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House of Bëor

2025-03-16T23:40:58Z

Fëastorno: added andreth to notable members

{{Noble House infobox
| name=House of Bëor
| image = LorenzoCB - Beor device.png
| caption=
| othernames='''House:''' First House of the Edain ''Bar Bëora'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) '''People:''' Bëorians, Men of Dorthonion, People of Bëor
| founder=[[Bëor|Bëor the Old]]
| leader=Briefly the [[Lord of Ladros|Lords of Ladros]]
| location=[[Estolad]], [[Dorthonion]] (especially [[Ladros]]), [[Dor-Lómin]], [[Brethil]], later [[Númenor]]
| affiliation=[[House of Finarfin]]
| rivalry=
| destroyed=Last formal leader of this people, [[Barahir]], was slain in {{FA|460}}, but descendants of this people survived down into the [[Fourth Age]]
| language=[[Taliska]], [[Sindarin]]
| members=[[Beren Erchamion]], [[Dior Eluchíl]], [[Elwing]], [[Bregolas]], [[Andreth]]
| race=[[Edain]]
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=Dark or brown
| skin=Pale to swarthy
| clothing=
| weapons=
| heirlooms=[[Bow of Bregor]], [[Ring of Barahir]]
| gallery=Bëorians
}}
{{Quote|They were eager of mind, cunning-handed, swift in understanding, long in memory, and they were moved sooner to pity than to laughter.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Coming of Men into the West]]"}}

The '''House of Bëor''', also known as the '''First House of the Edain''', was the name given to the first of the three Houses of the [[Edain]] to cross the [[Ered Luin]] into [[Beleriand]] after travelling west, driven forth by the terrors wrought by Morgoth in the east. From the House of Bëor would come many famous lords and heroes, most notably [[Beren|Beren Erchamion]] who claimed a [[Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth|Morgoth's]] [[Iron Crown]].

The followers of [[Bëor]] and his descendants would become the '''Bëorians''', '''Men of Dorthonion''', and the '''People of Bëor'''.

==Origin==
The [[Men]] of the House of Bëor descended from the tribes of Men who abandoned [[Hildórien]] for the [[Aman|West]]. They were at war with the [[Men of Darkness|Men]] who fell under the [[Shadow]], and were pursued by them.<ref name="DM">{{PM|Atani}}</ref> They followed a road around northern [[Rhûn]] where they met some [[Dwarves]].<ref>{{WJ|Dwarves}}</ref> At the shores of the [[Sea of Rhûn]] a small part was separated, which would later become the House of Bëor. The Greater Folk, the ancestors of the [[House of Hador|House of Marach]], came later in the north-east woods near the shores. They crafted boats and could sail the inland Sea, and seemed to had been related to the ancestors of the [[Northmen]].<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>

The Folk of Beor didn't have beasts of burden so they were hardened by toilsome journeys carrying great loads. A group of 2000 poor and ill-equipped adult men found a way to pass the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="DM" />

==History==
Under the leadership of [[Balan]] (later called [[Bëor]]), they crossed over the mountains into Thargelion in {{FA|310}} and there were discovered by the Noldorin King [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], eldest son of [[Finarfin]], thus they were the first men to encounter one of the Eldar. Finrod befriended the House of Bëor (the First House of the [[Edain]]) and persuaded [[Thingol]], overlord of [[Beleriand]] to grant the new arrivals lands which to inhabit. Thingol gave to them (and the other two Edain Houses that followed) land in the realm of the Noldorin Elf-lords [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]], the youngest sons of [[Fëanor]], of which this land was thereafter known as [[Estolad]], the Encampment.

In {{FA|402|n}}, there was fighting in the northern marches of Beleriand where the [[Orcs]] attempted to break through the [[Pass of Aglon]]. They were repelled by forces from the [[House of Fëanor]] under [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]], the [[House of Finarfin]], and the [[House of Bëor]], who become the first among Men to draw swords on behalf of the [[Eldar]] of Beleriand.<ref>{{WJ|P1}}</ref> In {{FA|410|n}}, the region of [[Ladros]] in [[Dorthonion]] was granted to the House of Bëor, with their chief, [[Boromir (Lord of Ladros)|Boromir]], becoming the first [[Lord of Ladros]].<ref>{{WJ|14}}, p. 228-9</ref> This fiefdom was short-lived, however, as it was overtaken by Morgoth's forces during the [[Dagor Bragollach]] in {{FA|455|n}}; during this assault [[Bregolas]], the third Lord of Ladros, was slain, leaving the leadership of the ruined house to his brother [[Barahir]].

Barahir did what he could to ensure the House's survival, sending the women and children to safety under the leadership of his wife [[Emeldir]]. They went to the forest of [[Brethil]] where some merged with the [[House of Haleth|Haladin]], but others (including [[Rían]] and [[Morwen]]) continued on to [[Dor-lómin]] and joined with the people of [[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]]. Meanwhile Barahir remained in Dorthonion with his son [[Beren]], Bregolas' sons [[Baragund]] and [[Belegund]], and a dwindling company of men. Pressed by [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] this company was eventually betrayed by one of their members [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], revealing Barahir's hideout at [[Tarn Aeluin]]. All the company were destroyed save Beren who was away scouting when the attack happened. None the less, from that point on the House of Bëor ceased to be an independent entity and its people joined the surviving Houses of Men.

==Characteristics==
[[File:Juliana Pinho - Beorians.png|thumb|''Beorians'' by [[:Category:Images by Juliana Pinho|Juliana Pinho]]]]
The Bëorians were noted as being very akin to the Noldor in their appearance. They had dark or brown hair with grey or brown eyes, and some among them were fair-haired; their skin ranged from fair to even swarthy. Most were broad and of stocky build; those as tall as those of the Folk of Hador were rare.<ref name="DM" />{{rp|308}}<ref name="Men">{{S|Men}}</ref>

They were eager, smart and quick in learning, cunning-handed and long in memory. They were moved sooner to pity than to laughter.<ref name="Men" /> They are also described to be more steadfast even than the Folk of Hador, fortituously enduring hardships and sorrows, slow to cry and to laugh.<ref name="DM" />

Many of those descended from Bëorian stock had the traits most akin to those of the Noldor, such as [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] whose mother [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]] was Bëorian. He was mistaken for one of the Noldor, inspiring his name ''Adanedhel'', meaning 'Man-elf'.

