Pass of Aglon

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Pass of Aglon
Pass
Matěj Čadil - Aglon.jpg
General Information
Other namesThe Narrow Pass
LocationBetween Dorthonion and Himring
TypePass
DescriptionA cold, windy, narrow pass, steep-sided on the west
RegionsThe ward of Celegorm and Curufin
People and History
InhabitantsNoldor
EventsDagor Bragollach, Nirnaeth Arnoediad

The Pass of Aglon was the pass between Dorthonion and the uplands west of Himring, to the northeast of Beleriand.[1]

It was about six leagues in length, with the western side bordering the Dorthonion Plateau rising in very high steep walls. It was chilly since a bitter wind continuously blew through the pass from the lands to the north.[2]

History

Two of the Sons of Fëanor, Celegorm and Curufin, heavily fortified this area, augmented by extra forces in Himlad. About ten leagues to the east, the pair's elder brother Maedhros had built upon the Hill of Himring his stronghold, thus protecting this weak point in the chain of kingdoms created by the Noldor after the Dagor-nuin-Giliath (Battle-under-Stars).[2]

In F.A. 455[3] during the Dagor Bragollach Orcs broke through Celegorm and Curufin's fortifications, leaving Maedhros' stronghold the center for re-grouping of Fëanor's sons. They later took back the Pass.[4] However, after Nirnaeth Arnoediad in 472[5] the Sons of Fëanor were scattered, the Pass of Aglon fell under Morgoth's domination,[6] and it was garrisoned by Orcs.[7] The Pass was never recovered, along with all of the land of northern Beleriand.

Etymology

Aglon means "the Narrow Pass".[8]

References