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Song of the Mounds of Mundburg

2025-07-27T02:58:46Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: added full poem

{{Unnamed}}
{{Poem infobox
| title="We heard of the horns in the hills ringing,"
| written=Between [[1938]] and [[1954]]
| revised=Between 1938 and 1954
| published=''[[The Return of the King]]'' ''[[The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''
| subject=[[Mounds of Mundburg]], [[Gondorians]], [[Rohirrim]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
}}
The '''song of the Mounds of Mundburg''' was a song written by an unnamed poet of [[Rohan]] some years after the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. It was about those slain in the battle, those buried at the [[Mounds of Mundburg]].<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref> Like most of the poems attributed to the Rohirrim, it is written in the old Germanic alliterative meter. It is much like the epic [[Welsh]] poem ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y_Gododdin Y Gododdin]'' in miniature form.

==The Song of the Mounds of Mundburg==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
We heard of the horns in the hills ringing,
the swords shining in the [[South-kingdom]],
Steeds went striding to the [[Stoningland]]
as wind in the morning. War was kindled.
There [[Théoden]] fell, [[Thengling]] mighty,
to his golden halls and green pastures
in the Northern fields never returning,
high lord of the host. [[Harding]] and [[Guthláf]],
[[Dúnhere]] and [[Déorwine]], doughty [[Grimbold]],
[[Herefara]] and [[Herubrand]], [[Horn]] and [[Fastred]],
fought and fell there in a far country:
in the Mounds of Mundburg under mould they lie
with their league-fellows, lords of Gondor.
Neither [[Hirluin the Fair]] to the hills by the sea,
nor [[Forlong]] the Old to the flowering vales
ever, to [[Arnach]], to his own country
returned in triumph; nor the tall bowmen,
[[Derufin]] and [[Duilin]], to their dark waters,
meres of [[Morthond]] under mountain-shadows.
Death in the morning and at day's ending
lords took and lowly. Long now they sleep
under grass in Gondor by the [[Great River]]
Grey now as tears, gleaming silver,
red then it rolled, roaring water:
foam dyed with blood flamed at sunset;
as beacon mountains burned at evening;
red fell the dew in [[Rammas Echor]]. </poem>

==See also==
*[[Poems in The Lord of the Rings|Poems in ''The Lord of the Rings'']]

{{references}}
{{poems}}
[[Category:Poems in The Return of the King]]
[[Category:Songs]]

Nirnaeth Arnoediad

2025-03-28T04:56:58Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: changed battle box image

{{disambig-two|the battle|chapter of the same name|[[The Battle of Unnumbered Tears]]}}
{{battle
| name=Nirnaeth Arnoediad
| image=Justin Gerard - Glaurung.jpg
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|472}}
| place=[[Anfauglith]] and the [[Fen of Serech]]
| result=Decisive victory for [[Morgoth]]
*[[Union of Maedhros]] disbanded
*Death of [[Fingon]]
*Capture of [[Húrin]]
*Invasion of [[Hithlum]] by the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]
*[[Fall of the Falas]]
*[[Sons of Fëanor]] retreat to [[Ossiriand]]
| side1=[[Union of Maedhros]] [[Gondolindrim]] army
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]] [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]] (under [[Ulfang]])<ref group=note>There is no mention of [[Ulfang]] taking part in the battle and it is noted that his son [[Uldor]] was the leader of the treachery, commanding his forces. It is unknown if he was alive or dead by that time or still alive after. In the appendix of ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings|The Lost Road]]'' it states that Ulfand (earlier form of Ulfang) was born in year 100, died 170. When comparing the dates with the earliest ''[[Annals of Beleriand]]'' Ulfand died two years before the battle which started at 172.</ref>
| commanders1=[[Maedhros]] 
[[Fingon]] † 
[[Turgon]] 
[[Mablung]] 
[[Beleg]] 
[[Gwindor]] 
[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] 
[[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]] † 
[[Bór]] † 
[[Azaghâl|Azaghâl of Belegost]] † 
[[Caranthir]] 
[[Maglor]] 
[[Huor]] † 
[[Glorfindel]] 
[[Ecthelion]] 
| commanders2=[[Morgoth]] 
[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] 
[[Glaurung]] 
[[Uldor]] † 
Unnamed Captain of Morgoth<ref name="UT">{{CH|2}}</ref> † 
| forces1=[[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]]. Specific numbers are not given other than force of 10,000 [[Gondolindrim]].<ref name="NA">{{S|20}}</ref>
| forces2=Full strength of [[Angband]] including [[Balrogs]], [[Wolves]], [[Orcs]], [[Dragons]], see note on numbers.<ref group=note>In the ''[[Annals of Beleriand]]'' it is written that there were 100,000 [[Orcs]] and 1000 [[Balrogs]] when [[Morgoth]] emptied [[Angband]]. It is unclear if this number was definite since Tolkien had revised the number of Balrogs significantly over the development of the story.</ref>
| casual1=Heavy
| casual2=Unknown
}}
{{quote|Then in the plain of [[Anfauglith]], on the fourth day of the war, there began Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Unnumbered Tears, for no song or tale can contain all of its grief.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]"}}
The '''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''', also known as the '''Battle of Unnumbered Tears''', was the fifth battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]] fought between the forces of [[Morgoth]] and the [[Union of Maedhros]]. Its name was taken from the first words of the [[Doom of Mandos]]: ''"Tears unnumbered ye shall shed..."''. The battle was a pivotal moment in the war as the northern power of the [[Elves]] took heavy casualties, allowing Morgoth to exercise his dominance over [[Beleriand]].

==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 {{FA|468}},<ref>{{GA|212}}</ref> [[Maedhros]] after hearing the deeds of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] perceived Morgoth was not unassailable and planned to take the offence against [[Angband]] before Morgoth would destroy them all one by one. Thus he set out plans to reunite the foes of Morgoth under a new league, the [[Union of Maedhros]].<ref name="NA" />

Under this [[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 smithies of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] were busy preparing weapons and the Easterlings following [[Bór]] and [[Ulfang]] were trained for war. In west Beleriand the [[Noldor]] in [[Hithlum]] prepared as well as the Men of the [[house of Hador]] and [[people of Haleth]]. Tidings of the Union also came to [[Turgon]].<ref name="NA" />

Because of the evil deeds of [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] it hindered Maedhros' plans, [[Orodreth]] the king of Nargothrond refused to participate, but [[Gwindor]] joined the Union, commanding a group of Elves against his will. 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.<ref group="note">In the ''[[The Grey Annals]]'' Thingol sends a small force of Grey-elves with Mablung, Beleg is not mentioned to have gone to war.</ref><ref name="NA" />

A year later<ref>{{GA|213}}</ref> Maedhros made the first trial of his strength and cleared the northward regions of Beleriand of Orcs and regained much of the land the Elves lost in the Dagor Bragollach, even [[Dorthonion]] was freed. Unbeknown to Maedhros Ulfang and his followers were in secret league with Morgoth and he was well aware of the plans of the Union from his spies.<ref name="NA" />

==Strategy and array==
The [[Union of Maedhros]] was divided into two hosts, the western host was commanded by Fingon and the eastern host was commanded by Maedhros.

