Orfalch Echor

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The First Gate of the way to the city

The Orfalch Echor was the ravine of the Dry River in the Encircling Mountains, the route by which the hidden city of Gondolin was approached. At its lower end was the First Gate, the Gate of Wood. The Orfalch continued through the remainder of the Seven Gates of Gondolin, reaching the Seventh Gate, the Gate of Steel. At the upper end was a high sward that offered a view of Tumladen and the city in its center.[1][2]

Etymology

The name Orfalch Echor is suggested by Paul Stack to be a combination of Noldorin or ("above"), falch ("cleft"), and echor ("outer circle"), perhaps meaning "High Cleft of the Outer Circle".[3]

Other Versions of the Legendarium

In The Book of Lost Tales, the Way of Escape was the main entrance to Gondolin, and it wasn't a natural ravine, but it was built by the Gondothlim to be used by those Noldor who escaped from Morgoth[4]:163 and as a way of escape in case the city was attacked, as eventually. Because of Meglin's treason, Melko was aware of this pass, so many survivors were killed there by a monster while trying to escape more quickly in spite of Idril's persuasions.[4]:189

This way is also known as Bad Uthwen in Gnomish and Uswevandë in Qenya.[4]:336

References