]: "Tears unnumbered ye shall shed...".

== Background ==
{{main|Union of Maedhros}}
In the almost two decades since their defeat in the [[Dagor Bragollach]], the Noldor had lost control over the entire north of Beleriand, and were for the most part reduced to refugees dwelling in [[Hithlum]] and [[Nargothrond]]. [[Gondolin]] was shut up and unknown.

In the year {{FA|473}}, [[Maedhros]] decided that taking the offense against [[Angband]] might help the [[Noldor]] regain their former lands.

=== Opposing Forces and Strategy ===

Under the [[Union of Maedhros]] all the [[Elves]] of Beleriand, as well as the [[Edain]], [[Dwarves]], and the newly arrived [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]] were invited to combine in arms and fight Morgoth. The Union first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion of Orcs, and then gathered to assault [[Thangorodrim]].

The plan was for Maedhros's host in the east to assault and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the [[Ered Wethrin]], taking the offensive in the west, crushing Morgoth's forces between them.

Under [[Maedhros]] in the east were gathered the remainder of the [[sons of Fëanor]], the Elves and Men of [[Himring]] under Maedhros and [[Bór]], and the men of Amon Ereb under [[Caranthir]] and [[Ulfang]].

Under [[Fingon]] in the west were gathered the Elves and Men of [[Hithlum]], the Elves of the [[Falas]], the [[Haladin]] of Brethil and the companies sent from [[Nargothrond]] and the two elves of [[Doriath]], [[Beleg]] and [[Mablung]].

Because of the evil deeds of [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], two of Maedhros's brothers, Nargothrond would send only a small company of Elves under [[Gwindor]]. From Doriath, where [[Thingol]] had sworn never to fight beside any son of Fëanor, came only [[Mablung]] and [[Beleg]], who did not wish to remain behind. However, [[Turgon]] unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand Elves from [[Gondolin]], doubling the force of the west.

== The Battle ==
But Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy [[Ulfang]], who betrayed the Noldor, delayed [[Maedhros]]' attack. Meanwhile a small force of Orcs sallied forth from [[Angband]], provoking the western host. Within sight of the [[Ered Wethrin]], Gwindor's brother Gelmir, captured during the Dagor Bragollach, was brought forth, and brutally slain. Enraged, [[Gwindor]] broke ranks, and with him most of Fingon's troops. Their rage was so great that they nearly destroyed the western Orc host and foiled Morgoth's plans.

It is said that Morgoth trembled as Gwindor's company pounded at his gates. They burst through, and slew the guards on the steps of Angband. But alas, they were surrounded by hidden forces, and all were slain or taken. From hidden gates around Angband thousands of Orcs erupted, driving back the host of Fingon from the walls. The Elven army was driven back with great slaughter, and many [[Haladin]] fell fighting in the rearguard.
[[Image:Alan Lee - The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alan Lee]] - ''The Battle of Unnumbered Tears'']]
[[Turgon]], who had withheld his host from the reckless charge, now came upon the Orc host. The phalanx of Turgon broke through the Angband lines, and met with the guard of Fingon.

Finally Maedhros arrived, but before he could make junction with Fingon and Turgon, [[Glaurung]] the dragon and [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] lord of [[Balrogs|Balrog]]s intercepted him. Union forces could yet have prevailed, but [[Uldor]], son of Ulfang and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. Under assault from three sides, the eastern host was scattered, and only the valour of the [[Dwarves]] of [[Belegost]] helped them escape, as their lord [[Azaghâl]] and his forces held off Glaurung, allowing the [[sons of Fëanor]] to escape into Ossiriand.

[[Azaghâl]] and his army fought with fierce iron masks on, and they were able to resist the fire far better than any Elf or Man. Then Glaurung trampled Azaghâl beneath his feet, but Azaghâl ran a dagger through Glaurung's stomach, and the dragon fled in pain. With him fled many of the host of Morgoth. In a solemn ceremony the Dwarves picked up their fallen leader, abandoning the battle, and marched him home in a great procession. Their wrath was so great that none troubled them.
[[File:Felix Sotomayor - Nirnaeth Arnoediad.jpg|thumb|Felix Sotomayor - ''Nirnaeth Arnoediad'']]
All this had not helped the western host, who were attacked by many Orcs under Gothmog. Fingon fell under his might, and [[Húrin]] begged Turgon to retreat back to Gondolin. [[Huor]] and Húrin and the remaining [[Men of Dor-lómin]] formed a living wall across the [[Fen of Serech]], buying time for Turgon to escape with most of the surviving Elves of the north. Acting as a rearguard, these Men were almost all slain – Huor fell when his eye was pierced by a poisoned arrow, but his brother Húrin was captured alive by Gothmog after he was pinned under a mountain of slain Orcs and [[Trolls]].

