Nirnaeth Arnoediad: Difference between revisions

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{{disambig-two|the battle|chapter of the same name|[[The Battle of Unnumbered Tears]]}}
{{battle
{{battle
| name=''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''
| name=''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''
| image=[[File:Mysilvergreen - The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.jpg|300px]]
| image=[[File:Mysilvergreen - The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=Fifth Battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]]
| conflict=[[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date={{FA|472}}
| date={{FA|472}}
| place=[[Anfauglith]], [[Fen of Serech]]
| place=[[Anfauglith]] and the [[Fen of Serech]]
| result=Decisive victory for Morgoth, partly due to [[Treachery of Men|treachery]]: depopulation of [[Hithlum]] with replacement by [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]], occupation of much of [[Beleriand]]
| result=Decisive victory for [[Morgoth]]
*[[Union of Maedhros]] disbanded
*Death of [[Fingon]]
*Capture of [[Húrin]]
*Invasion of [[Hithlum]] by the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]
*[[Sons of Fëanor]] retreat to [[Ossiriand]]
| side1=[[Union of Maedhros]]
| side1=[[Union of Maedhros]]
| side2=Hosts of [[Angband]] and [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]<br />[[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=
| commanders1={{Maedhros blazon}} <br />
*[[Maedhros]]
{{Fingon blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Fingon]]
[[Turgon]]<br />
* [[Turgon]]
[[Mablung]]<br />
* [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]
[[Beleg]]<br />
* [[Huor]]
[[Gwindor]]<br />
* [[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]] †
[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]<br />
* [[Azaghâl|Azaghâl of Belegost]] †
[[Haldir (Chieftain of the Haladin)|Haldir]] †<br />
* [[Bór]]
[[Bór]] †<br />
* [[Caranthir]]
[[Azaghâl|Azaghâl of Belegost]] †<br />
* [[Gwindor]]
[[Caranthir]]<br />
| commanders2=
[[Maglor]]<br />
* [[Morgoth]]
[[Huor]] †<br />
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
| commanders2=[[Morgoth]]<br />
* [[Glaurung]]
[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]<br />
* [[Ulfang the Black]] †
[[Glaurung]]<br />
* [[Uldor]]
[[Uldor]] †<br />
| forces1=[[Noldor|Noldor of Hithlum]], [[Elves of Mithrim|Sindar of Mithrim]], [[Men of Dor-lómin|Edain warriors of Dor-lómin]], 10,000 [[Gondolindrim]],<ref name="NA">{{S|Fifth}}</ref> a company of [[Elves of Nargothrond|Elves from Nargothrond]], company of [[Haladin]] from [[Brethil]], [[Dwarves of Belegost]], and [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings from the House of Bór]]
Unnamed Captain of Morgoth<ref name="UT">{{CH|2}}</ref> <br />
| forces2=Multiple hosts consisting of [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[trolls]]; supplemented by turncoat [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]]
| forces1=Unknown, only mentioned 10,000 [[Gondolindrim]]<ref name="NA">{{S|20}}</ref>
| casual1=Huge and crippling to the Noldor, Men of Dor-lómin wiped out except Húrin, thousands of captives
| forces2=Unknown, full strength of [[Angband]] including [[Balrogs]], [[Wolves]], [[Orcs]], [[Dragons]]<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>
| casual2=Moderate
| casual1=Heavy
| casual2=Unknown
}}
}}
The '''Nirnaeth Arnoediad''' or '''Battle of Unnumbered Tears''' was the disastrous Fifth Battle in the [[Wars of Beleriand]]. Its name was taken from the first words of the [[Doom of Mandos]]: ''"Tears unnumbered ye shall shed..."'' The Battle is mainly told in the [[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad|twentieth chapter]] of the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]''.
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]] was totally destroyed allowing Morgoth to exercise his dominance over [[Beleriand]].


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


In the year {{FA|473}}, [[Maedhros]] decided that taking the offence against [[Angband]] might help the [[Noldor]] regain their former lands. 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.  
In the year {{FA|473}}, [[Maedhros]] decided that taking the offence against [[Angband]] might help the [[Noldor]] regain their former lands. 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.  
==History==
Once peoples answered the call and the Union formed, they first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion of Orcs and then gathered to assault [[Thangorodrim]]. The plan was for Maedhros's host in the east to assault and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the [[Ered Wethrin]], taking the offensive in the west, crushing Morgoth's forces between them.


