Dagor Bragollach: Difference between revisions

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==History==
==History==
===Prelude===
===Prelude===
In {{FA|422}} [[Fingolfin]] pondered for a new assault upon [[Angband]]<ref>{{GA|133}}</ref> as the Noldor did not wholly defeat Morgoth but contain him in his stronghold and the threat of another deadly assault was ever-present in the mind of the [[High King of the Noldor|king]]. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were like-minded but most of the Noldor were content with how things are and did not heed much to [[Fingolfin]], the [[Sons of Fëanor]] least of all.<ref name=Ruin>{{S|18}}</ref>
===Battle===
===Battle===
It began when [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]], which had held for four hundred years. On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many elves perished as they fled from the fire and smoke. His armies of [[Balrogs]] and [[Orcs]], led by [[Glaurung]], first of the [[Urulóki]], overran the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], and slew [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]]. [[Maglor]]'s horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of [[Lothlann]], and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand itself. Maglor retreated with heavy losses to [[Himring]], where he helped defend the city of [[Maedhros]].<ref name=Annals>{{WJ|P1}}</ref>{{rp|52-53}}
On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming [[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. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by [[Glaurung]] first of the [[Urulóki]], and behind him [[Balrogs]] and multitudes of [[Orcs]] and they slaughtered anyone they came across.<ref name=Ruin/>


The [[Pass of Aglon]] was also breached, and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled south of [[Doriath]] to [[Nargothrond]]. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forests of [[Rerir|Mount Rerir]], and defiled [[Helevorn|Lake Helevorn]], ravaging [[Thargelion]] and marching far into [[East Beleriand]], filling the lands of the [[Gelion]] with fire and terror. [[Caranthir]] fled to [[Amon Ereb]], where he and [[Amrod]] built defenses, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border. The Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand.
[[File:Henning Janssen - Aid on the Fens.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Henning Janssen]] - ''Aid on the Fens'']]
The highlands of [[Dorthonion]] bore much of the assault and were overrun. [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] were slained 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 however they were defeated and Finrod with a small company was surrounded at the [[Fen of Serech]]. Finrod would have been killed or captured but was saved by a sortie led by [[Barahir]], brother of Bregolas, who was fighting in western [[Dorthonion]] near the [[Pass of Sirion]]. They managed to cut through with great loss and Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]].<ref name=Ruin/>


[[File:Henning Janssen - Aid on the Fens.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Henning Janssen]] - ''Aid on the Fens'']]
In the north-west [[Fingolfin]] and [[Fingon]] marched with their host to aid the sons of Finrod but they were driven back with great lost to the [[Ered Wethrin|mountains]]. [[Hador]], the [[lord of Dor-lómin]], and his younger son [[Gundor]] were slain defending the rearguard of their lord Fingolfin. In the mountain fortresses there was a fierce battle between the Orcs and Elves and [[House of Hador|Men of the North]].<ref name=Ruin/>
[[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] in the [[Pass of Sirion]] in the West held under [[Orodreth]], second son of [[Finarfin]] (Elven-king of the [[Noldor]] in [[Aman]]), and Orodreth's eldest brother King [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the [[Fen of Serech]]. [[Gelmir_(son_of_Guilin)|Gelmir]] was captured during that battle.<ref name=Annals>{{WJ|P1}}</ref>{{rp|73}}<ref name>{{S|20}}</ref> The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed but for a sortie by [[Barahir]], who descended from [[Dorthonion]] and rescued the [[Elves|Elven]] lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]].


Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the [[Ered Wethrin]] around [[Hithlum]] also held, although barely.<ref name=Ruin>{{S|18}}</ref>
The [[March of Maedhros]] were assaulted heavily by the armies of Morgoth. The [[Pass of Aglon]] were forced by the hosts of Morgoth with great cost and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled south near [[Doriath]]. [[Maglor]]'s horsemen were overwhelmed on the plain of [[Lothlann]] and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken. Glaurung came thither and burnt 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]] was defiled. Maglor fled to Himring while Caranthir fled south with Amrod and Amras to [[Amon Ereb]]. The Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand. [[Maedhros]] fought valiantly against the Orcs with the help of Maglor and Morgoth was unable to take the fortress on [[Himring]].<ref name=Ruin/>


===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Fingolfin's_Wrath.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Fingolfin's Wrath'']]
Thus the siege was broken and the forces of Morgoth were now able to roam at will throughout the north. However he did not completely destroy his foes.
Thus the Siege was broken, the [[Sons of Fëanor]] scattered, and the forces of Morgoth roamed at will throughout the north.


After a year of fight,<ref name=Annals>{{WJ|P1}}</ref>{{rp|55}} when [[Fingolfin]], the High King of the Noldor, learned of the losses of so many 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]], and slain by Morgoth's mighty foot.<ref name=Ruin></ref>
The refugees of [[Dorthonion]] fled to [[Hithlum]] and [[Himring]] but a few folk of [[Barahir]] remained, fought foot by foot for their lands, refusing to retreat from the attacking forces, and Morgoth relentlessly pursued them to the death until very few remained.<ref name=Ruin/> So great was his wrath against them that Dorthonion was turned into a twisted land of dread and such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them.<ref>{{S|19}}</ref>


The folk of [[Barahir]] fought foot by foot for their lands, refusing to retreat from the attacking forces, and Morgoth relentlessly pursued them to the death until very few remained. So great was his wrath against them that [[Dorthonion]] was turned into a twisted land of dread and such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them.<ref>{{S|19}}</ref>
[[Fingolfin]] and [[Fingon]] managed to defeat the Orcs attacking [[Barad Eithel]] and Hithlum was safe. However most of the Grey-elves forsook the northern war and fled south to [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Falas]] and [[Ossiriand]].<ref name=Ruin/>