==Other names==
The [[Sindarin]] name for "House of Bëor" was '''''Bar Bëora'''''.<ref name="Genealogies" />

==Genealogy==
Showing the descendants of [[Bëor]], the First House of the [[Edain]]. All information in the tree is from ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', ''(i) The House of Bëor'',<ref name="Genealogies">{{WJ|West}}, ''(i) The House of Bëor'', pp. 229-232</ref> unless otherwise specified. The figures after the names are births and deaths where recorded (when only one figure is shown, marked as 'b.', it indicates a date of birth). All dates shown are from the [[First Age]]; when no dates are shown then that person was not of the House of Bëor. A dagger symbol '†' signifies those who did not die of old age. A name preceded by '#*' indicates a ruler of the house, with the number specifying the order. Names in ''italics'' indicate women.

In the tree the following colors are used: White - House of Bëor, Blue - [[House of Haleth]], Yellow - [[House of Hador]], Green - [[Elves]], Turquoise - [[Half-elven]], and Red - Later Houses of [[Men]].

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===Notes===
<references group="note" />
{{references}}
[[Category:House of Bëor| ]]
[[Category:Mannish noble houses|Beor]]
[[de:Haus Beor]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/peuple de beor]]
[[fi:Bëorin Huone]]

Lake Mithrim

2025-03-01T03:45:55Z

Fëastorno: correction on who camped where after fingolfins arrival

{{disambig-more|Mithrim|[[Mithrim (disambiguation)]]}}
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Lake Mithrim.jpg|thumb|350px|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] - ''Lake Mithrim'']]
'''Lake Mithrim''' was a body of water in the land of [[Mithrim]] with its long axis stretching from east to west.<ref>{{S|Map}}</ref> When the [[Noldor]] first returned to [[Middle-earth]] the [[Sons of Fëanor]] encamped upon the northern shore until [[Fingolfin]]'s host arrived; then the Sons of Fëanor removed to the southern shore to avoid conflict.<ref>{{S|Return}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Beleriand]]
[[Category:Lakes]]
[[de:Mithrim]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/eaux/beleriand/lac mithrim]]
[[fi:Mithrim]]

Celon

2024-12-09T23:42:03Z

Fëastorno: south-western -> south-eastern as per map placement

{{location infobox
| name=Celon
| image=
| caption=
| pronun={{respell|keh|lon}}
| othernames=
| location=Northern part of [[East Beleriand]]
| type=River
| description=Slender stream
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Orcs]], then [[Elves]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Celon''' was a tributary of the [[Aros]] that rose in the highlands around [[Himring]] and flowed south-westwards until it met the Aros on the southern borders of [[Doriath]]. The woods of [[Nan Elmoth]] lay on its south-eastern bank, and the river marked the boundary between [[Himlad]] and [[Estolad]].<ref>{{S|Map}}</ref> The Celon was not a great river and was referred to as a "slender stream".<ref>{{S|Maeglin}}</ref>

==History==
In the years of darkness before the [[return of the Noldor]] the [[Orcs]] of [[Morgoth]] established camps between Celon and [[Gelion]], from which they plundered widely throughout [[East Beleriand]].<ref>{{S|Sindar}}</ref> After the Noldor had returned they created new realms; on the north flank of the Celon [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] established themselves in [[Himlad]] while to the south lay the domains of [[Amrod]] and [[Amros]].<ref>{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>

When the people of [[Bëor]] came to Beleriand, [[Finrod Felagund]] advised them to gather and settle upon the east banks of the Celon. Thereafter the land was called [[Estolad]], which meant the "Encampment".<ref name="West">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the death of [[Haldad]] and the rescue of the [[Haladin]] by [[Caranthir]], the new leader, [[Haleth]], led her people to Estolad where they dwelt for a time. Later though she removed her people westward to the [[Forest of Brethil]].<ref name="West" />

After the [[Dagor Bragollach]] the Orcs returned, coming down the Celon to encompass Doriath.<ref>{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Celon'' means the "stream flowing down from heights".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Celon"</ref> The name was derived from ''et-kelē'', the "issue of water, spring".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''kel-''</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In later writings, Tolkien decided that the name of the Celon was "''too hackneyed a river-name''" and that '''Limhir''' was "''more suitable for the river''" with the prefix ''Lim-'' being "''repeated in [[The Lord of the Rings|L.R.]] as were not unnaturally other names from [[Beleriand]]''".<ref>{{WJ|III}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Ilkorin locations]]
[[Category:Rivers of Beleriand]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[de:Celon]]
[[fi:Celon]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:eaux:beleriand:celon]]

Ecthelion

2024-01-24T11:15:24Z

Fëastorno: /* History */

{{disambig-more|Ecthelion|[[Ecthelion (disambiguation)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| name=Ecthelion
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Ecthelion.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Ecthelion" by [[Anna Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=Lord of the Fountains
| position=[[Warden of the Great Gate]]
| location=[[Anfauglith]], [[Fen of Serech]], [[Gate of Steel]], [[Tumladen]], and [[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=[[Gondolindrim]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Square of the Palace|Place of the Fountain]], [[Gondolin]]
| age=
| notablefor=Slaying [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
| house=[[House of the Fountain]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Silver-spiked helmet, silver garb
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|And high and noble as was Elemmakil, greater and more lordly was Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains, at that time Warden of the Great Gate. All in silver was he clad, and upon his shining helm there was set a spike of steel pointed with a diamond; and as his esquire took his shield it shimmered as if it were bedewed with drops of rain, that were indeed a thousand studs of crystal.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]]"}}</center>

'''Ecthelion''' was an [[Elves|Elf]]-lord of [[Gondolin]], leader of the [[People of the Fountain]] and slayer of [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs]]. He was also at one point the [[Warden of the Great Gate]] of [[Gondolin]]. Ecthelion had the most beautiful voice and greatest musical talent with the flute of all the people of Gondolin.

==History==
[[File:Turner Mohan - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
In the year {{FA|472}}, Ecthelion fought alongside [[Turgon]] in the battle [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], leading a wing of Gondolin's forces. Upon the defeat of the Noldor, he defended a flank as Turgon retreated.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Surviving the disastrous battle, Ecthelion returned towards the Hidden City where he next appeared as Warden of the [[Gate of Steel|Great Gate]].