Under [[Maedhros]] in the east were gathered the remainder of the [[Sons of Fëanor]], the Elves and Men of [[Himring]] under Maedhros and [[Bór]], and the men of Amon Ereb under [[Caranthir]] and [[Ulfang]].
Under [[Maedhros]] in the east were gathered the remainder of the [[Sons of Fëanor]], the Elves and Men of [[Himring]] under Maedhros and [[Bór]], and the men of Amon Ereb under [[Caranthir]] and [[Ulfang]].
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Because of the evil deeds of [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], two of Maedhros's brothers, king [[Orodreth]] 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. However, [[Turgon]] unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand [[Gondolindrim]], doubling the force of the west.  
Because of the evil deeds of [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], two of Maedhros's brothers, king [[Orodreth]] 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. However, [[Turgon]] unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand [[Gondolindrim]], doubling the force of the west.  


=== The Battle ===
==Strategy and array==
Once peoples answered the call and the Union formed, they first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion of Orcs and then gathered to assault [[Thangorodrim]]. The plan was for Maedhros's host in the east to assault and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the [[Ered Wethrin]], taking the offensive in the west, crushing Morgoth's forces between them.
==History==
===Prelude===
Fingon received Turgon's armies with the cry ''"[[Utúlie'n aurë!]]"'', and he became hopeful despite Maedhros wasn't coming as planned. Because Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy [[Ulfang]], who betrayed the Noldor, had delayed [[Maedhros]]' attack.
 
 
===Battle===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Gwindor's Charge.jpg|left|thumb|''Gwindor's Charge'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Gwindor's Charge.jpg|left|thumb|''Gwindor's Charge'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Fingon received Turgon's armies with the cry ''"[[Utúlie'n aurë!]]"'', and he became hopeful despite Maedhros wasn't coming as planned. Because Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy [[Ulfang]], who betrayed the Noldor, had delayed [[Maedhros]]' attack. That same hour a small host of Orcs sallied forth from [[Angband]] to provoke the Western host to attack. 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.
That same hour a small host of Orcs sallied forth from [[Angband]] to provoke the Western host to attack. 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.


Morgoth shook upon this 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.
Morgoth shook upon this 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.
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Finally, Maedhros arrived, but before he could make junction with Fingon and Turgon, [[Glaurung]] the dragon and [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] lord of [[Balrogs|Balrog]]s intercepted him.  Union forces could yet have prevailed, but [[Uldor]], son of Ulfang and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. [[Maglor]] slew Uldor in single combat, 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.
Finally, Maedhros arrived, but before he could make junction with Fingon and Turgon, [[Glaurung]] the dragon and [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] lord of [[Balrogs|Balrog]]s intercepted him.  Union forces could yet have prevailed, but [[Uldor]], son of Ulfang and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. [[Maglor]] slew Uldor in single combat, 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.
 
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|left|''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 of Morgoth's forces 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.
[[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 of Morgoth's forces 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.


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===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|left|''Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Morgoth's victory was near complete, as he had destroyed all the people of Hithlum and had scattered the sons of Fëanor away from Himring.  Morgoth's Orcs razed all of [[Beleriand]] except for [[Doriath]], which was still protected by the Girdle of [[Melian]], and sacked the havens of the [[Falas]].
Morgoth's victory was near complete, as he had destroyed all the people of Hithlum and had scattered the sons of Fëanor away from Himring.  Morgoth's Orcs razed all of [[Beleriand]] except for [[Doriath]], which was still protected by the Girdle of [[Melian]], and sacked the havens of the [[Falas]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Hill of Slain.jpg|thumb|''The Hill of Slain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Hill of Slain.jpg|thumb|''The Hill of Slain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
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Note that the "oe" of "Arnoediad" is not the Sindarin diphthong "oe", but rather the single [[i-affection|umlaut]] vowel "œ", better represented with a digraph.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "NOT"</ref>
Note that the "oe" of "Arnoediad" is not the Sindarin diphthong "oe", but rather the single [[i-affection|umlaut]] vowel "œ", better represented with a digraph.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "NOT"</ref>


==Other versions of the Legendarium==
==See also==
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad|Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
* [[:Category:Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad|Images of Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]


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

Revision as of 09:27, 3 June 2020

This article is about the battle. For the chapter of the same name, see The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
Nirnaeth Arnoediad
Mysilvergreen - The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.jpg
Conflict: Wars of Beleriand
Date: F.A. 472
Place: Anfauglith and the Fen of Serech
Outcome: Decisive victory for Morgoth
Combatants

Union of Maedhros

Forces of Morgoth
Easterlings (under Ulfang)[note 1]

Commanders

Template:Maedhros blazon
Template:Fingon blazon
Turgon
Mablung
Beleg
Gwindor
Húrin Thalion
Haldir
Bór
Azaghâl of Belegost
Caranthir
Maglor
Huor

Morgoth
Gothmog
Glaurung
Uldor
Unnamed Captain of Morgoth[1]

Strength

Unknown, only mentioned 10,000 Gondolindrim[2]

Unknown, full strength of Angband including Balrogs, Wolves, Orcs, Dragons[note 2]

Casualties

Heavy

Unknown

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 was totally destroyed allowing Morgoth to exercise his dominance over Beleriand.