'''Western Host'''
*'''[[Fingon]]'''
**[[Noldor]] of [[Hithlum]]
**[[Gwindor]]
***[[Elves of Nargothrond]]
**Some [[Falathrim]]
**[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] and [[Huor]]
***[[Men of Dor-lómin]]
**[[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]]
***[[Men of Brethil]]
**[[Mablung]] and [[Beleg]] of [[Doriath]]
'''Eastern Host'''
*'''[[Maedhros]]'''
**[[Fëanorians|Noldor of East Beleriand]]
**[[Maglor]] (and Maedhros)
***[[Bór]]
****[[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]] (faithful)
**[[Caranthir]]
***[[Ulfang]]
****[[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]] (faithless)
**[[Azaghâl]]
***[[Dwarves of Belegost]]

The strategy of the Union was for Maedhros to march in force into [[Anfauglith]], there he hoped Morgoth would respond by sending out his armies to meet the eastern host. The western host would remain hidden in the woods and valleys east of [[Ered Wethrin]] waiting for the firing of a great beacon in [[Dorthonion]]. Upon firing of the beacon Fingon would lead his host and engage the host of Morgoth from the west hoping to break it like hammer and anvil. The western host was reinforced later when [[Turgon]] unexpectedly came forth with ten thousand [[Gondolindrim]].<ref name="NA" />

==History==
===Prelude===
{{blockquote|Then When Fingon heard afar the great trumpet of Turgon, the shadow passed and his heart was uplifted, and he shouted aloud: 'Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatarni, utúlie'n aurë! The day has come! Behold, people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!' And all those who heard his great voice echo in the hills answered crying: 'Auta i lómë! The night is passing!'|The Children of Húrin, The Battle of Unnumbered Tears}}

On the morning of Midsummer the trumpets of the Eldar greeted the rising of the sun and hosts of [[Fingon]] and [[Maedhros]] gathered in the west and east. Fingon on the walls of [[Eithel Sirion]] saw his host arrayed, hidden in the woods and he looked to the east and through the dust he saw the glint of steel and indeed Maedhros had set forth into [[Anfauglith]]. A dark cloud gathered about [[Thangorodrim]] and the wrath of Morgoth was aroused and he accepted the challenge. A shadow of doubt fell upon the heart of Fingon then suddenly a cry went up of wonder and joy, as [[Turgon]] had come unsummoned and unlooked for with his host - "ten thousand strong, with bright mail and long swords and spears like a forest".<ref name="NA" />

Fingon received Turgon's army with the cry ''"[[Utúlie'n aurë!]]"'' and they stationed guarding the passes of [[Sirion]] and he became hopeful. Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his treacherous servants had delayed [[Maedhros]]' march to prevent swift union of the two forces.<ref name="NA" />

===Battle===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Gwindor's Charge.jpg|left|thumb|''Gwindor's Charge'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Morgoth then moved forward with his plan, that same hour a host of Orcs sallied forth from [[Angband]] to provoke the western host to attack and another greater host was sent to meet Maedhros.<ref name="UT" /> The hearts of the Noldor grew restless and the captains wished to assail the Orc-host in the plains, but Fingon forbade this and to urge caution and to wait for the Orcs to assault the hills.<ref name="UT" /><ref group="note">In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' this warning was told by [[Húrin]].</ref> 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 charged along with his men. From their hidden positions in the eastern hills, Fingon's forces suddenly charged along with them. The Orc host was taken by surprise and swiftly defeated, and the sudden charge of Fingon's army nearly foiled Morgoth's plans; the forces of Gwindor and Fingon pushed forth, reaching Angband itself.<ref name="NA" />

Morgoth shook upon his throne as Gwindor's company pounded at his gates above. They burst through, and slew the guards on the steps of Angband itself, though Morgoth had trapped them. They were then ambushed with hidden forces set about Angband; all of Gwindor's company was slain and Gwindor himself was captured. From clandestine gates around Angband, thousands of Orcs erupted suddenly, repulsing the host of Fingon from the walls. The Elven army was driven back in great slaughter, and many [[Haladin]] fell fighting in the rearguard including their lord [[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]].<ref name="NA" />

[[File:Joona Kujanen - The Fall of Azaghal.jpg|thumb|left|''The Fall of Azaghâl'' by [[:Category:Images by Joona Kujanen|Joona Kujanen]]]]
[[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, Morgoth unleashed his last strength and all of Angband was emptied; wolves, wolfriders, Balrogs, dragons and with them [[Glaurung]]. Union forces could yet have prevailed, but [[Uldor]] turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. [[Maglor]] slew Uldor in single combat,<ref group="note">In ''[[The Grey Annals]]'' Uldor was slained by Cranthir (Caranthir)</ref> [[Bór]] and his sons slew [[Ulfast]] and [[Ulwarth]] and they themselves were slain, but could not turn the tide of the battle. 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]].<ref name="NA" />

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|right|''Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
[[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. Many beasts retreated with him. 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.<ref name="NA" />

All this had not helped the western host, who were attacked by many Orcs under [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]. Gothmog cut a path to Fingon and fought him in single combat. After another Balrog bound him with a whip, Fingon was hewed by Gothmog's black axe and his body was beaten with maces. [[Húrin]] begged Turgon to retreat back to Gondolin, knowing now he was the last of the [[House of Fingolfin]] and Gondolin still remained hidden so Morgoth would still know fear in his heart. [[Huor]] then said to the king that from his house the hope of Elves and Men will come and 'from me and you a new star shall arise.' 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 what remained of the Elves of Gondolin and Fingon's host. Acting as a rearguard, these Men were almost all slain – Huor fell when his eye was pierced by a poisoned arrow. His brother Húrin fought ferociously to buy his allies time to escape, fighting until his axe withered away. Morgoth had ordered him to be taken alive, however; he killed no fewer than seventy Orcs<ref group="note">In ''[[The Grey Annals]]'' it was a hundred Orcs</ref> and Trolls before he became pinned under their corpses, and was later taken prisoner by Gothmog.<ref name="NA" />

===Aftermath===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Hill of Slain.jpg|thumb|''The Hill of Slain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The Orcs gathered all of the slain Elves and Men and piled them in a mound in the midst of the desolate landscape and it was so great it could be seen from afar, and the Elves named it [[Haudh-en-Nirnaeth]], Hill of Tears or Haudh-en-Ndengin, Hill of the Slain. Grass grew on that hill long after the battle but nowhere else in Anfauglith and no servant of Morgoth would go near it.<ref name="NA" />

Morgoth now had complete dominance in the north and his servants pressed southwards whenever. Morgoth sent the Easterlings that served him into Hithlum and shut them in and denied to them the fertile lands of [[Beleriand]]. The Easterlings plundered and harassed the women, children and old of Hador's people and what remnant of Elves still in Hithlum was sent to the mines of Angband. In the east the sons of Fëanor were scattered and they retreated to the woods and mountains and Himring was occupied by the Orcs. A year later Morgoth [[Fall of the Falas|sacked the havens]] of the [[Falas]].<ref name="NA" />

Morgoth's destruction was not entirely complete, however, for Turgon, now [[High King of the Noldor]] after the death of Fingon, had evaded capture, and his city Gondolin was still unknown to Morgoth. [[Doriath]] and [[Nargothrond]] still remained.<ref name="NA" />

==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 ligature.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "NOT"</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The earliest concept of the battle appears in ''[[Gilfanon's Tale]]'' and is named the '''Battle of Unnumbered Tears'''. The text was abandoned by Tolkien and what information of the battle existed in outlines for the ''[[Lost Tales]]'', from it many essential features would remain in later writings including the death of the leader of the [[Gnomes]] (Noldor), treachery of Men - corrupted by [[Melko]] and [[Turgon]] escaping with his host.<ref>{{LT1|Xn}}</ref>