Twenty-three years after Nirnaeth Arnoediad, [[Tuor]] and [[Voronwë]] traveled towards the Hidden City. After being led by [[Elemmakil]] through the [[Seven Gates of Gondolin|Seven Gates]], Ecthelion appeared before them. He is portrayed as great and lordly, all clad in silver and having a bright glance. Upon his helm there was a spike with a diamond point, and he bore a shield which shimmered as "a thousand studs of crystal". At first denying passage for Tuor, he allows it after the latter shows the arms of [[Vinyamar]] and mentions [[Ulmo]], saying that the Lord of the Fountains should not oppose the Lord of the Waters.<ref>{{UT|1}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

In the year {{FA|510}}, [[Morgoth]] attacked the city. Ecthelion battled there against [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs]] in the [[Square of the Palace|Place of the Fountain]], where they slew each other.<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> The battle was well detailed in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]'', and long remembered by the elves.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Ecthelion.mp3|Ardamir}}
With the development of the [[Elvish]] languages, the name ''Ecthelion'' had its own evolution.

The early [[Gnomish]] conception meant "Lord of the Fountains",<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 31</ref> from ''ecthel'' ("issue of water, spring").<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, entry "Ecthelion"</ref> Its [[Qenya]] cognate was '''''Ektelion'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 104</ref>

In the [[Noldorin]] stage of the name, it is composed from ''[[ehtë]]'' ("spear") and ''[[thela]]'' ("point" of spear).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "EK-", "STELEG-"</ref> Put together they could be translated as "Spear-point" or "Spear-head".

The [[Sindarin]] version should have been '''''Ægthelion''''', derived from ''[[aeg]]'' ("sharp") + ''[[Estel (philosophical concept)|thel]]'' ("intent, resolve") + ''[[-on]]'' (masculine suffix). However, Tolkien wrote that the early ''Ecthelion'' sounded good and it had already been used in publication (with the name of two [[Ecthelion (disambiguation)|ruling stewards]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''), so he let it as an archaic form of the proper Sindarin name.<ref name=Maeglin></ref>{{rp|318-9}} ''Ægthelion'' can be translated as "One with Sharp Will".<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 339</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
The most detailed text about Ecthelion and his deeds during the Fall of Gondolin is the chapter "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]''. There it is told that he is the lord of the [[house of the Fountain]], one of the [[twelve houses of the Gondothlim]]. Its people found delight in diamonds and the silver of their arrays was most beautiful to the sight.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|173}}
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Death of Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain.jpg|thumb|right|''Death of Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
During the siege of the city, Ecthelion led his folk into battle accompanied by the music of their flutes, and great were the damages caused to the enemy by their long, bright swords.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|173}} He and his forces made their entrance from the South part of the city, after previously being held in reserve. So terrible was his voice when commanding the drawing of the swords and the killings which followed, that his name became a terror among the enemy and a war-cry to the [[Eldar]]. Valiantly fighting side by side with Tuor and his [[house of the Wing]], they drove away the [[orcs]] until the gate was almost regained. It is said that Ecthelion and his house of the Fountain slew more orcs than had ever been slain, in all the battles of elves and orcs combined. Ecthelion killed three [[Balrogs]] and his sword did "hurt to their fire". However, [[dragons]] reinforced [[Melkor]]'s army. Outnumbered, they had to retreat. When doing so, Ecthelion's left arm was wounded and his shield fell to earth. Tuor carried him away as they joined the remaining leaders in the [[Square of the King]].<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|180-2}}

In that place the great [[Square of the Palace|Fountain of the King]] stood and Ecthelion regained his strength by drinking from it. As seven dragons lead the enemy's forces towards the Square, the remaining army of Gondolin began retreat. All but Ecthelion, who remained near the fountain in a stand which was remembered as the most valiant "in all the songs or in any tale". There Gothmog lord of Balrogs beated down [[Egalmoth]], but Ecthelion came inbetween despite being pale as steel. During the duel, Ecthelion was wounded in the hand and lost his sword. Gothmog then was about to deliver a blow with his whip when Ecthelion jumped and drove the spike of his helmet into Gothmog's body. Twining his legs with the enemy's, both fell into the Fountain of the King. Gothmog died there with Ecthelion, sank because of his steel armor.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|183-4}}

Later, during the escape of the [[Exiles of Gondolin]], the young [[Eärendel]] asked about him, saying that he wished Ecthelion were there, "''to play to me on his flute, or make me willow whistles! Perchance has he gone on ahead?''" After he was informed of Ecthelion's death he "wept bitterly" and said that he cared no more to see the streets of Gondolin.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|191}}

===Aredhel's escort===
While composing the chapter about [[Maeglin]], [[Tolkien]] considered Ecthelion, [[Glorfindel]] and [[Egalmoth]] as the escort of Aredhel when she left the [[Gondolin|Hidden City]] in his way to visit [[Fingon]].<ref name=Maeglin/>{{rp|318}} However, in the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] did not mention any of the escorts of Aredhel, based on a note in which his father discuss about the motives of Celegorm and Curufin of not sending any message to Gondolin about Aredhel. Tolkien decided that it was necessary ''not'' to name the most eminent and bravest chieftains as Aredhel's escort, as they would have seek for her beyond the [[Bridge of Esgalduin]].<ref name=Maeglin>{{WJ|Maeglin}}</ref>{{rp|328}}

{{references}}

{{gondolin}}

{{HousesofGondolin}}

[[Category:Battle cries]]
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]

[[de:Ecthelion (Hauptmann von Gondolin)]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:ecthelion]]
[[fi:Ecthelion (Gondolin)]]

Turgon

2024-01-24T11:11:03Z

Fëastorno: /* Doom of the Noldor */

{{disambig-two|the King of Gondolin|Steward of Gondor|[[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| name=Turgon
| image=[[File:Antti Autio - Turgon Aran Gondolin.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Turgon Aran Gondolin" by [[Antti Autio]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{respell|toor|gon}}
| othernames=''Turukáno'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]) ''[[The Wise]]''
| titles=King of [[Gondolin]] [[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| location=[[Eldamar]] [[Vinyamar]] [[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]] [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{YT|1300}}
| brithlocation=[[Eldamar]]
| rule={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}} (as the King of Gondolin) {{FA|472}} - {{FA|510|n}} (as the High King of the Noldor)
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Fall of Gondolin|Gondolin]]
| age=c. 2,426<ref group="note">[[Years of the Sun]]. Each [[Years of the Trees|Year of the Trees]] is equal to 9.582 Years of the Sun, and the Years of the Trees ended in the [[Year of the Trees 1500|year 1500]].</ref>
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Fingolfin]]
| parentage=[[Fingolfin]] and [[Anairë]]
| siblings=[[Fingon]] [[Aredhel]] [[Argon]]<ref group=note>[[Argon]] only appears in very late writings by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] as published in ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'', and is left out of the published ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]''.</ref>
| spouse=[[Elenwë]]
| children=[[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]]
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than all but [[Thingol]]
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Glamdring]]<ref>''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]", [[Elrond]] explains that it once belonged to the King of Gondolin</ref>
| steed=
}}
{{quote|And most of all his kin Morgoth feared Turgon; for of old in Valinor his eye had lighted upon him, and whenever he drew near a shadow had fallen on his spirit, foreboding that in some time that yet lay hidden, from Turgon ruin should come to him.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]"}}

'''Turgon''' was an [[Elves|Elven]] king of the [[Noldor]], second son of [[Fingolfin]], brother to [[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]. He was lord of the [[Gondolindrim|Elves of Nevrast]], and later of the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]].