=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears'']]
Morgoth's victory was near complete, as he had destroyed all the people of Hithlum and had scattered the sons of Fëanor away from Himring. Morgoth's Orcs razed all of [[Beleriand]] except for [[Doriath]], which was still protected by the Girdle of [[Melian]], and sacked the havens of the [[Falas]].

Morgoth betrayed his servants the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]], shutting them in [[Hithlum]] under penalty of death, and denied to them the fertile lands of [[Beleriand]]. Still Morgoth knew fear, for Turgon, now High King of the Ñoldor after the death of Fingon, had survived, and his city Gondolin was still unknown to Morgoth. To be sure, the Union's attack inflicted grievous losses on Morgoth's forces, and it would take some time for him to rebuild his armies back to their former strength. But this was largely irrelevant, compared to how utterly Morgoth had broken the power of so many of his enemies in the battle.

The Ñoldor ultimately recovered from the battle, but remained hidden within Gondolin away from Morgoth's wrath, where they stayed clandestine and defensively rebuilt their forces. It wasn't until some 38 years after Nirnaeth Arnoediad that Morgoth obtained the location of Gondolin, and [[Fall of Gondolin|besieged it]] in order to finalize his annihilation of the Ñoldor and to cement his domination of Middle-earth.

==Etymology==
''Nirnaeth ''(or ''Nírnaeth'')'' Arnoediad ''(or ''Arnediad'') is [[Sindarin]] for "Tears Uncountable".<ref>{{WJ|Index}}</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

Note that the "oe" of "Arnoediad" is not the Sindarin diphthong "oe", but rather the single [[i-affection|umlaut]] vowel "œ", better represented with a digraph.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad|Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]

{{warsofbeleriand}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/nirnaeth_arnoediad]]
[[fi:Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T18:13:24Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]]; the Noldor had all but fallen, and the Elves and Men of Middle-earth were captured in droves by Morgoth, enslaved in the pits of Angband. Following the [[Fall of Gondolin|Siege of Gondolin]], almost all of the Noldor's influential figures had been slain, though a handful of survivors protected by [[Ulmo]] had escaped. Among them was the mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, and he came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there. He begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]] and to liberate them from Morgoth's tyranny.

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda, and the damage his dragon horde inflicted on the Valar was grievous.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and they retook the ground that had been lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. With them, the majority of Morgoth's other forces were soon defeated, survivors driven to the depths of the world and to places underground even the Valar could not access. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed entirely, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. By this point, Morgoth's power had weakened considerably, and rather than challenge his foes, he demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T07:42:51Z

76.11.233.95: Overall, trying to expand on this section and add more information from the source material on the battle, which was very, very light in info previously.

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]]; the Noldor had all but fallen, and the Elves and Men of Middle-earth were captured in droves by Morgoth, enslaved in the pits of Angband. Following the [[Fall of Gondolin|Siege of Gondolin]], almost all of the Noldor's influential figures had been slain, though a handful of survivors protected by [[Ulmo]] had escaped. Among them was the mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, and he came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there. He begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]] and to liberate them from Morgoth's tyranny.

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda, and the damage his dragon horde inflicted on the Valar was grievous.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and they retook the ground that had been lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. With them, the majority of Morgoth's other forces were ultimately defeated, driven to the depths of the world and to places underground even the Valar could not access. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed entirely, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. By this point, Morgoth's power had weakened considerably, and rather than challenge his foes, he demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T07:41:08Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]]; the Noldor had all but fallen, and the Elves and Men of Middle-earth were captured in droves by Morgoth, enslaved in the pits of Angband. Following the [[Fall of Gondolin|Siege of Gondolin]], almost all of the Noldor's influential figures had been slain, though a handful of survivors protected by [[Ulmo]] had escaped. Among them was the mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, and he came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there. He begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]] and to liberate them from Morgoth's tyranny.