A common element of the battle in the drafts is that the [[Union of Maedhros]] comprises of two hosts, a western force commanded by [[Fingon]] and a eastern force commanded by [[Maedhros]]. This division was mainly due to strategy employed by the leaders, a hammer and anvil tactic to encircle and destroy the host of [[Morgoth]]. In the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology]]'' the division is caused because the Fëanorians refuse to be led by [[Fingon|Finweg]] (Fingon) thus the host is divided and the other is led by [[Maidros]] and [[Maglor]].<ref name="S">{{SM|2}}</ref> This animosity between the two factions was changed later to have them more friendly and cooperative. This is part of the frequent revisions that Tolkien made of the composition and allegiances of the armies:
*In the earlier drafts the Dwarves of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] do not participate in the battle but instead help arm the eastern host as well as 'many armies' - their "smithies were busy in those days".<ref name="Q11">{{SM|Q11}}</ref><ref name="QS">{{LR|P2VI}}</ref> The Dwarves were more concerned with war profiteering than fighting,<ref>{{GA|212|note}}</ref> it is said that they gained much "wealth and jewelry of Elves and Men", and they "did not favour either side".<ref group="note">This line is different depending on which draft you read. In the ''[[Quenta]]'': 'For we do not know the rights of this quarrel,' they[Dwarves] said 'and we are friends of neither side-until it hath the mastery.' In the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]'': 'For we do not know the right causes of this quarrel,' they[Dwarves] said, 'and we favour neither side-until one hath the mastery.'</ref> This is from the earlier view of the Dwarves that they were neutral and so inclined to deal with the servants of Morgoth.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref> The ''[[Sketch of the Mythology|Sketch]]'' mentions that the Fëanorians made war upon them but this was later changed to converse.<ref name="S" /> In the later writings Tolkien made the Dwarves 'less evil' and they now participate in the battle and the Dwarves of Belegost were able to hold their ground against the brood of [[Glaurung]] and their lord [[Azaghâl]] wounds Glaurung.<ref>{{GA|232}}</ref> This is incorporated in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.
*In the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology|Sketch]]'' and ''[[Quenta]]'' (as originally written) Turgon is already with Finweg in [[Hithlum]] and is one of the commanders of the western host. When they are defeated Turgon flees with the remnant of the Gnomes down [[Sirion]] thanks to the heroics of [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]]. It is here that their scouts discover the [[Tumladen|valley]] encircled by the mountains and establish [[Gondolin]].<ref name="S" /><ref>{{SM|Q15}}</ref> In the ''Quenta'' there was a change and it had Turgon coming forth 'unlooked for' with a great host, which would mean that Gondolin was already established before the battle.<ref name="Q11" /> The foundation of Gondolin occurring before the battle remained in later writings.
*In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' [[Thingol]] did not send any of his people to war save only [[Mablung]] and [[Beleg]].<ref name="NA" /> In the ''Sketch'' Thingol does indeed send help and allows the 'Gnomes of Doriath' to join the Union and a 'few from [[Doriath]]'. These Gnomes were refugees when Morgoth broke the [[Siege of Angband]] and they arrived to Doriath to take service to Thingol and [[Melian]].<ref name="S" /> This element originates from ''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]'' where some Noldoli are in Tinwelint's service.<ref>{{LT2|I}}</ref> In another version Thingol sends Mablung and a small force of Grey-elves.<ref>{{GA|221}}</ref>
*In the earlier drafts Maidros' host consist of Men, Gnomes and [[Ilkorins]] or Dark-elves.<ref name="S" /> The Ilkorins were an early name for [[Úmanyar]]. The Dark-elves answer the summons of Maidros but they are not from Doriath<ref name="Q11" /> but from the south,<ref name="QS" /> where they fled after Morgoth broke the [[Siege of Angband]].<ref>{{SM|Q9}}</ref> Furthermore the [[Green-elves]] of [[Ossiriand]] join Maidros in the battle.<ref name="QS" /> The explicit mention of Dark-elves and Green-elves joining the battle disappeared in the latest writings which is most likely due to keeping consistency of the story, Thingol refusing to help and the Green-elves refusing to go to war after the death of their leader. In ''The Silmarillion'' it states Maedhros gathered all the strength of Elves, Men and Dwarves.

In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' Morgoth plans to send a decoy force to draw out Fingon, which succeeds due to the dismembering of the prisoner [[Gelmir (son of Guilin)|Gelmir]]. However this element plays out differently in early drafts, for instance in the ''Sketch'' it has Finweg's host advance into Dor-na-Fauglith ([[Anfauglith]]) and they defeat an Orc host, they pursue them only to fight against a greater host when they reach Angband. There is no prisoner but the element of Finweg fighting two hosts in the opening stages remained in later writings.<ref>{{SM|2a}}</ref> This is further developed in the ''Quenta'', Finweg does not advance nor is their any Orc host present, but Finweg send heralds to Angband to summon the hosts of Morgoth, Morgoth replies by sending a host out with a captured herald and they slew him in front of Finweg which provokes him and the entire host to charge.<ref name="Q11" /> Notice that it is Finweg that is provoked by the slewing of the herald, this later changes to [[Gwindor]], who was also present in the battle but is named Flinding. The use of the heralds was abandoned in later writings,<ref>{{SM|CQ11}}</ref> so the role was replaced by Gelmir who was now in the later writings the brother of Gwindor.

[[Turgon]] was originally already in [[Hithlum]], however this was altered when Tolkien had [[Gondolin]] already existing before the battle so Turgon would arrive later on the day onlooked.<ref name="Q11" /> In the ''[[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand|Annals of Beleriand]]'' there is different version of events where Turgon does not arrive to take part in preparation near Hithlum, instead he emerges from [[Taur-na-Fuin]] unlooked for and engages the Orcs that were driving back Fingon's host.<ref>{{SM|7I}}</ref>

The battle was originally the third Battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]] but was replaced by the [[Dagor Bragollach]] and it became the fourth battle<ref>{{SM|Index}}</ref> and then eventually to the fifth battle.

The Elvish name went through many changes in Tolkien's writings. In the stories of the ''[[Lost Tales]]'' it appeared as [[Gnomish]] '''Nínin-Udathriol''' or [[Qenya]] '''Nieriltasinwa'''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}</ref> Later revised to '''Nínin Unothradin''' or '''Nirnaithos Unothradin''',<ref>{{LB|1a}}</ref> and again later to '''Nirnaith Únoth''' then to '''Nirnaith Ornoth'''<ref>{{LB|1d}}</ref> in the ''[[The Lay of the Children of Húrin]]''. In the drafts it appeared as '''Nirnaith Irnoth''' then changed to '''Nirnaith Dirnoth'''<ref>{{SM|7In}}</ref> There was another variant '''Dagor Nirnaith'''.<ref>{{LR|A2}}</ref> '''Nírnaith Arnediad''' was the name of the battle in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]'' which had another variant '''Nírnaeth Arnediad''' (or Aronoded).<ref>{{LR|P3}}</ref> The final form was now '''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''', which had another variant '''Dagor Arnediad'''<ref>{{WJ|P1}}</ref>

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

{{references|n}}
{{warsofbeleriand}}
[[Category:Conflicts in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/1a/guerres/nirnaeth arnoediad]]
[[fi:Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]

The Death of Glaurung

2025-03-28T04:07:01Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: added quote

{{quote| TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA|(Inscription on Túrin's tomb), J.R.R. Tolkien, The Children of Húrin, The Death of Túrin, p. 257}}
{{coh-chapters}}
'''The Death of Glaurung''' is the seventeenth chapter of ''[[The Children of Húrin]]''.

==Synopsis==
[[File:Alan Lee - The Death of Glaurung.jpg|left|thumb|''Glaurung approaches'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
It was night when [[Turambar]], [[Dorlas]] and [[Hunthor]] arrived to [[Cabed-en-Aras]] and began to go down the ravine. The [[Teiglin]] was noisy, stony and very dangerous, and Dorlas cowed and chose not to follow Turambar. While the two men climbed the narrow, they heard the coming of [[Glaurung]]: the dragon crossed the ravine directly from above. With the passing of the dragon, the whole ground shook and the air was hot and poisoned. In that moment a rock hit Hunthor's head and his body fell in to the river. Turambar lamented, but carried on and with all his will climbed up the narrow to the dragon's position. Then he took his sword [[Gurthang]] and stabbed Glaurung's belly to the hilt. Crying in pain, the dragon crossed to the other cliff with the sword still embedded. He twisted in agony, falling in the ground. Turambar almost fainted, but with great strength he left the ravine and approached the dragon. Mocking the dragon, Turambar took back his sword, but a blood stream sprayed his hand, and he fell unconscious.