He was often called "''the Wise''" and is described as "tallest of all the [[Children of the World]], save [[Thingol]]"; with a white and gold [[Glamdring|sword]] in an ivory sheath.<ref name=Tuor>{{UT|Tuor}}, "Notes", p. 56, note 31</ref> He sat in a high throne, holding his staff of doom.<ref name=Maeglin>{{S|16}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Marya Filatova - Turukano and Elenwe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Turukáno and Elenwe'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
===Life in Aman===
Turgon was born in the [[Year of the Trees 1300]], the same year as his cousin [[Finrod]].<ref>{{AA|85|note}}, p. 106</ref> At some point, he married [[Elenwë]] of the [[Vanyar]], and they had a child: [[Idril]].

After the [[Darkening of Valinor]], [[Fëanor]] gave his famous speech in [[Tirion]] and proclaimed his [[Oath of Fëanor|Oath]]. Turgon and his father [[Fingolfin]] spoke against Fëanor, and the Fëanorians almost unsheathed their swords, but [[Finarfin]] intervened and invited the Noldor to ponder the matter. Turgon and his friend Finrod were together against the departure of the Noldor from [[Aman]], but the Noldorin assembly chose [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. So Turgon set out on the journey, and although he was originally against it, he did not come back after the [[Doom of Mandos]] because "Fingon and Turgon were bold and fiery of heart, and loath to abandon any task to which they had put their hands until the bitter end, if bitter it must be". After Fëanor and his [[Sons of Fëanor|sons]] departed using the only ships, abandoning the remaining Noldor, Turgon went with his people across the dangerous [[Helcaraxë]] alongside his father Fingolfin.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref> During the crossing, Turgon's wife Elenwë, and their daughter Idril fell into the bitter waters. Turgon risked his life to save them, but he only could save Idril, and Elenwë was lost. Turgon was always hostile to the [[House of Fëanor]] thereafter.<ref>{{PM|XI4}}, pp. 345-346</ref>

===Building of Gondolin===
Once they arrived in [[Middle-earth]], Turgon and his followers settled at [[Vinyamar]] in [[Nevrast]]. In {{FA|50}}, he and Finrod journeyed together along [[Sirion]], and while they slept near the [[Aelin-uial]], [[Ulmo]] sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could be safe from the power of [[Morgoth]]. Then, in the following year, Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of [[Tumladen]] in the [[Encircling Mountains]]. Initially, Turgon left Tumladen and returned to Vinyamar, keeping his discovery a secret for many years and planning the construction of a city.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref>
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Turgon and Idril.jpg|thumb|''Turgon and Idril'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], Turgon began to once again feel the restlessness set in his heart by Ulmo, and his thought turned to Tumladen. He secretly moved many of the most skilled Noldor to the valley, and had them build [[Gondolin]]. When it was completed in {{FA|116}},<ref>{{GA|111}}</ref> he abandoned Vinyamar with all his people and led them to Tumladen in secret, hidden by the power of Ulmo. Before leaving, however, he left in Vinyamar a sword, mail and helm for one who would come in the hour of direst need of the Noldor and deliver hope, following Ulmo's prophecy. In his Hidden City, Turgon was King of the [[Gondolindrim]], and all kept working on embellishing Gondolin. He even personally created the two trees [[Glingal and Belthil]] in the image of the [[Two Trees]].<ref>{{S|15}}</ref>

In {{FA|400}},<ref>{{GA|120}}</ref> after the unfortunate events concerning his sister [[Aredhel]], Turgon welcomed his nephew [[Maeglin]], who became a close counsellor.<ref name=Maeglin></ref>

===Doom of the Noldor===
In {{FA|458}} Turgon took in [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]], who were saved by the [[Eagles]]. They forged a strong friendship, but after a year he allowed them to leave the city, although it was against his law.<ref>{{S|18}}</ref> Turgon and the two brothers met again in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]: in the middle of the battle, they rejoiced in their meeting. When Fingon was killed and the battle seemed lost, Huor urged Turgon to leave, prophesying that from both of them a new [[Eärendil|star]] would rise. Thanks to the men of the [[House of Hador]] in the [[Fen of Serech]], the Gondolindrim escaped, but Huor was killed and Húrin captured. Although the battle was still lost, Turgon's unexpected intervention prevented the rout from completely destroying the armies of the Noldor and their allies.<ref name=Nirnaeth>{{S|20}}</ref>

With the death of his brother Fingon, Turgon became the new [[High King of the Noldor]], and he was the most feared of the enemies of [[Morgoth]], as he remained hidden.<ref>{{UT|1}}, p. 18</ref> In those times, [[Círdan]] settled in the [[Mouths of Sirion]], and with his help, Turgon sent seven boats to the [[Aman|West]] to ask help to the Valar, but all of them were wrecked.<ref name=Nirnaeth></ref>
[[File:Catherine Karina Chmiel - Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together.jpg|thumb|''Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
In {{FA|495}},<ref>{{GA|299}}</ref> [[Voronwë]], the only survivor of the shipwrecks, brought into the Hidden City a man: [[Tuor]], son of Huor. The King received him in the [[Tower of the King]], and when Tuor spoke, his cloak fell, revealing the arms Turgon had left in Vinyamar following Ulmo's orders nearly 400 years earlier.<ref name=Tuor></ref> Tuor gave him [[Ulmo's warning]]: the [[Doom of the Noldor]] was approaching, so the [[Gondolindrim]] had to leave their fair city and go down Sirion to the sea. But the King had become proud and loved his kingdom, so he rejected the counsel of the Vala. However, he ordered the blocking up of the [[Seven Gates]], so that no one could enter the city, and the only news that came in was that brought by [[Thorondor]].<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

Some years later, Húrin was released by Morgoth, and he approached the [[Echoriad]] with the hope of returning to Gondolin. Thorondor informed Turgon, but he distrusted Húrin and did not help him. Turgon later regretted it, but it was too late; through Húrin's wanderings, the location of the Hidden City became known to Morgoth.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, pp. 271-272</ref>

Seven years after his coming, Tuor married Idril. Turgon blessed their union, as he held Tuor in great esteem and he had not forgotten the words of Huor in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

Morgoth attacked the city in {{FA|510}}.<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> The tale of this battle was told in [[Turgon#Other versions of the legendarium|''The Fall of Gondolin'']], including Turgon's defence of the Tower of the King together with the people of his stronghold: "and mighty was its fall and the fall of Turgon in its ruin".<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

A group of [[Exiles of Gondolin|Exiles]] survived the [[Fall of Gondolin]] and reached the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. There [[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]] was named the next High King of the Noldor. Turgon's grandson [[Eärendil|Eärendil the Blessed]] would later bring salvation to Middle-earth, fulfilling Morgoth's fears about him.

