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<div>{{History of Arda}}<br />
The '''Last Battle''', also known as the '''Second Prophecy of Mandos''', but probably best known as the '''Dagor Dagorath''' ([[Sindarin]], "Battle of all Battles"), is an apocalyptic event prophesied by [[Mandos]]. According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the Dagor Dagorath as a Prophecy of Mandos was abandoned by Tolkien.<ref name="Valaquenta">{{MR|P3II1}}, p. 204</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[File:Jan Drenovec - Túrin vs Morgoth.jpg|200px|thumb|''Túrin vs Morgoth'' by Jan Drenovec]]<br />
In the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', the Dagor Dagorath is only mentioned as the '''Last Battle''' on three occasions:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|...and that [[Aulë|he]] declared to their [[Fathers of the Dwarves|Fathers of old]] that [[Ilúvatar]] will hallow them [the [[Dwarves]]] and give them a place among the [[Children of Ilúvatar|Children]] in the end. Then their part shall be to serve Aulë and to aid him in the remaking of Arda after the '''Last Battle'''.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|...Many other of the ancient stars [[Varda|she]] gathered together and set as signs in the heavens of Arda: [...] and [[Menelmacar]] with his shining belt, that forebodes the '''Last Battle''' that shall be at the end of days.|''Quenta Silmarillion'', "[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]"}}<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|But [[Ar-Pharazôn]] the King and the mortal warriors that had set foot upon the land of Aman were buried under falling hills: there it is said that they lie imprisoned in the [[Caves of the Forgotten]], until the '''Last Battle''' and the Day of Doom.|''[[Akallabêth]]''}}<br />
<br />
There is also an isolated mention that links the "End" with [[Fëanor]] and the [[Silmarils]], which is the main topic in the [[#Other versions of the legendarium|other versions]] explained below:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|But not until the '''End''', when Fëanor shall return [...]; not until the [[Sun]] passes and the [[Moon]] falls, shall it be known of what substance [the Silmarils] were made.|''Quenta Silmarillion'', "[[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]"}}<br />
<br />
No other information about the End of the World is given in ''The Silmarillion'' except the few mentions of the [[Second Music of the Ainur]], which can be deduced as to be sung after the Battle. The only mention of the Dagor Dagorath by name is given in a note concerning the origin of [[Gandalf]]: <br />
{{blockquote|[[Manwë]] will not descend from [[Taniquetil|the Mountain]] until the '''Dagor Dagorath''', and the coming of the End, when [[Morgoth|Melkor]] returns.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}, p. 395</ref>}} <br />
<br />
From all this information it can be deduced that [[Arda]] will come to an end with a last battle against [[Morgoth]]. After the Battle, Arda will be rebuilt, the ''"[[Beleriand|lands that lie under the wave]] will be lifted up again"''<ref>{{RK|VI6}}, Farewell of [[Galadriel]] to [[Treebeard]]</ref> and a new world will begin with the Song of [[Ainur]] and [[Men]] before [[Ilúvatar]].<br />
<br />
The metaphysical implications of the remaking of the world after the Battle belong to the discussion about [[Arda Healed]].<br />
<br />
===Omission of the Second Prophecy===<br />
Many previous manuscripts of the ''Quenta Silmarillion'' close with [[Mandos]] describing the Battle in a prophecy, which is called the '''Second Prophecy of Mandos''' (the first being the [[Prophecy of the North]]), but Christopher deliberately omitted it for his edition. This decision was due to a passage of [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion|The Later ''Quenta Silmarillion'']], which states that<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|if any change shall come and the [[Arda Marred|Marring]] [of Arda] be amended, Manwë and Varda may know; but they have not revealed it, and it is not declared in the dooms of Mandos.<ref name="Valaquenta">{{MR|P3II1}}, p. 204</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Those words were taken literally by Christopher, deducing that Tolkien would remove the Second Prophecy in the final version.<ref name="Valaquenta"></ref> Instead, he used those words as the own closing of his published ''Quenta''.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This decision is questioned among the [[fandom]] and the [[canonicity]] of the Second Prophecy is a popular debate. However, the publications after the 1977 ''Silmarillion'' give a better understanding of Tolkien's final vision and the necessity of an apocalyptic event is manifest, as [[Verlyn Flieger]] states: ''«Tolkien wrote that the Legendarium ends with a vision of the end of the world, its breaking and remaking, and the recovery of the [[Silmarilli]] and the "[[Light of Valinor|light before the sun]]". [...] It would be strange if he had not envisioned such an end, for the mythologies on which he draws most heavily, Judeo-Christian and [[Norse mythology|Norse]], both included remaking and renewal in surprisingly similar terms.»''<ref>[[Verlyn Flieger]], ''[[Splintered Light]]'' (Revised Edition), 19. "Filled with Clear Light", pp. 160-161</ref> Here Flieger is citing the [[Letter to Milton Waldman]], where Tolkien himself summarized his Mythology, including the vision of the Last Battle.<ref name=Letter131>{{L|131}}, p. 149</ref> Ironically, Christopher included this letter in the introduction to the 30th Anniversary edition of ''The Silmarillion'' ([[2007]]),<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=85400|articlename=''The Silmarillion''. Deluxe Edition 2007|dated=|website=TB|accessed=22 March 2020}}</ref> having removed the referred text.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
===The Book of Lost Tales===<br />
Tolkien did not finish the ''[[The Book of Lost Tales|Book of Lost Tales]]'', so it is unknown if he would conclude with a Prophecy of the End of the World, but there are many mentions of a '''Great End'''. The earliest description of the event was written in an unclear date and it is not mentioned as a prophecy:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|For 'tis said that ere the '''Great End''' come Melko shall in some wise contrive a quarrel between Moon and Sun, and [[Ilinsor]] shall seek to follow [[Urwendi]] through the Gates, and when they are gone the Gates of both [[Gates of Morning|East]] and [[Door of Night|West]] will be destroyed, and Urwendi and Ilinsor shall be lost. So shall it be that [[Fionwë]] Úrion, son of Manwë, of love for Urwendi shall in the end be Melko's bane, and shall destroy the world to destroy his foe, and so shall all things the be rolled away.<ref>{{LT1|IX}}, p. 219</ref>}}<br />
<br />
This early idea soon included [[Túrin]], who was an essential character in all later versions. Concluding the [[Turambar and the Foalókë|Tale of Turambar]], it is described how he and his sister [[Nienóri]] will be purified after death and will live in [[Valinor]] as [[Valar]], but "''Turambar indeed shall stand beside Fionwë in the '''Great Wrack''', and Melko and his drakes shall curse the sword of [[Gurthang#Other versions of the legendarium|Mormakil]]''".<ref>{{LT2|II}}, p. 116</ref> This is the only version that mentions any of the Morgoth's creatures participating in the Battle.<br />
<br />
However, the earliest mention of the battle hold as a Prophecy is in one note, where is said: <br />
{{blockquote|If Men help them, the fairies (Elves) will take Men to Valinor, fight a '''great battle''' with Melko in Erumáni and open Valinor. Laurelin and Silpion will be rekindled, and the mountain wall being destroyed then soft radiance will spread over all the world, and the Sun and Moon will be recalled. If Men oppose them and aid Melko, the Wrack of the Gods and the ending of the fairies will result, and maybe the Great End.<ref>{{LT2|VI}}, pp. 285-286</ref>}} <br />
Many other versions are given in this chapter that also concern the "Rekindling of the Magic Sun" (an obscure matter about the recovery of the [[Light of Valinor]]) or the vanishing of the Elves, so the prophecy here is associated with abandoned conceptions and is not as related with the End of Arda.<ref>{{SM|2a}}, p. 74</ref><br />
<br />
===The Earliest 'Silmarillion'===<br />
[[File:Roger Garland - Two Trees of Valinor.jpg|250px|thumb|''Two Trees of Valinor'' by [[Roger Garland]]]]<br />
[[The Earliest 'Silmarillion']] (also known as the 'Sketch of the Mythology') concludes with a description of the last battle and it includes many of the concepts that later will be transformed, although there is still no mention of a Prophecy of Mandos:<br />