Meanwhile, in [[Nen Girith]] the dragon's cry was heard by [[Níniel]] and those who followed her, and everybody panicked and refused to move, believing that the [[Black Sword]] had died. Then [[Brandir]] arrived and found Níniel shaking and petrified; he took her hand and tried to run away with her from [[Brethil]]. When Níniel realised what was happening, she walked away from him and ran in despair through the woods, with Bradir limping behind her.
[[File:Alan Lee - The Death of Glaurung 2.jpg|thumb|''The Death of Glaurung'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Suddenly, Níniel saw Glaurung's body under the moonlight, and near it was Turambar's. She ran to help him, and bandaged his injured hand, but he did not wake. The dragon, however, did wake up, and with his last words he greeted her as the daughter of [[Húrin]] and sister of [[Túrin]]. Then Glaurung died and his enchantment upon her faded away. Thus [[Niënor]] remembered all her past and cried: ''"Farewell, O twice beloved! A Túrin Turambar turún' ambartanen: Master of Doom by Doom mastered!"''

Brandir heard everything, and tried to stop her from running away. But she didn't wait for him and jumped into the [[Teiglin]]. Thus Cabed-en-Aras was known since then as ''Cabed Naeramarth'', "Leap of Dreadful Doom". Brandir left the place horrified, thinking that Túrin was indeed dead. On the way back he found Dorlas, and realised Dorlas had left Turambar and Hunthor in their quest, and blamed him for everything. Dorlas attacked Brandir, but Brandir drew his sword and killed Dorlas.

Brandir arrived at Nen Girith. He explained to the people what happened: the dragon was dead, and also Turambar, and both were indeed good news, because Turambar and Níniel were actually Túrin and Niënor, the children of Húrin, bringing their dark fate to Brethil. Thus Brandir called Brethil ''Sarch nia Hin Húrin'', "Grave of the Children of Húrin". The people was startled by the news, but they decided to build a grave for their saviour and headed to Cabed-en-Aras.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Death of Glaurung}}
[[Category:The Children of Húrin chapters]]
[[fi:Glaurungin kuolema (HLT)]]

Dagor Bragollach

2025-03-28T03:14:44Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: quote source reformatted

{{battle
| name=Dagor Bragollach
| image = Alan Lee - Battle of Sudden Flame.jpg
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|455}}<ref name="GADB">{{GA|145}}</ref>
| place=The north of [[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for [[Morgoth]]
*Breaking of the [[Siege of Angband]]
* Destruction of [[Dorthonion]]
* Burning of [[Ard-galen]], later was known as ''[[Anfauglith]]''
* [[Fall of Fingolfin]]
| side1=The league of the [[Eldar]] [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]
| commanders1=[[Fingolfin]] † 
[[Maedhros]] 
[[Finrod]] 
[[Fingon]] 
[[Angrod]] † 
[[Aegnor]] † 
[[Celegorm]] 
[[Curufin]] 
[[Maglor]] 
[[Caranthir]] 
[[Bregolas]] † 
[[Hador]] † 
[[Barahir]] 
| commanders2=[[Morgoth]] 
[[Glaurung]] 
[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] 
| forces1=Unknown, presumably full strength of the league which included the [[Noldor]], [[Grey-elves]] and [[Edain]] A reinforcing army of [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| forces2=Unknown, but force has "multitudes" of [[Orcs]] Force of [[Balrogs]]
| casual1=Severe for both Elves and Men, including the virtual destruction of the [[House of Bëor]]
| casual2=Unknown
}}{{Disambig-more|Battle of Sudden Flame|[[Battle of Sudden Flame (disambiguation)]]}}

{{quote| In the front of that fire came [[Glaurung]] the golden, father of dragons, in his full might; and in his train were [[Balrogs]], and behind them came the black armies of the [[Orcs]] in multitudes such as the [[Noldor]] had never before seen or imagined. |''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Ruin of Beleriand]]}}
The '''Dagor Bragollach''' ([[Sindarin]] for '''"Battle of Sudden Flame"''') was the fourth great battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]], fought between the forces of [[Morgoth]] and the league of the [[Noldor]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Dagor Aglareb}}
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], where [[Morgoth]] was defeated by the [[Noldor]], the [[Siege of Angband]] was established.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> For about four hundred years there was relative [[Long Peace|peace]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Elves built their cities and strongholds across the land and they were strengthened by the coming of [[Edain|Men]] to Beleriand.<ref>{{S|17}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
In {{FA|422}}<ref>{{GA|133}}</ref> [[Fingolfin]] considered a new assault upon [[Angband]], as Morgoth had been contained rather than wholly defeated, and the threat of new dangers devised by him was present in Fingolfin's mind. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were like-minded, but most of the Noldor, especially the [[Sons of Fëanor]], were content with the present peaceful state of affairs and were reluctant to pay the deadly cost such an attack would incur. Thus, no attack was made, and Morgoth was left alone to continue secretly building his strength until his preparations were completed in {{FA|455}}.<ref name="Ruin">{{S|18}}</ref>

===Battle===
On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame from [[Thangorodrim]], and the [[Iron Mountains|Mountains of Iron]] spewed fires and deadly fumes. The flames consumed the plain of [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many Elves perished as they tried to escape the fire, and the confusion caused by the flame and smoke hindered the defenders that watched Angband. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by [[Glaurung]], first of the [[Urulóki]]. Behind Glaurung came [[Balrogs]] and multitudes of [[Orcs]], and they slaughtered anyone they came across.<ref name="Ruin" />

[[File:Elena Kukanova - Dagor Bragollach.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Dagor Bragollach'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
The highlands of [[Dorthonion]] bore much of the assault and were overrun. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were slain, and many of [[House of Bëor|Bëor's folk]] fell, including their lord [[Bregolas]]. King [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with an army, but Finrod with a small company was surrounded at the [[Fen of Serech]] and cut off from his people. Finrod would have been killed or captured, but was saved by [[Barahir]] and his [[XII Bëorings|twelve followers]], who was fighting in western [[Dorthonion]] near the [[Pass of Sirion]]. They managed to cut through with great loss and Finrod and his folk came back to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. It was this deed that later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod, which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]], along with a vow of abiding friendship.<ref name="Ruin" />

In the north-west [[Fingolfin]] and [[Fingon]] marched with their host to aid the sons of Finarfin, but they were driven back to the fortresses in the [[Ered Wethrin|mountains]]. [[Hador]], the [[lord of Dor-lómin]], and his younger son [[Gundor]] were slain defending the rearguard of Fingolfin. In the mountain fortresses there was a fierce battle between Morgoth's forces and the Elves and [[House of Hador|Men of the North]]. Hithlum was successfully defended against the Orcs and Balrogs, but Fingolfin became separated from his people during the battle.<ref name="Ruin" />

The [[March of Maedhros]] was assaulted heavily by the armies of Morgoth. With great loss, the hosts of Morgoth [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|forced]] the [[Pass of Aglon]], and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled with their people to Nargothrond. [[Maedhros]] was later able to reclose the Pass, but the horsemen of the people of [[Fëanor]] were overwhelmed on the plain of [[Lothlann]] and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken. Glaurung came there and burned the land between the arms of [[Gelion]]. With the gap taken, the Orcs moved south and captured [[Caranthir]]'s fortress in [[Mount Rerir]]. [[Thargelion]] was ravaged and [[Lake Helevorn]] defiled. The Orcs then crossed over Gelion into [[East Beleriand]]. Maglor fled to join Maedhros at Himring while Caranthir fled south with Amrod and Amras to [[Amon Ereb]], which they defended with the help of the [[Green-elves]], and the Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand. Maedhros fought valiantly against the Orcs with the help of Maglor and the people of Dorthonion and the east marches, preventing Morgoth from taking the fortress on [[Himring]].<ref name="Ruin" />