==Etymology==
''Turgon'' is [[Sindarin]], meaning "Ruling Lord" or "Victory Prince",<ref name=Eldarin>{{PE|Eldarin}}, pp. 112-113</ref> probably a combination of ''[[tur]]'' ("master")<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''tur''</ref> and ''-gon'' ("lord, prince").<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Finwe}}, p. 345</ref>

However, in ''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', Tolkien translated ''Turgon'' as "Master Shout". There it is explained that the name is the [[Sindarized]] version of his [[Quenya]] [[father-name]], '''''Turukáno''''',<ref name=Feanor></ref> clearly meaning "Victory Commander".<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-136007163.html|articlename=Q. ''Turucáno'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=2 June 2020}}</ref>

A rejected Quenya name was ''Turondo'' ("Lord of Stone").<ref name=Eldarin></ref> In the earliest stage of the Elvish [[languages]], the [[Qenya]] name was the same, and the [[Gnomish]] name was also ''Turgon'', which [[Christopher Tolkien]] suggests to be derived from the [[root]] [[TUR|TURU]] ("be strong").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Tuor"</ref>

At one point ''Sarafinwë'' was considered for his father name, with the name ''Turgond (Turukond)'' as a title.<ref name=Eldarin />

== Genealogy ==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]]''b. {{YT}}''|MIR=[[Míriel]]''d. {{YT|1170}}''}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG |y| ANA | | IRM | | FIR | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]]''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|ANA=[[Anairë]]''b. {{YT}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]]''b. {{YT}}''|FIR=[[Finarfin]]''b. {{YT|1230}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| FIN | | TUR |y| ELE | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG|FIN=[[Fingon]]''{{YT|1260}} - {{FA|472}}''|ARE=[[Aredhel]]''{{YT|1362}} - {{FA|400}}''|TUR='''TURGON'''''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''|ELE=[[Elenwë]]''d. {{YT|1500}}''|EOL=[[Eöl]]''d. {{FA|400}}''|ARG=[[Argon]]''d. {{FA|1}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | ||MAE=[[Maeglin]]''{{FA|320}} - {{FA|510|n}}''|IDR=[[Idril]]''b. {{YT}}''|TUO=[[Tuor]]''b. {{FA|472}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||EAR=[[Eärendil]]''b. {{FA|503}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''===
{{quote|But I Turgon will not leave my city, and will burn with it.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}

Turgon already appears in the earliest stage of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. He is the son of Finwë Nólemë, lord of the [[Noldoli]] (precursor of both [[Finwë]] and [[Fingolfin]]). Before Turgon (or ''Turondo'' in [[Qenya]]) was born, [[Amnon]] prophesied the fall of Gondolin and the fade of Turgon.<ref>{{LT1|VII}}, pp. 167, 172</ref> Turgon was born soon after the [[Exile of the Noldor|Flight of the Noldoli]] in [[Lake Mithrim]] or near [[Sirion]]. Later he participated in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], and there his father was isolated and slain by the enemy, and the Orcs cut out Nólemë's heart. But Turgon rescued the body, and the [[scarlet heart]] became his emblem. With terrible wrath, he ran out of the battle, and went to save the women and children of the camps. Then he fled south along Sirion, and aided by its magic waters, he escaped into a secret place away from [[Melko]]. There the Noldoli built the secret city of Gondolin and Turgon became their king.<ref>{{LT1|X}}, pp. 238-242</ref>

Many years later, when [[Tuor#Other versions of the legendarium|Tuor]] came to the city, he found Turgon in the [[Square of the Palace]]. "Then Turgon king of Gondolin robed in white with a belt of gold, and a coronet of garnets upon his head, stood before his doors and spake from the head of the white stairs that led thereto." Tuor was well received, as his coming was prophesied, but [[Ulmo's warning]] was not attended by the king, who answered that he had already sent boats to the West which had never come back. However, Turgon knew that Tuor had the favour of the Valar, and invited him to dwell in Gondolin, even in the royal halls.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|160-2}}

Many years later, Turgon allowed the wedding of Tuor and his daughter Idril. All the [[Gondothlim]] and the king were overjoyed when [[Eärendel]] was born, except [[Meglin]], the king's nephew and close counsellor.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|164-5}} One year later, news came about spies of [[Morgoth|Melko]] near [[Tumladin]], and the king remembered the words of Tuor, so he tripled the watch and ordered preparations for war.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|167}} However, more years passed and his fear softened, and the watch was reduced again, as the Gondothlim became confident after Melko withdrew the spies.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|170}}
[[File:Natalie Chen - Turgon King of Gondolin.jpg|thumb|''Turgon King of Gondolin'' by [[:Category:Images by Natalie Chen|Natalie Chen]]]]
During the [[Tarnin Austa]], news came about the armies of Melko approaching the city, so Turgon called a council and all the [[twelve houses of the Gondothlim]] came to his palace. Among them were his personal guard, the [[House of the King]], who wore his emblems: the [[sun]], the [[moon]] and the [[scarlet heart]].<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|172}} In the council, all the lords of Gondolin supported Tuor, who wanted to leave the city to save all the people; but the king was convinced by Meglin and [[Salgant]] alone, because they appealed to the wealth and strength of the city.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|175-6}}