{{blockquote|When the world is much older, and the Gods weary, Morgoth will come back through the Door, and the '''last battle''' of all will be fought. Fionwë will fight Morgoth on the plain of Valinor, and the spirit of Túrin shall be beside him; it shall be Túrin who with his black sword will slay Morgoth, and thus the children of Húrin shall be avenged. In those days the Silmarils shall be recovered from sea and earth and air, and [[Maidros]] shall break them and [[Yavanna#Other versions of the Legendarium|Belaurin]] with their fire rekindle the [[Two Trees]], and the great light shall come forth again, and the Mountains of Valinor shall be levelled so that it goes out over the world, and Gods and Elves and Men shall grow young again, and all their dead awake.<ref>{{SM|2}}, p. 40-41</ref>}}<br />
<br />
The participation of [[Eärendil#Names and etymology|Eärendel]] is also included: explaining how he sails in the heavens, watching upon Morgoth with his Silmaril upon his brow, ''"until he sees the last battle gathering upon the plains of Valinor. Then he will descend."''<br />
<br />
===The Quenta Noldorinwa===<br />
''[[The Quenta]]'', being the only finished version of the ''Silmarillion'', is the first version that includes a properly named '''Prophecy of Mandos''', declared in [[Valmar]] at the judgement of the Gods. It follows closely the version of the '[[Sketch of the Mythology]]', although there are some remarkable changes: Morgoth destroys the Sun and Moon (related with the version of "[[The Hiding of Valinor]]" [[Dagor Dagorath#The Book of Lost Tales|cited above]]); [[Tulkas]] is the chief antagonist of Melko, with Fionwë on his right and Túrin on his left; the Earth is broken and re-made, and the Silmarils are recovered; Eärendel yields up his Silmaril; [[Fëanor]] gives the Silmarils to Yavanna and she breaks them; the dead of the Elves arise and the purpose of Ilúvatar concerning them is fulfilled. It is specified that the Prophecy doesn't speak about the [[Men]], except of Túrin, who is named among the "[[Valarindi|sons of the Gods]]" (cleary related with the version of the [[Turambar and the Foalókë|Lost Tale]]).<ref>{{SM|CQ19}}, p. 205</ref> <br />
<br />
The same text, with a few amendations, was later used for the manuscript ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]'' made in [[1937]].<ref>{{LR|P2VI}}, p. 333</ref> Christopher later mentions this version is introduced by the subheading ''The Second Prophecy of Mandos''.<ref name=Last>{{WJ|Last}}, p. 247</ref><br />
<br />
===The Later Quenta Silmarillion===<br />
Tolkien rewrote the ''Quenta Silmarillion'' in [[1958]] in what is called [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion|The Later ''Quenta Silmarillion'']], and the last chapters are so similar to the last version mentioned, that Christopher only gives the changes with notes.<ref name=Last></ref> However, due this is the last version of the Prophecy, the text is reconstructed here in full, following those notes:<br />
[[File:Antonio Vinci - Tulkas.jpg|280px|thumb|''Tulkas fights Melkor'' by [[:Category:Images by Antonio Vinci|Antonio Vinci]]]]<br />
{{blockquote|Thus spake Mandos in prophecy, when the Gods sat in judgement in Valinor, and the rumour of his words was whispered among all the Elves of the West. When the world is old and the [[Powers]] grow weary, then Morgoth, seeing that the guard sleepeth, shall come back through the Door of Night out of the Timeless Void; and destroy the Sun and Moon. But Eärendil shall descend upon him as a white and searing flame and drive him from the airs. Then shall the '''Last Battle''' be gathered on the fields of Valinor. In that day Tulkas shall strive with Morgoth, and on his right hand shall be Eönwë, and on his left Túrin Turambar, son of [[Húrin]], returning from the [[Doom of Men]] at the ending of the world; and the black sword of Túrin shall deal unto Morgoth his death and final end; and so shall the children of Húrin and all Men be avenged.<br /><br />
Thereafter shall Earth be broken and re-made, and the Silmarils shall be recovered out of Air and Earth and Sea; for Eärendil shall descend and surrender that flame which he hath had in keeping. Then Fëanor shall take the Three Jewels and he will break them and with their fire Yavanna will rekindle the Two Trees, and a great light shall come forth. And the Mountains of Valinor shall be levelled, so that the Light shall go out over all the world. <s>In that light the Gods will grow young again, and the Elves awake and all their dead arise, and the purpose of Ilúvatar be fulfilled concerning them. But of Men in that day the prophecy of Mandos doth not speak, and no Man it names, save Túrin only, and to him a place is given among the sons of the Valar.</s>|''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', "The Last Chapters of the ''Quenta Silmarillion''", ''The Second Prophecy of Mandos''}}<br />
<br />
In addition to the change of names, the main changes are: Túrin coming back from the dead and Fëanor himself breaking the Silmarils. The last two sentences are here crossed out, as Tolkien marked them with a large X in the margin of the manuscript. There is also a marginal mention of [[Beren]] [[Camlost]] near Túrin, without direction of its insertion.<ref name=Last></ref><br />
<br />
[[Douglas C. Kane]] notices that Tolkien made the specific edit of rejecting the last sentences, making no effort at all to remove the part of the prophecy regarding Túrin or the remaking of Arda. This would indicate that he had the intention to retain them.<ref>[[Douglas Charles Kane]], ''[[Arda Reconstructed: The Creation of the Published Silmarillion]]'', 24. "Of the Voyage of Eärendil", p. 237</ref> The continuity of the Prophecy in the Legendarium is tied up to the complicated transition of the ''Silmarillion'' from Elvish to Mannish, which is explained below.<br />
<br />
===Mannish legend===<br />
Following Christopher's deduction, it is quite clear that the Second Prophecy of Mandos disappeared,<ref name="Valaquenta"></ref> but later texts point out that the concept could have evolved to a Mannish legend. In the last major revision of his Mythology, Tolkien decided that the ''Silmarillion'' should be of Mannish affair.<ref>{{MR|P5I}}, p. 370</ref> More specifically about the End of the World is a note of Tolkien commenting the ''[[Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth]]'':<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|The Elves expected the End of Arda to be catastrophic. [...] The End of Arda is not, of course, the same thing as the end of Eä. About this they held that nothing could be known, except that Eä was ultimately finite. It is noteworthy that the Elves had no myths or legends dealing with the end of the world. The myth that appears at the end of the ''Silmarillion'' is of Númenórean origin; it is clearly made by Men, though Men acquainted with Elvish tradition.<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, p. 342</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Therefore, the expectation of the End of the World among the Elves no longer came from revelation or stories, but their deduction after contemplating the world (this is one of the major topics in the ''Athrabeth''). On the other hand, we are told that Men did have traditions concerning the catastrophic end. Christopher confirms that "the myth that appears at the end of the ''Silmarillion''" is a reference to what was the Prophecy of Mandos.<ref>{{MR|P4o}}, p. 359, note 19</ref> There is even one piece of evidence of these Mannish prophetic traditions:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|The language of the Folk of Haleth was not used, for they had perished and would not rise again. Nor would their tongue be heard again, unless the prophecy of [[Andreth]] the [[Wise-woman]] should prove true, that Túrin in the Last Battle should return from the Dead, and before he left the Circles of the World for ever should challege the Great Dragon of Morgoth, [[Ancalagon]] the Black, and deal him the death-stroke.<ref>{{PM|Ros}}, p. 374, note 17</ref>}} <br />
<br />
These words could be referred to the [[War of Wrath]], but the relation with the Second Prophecy is clear, and it can be another sign that closing the "Númenorean" ''Silmarillion'' with a prophecy was not discarded.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
''Dagor Dagorath'' is [[Sindarin]], a combination of ''[[dagor]]'' ("battle"), with its own class-plural ''dagor[[-ath]]'' ("all battles"), therefore: "Battle of All Battles". This name is only attested in a manuscript about "[[The Istari]]".<ref name="Istari"></ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
In [[Elendil's Oath]], the "End of the World" is expressed in [[Quenya]] as '''''[[Ambar-metta]]'''''.<br />
<br />
In a List of Names from the 1930s, the battle of the End of the World was called '''''Dagor Delothrin''''' in [[Noldorin]] ("Terrible Battle").<ref>{{LR|A2}}, p. 405</ref><br />