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda, and the damage his dragon horde inflicted on the Valar was grievous.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and they retook the ground that had been lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. With them, the majority of Morgoth's other forces were soon defeated. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:59:13Z

76.11.233.95: /* Prelude */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]]; the Noldor had all but fallen, and the Elves and Men of Middle-earth were captured in droves by Morgoth, enslaved in the pits of Angband. Following the [[Fall of Gondolin|Siege of Gondolin]], almost all of the Noldor's influential figures had been slain, though a handful of survivors protected by [[Ulmo]] had escaped. Among them was the mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, and he came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there. He begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]] and to liberate them from Morgoth's tyranny.

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:58:25Z

76.11.233.95: /* Prelude */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]]; the Noldor had all but fallen, and the Elves and Men of Middle-earth were captured in droves by Morgoth, enslaved in the pits of Angband. Following the [[Fall of Gondolin|Siege of Gondolin]], almost all of the Noldor's influential figures had been slain, though a handful of survivors protected by [[Ulmo]] had escaped. Among them was the mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, and came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:56:51Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the colossal exchanges of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:56:30Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive hosts of Valinor and of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:53:56Z

76.11.233.95:

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or more
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:52:52Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or millions
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth faced defeat, and unleashed his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]] of Angband, which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:51:53Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or millions
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly four decades, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth, facing defeat released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:50:52Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or millions
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly 32 years, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth, facing defeat released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's Dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:49:59Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or millions
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly 32 years, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final years, Morgoth, facing defeat released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only remaining possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:48:54Z

76.11.233.95:

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= "Uncountable"
| forces2= Unknown; likely hundreds of thousands or millions
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Severe
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly 32 years, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final year, Morgoth, facing defeat released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only remaining possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

War of Wrath

2014-10-15T05:47:55Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Great Battle */

{{expansion}}
{{sources}}
{{battle
| name=War of Wrath
| image=[[File:Per Sjögren - War of Wrath.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]
| date=c. {{FA|545}} - {{FA|587|n}}
| place=[[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil]]
| commanders1=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* {{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Ancalagon]] †
| commanders2=
{{Eärendil blazon}}
{{Finarfin blazon}}
* [[Eönwë]]
* [[Thorondor]]
| forces1= Millions
| forces2= Hundreds of thousands
| casual1=Virtually entire force
| casual2=Unknown, but most likely severe.
|}}

The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|conflict]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest war ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
500 years into the [[First Age]], [[Morgoth]] had become mighty in [[Middle-earth]], not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of [[Middle-earth]].

The [[Valar]] were moved by [[Eärendil]]'s plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] that were in [[Valinor]], riding in the ships of the [[Falmari]], came to [[Middle-earth]] in a mighty host. Still bitter about the [[First Kinslaying]], the [[Teleri]] did not participate in the war. The Host marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of [[Morgoth]] in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>

=== The Great Battle ===
The massive host of Valinor and the host of Morgoth met in the Beleriand region, which was subsequently destroyed by the massive exchange of power from the combatants. The arrayed armies of Morgoth were uncountable, and the mountains rang underneath the boots of the Valar; the entire North was aflame with war. Over the course of nearly 32 years, however, the Valar drove Morgoth's forces back; they and their allies ultimately destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves in the depths of the earth, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire or leaves before a hot wind. While the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought alongside Morgoth, which led to their scorn by the Elves, and perished in the fighting. As the War carried into its final year, Morgoth, facing defeat released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before by the Valar. The Valar were taken by surprise and overcome by the devastation the Dragons brought, and were driven back across the region. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]], the largest and most powerful dragon in the history of Arda.

As the situation grew dire for the Valar, [[Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with great flocks of birds and the [[Eagles]], and they fought the Dragons. In the end Eärendil slew Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall. With Ancalagon slain, the Valar morale was renewed, and their forces retook the ground they had lost and ultimately slew the remainder of Morgoth's dragons. Soon Morgoth's power was dispersed, and Angband alone remained his only remaining possession.