Thus, the [[Fall of Gondolin]] began. Turgon watched most of the battle from [[Tower of the King|his tower]],<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|180}} while his folk was held in reserve in the Square of the Palace, waiting in order to defend him.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|183}} Throughout the siege, the king sent the different reserved hosts to help where necessary, until the remnants of all the surviving houses finally gathered in the Square. After [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] there killed [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], the king came down in splendour and helped his house to cleanse the square. But the steam of the fountains killed some men, so the king was saved and taken under [[Glingol]] and [[Bansil]]. Then said the king: "''Great is the fall of Gondolin!''", the words of the prophet [[Amnon]]. Seeing he had brought ruin upon his city, he proclaimed he would not fight against [[Doom of the Noldor|Doom]], so he ordered the survivors to follow Tuor and threw down his [[Crown of the Hidden Kingdom|
crown]] at the roots of Glingol. [[Galdor (elf of Gondolin)|Galdor]] picked it up, but Turgon rejected it and climbed to the pinnacle of his tower.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|184-5}}

{{blockquote|There he shouted in a voice like a horn blown among the mountains, and all that were gathered beneath the Trees and the foemen in the mists of the square heard him: "Great is the victory of the Noldoli!" And 'tis said that it was then middle night, and that the Orcs yelled in derision.}}

Now, Tuor wanted to escape from the city to save the women and children, but he could not leave the king, so messengers were sent to convince Turgon to flee. But Turgon refused thrice, saying he would not leave his city and would burn with it. His royal house remained at his side, protecting the tower.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|185}} Later, Tuor and Idril could see from the [[Gar Ainion]] how the Square of the King was taken by enemies. Dragons crushed the base of the tower and this fell, covered in flames. "Great was the clangour of that terrible fall, and therein passed Turgon King of the Gondothlim". Idril wept for her father, saying "''Sad is the blindness of the wise''"; and Tuor answered "''Sad too is the stubbornness of those we love — yet 'twas a valiant fault''".<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|187}}

{{references|notes}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=noldor
|house=[[House of Fingolfin]] Cadet branch of [[House of Finwë]]
|born={{YT|1300}}
|died={{FA|510}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=None
|prev=Title established
|list=King of [[Gondolin]]
|dates={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}}
|nvac=None
|next=[[Fall of Gondolin|Kingdom destroyed]]
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Fingon]]
|list=3rd [[High King of the Noldor]]
|dates={{FA|472}} – {{FA|510|n}}
|next=[[Gil-galad]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{HousesofGondolin}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:House of Fingolfin]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Beleriand]]
[[Category:Rulers in the Great Lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Turgon (Sohn von Fingolfin)]]
[[fi:Turgon (haltia)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/turukano]]

Fall of Gondolin

2024-01-24T11:01:25Z

Fëastorno:

{{Disambig-more|Fall of Gondolin|[[The Fall of Gondolin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{battle
| name=Fall of Gondolin
| image=[[File:John Howe - The Fall of Gondolin.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Jewels]]
| date={{FA|510}}
| place=[[Tumladen]], [[Amon Gwareth]], [[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]]
| side2=[[Gondolindrim]]
| commanders1=
* [[Morgoth]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] †
* [[Maeglin]] †
| commanders2=
* [[Turgon]] †
* [[Tuor]]
* [[Ecthelion]] †
* [[Glorfindel]] †
| forces1=Balrogs, wolves, dragons, [[Gondolindrim]] led by Maeglin, and many Orcs
| forces2=Many Noldor under the command of various lords and warriors
| casual1=Unknown, presumably moderate or heavy
| casual2=Near-total annihilation
}}
{{quote|Lo! the flame of fire   and fierce hatred engulfed Gondolin   and its glory fell...|''[[The Lay of Eärendel]]'', vv. 1-2}}

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. The battle was well detailed in [[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]], and long remembered by the elves.

==History==
===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. Once, he was far away from Gondolin, searching for ore in the mountains. 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. However, Idril foreshadowed the dangers to come, so she began working on a hidden [[Idril's secret way|passageway]] deep beneath Gondolin that would later act as an escape route.

===Battle===
On [[Midsummer]] of {{FA|510}},<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> the [[Gondolindrim]] were celebrating the festival of the [[Gates of Summer]]. As they gathered in the night to observe the sunrise over the mountains, a light was seen in the North instead of the East: the armies of Morgoth were coming and nothing could stop them until they reached the walls of the city. [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], [[wolves]] and [[dragons]] surrounded the city, and a siege began.

{{blockquote|Of the deeds of desperate valour there done, by the chieftains of the [[Twelve houses of the Gondothlim|noble houses]] and their warriors, and not least by Tuor, is much told in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''; of the death of [[Rog]] without the walls; and of the battle of [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] with [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog lord of Balrogs]] in the very [[Square of the King]], where each slew the other; and of the defence of the [[Tower of the King|Tower of Turgon]] by the men of his house-hold, until the tower was overthrown; and mighty was its fall and the fall of Turgon in its ruin.|''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'', QII §16}}

During the havoc of the battle, Maeglin went to Tuor's home on the southern wall and attempted to assassinate [[Eärendil]], but was caught by Tuor before he could do so. There Maeglin was struck down and fell from the wall to his death below, fulfilling the curse of his father [[Eöl]]. Then Tuor and Idril gathered as much Gondolindrim they could and led them to the secret way. The [[Exiles of Gondolin]] could cross [[Tumladen]] not being noticed, as the fountains and burnings of the city had covered the plain with fume and mists.

[[File:Steamey - Glorfindel and the Balrog.jpg|thumb|right|''Glorfindel and the Balrog'' by [[:Category:Images by Steamey|Steamey]]]]

Although Morgoth was ignorant of their escape, the survivors found an ambush of Orcs while crossing the [[Cirith Thoronath]], and a Balrog was with them. The [[Eagles]] protected the refugees against the Orcs, but [[Glorfindel]] fought the Balrog alone. He slew the beast but was slain in turn, and both fell off the mountain pass into the abyss.

===Aftermath===
Though Morgoth's marshal Gothmog had fallen in the battle, he had conquered the greatest and last 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]], after which Morgoth was cast into the [[Void]].