<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Slaying of Glaurung.jpg|220px|thumb|''The Slaying of Glaurung'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]<br />
In [[Norse mythology]], [[:Wikipedia:Ragnarök|Ragnarök]] is an apocalyptic battle mentioned in both Eddas. The most famous version is prophecied by a [[:Wikipedia:Völva|völva]] in the ''[[Völuspá]]'', which was always an important inspiration for Tolkien. He even wrote his own version of this prophecy in the beginning of his ''[[New Lay of the Völsungs]]'', which has a reinterpretation of Sigurd very similar to Túrin in the Last Battle, as Christopher notices.<ref>{{SG|CV}}, "Upphaf", pp.?</ref><br />
{{blockquote|If in the Day of Doom<br /><br />
one deathless stands,<br /><br />
who death hath tasted<br /><br />
and dies no more,<br /><br />
the serpent-slayer,<br /><br />
seed of Ódin,<br /><br />
then all shall not end,<br /><br />
nor Earth perish.|''[[The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún]]'', "Völsungskviða en nýja", ''Upphaf'' v.14}}<br />
<br />
However, although Tolkien himself recognized the influence of Ragnarök, he explained that the last battle of his Mythology "''is not much like it''":<ref name=Letter131></ref> Ragnarök tells the destruction of both giants and gods, and the Nordic conception of the world implied a the beginning of a [[:Wikipedia:Ragnarök#Cyclic_time_and_Hoddmímis_holt|new cycle]], so the final victory of Good against Evil of the [[Legendarium]] is closer to the Christian Apocalypse. In the [[:Wikipedia:Book of Revelation|Book of Revelation]] is explained how there will be a [[:Wikipedia:War in Heaven|great battle]] between [[:Wikipedia:Michael (archangel)|Michael]] and his angels versus Satan, called "the dragon" (vv. 12:7-9), resembling the [[War of Wrath]]. The dragon will be cast down, bound and expel into the abyss for a thousand years (vv. 20:1-3), just like Morgoth was thrust to the [[Void]]. At the end of the thousand years (a Jewish symbol of a very long time), Satan will be released and deceive the world, and make war on God. Then he will be cast down again, this time permanently (vv. 20:7-10); similarly, Morgoth is defeated for last time, although the angelic nature of Satan does not allow him to be killed. After the old heaven and earth had been destroyed, a new and definitive world will be made (vv. 21:1ss).<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Prophecy of the North]] (the "First" Prophecy of Mandos)<br />
*[[Arda Marred]]<br />
*[[Arda Healed]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/03/19/why-did-tolkien-leave-out-the-second-prophecy-of-mandos/ Why Did Tolkien Leave Out the Second Prophecy of Mandos?] by [[Michael Martinez]] <br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRfrAokhP9E Short fanfilm by Willow Productions]<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Oaths and Prophecies]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]<br />
[[de:Dagor Dagorath]]<br />
[[fi:Dagor Dagorath]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=308238First War2019-11-03T14:18:56Z<p>Theoden1: Pic entry tweak</p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous= None<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image= [[http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/File:DA4C5C1A-5FF9-4891-9C37-00E036F9C537.jpeg|300ipx]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar<br />
| side2=Melkor and Maiar<br />
| commanders1=[[Manwë]]<br />
| commanders2=[[Melkor]]<br />
}}<br />
The '''First War''' was a titanic struggle between the [[Valar]] and [[Melkor]] at the beginning of [[Arda]] for its dominion.<ref name=ainu/><br />
==Prelude==<br />
When [[Ainur]] came to [[Arda]], before it was fully formed and anything dwelt, [[Melkor]] claimed it for himself. [[Manwë]] denied this, as it is the labour of the [[Ainur]]. Many [[spirits (creatures)|spirits]], including [[Varda]]<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref>, came to Manwe's side from the deeps of [[Ea]].<ref name=ainu>{{S|I}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==The War==<br />
Numerous undocumented battles began for the dominion of Arda.<ref name=ainu/><br />
<br />
While the [[Valar]] formed Arda, Melkor undid or marred whatever they made, demolishing mountains they created, raising up their valleys and spilling their seas, ever hindering their plans.<ref name=ainu/> Melkor mostly ruined the works of [[Aulë]] suffered most, and he grew weary repairing the damage and tumults by Melkor.<ref name=vala/> <br />
<br />
Presumably it was during that War that [[Ossë]] and [[Sauron]] were ensnared by Melkor.<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref><ref>{{S|IId}}</ref><br />
<br />
Melkor prevailed for ages until news of the War reached far in heaven where other spirits remained. Learning of the War, [[Tulkas]] finally descended to Arda in [[Valian Years|Valian Year]] 1499. Hearing his mighty laughter, Melkor fled before Tulkas's anger and escaped beyond the [[Walls of Night]].<ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Aftermath===<br />
The result of the War was that [[Arda Marred|Arda was marred]]. The completion of the world was hindered and its plan was altered. There was peace for a long time and thenceforth Tulkas was counted among the Valar. Tulkas and Aulë labored much to restore Arda and extinguish the fires.<ref name=s1/><br />
<br />
[[Aulë]] created the [[Two Lamps]] for the illumination of all Arda and the vegetation of [[Yavanna]], who planted her seeds that sprouted. The earth was filled with plants from mosses to large trees in the [[Spring of Arda]].<ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Melkor forsook Arda and brooded in the outer darkness for some time, and held a hatred of Tulkas forever after.<br />
<br />
Of that primordial duel the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it.<ref name=ainu/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In Tolkien's latest writings where Arda was a [[Round World version of the Silmarillion|round world]] from its beginning, this period of fire and cataclysm is said to correspond roughly with the earth's primeval epochs before this world became habitable for organic life. During these battles, it is said, the earth was given its elliptic orbit and the Moon broke away from the earth, both of which were caused by Melkor, though another version tells that the Valar wrought the Moon from the earth to counteract the night when Melkor was most active.<ref>{{MR|Myths}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=308237First War2019-11-03T14:14:57Z<p>Theoden1: Lightning pic addition</p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous= None<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image= [[http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/File:DA4C5C1A-5FF9-4891-9C37-00E036F9C537.jpeg]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar<br />
| side2=Melkor and Maiar<br />
| commanders1=[[Manwë]]<br />
| commanders2=[[Melkor]]<br />
}}<br />
The '''First War''' was a titanic struggle between the [[Valar]] and [[Melkor]] at the beginning of [[Arda]] for its dominion.<ref name=ainu/><br />
==Prelude==<br />
When [[Ainur]] came to [[Arda]], before it was fully formed and anything dwelt, [[Melkor]] claimed it for himself. [[Manwë]] denied this, as it is the labour of the [[Ainur]]. Many [[spirits (creatures)|spirits]], including [[Varda]]<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref>, came to Manwe's side from the deeps of [[Ea]].<ref name=ainu>{{S|I}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==The War==<br />
Numerous undocumented battles began for the dominion of Arda.<ref name=ainu/><br />
<br />
While the [[Valar]] formed Arda, Melkor undid or marred whatever they made, demolishing mountains they created, raising up their valleys and spilling their seas, ever hindering their plans.<ref name=ainu/> Melkor mostly ruined the works of [[Aulë]] suffered most, and he grew weary repairing the damage and tumults by Melkor.<ref name=vala/> <br />
<br />
Presumably it was during that War that [[Ossë]] and [[Sauron]] were ensnared by Melkor.<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref><ref>{{S|IId}}</ref><br />
<br />
Melkor prevailed for ages until news of the War reached far in heaven where other spirits remained. Learning of the War, [[Tulkas]] finally descended to Arda in [[Valian Years|Valian Year]] 1499. Hearing his mighty laughter, Melkor fled before Tulkas's anger and escaped beyond the [[Walls of Night]].<ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Aftermath===<br />
The result of the War was that [[Arda Marred|Arda was marred]]. The completion of the world was hindered and its plan was altered. There was peace for a long time and thenceforth Tulkas was counted among the Valar. Tulkas and Aulë labored much to restore Arda and extinguish the fires.<ref name=s1/><br />