Morgoth fled to the deepest dungeons of Angband, where he was caught. He demanded peace and parley, but Tulkas hewed his feet from under him and Morgoth fell upon the floor. He was bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - The Door of Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Doors of Night'']]

=== Aftermath ===
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]], as well as a large part of the central part of the mountains, was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. The two great Dwarf cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were also ruined, forcing their populaces to flee. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]]. Morgoth's defeat here was not total, however; his chief lieutenant [[Sauron]], survived, and surrendered to the Valar in fear of them. When ordered to return to [[Valinor]], Sauron instead fled and hid deep in [[Middle-earth]], where he would later rise once more to carry on the will of his master. The terrible destruction of the War of Wrath convinced the Valar to avoid direct intervention in [[Middle-earth]] for the sake of Men and Elves. As a result, Sauron would rise to great power and prove a devastating opponent for the free peoples there for the next two Ages. As with the [[Siege of Utumno]], the Valar were not omniscient, and either lacked the knowledge or strength to pursue every one of Morgoth's creatures. Along with Sauron, some creatures of Morgoth escaped, and would live on in Middle-earth.<ref name="Earendil">{{S|24}}</ref><ref>{{S|V}}</ref>

{{references}}

==External link==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/10/10/how-was-beleriand-destroyed-in-the-war-of-wrath/ How was Beleriand destroyed in the War of Wrath?] by [[Michael Martinez]] - A speculation on how the War destroyed the western lands
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Krieg des Zorns]]
[[fi:Vihan Sota]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/guerre_de_la_grande_colere]]

Siege of Barad-dûr

2014-10-10T06:12:12Z

76.11.233.95: /* The Siege */

{{battle
| image=[[File:Abe Papakhian - I Beheld.jpg|300px]]
| name= Siege of Barad-dûr
| conflict= [[War of the Last Alliance]]
| date= {{SA|3434}} - {{SA|3441}}
| result=Last Alliance victory, disembodiment of [[Sauron]]
| place= [[Barad-dûr]], [[Mount Doom]], [[Mordor]]
| side1=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance forces]]
| side2=Forces of [[Sauron]]
| commanders1=
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}
[[Image:Tree_icon2.jpg]] [[Elendil]]†
* [[Isildur]]
* [[Anárion]]†
* [[Thranduil]]
| commanders2= {{Sauron blazon}}
| forces1=Over 100,000 [[Elves]], [[Númenóreans|Men]], and [[Durin's Folk|Dwarves]]
| forces2=10,000-20,000 [[Orcs]], [[Haradrim|Southrons]], [[Easterlings]]
| casual1=Severe
| casual2=Entire force slain or captured
|}}

The '''Siege of Barad-dûr''' was the armed conflict that would end the [[Second Age]]. It was the direct result of the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], where passage into [[Mordor]] was won by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] at heavy cost.

==The Siege==
The Orcs that survived the slaughter at Dagorlad were surrounded in Barad-dûr, Sauron's dark stronghold. There, the forces of Gil-galad, Elendil and Thranduil laid siege to the tower, but could not breach its gates.

Sauron put together a strong defence with a seemingly unexhaustible supply of projectile and sorties, which inflicted heavy casualties to both Elves and Men. In {{SA|3440}}, Anárion's helmet was crushed by a thrown rock resulting in his death.

A year later, however, Sauron went out with a sortie himself, and broke the leaguer. He came to [[Mount Doom]], where the two kings, Gil-galad and Elendil, fought with him. [[Narsil]], the sword of [[Elendil]], broke in two beneath him as he fell. [[Gil-galad]]'s face was burned by the heat of Sauron's hand. Sauron was also defeated as [[Isildur]] cut [[The One Ring]] from his finger with the hilt of his fathers blade. Gil-galad's heralds [[Círdan]] and [[Elrond]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring by throwing it in the fires of Mount Doom. But instead Isildur replied:
<blockquote>''This I will have as weregild for my father's death, and my brother's. Was it not I who dealt the Enemy his death-blow?''[[#References|1]]</blockquote>

==Consequences==
The battle marked the (temporary) passing of Sauron, and the beginning of the [[Third Age]]. Gondor prospered, and built fortresses on all the entrances to Mordor: the [[Morannon]], [[Durthang]] and the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

Relations between Elves and Men worsened due to the deaths of Gil-Galad and Elendil, and also Isildur's taking of the ring. The Last Alliance as it came to be known, would be the last time Elves would go to open war in Middle Earth ever again. The relationship between Men and Elves wouldn't be as close as they were in the first and second ages and never wholly repaired because the Elves were leaving Middle-Earth for Aman.