==Other versions of the legendarium==
{{Main|The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)#The battle of Gondolin}}
[[Tolkien]] wrote two narrative versions of the Fall, one in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'' and other within the ''[[Quenta Noldorinwa]]'' (published in ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]''). "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" was the first tale he ever wrote of the [[legendarium]] and is very detailed, that even the ''Quenta Noldorinwa''<ref>{{SM|Q16II}}, p. 144</ref> and ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' mention it as a reference. Although the ''Quenta Noldorinwa'' was a more of a summary, it was the text used by [[Christopher Tolkien]] for the published ''Silmarillion'', as it was more developed in Tolkien's thinking.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, p. 212</ref>

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

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Gondolin]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

Glorfindel

2024-01-24T10:36:18Z

Fëastorno: /* Life in Gondolin */

{{noldor infobox
| name=Glorfindel
| image=[[File:Venlian - Glorfindel Before the Storm.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Glorfindel Before the Storm" by [[:Category:Images by Venlian|Venlian]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindel]}}
| othernames=''Laurefindelë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| titles=
| position=Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]
| location=[[Aman]]''Presumably'' [[Nevrast]][[Gondolin]][[Rivendell]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]][[Sindarin]][[Westron]]
| birth=During [[Years of the Trees]]
| birthlocation=[[Aman]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondolin]]Was re-embodied before {{FA|590}} and sent back to [[Middle-earth]] between {{SA|1200}} & {{SA|1600|n}}<ref name="PoME-LW"/>{{rp|382}}
| age=
| notablefor=The slaying of the Balrog, returing to Middle-earth after death
| house=[[House of the Golden Flower]]
| parentage=Unknown (a kinsman of [[Turgon]])<ref name="PoME-LW"/>{{rp|380}}
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Golden (long)
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=[[Asfaloth]]
}}
{{quote|Glorfindel was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Glorfindel''' was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]]. During the [[First Age]], he was the lord of the [[House of the Golden Flower]] of [[Gondolin]], and died fighting a [[Balrog]]. After his re-embodiment, he was allowed to come back to Middle-earth in the [[Second Age]], acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Wizards|Istari]] who were to come several years later.

== History ==
=== Early history ===
Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. During the [[Exile of the Noldor]], he was of the host of [[Turgon]]. Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].<ref name="PoME-LW">{{PM|Last}}, "Glorfindel I & II"</ref>{{rp|380}}

=== Life in Gondolin ===
After the Return of the Noldor to [[Middle-earth]], Glorfindel's history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve houses of the Gondothlim|noble houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]].

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
He followed [[Turgon]] who surprisingly came to fight in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. When the war turned against the [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]], Turgon's and [[Fingon]]'s forces retreated to the [[Pass of Sirion]] with Glorfindel and [[Ecthelion]] guarding their flanks.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref>

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel's Bane.jpg|thumb|right|''Glorfindel's Bane'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
In the year {{FA|510}},<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> [[Morgoth]] sent a great force against Gondolin, resulting in the complete destruction of the city. The tale of this battle was well detailed in ''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|The Fall of Gondolin]]'', and long remembered by the elves. Glorfindel managed to escape the [[Fall of Gondolin]] with the [[Exiles of Gondolin|Exiles]], and after crossing [[Tumladen]] they reached the [[Cirith Thoronath]], a narrow pass between the mountains. There the survivors were attacked by an ambush of [[Orcs]] led by a [[Balrog]]. The [[Eagles]] came to help them, but Glorfindel fought the Balrog alone upon the pinnacle of a rock. Both died after falling in the abyss, and their duel is sung of by many songs. [[Thorondor]] rescued Glorfindel's body, and a cairn was raised, which remained there, covered by grass and yellow flowers, [[War of Wrath|until the world changed]].<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref>

=== Re-embodiment and return ===
Glorfindel's spirit passed to the [[Halls of Waiting]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel's noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, Manwë allowed his re-embodiment after only a short time. Being already an Elda of great corporal and spiritual stature, in his new incarnated life his spiritual power was enhanced by his self-sacrifice. He lived in Valinor for many years in company of Eldar and [[Maiar]], and these spirits considered him an equal, as he was an incarnate. At some point, he became a follower of [[Olórin]], a Maia with special concern for Middle-earth.<ref name="PoME-LW"></ref>{{rp|380-381}}

Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Second Age]]. He possibly came as early as {{SA|1200}}, but more likely in {{SA|1600}},<ref name="PoME-LW"></ref>{{rp|381-382}} at the same time as the [[Blue Wizards]].<ref>{{PM|XIII}}, "The Five Wizards", p. 384</ref> If he arrived in S.A. 1600, he arrived just after [[the One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel's mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]].<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|382}} He may have played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

=== Third Age ===
Over time, as the few remaining great Elves of Middle-earth took ship to Aman or fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.<ref>{{App|A1iv}}</ref> Not much can be said about his deeds and role in the events and struggles of the [[Westlands]] before the [[War of the Ring]].
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
During the War, he was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref>

After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Whatever his role, he survived and joined Elrond's company to the Wedding of Elessar.<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and [[the One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war.

== Etymology ==
{{Pronounce|Glorfindel.mp3|Ardamir}}
With the development of the [[Elvish]] languages, the name ''Glorfindel'' had different etymologies, ultimately meaning the same.

The early [[Gnomish]] conception meant "Goldtress" or "Goldlocks". At this stage of the legendarium, [[Tolkien]] considered many other variants, like ''Glorfinn'' or ''Glorfing''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, entry "Glorfindel"</ref> [[Qenya]] cognates were '''''Laurifindl''''' or '''''Kulufindl'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 104</ref>

At the [[Noldorin]] stage, the name was composed of the words ''[[glaur]]'' ("gold") + ''findel/finnel'' ("braided hair"),<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "[[LAWAR]]", "SPIN"</ref> but it is not properly glossed.

In the final [[Sindarin]] conception, ''Glorfindel'' meant "Golden-hair", from ''glaur'' ("gold") + ''findel'' ("head of hair").<ref name=Eldarin>{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|17}} It was supposedly derived from the [[Quenya]] form '''''Laurefindelë'''''.<ref name=Eldarin/>{{rp|119}} Tolkien also created a [[Primitive Quendian]] version: ''Malaphinde'' ("Goldilocks"), which is mentioned as an ''[[anessë]]'' (a given name).<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 86</ref>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
=== ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'' ===
The most detailed text about the deeds of Glorfindel during the Fall of Gondolin is the chapter "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]''. There he is described as the chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], who bore a rayed sun upon their shields. He wore a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, decorated with celandine "as a field in spring", while his arms were [[Uncommon words#D|damascened]] with "cunning gold".<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|173}}

Glorfindel witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered) to hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[Orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[Dragons|dragon]] came and levelled their ranks. Glorfindel, with some of the strongest of his followers, cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]], ambushing their pursuers. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the houses to be driven in.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|182}}

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor (elf of Gondolin)|Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defence of the King's Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel's job in going from place to place, strengthening the defences. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondothlim a little more time.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|183-4}} After King Turgon ordered the survivors to follow Tuor, they fled southward, and Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|186}}