War did not completely cease in Beleriand afterwards, but the Battle was considered to have ended with the lessening of Morgoth's onslaught at the coming of spring.<ref name="Ruin" />

===Aftermath===
Thus the Siege of Angband was broken, and the forces of Morgoth were able to roam at will throughout the north. His enemies were decimated, and most of the [[Grey-elves]] fled south to [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Falas]] and [[Ossiriand]]. However, Morgoth could not completely destroy his foes as they scattered and hid in secret places, and he had himself been wounded.<ref name="Ruin" />

Morgoth's power extended over the [[Northlands]], but a few folk of [[Barahir]] remained, fighting determinedly for their lands and refusing to retreat from the attacking forces. Morgoth relentlessly sought to kill them until very few remained. So great was his wrath against them that Dorthonion was turned into a twisted land of dread, renamed [[Taur-nu-Fuin]], and it was filled with such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them. The women and children of Barahir's folk at last fled to [[Brethil]], some joining the [[Haladin]] there, and others continuing to [[Dor-lómin]] and joining the [[House of Hador|people]] of [[Galdor]]. The remaining men lived as outlaws in Dorthonion, until all were slain save [[Beren]].<ref name="Ruin" />

The sons of Fëanor were scattered and driven from their lands, except for Maedhros, who still held Himring. Celegorm and Curufin travelled to Nargothrond after [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|being defeated]] in the [[Pass of Aglon]]. For a time, the Noldor defended the [[Pass of Sirion]] and [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]], but after the fall of Fingolfin, Sauron came and took Minas Tirith for Morgoth, turning it into a place of evil known as [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Using this pass, the servants of Morgoth came farther into Beleriand and surrounded Doriath. Yet Nargothrond and Gondolin remained hidden from Morgoth, and as the Elves began to recover their losses, southern Beleriand had peace for a time.<ref name="Ruin" />

===The fall of Fingolfin===
{{Main|Fall of Fingolfin}}
[[File:Kimberly - Fingolfin sketch.jpeg|thumb|''Fingolfin's Wrath'' by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]]]
After a year of fighting,<ref>{{GA|155}}</ref> when [[Fingolfin]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], saw what he believed to be the utter ruin of the Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of [[Angband]] itself they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, [[Ringil]], wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], and crushed by Morgoth's mighty foot. Fingolfin's body was saved by [[Thorondor]] King of Eagles and brought into the mountaintops north of [[Gondolin]]. There [[Turgon]] his son built a [[Fingolfin's Cairn|cairn]] over his body.<ref name="Ruin" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Dagor Bragollach'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Battle of Sudden Flame".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> It contains the elements ''[[dagor]]'' ("battle") + ''[[bragol]]'' ("quick, sudden") + ''[[lach]]'' ("flame").

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The earliest concept of the battle appears in the unfinished poem ''[[The Lay of Leithian]]''. Although the account is brief, some elements of it remain in later writings such as [[Barahir]] saving Felagund and the deaths of [[Angrod]] and [[Egnor]] (Aegnor).<ref>{{LB|C6}}</ref> In the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology]]'' where Tolkien started to piece together the legends, the battle appears briefly once more. However, Christopher commented that the new material that appears in later writings may have already been in the mind of his father when he wrote the ''Sketch''.<ref>{{SM|2a}}</ref>

In the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'' there is a huge expansion of material in this version compared to the ''Sketch'', of which many elements appear in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="QNINE">{{SM|Q9}}</ref> It was originally labelled as the second battle, but was later changed to the third battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]], partly due to the inclusion of the [[Dagor Aglareb]] as the second battle.<ref>{{SM|CQ9}}</ref>

The naming of the battle went through many revisions in the writing. The battle was not named in early writings until the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'', where it is called the '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="QNINE" /> It was later changed to '''Battle of Sudden Fire'''<ref>{{SM|7I}}</ref> and for the first time given an Elvish name, '''Dagor Hurbreged''',<ref>{{SM|7In}}</ref> then changed to '''Dagor Húr-Breged'''.<ref>{{LR|AB}}</ref> The battle was referred to as '''Dagor Vreged-úr''' in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref>{{LR|P2VI}}</ref> In the latest versions it takes its final form '''Dagor Bragollach''', '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="GADB" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of the Dagor Bragollach]]

{{references}}

{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Dagor Bragollach]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor bragollach]]
[[fi:Dagor Bragollach]]

Dagor Bragollach

2025-03-28T03:11:52Z

Dagnir Glaurunga:

{{battle
| name=Dagor Bragollach
| image = Alan Lee - Battle of Sudden Flame.jpg
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|455}}<ref name="GADB">{{GA|145}}</ref>
| place=The north of [[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for [[Morgoth]]
*Breaking of the [[Siege of Angband]]
* Destruction of [[Dorthonion]]
* Burning of [[Ard-galen]], later was known as ''[[Anfauglith]]''
* [[Fall of Fingolfin]]
| side1=The league of the [[Eldar]] [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]
| commanders1=[[Fingolfin]] † 
[[Maedhros]] 
[[Finrod]] 
[[Fingon]] 
[[Angrod]] † 
[[Aegnor]] † 
[[Celegorm]] 
[[Curufin]] 
[[Maglor]] 
[[Caranthir]] 
[[Bregolas]] † 
[[Hador]] † 
[[Barahir]] 
| commanders2=[[Morgoth]] 
[[Glaurung]] 
[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] 
| forces1=Unknown, presumably full strength of the league which included the [[Noldor]], [[Grey-elves]] and [[Edain]] A reinforcing army of [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| forces2=Unknown, but force has "multitudes" of [[Orcs]] Force of [[Balrogs]]
| casual1=Severe for both Elves and Men, including the virtual destruction of the [[House of Bëor]]
| casual2=Unknown
}}{{Disambig-more|Battle of Sudden Flame|[[Battle of Sudden Flame (disambiguation)]]}}

{{quote| In the front of that fire came [[Glaurung]] the golden, father of dragons, in his full might; and in his train were [[Balrogs]], and behind them came the black armies of the [[Orcs]] in multitudes such as the [[Noldor]] had never before seen or imagined. |The Silmarillion, Of The Ruin of Belariand}}
The '''Dagor Bragollach''' ([[Sindarin]] for '''"Battle of Sudden Flame"''') was the fourth great battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]], fought between the forces of [[Morgoth]] and the league of the [[Noldor]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Dagor Aglareb}}
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], where [[Morgoth]] was defeated by the [[Noldor]], the [[Siege of Angband]] was established.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> For about four hundred years there was relative [[Long Peace|peace]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Elves built their cities and strongholds across the land and they were strengthened by the coming of [[Edain|Men]] to Beleriand.<ref>{{S|17}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
In {{FA|422}}<ref>{{GA|133}}</ref> [[Fingolfin]] considered a new assault upon [[Angband]], as Morgoth had been contained rather than wholly defeated, and the threat of new dangers devised by him was present in Fingolfin's mind. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were like-minded, but most of the Noldor, especially the [[Sons of Fëanor]], were content with the present peaceful state of affairs and were reluctant to pay the deadly cost such an attack would incur. Thus, no attack was made, and Morgoth was left alone to continue secretly building his strength until his preparations were completed in {{FA|455}}.<ref name="Ruin">{{S|18}}</ref>