<br />
[[Aulë]] created the [[Two Lamps]] for the illumination of all Arda and the vegetation of [[Yavanna]], who planted her seeds that sprouted. The earth was filled with plants from mosses to large trees in the [[Spring of Arda]].<ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Melkor forsook Arda and brooded in the outer darkness for some time, and held a hatred of Tulkas forever after.<br />
<br />
Of that primordial duel the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it.<ref name=ainu/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In Tolkien's latest writings where Arda was a [[Round World version of the Silmarillion|round world]] from its beginning, this period of fire and cataclysm is said to correspond roughly with the earth's primeval epochs before this world became habitable for organic life. During these battles, it is said, the earth was given its elliptic orbit and the Moon broke away from the earth, both of which were caused by Melkor, though another version tells that the Valar wrought the Moon from the earth to counteract the night when Melkor was most active.<ref>{{MR|Myths}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gondor&diff=308181Gondor2019-10-26T13:40:33Z<p>Theoden1: /* The War of the Last Alliance */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{kingdom<br />
| image=[[File:Abe Papakhian - Minas Tirith.jpg|250px]]<br />
| name=Gondor<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=South-kingdom, Stoningland<br />
| location=South of [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]<br />
| capital=[[Osgiliath]] ({{SA|3320}} - {{TA|1640}})<br/>[[Minas Tirith]] (from {{TA|1640}})<br />
| towns=[[Pelargir]], [[Calembel]], [[Dol Amroth]], [[Erech]], [[Linhir]]<br/>Formerly: [[Minas Morgul|Minas Ithil]]<br />
| regions=[[Anórien]], [[Ithilien]], [[Lossarnach]], [[Lebennin]], [[Belfalas]], [[Dor-en-Ernil]], [[Lamedon]], [[Anfalas]]<br/>Formerly: [[Calenardhon]], [[Harondor]]<br />
| population=[[Gondorians]]<br>[[Middle Men]] (mostly [[Northmen]])<br>Few [[Elves]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Gondor Sindarin]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| govern1=[[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]/[[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]]<br />
| govern2=Later [[Ruling Steward]]<br />
| govern3=[[Council of Gondor]]<br />
| currency=[[Castar]]<br />
| holiday=[[Cormarë]] (Fourth Age)<br />
| precededby=[[Númenor]]<br />
| event1=Founded<br />
| event1date={{SA|3320}}<br />
| event2=Great Plague <br />
| event2date={{TA|1636}}<br />
| event3=First Steward<br />
| event3date={{TA|2050}}<br />
| event4=Rohan&nbsp;formed<br />
| event4date={{TA|2510}}<br />
| event5=Kings return<br />
| event5date={{TA|3019}}<br />
| followedby=[[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea!<br>West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center><br />
<br />
'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom'''<ref name="OtRoP"/> of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
=== Early History ===<br />
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population and settlements, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]]<ref name="UTD">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year {{SA|2350|n}} of the [[Second Age]].<br />
<br />
The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] colonists. Those north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them, being an heir of the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnie]]. South of the Great River, however, there were also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]], descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who opposed the Faithful and therefore did not recognize Elendil's claim. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The White Tree'']]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur took the area then known as [[Arnen]] (later [[Ithilien]])<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref> and built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Mordor|Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its burning. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital, from which they jointly reigned; these three cities also housed three of the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.<br />
<br />
=== First Conflict with Sauron ===<br />
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signalled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.<br />
<br />
=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched south-east from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain in the process.<ref name="OtRoP">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===<br />
====Rebuilding====<br />
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in [[Minas Ithil]], and brought to Minas Anor (later known as Minas Tirith), and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref><br />
<br />
==== Gondor Prospers ====<br />
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.<br />
<br />
==== Gondor's Golden Age ====<br />
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA1050.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|1050}}]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-kings]]": [[Tarannon Falastur]], [[Eärnil I]], [[Ciryandil]], and [[Hyarmendacil I]].<br />
<br />
The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on the Gondorian nobility, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. The ship was last seen passing [[Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">{{UT|Istari}}, note 7</ref> Because he exiled his wife, Tarannon died childless, and the kingship went to his nephew Eärnil I. But not all went ill for Tarannon. Around {{TA|830}}, Tarannon captured the land of Harandor, and took the name Falastur, meaning Lord of Coasts.<br />
<br />
But Gondor was not the supreme lord of the coasts as Tarannon boasted, the haven of [[Umbar]] stood in their way of complete domination. So in 933, Eärnil I defeated the Umbarim, seizing control of the seas. Even though Gondor held unrivaled control of the seas, Eärnil I was lost at sea and was never seen again. The exiled nobility of Umbar sought to depose the newly established Gondorian control of Umbar. They mustered a Haradrim army and besieged the city. In hopes of relieving the siege, Ciryandil I led an army into Harad, but in 1149 he died fighting the Haradrim.<br />
<br />
In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign, Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]]; south to the [[Harnen]] and all the coast up to the cape of [[Umbar]]; as far north as [[Celebrant]]; and west towards [[Greyflood]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might. The [[Men of the Vales of Anduin]] as well as the Haradrim acknowledged its authority and overlordship, with the Kings of Harad paying homage.<ref name="Gondor"/><br />
<br />
[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor following a great victory over the [[Easterlings]] in {{TA|1248}}.<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Decline of Gondor ===<br />
After Rómendacil II's reign, decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]. <br />
<br />
==== The Kin-strife ====<br />
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and Eldacar fled north. Castamir was afterwards known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.<br />
<br />
==== The Great Plague ====<br />
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.<br />
<br />
==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====<br />
The first invasion of the Wainriders began {{TA|1856}} during the reign of King [[Narmacil II]], following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague. The spirit of Sauron in the East stirred up the forces of the Wainriders to attack the lands of Gondor and her allies. The Wainriders were stronger than any other horde of Easterlings before, and so in 1856, on the fields of Rhovanion, the Wainriders defeated the forces of Gondor and the Northmen, killing [[Narmacil II]] and enslaving Rhovanion. During the enslavement of Rhovannion, the Nazgûl entered Mordor. But the Gondorians would not sit idle, while their allies to the north were suffering under the Wainriders. In 1899 Kingn Calimehtar led a revot in Rhovanion, and defeated the Wainriders in the Battle of Dagorlad. <br />
<br />
{{TA|1940}} The King [[Ondoher]] took council with [[Araphant]] the king of [[Arthedain]]. The kings realized that one force was beset on destroying the kingdoms of the [[Dunedain]]. For a long time it had lain dormant, but in the weakness of both kingdoms, it attacked. The Kingdoms allied against the power, and Prince [[Arvedui]] of Arthedain married Firiel the daughter of Ondoher. <br />