Despite Morgoth's crushing victory, his foes soon regrouped, and in several areas formed strongholds and defensive positions against his Orcs. This, along with the theft of a Silmaril from Morgoth by Lúthien, renewed the morale of the folk of the West, leading to the creation of the [[Union of Maedhros]], a final alliance of Men and Elves bent on removing Morgoth from Arda once and for all. Their efforts would not be successful however in this coming fight, the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]].
The sons of Fëanor were scattered and driven from their lands save for Maedhros who still held Himring. Celegorm and Curufin travelled to Nargothrond after being defeated in the [[Pass of Aglon]].
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Fingolfin's_Wrath.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Fingolfin's Wrath'']]


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
The name means "Battle of the Sudden Flame" in [[Sindarin]].<ref name=Annals>{{WJ|P1}}</ref>{{rp|52}}
''Dagor Bragollach'' is [[Sindarin]] for Battle of Sudden Flame,<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> it contains the elements ''[[dagor]]'' (battle) + ''[[bragol]]'' (quick, sudden) + ''[[lach]]'' (flame).
==See also==
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of the Dagor Bragollach]]
* [[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of the Dagor Bragollach]]

Revision as of 16:54, 22 May 2020

Dagor Bragollach
John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg
Conflict: Wars of Beleriand
Date: F.A. 455[1]
Place: The north of Beleriand
Outcome: Decisive victory for Morgoth
Combatants

The leaguer of the Eldar
Elves of Nargothrond

Forces of Morgoth

Commanders

Template:Fingolfin blazon
Template:Maedhros blazon
Template:Finrod blazon
Fingon
Angrod †
Aegnor †
Celegorm
Curufin
Maglor
Caranthir
Bregolas †
Hador †
Barahir

Template:Morgoth blazon
Glaurung
Gothmog

Strength

Unknown, presumably full strength of the leaguer which included the Noldor, Grey-elves and Edain
A reinforcing army of Elves of Nargothrond

Unknown, but force has "multitudes" of Orcs
Force of Balrogs

Casualties

Severe for both Elves and Men, including the virtual destruction of the House of Bëor

Unknown

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 leaguer of the Noldor.

History

Prelude

In F.A. 422 Fingolfin pondered for a new assault upon Angband[2] as the Noldor did not wholly defeat Morgoth but contain him in his stronghold and the threat of another deadly assault was ever-present in the mind of the king. Angrod and Aegnor were like-minded but most of the Noldor were content with how things are and did not heed much to Fingolfin, the Sons of Fëanor least of all.[3]

Battle

On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming 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. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by Glaurung first of the Urulóki, and behind him Balrogs and multitudes of Orcs and they slaughtered anyone they came across.[3]

Henning Janssen - Aid on the Fens

The highlands of Dorthonion bore much of the assault and were overrun. Angrod and Aegnor were slained and many of Bëor's folk fell including their lord Bregolas. King Finrod Felagund came north from Nargothrond with an army however they were defeated and Finrod with a small company was surrounded at the Fen of Serech. Finrod would have been killed or captured but was saved by a sortie led by Barahir, brother of Bregolas, who was fighting in western Dorthonion near the Pass of Sirion. They managed to cut through with great loss and Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the Ring of Barahir.[3]

In the north-west Fingolfin and Fingon marched with their host to aid the sons of Finrod but they were driven back with great lost to the mountains. Hador, the lord of Dor-lómin, and his younger son Gundor were slain defending the rearguard of their lord Fingolfin. In the mountain fortresses there was a fierce battle between the Orcs and Elves and Men of the North.[3]

The March of Maedhros were assaulted heavily by the armies of Morgoth. The Pass of Aglon were forced by the hosts of Morgoth with great cost and Celegorm and Curufin fled south near Doriath. Maglor's horsemen were overwhelmed on the plain of Lothlann and Maglor's Gap was taken. Glaurung came thither and burnt 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 was defiled. Maglor fled to Himring while Caranthir fled south with Amrod and Amras to Amon Ereb. The Orcs did not come into Taur-im-Duinath or Ossiriand. Maedhros fought valiantly against the Orcs with the help of Maglor and Morgoth was unable to take the fortress on Himring.[3]

Aftermath

Thus the siege was broken and the forces of Morgoth were now able to roam at will throughout the north. However he did not completely destroy his foes.

The refugees of Dorthonion fled to Hithlum and Himring but a few folk of Barahir remained, fought foot by foot for their lands, refusing to retreat from the attacking forces, and Morgoth relentlessly pursued them to the death until very few remained.[3] So great was his wrath against them that Dorthonion was turned into a twisted land of dread and such dark enchantment that even Orcs would not enter it unless need drove them.[4]

Fingolfin and Fingon managed to defeat the Orcs attacking Barad Eithel and Hithlum was safe. However most of the Grey-elves forsook the northern war and fled south to Doriath, Nargothrond, Falas and Ossiriand.[3]

The sons of Fëanor were scattered and driven from their lands save for Maedhros who still held Himring. Celegorm and Curufin travelled to Nargothrond after being defeated in the Pass of Aglon.

Ted Nasmith - Fingolfin's Wrath

Etymology

Dagor Bragollach is Sindarin for Battle of Sudden Flame,[5] it contains the elements dagor (battle) + bragol (quick, sudden) + lach (flame).

See also

References

  1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §145
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §133
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"


War of the Great Jewels
First Battle · Dagor-nuin-Giliath · Dagor Aglareb · Dagor Bragollach · Nirnaeth Arnoediad · War of Wrath
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