===Battle===
On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame from [[Thangorodrim]], and the [[Iron Mountains|Mountains of Iron]] spewed fires and deadly fumes. The flames consumed the plain of [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many Elves perished as they tried to escape the fire, and the confusion caused by the flame and smoke hindered the defenders that watched Angband. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by [[Glaurung]], first of the [[Urulóki]]. Behind Glaurung came [[Balrogs]] and multitudes of [[Orcs]], and they slaughtered anyone they came across.<ref name="Ruin" />

[[File:Elena Kukanova - Dagor Bragollach.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Dagor Bragollach'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
The highlands of [[Dorthonion]] bore much of the assault and were overrun. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were slain, and many of [[House of Bëor|Bëor's folk]] fell, including their lord [[Bregolas]]. King [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with an army, but Finrod with a small company was surrounded at the [[Fen of Serech]] and cut off from his people. Finrod would have been killed or captured, but was saved by [[Barahir]] and his [[XII Bëorings|twelve followers]], who was fighting in western [[Dorthonion]] near the [[Pass of Sirion]]. They managed to cut through with great loss and Finrod and his folk came back to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. It was this deed that later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod, which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]], along with a vow of abiding friendship.<ref name="Ruin" />

In the north-west [[Fingolfin]] and [[Fingon]] marched with their host to aid the sons of Finarfin, but they were driven back to the fortresses in the [[Ered Wethrin|mountains]]. [[Hador]], the [[lord of Dor-lómin]], and his younger son [[Gundor]] were slain defending the rearguard of Fingolfin. In the mountain fortresses there was a fierce battle between Morgoth's forces and the Elves and [[House of Hador|Men of the North]]. Hithlum was successfully defended against the Orcs and Balrogs, but Fingolfin became separated from his people during the battle.<ref name="Ruin" />

The [[March of Maedhros]] was assaulted heavily by the armies of Morgoth. With great loss, the hosts of Morgoth [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|forced]] the [[Pass of Aglon]], and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled with their people to Nargothrond. [[Maedhros]] was later able to reclose the Pass, but the horsemen of the people of [[Fëanor]] were overwhelmed on the plain of [[Lothlann]] and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken. Glaurung came there and burned the land between the arms of [[Gelion]]. With the gap taken, the Orcs moved south and captured [[Caranthir]]'s fortress in [[Mount Rerir]]. [[Thargelion]] was ravaged and [[Lake Helevorn]] defiled. The Orcs then crossed over Gelion into [[East Beleriand]]. Maglor fled to join Maedhros at Himring while Caranthir fled south with Amrod and Amras to [[Amon Ereb]], which they defended with the help of the [[Green-elves]], and the Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand. Maedhros fought valiantly against the Orcs with the help of Maglor and the people of Dorthonion and the east marches, preventing Morgoth from taking the fortress on [[Himring]].<ref name="Ruin" />

War did not completely cease in Beleriand afterwards, but the Battle was considered to have ended with the lessening of Morgoth's onslaught at the coming of spring.<ref name="Ruin" />

===Aftermath===
Thus the Siege of Angband was broken, and the forces of Morgoth were able to roam at will throughout the north. His enemies were decimated, and most of the [[Grey-elves]] fled south to [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Falas]] and [[Ossiriand]]. However, Morgoth could not completely destroy his foes as they scattered and hid in secret places, and he had himself been wounded.<ref name="Ruin" />

Morgoth's power extended over the [[Northlands]], but a few folk of [[Barahir]] remained, fighting determinedly for their lands and refusing to retreat from the attacking forces. Morgoth relentlessly sought to kill them until very few remained. So great was his wrath against them that Dorthonion was turned into a twisted land of dread, renamed [[Taur-nu-Fuin]], and it was filled with such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them. The women and children of Barahir's folk at last fled to [[Brethil]], some joining the [[Haladin]] there, and others continuing to [[Dor-lómin]] and joining the [[House of Hador|people]] of [[Galdor]]. The remaining men lived as outlaws in Dorthonion, until all were slain save [[Beren]].<ref name="Ruin" />

The sons of Fëanor were scattered and driven from their lands, except for Maedhros, who still held Himring. Celegorm and Curufin travelled to Nargothrond after [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|being defeated]] in the [[Pass of Aglon]]. For a time, the Noldor defended the [[Pass of Sirion]] and [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]], but after the fall of Fingolfin, Sauron came and took Minas Tirith for Morgoth, turning it into a place of evil known as [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Using this pass, the servants of Morgoth came farther into Beleriand and surrounded Doriath. Yet Nargothrond and Gondolin remained hidden from Morgoth, and as the Elves began to recover their losses, southern Beleriand had peace for a time.<ref name="Ruin" />

===The fall of Fingolfin===
{{Main|Fall of Fingolfin}}
[[File:Kimberly - Fingolfin sketch.jpeg|thumb|''Fingolfin's Wrath'' by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]]]
After a year of fighting,<ref>{{GA|155}}</ref> when [[Fingolfin]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], saw what he believed to be the utter ruin of the Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of [[Angband]] itself they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, [[Ringil]], wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], and crushed by Morgoth's mighty foot. Fingolfin's body was saved by [[Thorondor]] King of Eagles and brought into the mountaintops north of [[Gondolin]]. There [[Turgon]] his son built a [[Fingolfin's Cairn|cairn]] over his body.<ref name="Ruin" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Dagor Bragollach'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Battle of Sudden Flame".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> It contains the elements ''[[dagor]]'' ("battle") + ''[[bragol]]'' ("quick, sudden") + ''[[lach]]'' ("flame").

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The earliest concept of the battle appears in the unfinished poem ''[[The Lay of Leithian]]''. Although the account is brief, some elements of it remain in later writings such as [[Barahir]] saving Felagund and the deaths of [[Angrod]] and [[Egnor]] (Aegnor).<ref>{{LB|C6}}</ref> In the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology]]'' where Tolkien started to piece together the legends, the battle appears briefly once more. However, Christopher commented that the new material that appears in later writings may have already been in the mind of his father when he wrote the ''Sketch''.<ref>{{SM|2a}}</ref>

In the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'' there is a huge expansion of material in this version compared to the ''Sketch'', of which many elements appear in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="QNINE">{{SM|Q9}}</ref> It was originally labelled as the second battle, but was later changed to the third battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]], partly due to the inclusion of the [[Dagor Aglareb]] as the second battle.<ref>{{SM|CQ9}}</ref>

The naming of the battle went through many revisions in the writing. The battle was not named in early writings until the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'', where it is called the '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="QNINE" /> It was later changed to '''Battle of Sudden Fire'''<ref>{{SM|7I}}</ref> and for the first time given an Elvish name, '''Dagor Hurbreged''',<ref>{{SM|7In}}</ref> then changed to '''Dagor Húr-Breged'''.<ref>{{LR|AB}}</ref> The battle was referred to as '''Dagor Vreged-úr''' in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref>{{LR|P2VI}}</ref> In the latest versions it takes its final form '''Dagor Bragollach''', '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="GADB" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of the Dagor Bragollach]]

{{references}}

{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Dagor Bragollach]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor bragollach]]
[[fi:Dagor Bragollach]]

Dagor Bragollach

2025-03-28T03:10:00Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: added quote