<br />
After licking their wounds for 45 years the Wainriders returned with allies from Khand and Harad {{TA|1944}}. The Wainriders came in the north from Rhovanion and the men of Harad and Khand attacked from the South. The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but in the south Gondor defeated the Southrons at the River Poros. Their Captain Eärnil gathered the remnants of the northern army, and went north to challenge the Wainriders. In the [[Battle of the Camp]] Eärnil surprised the Wainriders, while they were celebrating their victory.<br />
<br />
=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===<br />
==== Reunification Rejected ====<br />
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. Prince [[Arvedui]], son of King [[Araphant]] of [[Arthedain]] and Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The Council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.<br />
<br />
<br />
Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].<br />
<br />
==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====<br />
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall". <br />
<br />
Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].<br />
<br />
=== The Stewards of Gondor ===<br />
==== The Ruling Stewards ====<br />
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.<br />
<br />
==== Cirion and Eorl ====<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'']]<br />
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].<br />
<br />
Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|2710}} King [[Déor]] asked the help of [[Egalmoth (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Egalmoth]] to drive off the [[Dunlendings]] from the occupied [[Ring of Isengard]], but a renewed war against the Orcs prevented the Steward from fulfilling the Oath.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Southern Gondor was assailed by three great fleets from Umbar and Harad and [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Beren]] spent much of his rule fighting the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. In the meantime, during the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758}} - {{TA|2759|n}}, Rohan came under attack from the Dunlendings, so neither nation could help the other, until captain Beregond, Beren's son, repeled the invaders. Therefore when [[Saruman]] suddenly appeared and requested leave to dwell in [[Isengard]], Beren gladly gave the [[Wizard]] the [[key of Orthanc]]. By the time of Beregond, Gondor started recovering its strength.<ref name="Stewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon the death of [[Belecthor]], the [[White Tree of Gondor]] also died, but was left standing "until the King comes".<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 206</ref><br />
<br />
In {{TA|2885}}, when Ithilien was invaded in great strength, King [[Folcwine]] of Rohan fulfilled the Oath and sent many men to Gondor. With their aid Steward [[Túrin II]] won a victory at the [[Crossings of Poros]]. Since then, Gondor withdrew from Ithilien and only the [[Rangers of Ithilien]] remained with special refuges for them, and a fortification on Cair Andros.<ref name="Gondor"/><br />
<br />
It was near the end of [[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)|Turgon]]'s rule, in {{TA|2951}}, when [[Sauron]] declared himself openly in [[Mordor]]; he gathered his power there, and began rebuilding [[Barad-dûr]].<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> [[Ecthelion II]] strengthened [[Pelargir]] and refortified [[Cair Andros]].<ref name="Elendil"/> Under his service, the stranger [[Thorongil]], severely damaged the Corsairs' fleet at Umbar in a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|surprise attack]].<ref name="Stewards"/><br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Ring]]===<br />
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA3019.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|3019}}]]<br />
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war, though with heavy losses.<ref name="tBotPF">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> The combined army of the West then carried the battle to Sauron at the Battle of the Morannon, a feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo Baggins's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, thus causing Sauron's destruction and the allies' ultimate victory.<br />
<br />
After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor. <br />
<br />
[[Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">{{L|244}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Geography==<br />
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
===Regions===<br />
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:<br />
* [[Ithilien]], the lands across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith<br />
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith]] and north of Ered Nimrais<br />
* [[Lossarnach]], in the mountain vales south-west of Minas Tirith <br />
* [[Lebennin]], the land between Lossarnach and the Bay of Belfalas <br />
* [[Belfalas]], peninsula jutting out from the southern coast of Gondor <br />
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]<br />
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]<br />
* [[Ringló Vale]], between Lamedon and Belfalas<br />
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west<br />
* [[Morthond]], south of Erech<br />
*[[Pinnath Gelin]], the hills north of Anfalas and east of the river Lefnui<br />
* [[Ethir Anduin]], south of the mouths of the Anduin<br />
<br />
The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.<br />
<br />
Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:<br />
* [[South Gondor]], which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]<br />
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan<br />
* [[Enedwaith]], the timberlands of Gondor, which were never really populated and soon abandoned<br />
* [[Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age<br />
* [[Umbar]], which was retaken by the Corsairs of Umbar and the Haradrim<br />
* [[Haradwaith]], tributary of Gondor for a while<br />
<br />
===Cities===<br />
Cities in Gondor included:<br />
* [[Calembel]]<br />
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas<br />
* [[Linhir]]<br />
* [[Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings<br />
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age<br />
* [[Pelargir]]<br />
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref><br />
<br />
===Fortresses and outposts===<br />
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:<br />
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons<br />
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]<br />
* The Gondorian fortress later known as [[Hornburg]], guarding the [[Helm's Deep]]<br />
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor<br />
* The [[Tower of Cirith Ungol|fortress]] guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]<br />
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]<br />
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians<br />
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]<br />
* [[Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times<br />
<br />
==Languages==<br />
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lay in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[2 November|November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[25 April|April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[17 December|December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondie'', ''Hyallondie'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[londie]]'' and ''[[lonnas]]'' mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref><br />
<br />
The name '''Gondor''' was likely adopted from the lesser people's terminology<ref name="L324">{{L|324}}</ref> and translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the words ''[[gond]]'', "stone", and ''(n)[[dor]]'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonóre''.<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42}}</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath. <br />
<br />
In [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''' (a modernization of [[Old English]] ''Stāning-(land)''<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 776</ref>),<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">{{RK|Ride}}</ref><br />
==Inspiration==<br />
The history and civilization of Gondor has been compared to historical elements of the real world.<br />
===Italy===<br />
[[Letter to Jennifer Brookes-Smith (28 July 1955)|Writing in a letter]] about an impending trip in [[1955]], Tolkien identified Gondor as [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]].<ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 462</ref><br />
