Belegost
| Belegost | |
|---|---|
| File:Belegost map.gif | |
| General information | |
| Location | Northeast of Mount Dolmed |
| Capital | Belegost |
| People | |
| Language | Khuzdul, Sindarin |
Belegost was one of two great Dwarven cities in the Ered Luin. Its name in Westron was Mickleburg.
Description
Belegost lay the north central part of the Ered Luin, and was home to the Dwarven House known as the Broadbeams. Its name in Khuzdul was Gabilgathol probably meaning "great fortess". Belegost in Sindarin translates as "Great Fortress" as well. During the mid First Age its king until Nirnaeth Arnoediad was Azaghâl.
History
The Dwarves of Belegost were friends to the Sindar and later also the Ñoldor of Beleriand. They did not join the Dwarves of Nogrod in the Sack of Doriath, and actually attempted to dissuade their fellow Dwarves from it.
Belegost apparently survived the War of Wrath, although it was recorded as having been 'ruined' at that time. Many Dwarves from Belegost joined Durin's folk in Khazad-dûm 60 years after the war, but there were always Dwarves on the Eastern side of the mountains. Whether Belegost was at least partially rebuilt is unknown.
Etymology
Belegost (beleg + ost) is a Sindarin translation of the original Dwarvish name Gabilgathol and all mean "Great City".
Unlike other names of the Silmarillion, the texts gives us also an English rendering, which is possibly from Westron: Mickleburg. Mickle is a root meanng "big"; see also Michel Delving.