{{battle
| name=Dagor Bragollach
| image = Alan Lee - Battle of Sudden Flame.jpg
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|455}}<ref name="GADB">{{GA|145}}</ref>
| place=The north of [[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for [[Morgoth]]
*Breaking of the [[Siege of Angband]]
* Destruction of [[Dorthonion]]
* Burning of [[Ard-galen]], later was known as ''[[Anfauglith]]''
* [[Fall of Fingolfin]]
| side1=The league of the [[Eldar]] [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]
| commanders1=[[Fingolfin]] † 
[[Maedhros]] 
[[Finrod]] 
[[Fingon]] 
[[Angrod]] † 
[[Aegnor]] † 
[[Celegorm]] 
[[Curufin]] 
[[Maglor]] 
[[Caranthir]] 
[[Bregolas]] † 
[[Hador]] † 
[[Barahir]] 
| commanders2=[[Morgoth]] 
[[Glaurung]] 
[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] 
| forces1=Unknown, presumably full strength of the league which included the [[Noldor]], [[Grey-elves]] and [[Edain]] A reinforcing army of [[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| forces2=Unknown, but force has "multitudes" of [[Orcs]] Force of [[Balrogs]]
| casual1=Severe for both Elves and Men, including the virtual destruction of the [[House of Bëor]]
| casual2=Unknown
}}{{Disambig-more|Battle of Sudden Flame|[[Battle of Sudden Flame (disambiguation)]]}}

{{quote| In the front of that fire came [[Glaurung]] the golden, father of dragons, in his full might; and in his train were [[Balrogs]], and behind them came the black armies of the [[Orcs]] in multitudes such as the [[Noldor]] had never before seen or imagined. }}
The '''Dagor Bragollach''' ([[Sindarin]] for '''"Battle of Sudden Flame"''') was the fourth great battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]], fought between the forces of [[Morgoth]] and the league of the [[Noldor]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Dagor Aglareb}}
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], where [[Morgoth]] was defeated by the [[Noldor]], the [[Siege of Angband]] was established.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> For about four hundred years there was relative [[Long Peace|peace]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Elves built their cities and strongholds across the land and they were strengthened by the coming of [[Edain|Men]] to Beleriand.<ref>{{S|17}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
In {{FA|422}}<ref>{{GA|133}}</ref> [[Fingolfin]] considered a new assault upon [[Angband]], as Morgoth had been contained rather than wholly defeated, and the threat of new dangers devised by him was present in Fingolfin's mind. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were like-minded, but most of the Noldor, especially the [[Sons of Fëanor]], were content with the present peaceful state of affairs and were reluctant to pay the deadly cost such an attack would incur. Thus, no attack was made, and Morgoth was left alone to continue secretly building his strength until his preparations were completed in {{FA|455}}.<ref name="Ruin">{{S|18}}</ref>

===Battle===
On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame from [[Thangorodrim]], and the [[Iron Mountains|Mountains of Iron]] spewed fires and deadly fumes. The flames consumed the plain of [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many Elves perished as they tried to escape the fire, and the confusion caused by the flame and smoke hindered the defenders that watched Angband. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by [[Glaurung]], first of the [[Urulóki]]. Behind Glaurung came [[Balrogs]] and multitudes of [[Orcs]], and they slaughtered anyone they came across.<ref name="Ruin" />

[[File:Elena Kukanova - Dagor Bragollach.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Dagor Bragollach'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
The highlands of [[Dorthonion]] bore much of the assault and were overrun. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were slain, and many of [[House of Bëor|Bëor's folk]] fell, including their lord [[Bregolas]]. King [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with an army, but Finrod with a small company was surrounded at the [[Fen of Serech]] and cut off from his people. Finrod would have been killed or captured, but was saved by [[Barahir]] and his [[XII Bëorings|twelve followers]], who was fighting in western [[Dorthonion]] near the [[Pass of Sirion]]. They managed to cut through with great loss and Finrod and his folk came back to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. It was this deed that later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod, which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]], along with a vow of abiding friendship.<ref name="Ruin" />

In the north-west [[Fingolfin]] and [[Fingon]] marched with their host to aid the sons of Finarfin, but they were driven back to the fortresses in the [[Ered Wethrin|mountains]]. [[Hador]], the [[lord of Dor-lómin]], and his younger son [[Gundor]] were slain defending the rearguard of Fingolfin. In the mountain fortresses there was a fierce battle between Morgoth's forces and the Elves and [[House of Hador|Men of the North]]. Hithlum was successfully defended against the Orcs and Balrogs, but Fingolfin became separated from his people during the battle.<ref name="Ruin" />

The [[March of Maedhros]] was assaulted heavily by the armies of Morgoth. With great loss, the hosts of Morgoth [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|forced]] the [[Pass of Aglon]], and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled with their people to Nargothrond. [[Maedhros]] was later able to reclose the Pass, but the horsemen of the people of [[Fëanor]] were overwhelmed on the plain of [[Lothlann]] and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken. Glaurung came there and burned the land between the arms of [[Gelion]]. With the gap taken, the Orcs moved south and captured [[Caranthir]]'s fortress in [[Mount Rerir]]. [[Thargelion]] was ravaged and [[Lake Helevorn]] defiled. The Orcs then crossed over Gelion into [[East Beleriand]]. Maglor fled to join Maedhros at Himring while Caranthir fled south with Amrod and Amras to [[Amon Ereb]], which they defended with the help of the [[Green-elves]], and the Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand. Maedhros fought valiantly against the Orcs with the help of Maglor and the people of Dorthonion and the east marches, preventing Morgoth from taking the fortress on [[Himring]].<ref name="Ruin" />

War did not completely cease in Beleriand afterwards, but the Battle was considered to have ended with the lessening of Morgoth's onslaught at the coming of spring.<ref name="Ruin" />

===Aftermath===
Thus the Siege of Angband was broken, and the forces of Morgoth were able to roam at will throughout the north. His enemies were decimated, and most of the [[Grey-elves]] fled south to [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Falas]] and [[Ossiriand]]. However, Morgoth could not completely destroy his foes as they scattered and hid in secret places, and he had himself been wounded.<ref name="Ruin" />

Morgoth's power extended over the [[Northlands]], but a few folk of [[Barahir]] remained, fighting determinedly for their lands and refusing to retreat from the attacking forces. Morgoth relentlessly sought to kill them until very few remained. So great was his wrath against them that Dorthonion was turned into a twisted land of dread, renamed [[Taur-nu-Fuin]], and it was filled with such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them. The women and children of Barahir's folk at last fled to [[Brethil]], some joining the [[Haladin]] there, and others continuing to [[Dor-lómin]] and joining the [[House of Hador|people]] of [[Galdor]]. The remaining men lived as outlaws in Dorthonion, until all were slain save [[Beren]].<ref name="Ruin" />

The sons of Fëanor were scattered and driven from their lands, except for Maedhros, who still held Himring. Celegorm and Curufin travelled to Nargothrond after [[Battle of the Pass of Aglon|being defeated]] in the [[Pass of Aglon]]. For a time, the Noldor defended the [[Pass of Sirion]] and [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]], but after the fall of Fingolfin, Sauron came and took Minas Tirith for Morgoth, turning it into a place of evil known as [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Using this pass, the servants of Morgoth came farther into Beleriand and surrounded Doriath. Yet Nargothrond and Gondolin remained hidden from Morgoth, and as the Elves began to recover their losses, southern Beleriand had peace for a time.<ref name="Ruin" />

===The fall of Fingolfin===
{{Main|Fall of Fingolfin}}
[[File:Kimberly - Fingolfin sketch.jpeg|thumb|''Fingolfin's Wrath'' by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]]]
After a year of fighting,<ref>{{GA|155}}</ref> when [[Fingolfin]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], saw what he believed to be the utter ruin of the Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of [[Angband]] itself they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, [[Ringil]], wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], and crushed by Morgoth's mighty foot. Fingolfin's body was saved by [[Thorondor]] King of Eagles and brought into the mountaintops north of [[Gondolin]]. There [[Turgon]] his son built a [[Fingolfin's Cairn|cairn]] over his body.<ref name="Ruin" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Dagor Bragollach'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Battle of Sudden Flame".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> It contains the elements ''[[dagor]]'' ("battle") + ''[[bragol]]'' ("quick, sudden") + ''[[lach]]'' ("flame").