===Egypt===<br />
[[Tolkien]] himself likened Gondor in a degree to ancient Egypt, in terms of how Gondorians constructed gigantic stone structures, and the [[Crown of Gondor]] being similar to the [[Wikipedia:Pschent|crown of the Pharaohs of Egypt]].<ref>{{L|211}}, p. 281</ref> Notably, some "scholars" claimed that ancient Egypt was a colony of [[Atlantis]],<ref>[[Wikipedia:Ignatius L. Donnelly|Ignatius L. Donnelly]], [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4032 Atlantis: The Antediluvian World] (1882), Part V, Chapter II: The Egyptian Colony</ref> much like how Gondor was a survival of Númenor (although it is unknown if Tolkien considered this aspect).<br />
===Byzantine Empire===<br />
In online discussions, many [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]] have entertained the idea that Gondor is comparable to the [[Wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|Byzantine Empire]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.middleearthcenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21307|articlename=Gondor -> Byzantine Empire|dated=|website=[http://www.middleearthcenter.com/ Middle-earth Center]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=229914|articlename=Is Gondor Constantinople?|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.thephora.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12555|articlename=Gondor = Byzantium?|dated=|website=[http://www.thephora.net/forum/index.php The Phora]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref> and Tolkien himself referred to Minas Tirith as a "Byzantine City".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 570</ref> Some of the parallels noted between Gondor and the Byzantine Empire are:<ref>Miryam Librán-Moreno, "'Byzantium, New Rome!': Goths, Langobards, and Byzantium in ''The Lord of the Rings''", in ''[[Tolkien and the Study of His Sources]]'' (edited by [[Jason Fisher]]</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Tom Simon|articleurl=http://www.bondwine.com/essays/38/gondor.html|articlename=Gondor, Byzantium, and Feudalism|dated=13 March 2010|website=[http://www.bondwine.com/ Bondwine]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
Gondor is the south-eastern portion of [[Elendil]]'s original kingdom. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern remnant of the Roman Empire. The [[Wikipedia:Western Roman Empire|Western Roman Empire]] eventually withered and dissolved, like [[Arnor]], while the Byzantine Empire endured, although in declined state. Their geographical role is also comparable as the Byzantine Empire encircled the Mediterranean while Gondor occupied the region around the [[Bay of Belfalas]]; both were threatened by [[Easterlings|eastern]] and [[Haradrim|southern]] adversaries. The Byzantine Empire absorbed several "barbaric" peoples like the Wends and Slavs, much like Gondor did with the [[Northmen]] and other [[Middle Men]]. <br />
<br />
As a final note, the last Byzantine Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Constantine_XI_Palaiologos#Legacy|Constantine XI]], remained in legend and folklore as the [[Wikipedia:King in the mountain|"Marble King"]] whose messianic ressurection and return would signal the restoration of the Empire. This parallels the fate of [[Earnur]] and Gondor's interregnum period until the "Return of the [[Aragorn|King]]" who [[Reunited Kingdom|restored the Kingdom]]. However unlike the Byzantine Empire, Gondor did not fall.<br />
{{references}}<br />
{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
[[Category:Gondor| ]]<br />
[[Category:Regions]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Gondor]]<br />
[[fi:Gondor]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Powers&diff=254894Battle of the Powers2014-09-13T20:02:02Z<p>Theoden1: Undo revision 252056 by Mith (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
| name=Battle of the Powers<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| conflict=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| date={{YT|1090}}-{{YT|1092}}<br />
| place=Northwest of Middle Earth<br />
| result=Victory for Valian forces<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of [[Valinor]]<br />
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}} <br />
* [[Sauron]]<br />
| forces1= Valian forces of Aman<br />
| forces2= Balrogs, Orcs, creatures of Melkor<br />
| casual1= Unknown, probably light<br />
| casual2= Heavy<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of the Powers''' was the great battle between the [[Valar]] and [[Morgoth|Melkor]] that took place soon after the awakening of the [[Elves]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The battle was fought mainly because the Elves awakened, and needed deliverance from Melkor's interference. The forces of Valinor easily triumphed in this battle. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was driven from Middle Earth back to his fortress of [[Utumno]], and a guard was placed over [[Cuiviénen]] to protect the newly-awakened Firstborn from his evil influence. However, this battle marred the area upon which it was fought. Its landscape was changed forever.<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Krieg der Mächte]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Mittelö]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Last_Alliance&diff=254836War of the Last Alliance2014-09-12T00:20:02Z<p>Theoden1: /* Opening Stages */ - sp</p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
| next= [[Angmar War]]<br />
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance Elves.jpg|275px]]<br />
| name= War of the Last Alliance<br />
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region<br />
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring<br />
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
| begin= {{SA|3429}}<br />
| end= {{SA|3441}}<br />
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], and [[Dwarves]]<br />
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], probably [[Haradrim]], [[Nazgûl]], and other creatures of Sauron|<br />
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|<br />
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Elrond]]<br />
* [[Oropher]] † <br />
* [[Amdír]] †<br />
[[Image:Tree_icon2.jpg]] [[Elendil]] † <br />
* [[Isildur]] <br />
* [[Anárion]] †<br />
| commanders2= <br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge on them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.<br />
<br />
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opening Stages===<br />
<br />
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surprise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Dúnedain attack in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']]<br />
In 3431 the Elves of Lindon led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign. <br />
The host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives|Entwives']] gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance' forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ==<br />
<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Elrond 2.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Elrond]] leads the Elven forces]]<br />
<br />
On the great plain near the [[Black Gate]], the forces of the Last Alliance at last confronted the black legions of Mordor, joined by Anárion's forces from the south.<br />
<br />
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref>{{UT|6b}}</ref>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.<br />
<br />
This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in this times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible and wrath. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.<br />
<br />
== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ==<br />
<br />
The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>.<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Isildur 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Isildur seizes [[the One Ring]]]]<br />
<br />
In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
==Aftermath==<br />
<br />
The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Elrond 3.jpg|thumb|250px|Elrond leads the way to the [[Crack of Doom]]]]<br />
While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.<br />
<br />
While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* '''[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]''' (political information)<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Last_Alliance&diff=254544War of the Last Alliance2014-09-08T19:00:59Z<p>Theoden1: /* Prelude */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
| next= [[Angmar War]]<br />
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance Elves.jpg|275px]]<br />