After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's secret way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded. It was at that time that a Balrog and a contingent of Orcs ambushed their company.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|192-3}} There Glorfindel saved the lives of the [[Exiles of Gondolin]] when he defied the Balrog:
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|''Glorfindel and the Balrog above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

{{blockquote|Then Glorfindel leapt forward upon him and his golden armour gleamed strangely in the moon, and he hewed at that demon that it leapt again upon a great boulder and Glorfindel after. Now there was a deadly combat upon that high rock above the folk; and these, pressed behind and hindered ahead, were grown so close that well nigh all could see, yet was it over ere Glorfindel's men could leap to his side. The ardour of Glorfindel drave that Balrog from point to point, and his mail fended him from its whip and claw. Now had he beaten a heavy swinge upon its iron helm, now hewn off the creature's whip-arm at the elbow. Then sprang the Balrog in the torment of his pain and fear full at Glorfindel, who stabbed like a dart of a snake; but he found only a shoulder, and was grappled, and they swayed to a fall upon the crag-top. Then Glorfindel's left hand sought a dirk, and this he thrust up that it pierced the Balrog's belly nigh his own face (for that demon was double his stature); and it shrieked, and fell backwards from the rock, and falling clutched Glorfindel's yellow locks beneath his cap, and those twain fell into the abyss.}}

The [[Noldoli]] still mourn the death of Glorfindel, and every time the [[Eldar]] see a powerful fight between good and evil, they still say: "''Alas! 'Tis Glorfindel and the Balrog''". After the body of Glorfindel was recovered by Thorndor, Tuor allowed the folk of the Golden Flower to rise a cairn for him, there near the dangerous [[Thorn Sir]]. Despite being a unkindly place, yellow flowers grew upon the mound, and the place was always protected by Thorndor.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|194}}

=== Aredhel's escort ===
While composing the chapter about [[Maeglin]], [[Tolkien]] considered Glorfindel, [[Ecthelion]] and [[Egalmoth]] as the escort of Aredhel when she left the [[Gondolin|Hidden City]] in her way to visit [[Fingon]].<ref name=Maeglin/>{{rp|318}} However, in the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] didn't mention any of the escorts of Aredhel, based on a note in which his father discussed about the motives of Celegorm and Curufin of not sending any message to Gondolin about Aredhel. Tolkien decided that it was necessary ''not'' to name the most eminent and bravest chieftains as Aredhel's escort, as they would have sought for her beyond the [[Bridge of Esgalduin]].<ref name=Maeglin>{{WJ|Maeglin}}</ref>{{rp|328}}

=== Return to Middle-earth ===
Tolkien first suggested that Glorfindel returned to Middle-earth about {{TA|1000}}, with [[Gandalf]].<ref name="PoME-LW"></ref>{{rp|377}} But he later realized that Glorfindel only could come ''before'' the end of the Second Age and the [[Drowning of Númenor]], as with the [[Changing of the World]] Aman was removed from the [[Circles of the World]] and no living embodied creature could return from there. This was directly decreed by [[Ilúvatar]] to favour the [[Dominion of Men]]. It seems improbable that Manwë would have obtained special permission and devised a way of transportation, as that would seem to give Glorfindel an excessive importance.<ref name="PoME-LW"></ref>{{rp|381-2}}

As told above, Glorfindel might have come as early as {{SA|1200}} and the years following, or as late as {{SA|1600}}. Although Tolkien declared the first to be possible, he favoured the last as the most probable.

=== ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]'' ===
In a hasty note about the Council of Elrond, Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was never developed.<ref name=Ancestry>{{RS|1XI}}, p. 214</ref>

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas]].<ref>{{RS|4XXIII}}, pp. 397-8, 406</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

{{Gallery
|title=Glorfindel in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Glorfindel.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 Trading Card Game - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
|File:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego The Lord of the Rings The Video Game - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]''
}}
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''[[Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo]]'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''[[A na vedui, Dúnadan!]]'' and ''[[Noro lim, noro lim, Asfaloth!]]'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. Glorfindel's role at the Council of Elrond is omitted. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Glorfindel is a powerful playable character once [[the One Ring|the Ring]] passes the [[Last Bridge]], who leads the Fellowship to [[Rivendell]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Glorfindel is played by Stefan Schwartz.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided to have [[Arwen]] meet the travellers and then ride on [[Asfaloth]].

'''2001: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Glorfindel is provided by Marián Zednikovič.

'''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)]]:'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:[[Decipher]] made two [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|cards]] featuring extra [[Jarl Benzon]] as Glorfindel, one of them being at the Coronation of Elessar.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scrapbook.theonering.net/scrapbook/movies/characters/other/view/12658|articlename=Glorfindel's Cameo in ROTK!|dated=|website=TORN|accessed=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070323204416/http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/04/040504lotrwetafalconer.html|articlename=The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": An Interview With Weta Workshop's Daniel Falconer|dated=5 April 2004|website=Decipher.com (archived)|accessed=15 October 2013}}</ref> He is briefly seen in the film at Aragorn's coronation when Arwen is revealed.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
: Glorfindel is featured in an extended flashback sequence depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. During this time, he is the leader of the Bright Company, a group of [[High Elves]] who fighting to rid [[Middle-earth]] of [[Sauron]]'s evil long before that war and who continue their duty long after.
: In the present day, Glorfindel can be found in Rivendell just south of the [[Rivendell|Last Homely House]]. He is involved in the campaign against [[Angmar]] during the main story and also talks to the player after defeating the [[balrog]] Thaurlach. Glorfindel disappears in the final weeks of the [[War of the Ring]] and the player tracks him across Middle-Earth to summon him to the Council of Elf-Lords between [[Thranduil]], [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. He joins the procession that escorts Lady [[Arwen]] to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding; along the way Glorfindel and [[Elrond]] assist [[Gandalf]] and the player in uncovering a mystery within the [[Gladden Fields]].

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Glorfindel is purchasable as an optional player character in DLC character pack 2 for use in free play and on the open world. He is portrayed with light tan hair (rather than yellow blond like Legolas), wears an outfit which is a mix of light blue robe parts and silver armour whilst wearing a light blue cape. He wields a bow of the Galadhrim and also carries a golden Elvish longsword (all Elvish longswords appear gold in the game). Glorfindel is one of the most proficient fighter characters in the game.

== Collectibles ==
[[Gentle Giant]] produced a ''Glorfindel Mini Bust'' for [[Comic-Con 2007]], based on Glorfindel's appearance in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|EA's ''The Battle for Middle-earth II'']].

{{References}}
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[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/glorfindel]]