Isildur remained in [[Minas Tirith]] some time[[#References|2]]. When he did return North, he and his sons were [[Battle of the Gladden Fields|ambushed]][[#References|3]]. The Ring was lost in the tumult.

With the death of Gil-galad, the [[Noldor]] were without a King as he left no heir. Elrond and Círdan returned to [[Lindon]].

Since the Ring was not unmade, Sauron was not completely destroyed: his spirit was able to live on. In the Third Age, he reassumed physical shape, and regained most of his old realm and allies.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The [[War of the Last Alliance|entire venture]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] was combined into a short silhouette play, in which [[Isildur]] cut the [[The One Ring|Ring]] off [[Sauron]]'s hand in battle - not when Sauron was already conquered.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:This film also compresses the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], the Siege, and the final duel into one, and, for convenience reasons, places them all at [[Mount Doom]], in a prologue similar to that of the 1978 film. The main perspective of the entire prologue - ''One Ring to rule them All'' - lies with [[Elrond]]. The death of [[Gil-galad]] is not mentioned, [[Anárion]] is cut completely, and the deaths of [[Elendil]] and Sauron are rewritten: after coming forth, Sauron wreaks havoc among the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and a blow from his mace throws Elendil against the mountainside, killing him. Isildur tries to take up [[Narsil]], but it breaks as Sauron steps on it. In a desperate strike, Isildur slashes the Ring, and four fingers, from Sauron's hand. Sauron's body sends a shockwave over the land and dissolves into nothingness.

:In a later scene, aptly named ''The Fate of the Ring'', Elrond tells [[Gandalf]] of the final debate with Isildur, inside Mount Doom. [[Círdan]] is not present, and Isildur refuses by simply saying "No".

==References==
* [[The Silmarillion]], [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]
* [[The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[The Council of Elrond]]
* [[Unfinished Tales]], [[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]
<references />

[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

[[de:Belagerung von Barad-dûr]]

Morgoth

2014-09-18T04:45:50Z

76.11.233.95: /* Characteristics */

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-{{YT|1100}}, c. {{YT|1500}}-{{FA|590}}
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] {{FA|590}}
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth initially was hesitant, as he was the only Ainur that could feel fear. However, Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through Morgoth's foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth, in his wrath, wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Despite his power, he could feel fear, which was an emotion unfelt by other Ainur, putting him at a disadvantage against the strong-hearted. 

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Morgoth

2014-09-18T04:45:32Z

76.11.233.95: /* Characteristics */

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-{{YT|1100}}, c. {{YT|1500}}-{{FA|590}}
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] {{FA|590}}
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth initially was hesitant, as he was the only Ainur that could feel fear. However, Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through Morgoth's foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth, in his wrath, wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Despite his power, he could feel fear, which was an emotion unfelt to other Ainur, putting him at a disadvantage against the strong-hearted. 

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Morgoth

2014-09-18T04:44:50Z

76.11.233.95: /* Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin */

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-{{YT|1100}}, c. {{YT|1500}}-{{FA|590}}
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] {{FA|590}}
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth initially was hesitant, as he was the only Ainur that could feel fear. However, Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through Morgoth's foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth, in his wrath, wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. 

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Morgoth

2014-09-17T23:21:42Z

76.11.233.95: /* Return to Beleriand */

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-{{YT|1100}}, c. {{YT|1500}}-{{FA|590}}
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] {{FA|590}}
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth was the only Valar capable of feeling fear, and thus was hesitant, but he scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through Morgoth's foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth, in his wrath, wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery to the Valar, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Though his might was greatest of all things in the world, he was the sole Vala who could feel fear, which put him at a disadvantage against strong-hearted foes.

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Morgoth

2014-09-17T23:21:13Z

76.11.233.95: /* Return to Beleriand */

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-{{YT|1100}}, c. {{YT|1500}}-{{FA|590}}
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] {{FA|590}}
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and heard by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth was the only Valar capable of feeling fear, and thus was hesitant, but he scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through Morgoth's foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth, in his wrath, wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery to the Valar, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Though his might was greatest of all things in the world, he was the sole Vala who could feel fear, which put him at a disadvantage against strong-hearted foes.

==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>

==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.

''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>

The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>

In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>

===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]]. It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' – thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]

{{references}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

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