| name= War of the Last Alliance<br />
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region<br />
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring<br />
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
| begin= {{SA|3429}}<br />
| end= {{SA|3441}}<br />
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], and [[Dwarves]]<br />
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], probably [[Haradrim]], [[Nazgûl]], and other creatures of Sauron|<br />
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|<br />
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Elrond]]<br />
* [[Oropher]] † <br />
* [[Amdír]] †<br />
[[Image:Tree_icon2.jpg]] [[Elendil]] † <br />
* [[Isildur]] <br />
* [[Anárion]] †<br />
| commanders2= <br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> on them. In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.<br />
<br />
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opening Stages===<br />
<br />
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surpise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Dúnedain attack in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']]<br />
In 3431 the Elves of Lindon led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign. <br />
The host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives|Entwives']] gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance' forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ==<br />
<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Elrond 2.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Elrond]] leads the Elven forces]]<br />
<br />
On the great plain near the [[Black Gate]], the forces of the Last Alliance at last confronted the black legions of Mordor, joined by Anárion's forces from the south.<br />
<br />
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref>{{UT|6b}}</ref>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.<br />
<br />
This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in this times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible and wrath. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.<br />
<br />
== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ==<br />
<br />
The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>.<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Isildur 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Isildur seizes [[the One Ring]]]]<br />
<br />
In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
==Aftermath==<br />
<br />
The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.<br />
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Elrond 3.jpg|thumb|250px|Elrond leads the way to the [[Crack of Doom]]]]<br />
While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.<br />
<br />
While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* '''[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]''' (political information)<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Second_battle_of_Dagorlad&diff=233299Second battle of Dagorlad2013-09-17T02:03:54Z<p>Theoden1: Stub tag</p>
<hr />
<div>{{stub}}<br />
{{unnamed}}<br />
The '''Second Battle of Dagorlad''' was a battle in the [[Third Age]]. King [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]] of [[Gondor]] defeated the [[Easterlings|Easterling]] army on the [[Dagorlad]], the site of the [[Battle of Dagorlad|legendary battle]] where Sauron was routed.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_de_dagorlad]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Elves_and_Sauron&diff=233259War of the Elves and Sauron2013-09-15T22:59:01Z<p>Theoden1: /* The Battle of the Gwathló */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{expansion}}<br />
{{War<br />
|previous=[[Wars of Beleriand]]<br />
|next=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
|image=[[Image:Eregion-map.gif]]<br />
|name=War of the Elves and Sauron<br />
|begin=1693 SA<br />
|end=1701 SA<br />
|place=Eriador<br />
|result=Eregion destroyed, Sauron defeated and driven from Eriador<br />
|battles=[[Sack of Eregion]], [[First Siege of Imladris]], and [[The Battle of the Gwathló]]<br />
|side1=Noldor and Sindarin Elves, Numenóreans, and Dwarves of Durin's folk<br />
|side2=Orcs, Evil Men, and other creatures of Sauron<br />
|commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon}}<br />
*[[Celebrimbor]] † <br />
*[[Elrond]]<br />
*[[Ciryatur]] <br />
*[[Durin III]]<br />
|commanders2=<br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
}} <br />
The '''War of the Elves and Sauron''' was a great war fought in the [[Second Age]].<br />
<br />
== The War Begins ==<br />
For many years the [[Númenóreans]] brought their ships into Lindon, and they were welcomed. But when [[Gil-galad]] began to fear that Sauron would bring open war into Eriador, he sent messages to [[Númenor]]; and on the shores of Lindon the Númenóreans began to build up a force and supplies for war. When Sauron invaded Eriador in 1695, Gil-galad called Númenor for aid. Then King [[Tar-Minastir]] sent out a great navy; but it was delayed, and did not reach the coasts until the year 1700.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Angus_McBride_-_Celebrimbor.gif|left|thumb|''Celebrimbor'' by Angus McBride.]]<br />
<br />
By that time all of Eriador fell under Sauron's control, save only besieged [[Rivendell|Imladris]], and he reached the line of the river [[Lhûn]]. [[Celebrimbor]] was captured when Ost-in-Edhil fell, and was then later executed by Sauron. He had sent for more forces, which were coming from the south-east, and were in [[Enedwaith]] at the crossing of [[Tharbad]], which was only lightly held. Gil-galad and the Númenóreans were holding the Lhûn in a desperate attempt to defend the [[Grey Havens]], when finally the great army of [[Tar-Minastir]] arrived; and Sauron's host was heavily driven back. The fleets' admiral [[Ciryatur]] sent part of his ships to make a landing farther south.<br />
<br />
[[Sauron]] was driven away south-east after a great slaughter at [[Sarn Ford]]; and though strengthened by his force at Tharbad he suddenly found a host of Númenóreans to his rear, for Ciryatur's detachment of ships landed at the mouth of the [[Gwathló]], where there was the small harbor of [[Lond Daer| Vinyalondë]]. <br />
<br />
<br />
== [[The Battle of the Gwathló]] ==<br />
In this battle Sauron was utterly routed and narrowly escaped. The remnants of his army were assailed in eastern [[Calenardhon]], and with only a bodyguard he fled to what was later called [[Dagorlad]], where broken and humiliated he returned to [[Mordor]], and vowed vengeance against Númenór. The host that was besieging Imladris was caught between [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]], and totally destroyed. [[Eriador]] was cleansed of enemies but lay largely in ruins.<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "''The Tale of Years (Appendix B)''"<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Angmar_War&diff=233258Angmar War2013-09-15T22:36:02Z<p>Theoden1: Cleanup/links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{War<br />
| previous=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
| next=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
| name=Angmar War <br />
| image=<br />
| begin={{TA|1409}}<br />
| end={{TA|1974}} (fighting finally ended in {{TA|1977}})<br />
| place=[[Arnor]], [[Angmar]], [[The Shire]], [[Rivendell]], Northwest [[Wilderland]]<br />
<br />
| result=destruction of the kingdoms of Arnor and Angmar, decline of the [[Dúnedain of the North]], the Eótheód take the upper Vales of the Anduin as their own from the remnants of Angmar.<br />
| battles=[[Arnorian Civil War]], [[First Invasion of Angmar]], [[Fall of Cardolan]], [[Fall of Amon Sûl]], [[Weather Hills skirmishes]], [[Second Siege of Imladris]], [[Fall of Fornost]], [[Battle of Fornost]], [[Eótheód Incursion]].<br />
|side1=Arnor, Lindon, Rivendell, Gondor, Shire, Khazad-dûm, the Eótheód.<br />
|side2=Angmar, Gundabad, Misty Mountains, Rhudaur, Ettenmoors.<br />
|commanders1=<br />
* King Argeleb I<br />
* King Arvedui <br />
* Eárnur<br />
* [[Elrond]], [[Círdan]], Princes of Cardolan.<br />
|commanders2=The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], Hill-men lords, Orc chieftains.<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''Angmar War''' was a centuries-long struggle between the Northern [[Dúnedain]] kingdom and the forces of [[Angmar]], led by the [[Witch-king]]. <br />
==Prelude==<br />