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The earliest concept of the battle appears in the unfinished poem ''[[The Lay of Leithian]]''. Although the account is brief, some elements of it remain in later writings such as [[Barahir]] saving Felagund and the deaths of [[Angrod]] and [[Egnor]] (Aegnor).<ref>{{LB|C6}}</ref> In the ''[[Sketch of the Mythology]]'' where Tolkien started to piece together the legends, the battle appears briefly once more. However, Christopher commented that the new material that appears in later writings may have already been in the mind of his father when he wrote the ''Sketch''.<ref>{{SM|2a}}</ref>

In the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'' there is a huge expansion of material in this version compared to the ''Sketch'', of which many elements appear in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="QNINE">{{SM|Q9}}</ref> It was originally labelled as the second battle, but was later changed to the third battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]], partly due to the inclusion of the [[Dagor Aglareb]] as the second battle.<ref>{{SM|CQ9}}</ref>

The naming of the battle went through many revisions in the writing. The battle was not named in early writings until the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'', where it is called the '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="QNINE" /> It was later changed to '''Battle of Sudden Fire'''<ref>{{SM|7I}}</ref> and for the first time given an Elvish name, '''Dagor Hurbreged''',<ref>{{SM|7In}}</ref> then changed to '''Dagor Húr-Breged'''.<ref>{{LR|AB}}</ref> The battle was referred to as '''Dagor Vreged-úr''' in the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]''.<ref>{{LR|P2VI}}</ref> In the latest versions it takes its final form '''Dagor Bragollach''', '''Battle of Sudden Flame'''.<ref name="GADB" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of the Dagor Bragollach]]

{{references}}

{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Dagor Bragollach]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor bragollach]]
[[fi:Dagor Bragollach]]

Battle of Tumhalad

2025-02-09T04:21:51Z

Dagnir Glaurunga: added quote

{{battle
| image = Ted Nasmith - Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety.jpg
| name=Battle of Tumhalad
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
|date={{FA|495}}<ref>{{GA|275}}</ref>
| place=[[Tumhalad]]
| result=Victory for [[Morgoth]]
| side1=[[Elves of Nargothrond]]
| side2=Forces of Morgoth
| commanders1=[[Orodreth]] † 
[[Túrin]] 
[[Gwindor]] †
| commanders2=[[Glaurung]]
| forces1=Unknown
| forces2=Greater than the Elves<ref>{{CH|11}}, pp. 176 'But greater far was the host of Morgoth than any scouts had told'</ref>
| casual1=Complete destruction of the host, few survivors
| casual2=Unknown
}}
{{quote|On that day all the pride and host of [[Nargothrond]] withered away.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Túrin Turambar]] }}

The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]] against the Forces of Morgoth. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]]. The defeat in this battle derived directly into the [[Fall of Nargothrond]].

==Background==
Nargothrond was the hidden stronghold of [[Finrod Felagund]], who built it as a safe haven for the Noldor against the forces of [[Morgoth]]. [[Túrin]] was led there by [[Gwindor]], a lord of Nargothrond, and during his stay there Túrin becoming mighty among the Elves and grew in favour with King [[Orodreth]], becoming his chief counsellor and ruling all matters of war. Túrin had no liking for their manner of warfare of stealth and ambush,<ref name="OTT">{{S|21}}</ref> preferring battle in the open. He caused the Noldor to build a mighty [[Bridge of Nargothrond|bridge over the Narog]] for swifter passage. A great store of weapons were made and the Elves forsook their secrecy and went into open war.

==History==
===Prelude===
Five years after the arrival of Túrin in Nargothrond, they were visited by [[Gelmir (messenger of Círdan)|Gelmir]] and [[Arminas]] of the people of [[Finarfin]] who had dwelt with [[Angrod]]. They gave warning of a great gathering of Orcs about [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth|Sauron's Isle]]<ref name="FALL">{{CH|11}}</ref> and a message from the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Ulmo]] to shut their [[Doors of Felagund|doors]] and go not abroad. Túrin rebuffed the Vala's warning and kept fighting against the Orcs.

In the same year, the hosts of Morgoth had defeated [[Handir]] and the [[Men of Brethil]], causing them to retreat deeper into the woods.<ref name="FALL" /> Therefore, the way to Nargothrond was open, and in autumn Morgoth sent forth his host of Orcs with [[Glaurung]] at its head. On their way, the [[dragon]] burned [[Talath Dirnen]], so their coming was soon known to the Elves.

===Battle===
Túrin counselled Orodreth to meet them in open battle. The host of Nargothrond went forth with Orodreth leading alongside Túrin and Gwindor. The host of Orcs was much larger than anticipated, and none could withstand the assault of the dragon Glaurung except for Túrin and his [[Dwarf-masks|dwarf-mask]]. The Elves were driven back into the field of Tumhalad.

In between [[Narog]] and [[Ginglith]] the host of Nargothrond was defeated. Orodreth was slain in the forefront of the battle, and Gwindor was mortally wounded.

===Aftermath===
Túrin bore a wounded Gwindor on his horse and fled the battlefield. In the woods, Gwindor urged Túrin to make haste back to Nargothrond and save [[Finduilas]], before dying from his wounds. Túrin gathered as much of the rout as possible and sped back to the fortress. The few survivors of the battle fled to Nargothrond. Some of those that escaped the destruction eventually made their way into Doriath<ref name="OTT" /> and some possibly fled as far as the [[Mouths of Sirion]].

After the defeat of the Elven host, Glaurung turned towards the stronghold, inevitably [[Fall of Nargothrond|sacking the city]].

==Other versions of the legendarium==
A version of the battle occurs in Tolkien's earliest writings of the [[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Tale of Turambar]] in ''[[Turambar and the Foalókë]]''. The site of the battle is not explicitly made clear, though the text implies that the battle took place at the home of the Rodothlim ([[Elves of Nargothrond]]) or at least in the vicinity.<ref>{{LT2|II}}, p.84</ref> Moreover it is worth mentioning that certain place-names are absent in the tale, one of which includes [[Tumhalad]].<ref>{{LT2|IIn}}, (x) Túrin among the Rodothlim; Túrin and Glorund, p. 135</ref> The main elements remain; the Rodothlim's policy of secrecy and Túrin changing that, which ultimately leads to their destruction.<ref>{{LT2|IIn}}, (iv) Túrin among the Rodothlim; Túrin and Glorund, p. 124</ref>

In the account of the battle told in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Orodreth was slain at Tumhalad and Gwindor was carried away and died later. In the ''[[Lost Tales]]'', Orodreth is carried off from the battle with the help of Flinding (Gwindor) and Orodreth reproaches Túrin for his role in the downfall of the Rodothlim - as does Gwindor in ''The Silmarillion''. It is noted that Gwindor took over most of the role of Orodreth when the story evolved, whilst Orodreth takes over the role of another character in the tale: [[Galweg]], who is absent entirely in ''The Silmarillion''. Galweg is notable for being the father of Failivrin (Finduilas), much as Orodreth was her father in ''The Silmarillion''.<ref>{{LT2|IIn}}, (iv) Túrin among the Rodothlim; Túrin and Glorund, p. 123</ref>

A version of the battle that is written in ''[[Annals of Beleriand|The Annals of Beleriand]]'', has Handir (presumably with his folk) participate in the battle and is slain at Tumhalad. In later writings, his death was moved earlier in time where he died in Brethil instead.<ref>{{SM|7I}}, §195, p. 305</ref><ref>{{LR|AB}}, §295, p. 139</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Tumhalad]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:bataille de tumhalad]]
[[fi:Tumhaladin taistelu]]