Background

Main article: Union of Maedhros

In the almost two decades since their defeat in the Dagor Bragollach, the Noldor had lost control over the entire north of Beleriand, and were, for the most part, reduced to refugees dwelling in Hithlum and Nargothrond. Gondolin was shut up and unknown.

In the year F.A. 473, Maedhros decided that taking the offence against Angband might help the Noldor regain their former lands. Under this Union of Maedhros all the Elves of Beleriand, as well as the Edain, Dwarves, and the newly arrived Easterlings were invited to combine in arms and fight Morgoth.

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

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

Because of the evil deeds of Celegorm and Curufin, two of Maedhros's brothers, king Orodreth 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. However, Turgon unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand Gondolindrim, doubling the force of the west.

Strategy and array

Once peoples answered the call and the Union formed, they first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion of Orcs and then gathered to assault Thangorodrim. The plan was for Maedhros's host in the east to assault and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the Ered Wethrin, taking the offensive in the west, crushing Morgoth's forces between them.

History

Prelude

Fingon received Turgon's armies with the cry "Utúlie'n aurë!", and he became hopeful despite Maedhros wasn't coming as planned. Because Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy Ulfang, who betrayed the Noldor, had delayed Maedhros' attack.


Battle

Gwindor's Charge by Peter Xavier Price

That same hour a small host of Orcs sallied forth from Angband to provoke the Western host to attack. 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.

Morgoth shook upon this 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.

The Fall of Azaghâl by 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, Glaurung the dragon and Gothmog lord of Balrogs intercepted him. Union forces could yet have prevailed, but Uldor, son of Ulfang and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedhros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. Maglor slew Uldor in single combat, 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.

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 of Morgoth's forces 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.

All this had not helped the western host, who were attacked by many Orcs under Gothmog. Gothmog cut a path to Fingon and fought him in single combat. Fingon fell under his might, and Húrin begged Turgon to retreat back to Gondolin. Huor and Húrin and the remaining Men of Dor-lómin formed a living wall across the Fen of Serech, buying time for Turgon to escape with most of the surviving Elves of the north. Acting as a rearguard, these Men were almost all slain – Huor fell when his eye was pierced by a poisoned arrow. 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 and Trolls before he became pinned under their corpses, and was later taken prisoner by Gothmog.

Aftermath

Morgoth's victory was near complete, as he had destroyed all the people of Hithlum and had scattered the sons of Fëanor away from Himring. Morgoth's Orcs razed all of Beleriand except for Doriath, which was still protected by the Girdle of Melian, and sacked the havens of the Falas.

The Hill of Slain by Ted Nasmith

Morgoth betrayed his servants the Easterlings, shutting them in Hithlum under penalty of death, and denied to them the fertile lands of Beleriand. 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. While the Union's attack inflicted fairly heavy losses on Morgoth's forces, this was largely irrelevant compared to how utterly Morgoth had broken the power of so many of his enemies in the battle. His armies would take time to regain their former strength, however, and thus he remained dormant once more for some time, seeking out the hidden city of Gondolin and the last bastion of his enemies. Gwindor himself was one of few prominent survivors of the battle and was enslaved in Morgoth's mines for fourteen years before finally escaping. He returned and warned the King of Nargothrond that Ulmo had advised against fighting open war with Morgoth; the King did not heed his advice, however, and at the Battle of Tumhalad, followed by the Sack of Nargothrond, the Elves there were completely eradicated.

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

Morgoth had personally laid waste to Ard-Galen, turning it into a dust-choked wasteland of fire and poisonous gas, known from then on as Anfauglith. It was here that many Elves and Men were slain and thrown into great piles on a hill in the midst of the desolate landscape; referred to as the Hill of Slain by the Elves, grass grew on that hill long after the battle but nowhere else in Anfauglith.

Etymology

Nirnaeth (or Nírnaeth) Arnoediad (or Arnediad) is Sindarin for "Tears Uncountable".[3][4]

Note that the "oe" of "Arnoediad" is not the Sindarin diphthong "oe", but rather the single umlaut vowel "œ", better represented with a digraph.[5]

Other versions of the Legendarium

See also

Notes

  1. 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 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.
  2. 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.

References


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