[[Image:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|left|thumb|''The Witch King'' by Eliot Gould]] Arnor's greatest enemy in the north by the middle of the Third Age was Angmar, ruled by the [[Witch-king|Witch King of Angmar]]. During the reign of [[Malvegil]] (c. {{TA|1300}}), this new power arose beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. This land became populated with the [[Orcs]] and [[Men of Darkness]], and began attacking [[Rhudaur]] and [[Cardolan]]. Eventually this Witch-king was identified as in fact the chief of [[Ringwraiths]]. Years later, [[Argeleb I]] of [[Arthedain]], reasserted control over [[Cardolan]], and fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]]. Despite this action, Argeleb fell in battle with Angmar and its ally, [[Rhudaur]]. His son [[Arveleg I]], however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and drove the enemy back. He held this frontier in force for quite some years successfully.<br />
<br />
By {{TA|1409}}, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] had realised that [[Cardolan]] was [[Arthedain]]'s strongest ally and as long as it stood, so would Arthedain. A direct assault on Cardolan would probably result in disaster as Arthedain would have probably issued from the [[Weather Hills]] and struck Angmar's army in the rear or flank.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Angmar was compelled to launch an all out assault against the remnants of Arnor, using several forces, one to [[Second Siege of Imladris|besiege]] [[Rivendell]] to prevent it from sending aid to Arnor, and through blocking Rivendell, also blocking reinforcements from [[Lothlórien|Lórien]]. An army to tie up Arthedain along the Weather Hills and Amon Sul, and a final army to destroy Cardolan. <br />
<br />
Angmar's attack was highly successful. Rivendell was successfully besieged, and Arthedain was hard pressed along the length of the hills. <br />
==History==<br />
In 1409 the Witch-King led a great host across the river [[Hoarwell]] against land of [[Cardolan]], after being beaten back out of the lands of the [[Dúnedain]] many years before. <br />
<br />
When the forces of Angmar reached [[Weathertop]], the main defensive outpost in the [[Weather Hills]] and northern Cardolan, they besieged it, until they broke through. The attackers subsequently burned and razed the fortress to the ground. King [[Arveleg I]] was killed, and some of the Dúnedain retreated and escaped to Fornost with the [[Amon Sûl-stone|Palantír of Amon Sûl]] that was stationed there.<br />
<br />
With it gone the Witch-King was able to take and ravage Cardolan, as well as consolidate his new conquests in [[Rhudaur]], which his [[Hill Men]] allies and subjects had taken, as well as launch attacks against the whole of [[Arthedain]]. With Arthedain's forces pinned down or routing towards [[Fornost]], Angmar's last army moved into Cardolan, which was a wide and open land, with little to no natural barriers. <br />
<br />
It is probable that the Prince of Cardolan gathered what men he could quickly, rather than mustering his entire army, so Angmar's advance could be stopped and Cardolan's agricultural lands would not be laid waste. The Prince attacked, failed and was killed in the process. However, he did enough damage to Angmar so that it lacked the strength to capture [[Barrow-downs|Tyrn Gorthad]], Cardolan's capital in the [[Barrow Downs]].<br />
<br />
However, despite permanently ending the Cardolan threat, Angmar was unable to ride its momentum, and was driven away from the city of [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]] by the forces of the new King [[Araphor]] and Lord [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]].<br />
<br />
Overall, the campaign was a huge success for Angmar. No longer was Arnor an unbreakable wall of defenses. Although the [[Second Siege of Imladris]] was broken and Arthedain routed Angmar with the help of [[Lindon]], Angmar had destroyed Amon Sül, Arthedain's chief defence in the Weather Hills, and Cardolan was on the verge of destruction and highly vulnerable.<br />
===The Plague===<br />
Another threat appeared to the northern successor kingdoms, a [[Great Plague|major plague]] from the east, in the vicinity of the [[Sea of Rhûn]], northeast of [[Mordor]]. This plague, which affected [[Rhovanion]] and barely western Gondor, spread northwards to [[Cardolan]]. <br />
<br />
In Cardolan, it struck severely, wiping out the last of Dúnedain at the [[Barrow-downs]]. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area. The Hobbits of the Shire were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.<br />
<br />
Since Rhudaur had fallen under Angmar's control, this left Arthedain without any allies that could aid them to a great extent. In {{TA|1973}} Arnor sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] that they were in great straits, and that Angmar was preparing it final assault. The King sent his son Prince [[Eärnur]], with a fleet of ships to [[Lindon]] to aid Arnor but would not arrive in time. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|1974}} Angmar amassed its forces and launched a final assault on Arthedain. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather and [[Fall of Fornost|took]] Arthedain's capital [[Fornost]]. The remnants of it's forces fled west over the river Lune to the realm of Lindon and Arvedui was lost in the [[Icebay of Forochel]]-- he later died when his ship sank in a storm.<br />
<br />
==Aftermath==<br />
[[File:Earnur RotWK.png|thumb|Earnur of Gondor]]<br />
The [[Witch-king]] took the throne in the king's palace, until a year later in {{TA|1975}} when Eärnur arrived in much joy and wonder among Elves and Men. There were so many ships that the fleet filled [[Forlond]], [[Harlond]], and the [[Grey Havens]]; and from them came a large host of Gondor and [[Rhovanion (realm)|Rhovanion]]. Círdan summoned Elves and the remnants of the Dúnedain of the North and marched north across the [[Lune]], to challenge the Witch-king in Fornost.<br />
<br />
The Allies passed of over the southern Hills of [[Evendim]] when they were met by the forces of Angmar in the plains between [[Nenuial]] and Fornost. A [[Battle of Fornost|great battle]] began, and when Angmar forces began to retreat back to Fornost when out of the north came the main body of the Allies' horsemen (which had passed around the hills) and scattered in a rout. The Witch-king fled north to the lands of Angmar but was overtaken by the cavalry of Gondor led by Prince Eärnur and a force from Rivendell led by [[Glorfindel]]. No Man or Orc of that realm remained west of the [[Misty Mountains]]. Angmar was obliterated but the Witch-King fled east over the [[Misty Mountains]].<br />
<br />
Arnor was destroyed as a kingdom, though the [[Dúnedain of Arnor]] continued on through the [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains]]. <br />
<br />
Fornost was not resettled after the war. It became a deserted place, feared by the men of [[Bree]], who called it Deadmen's Dike. Not until a thousand years later after the [[War of the Ring]] under King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] was it re-established.<br />
{{references}}<br />
* {{App|A}}<br />
* {{App|B}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
| list=Major events of [[Middle-earth]]<br />
| dates={{TA|1409}} - {{TA|1974}}<br />
| next=[[Watchful Peace]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=233156First War2013-09-12T21:55:53Z<p>Theoden1: Grammar/sp</p>
<hr />
<div>==The First Conflict==<br />
{{war<br />
| previous= None<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Before Arda was fully formed and any being dwelt there, Melkor tried to frustrate the purpose of Ilúvatar. During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Morgoth|Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the titanic First War against [[Morgoth|Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. The battles fought were unnamed, but numerous. Melkor prevailed for ages, and then at last came a Vala from the far heaven he could not challenge. This was [[Tulkas]] the Strong, and he quickly drove Melkor from Arda, into the [[Outer Darkness]]. It was at this point that Aulë created the two Lamps for the illumination of all Middle Earth. The Valar set them upon high pillars-- [[Illiun]] in the north, and [[Ormal]] in the south. These [[Lamps]] of the Valar filled all of Arda with light. It was then that the seeds [[Yavanna]] had planted sprouted and took root, and the earth was filled with plants from mosses to large trees. <ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=233155First War2013-09-12T21:55:14Z<p>Theoden1: Grammar/sp</p>
<hr />
<div>==The First Conflict==<br />
{{war<br />
| previous= None<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Before Arda was fully formed and any being dwelt there, Melkor tried to frustrate the purpose of Ilúvatar. During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Morgoth|Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the titanic First War against [[Morgoth|Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. The battles fought were unnamed, but numerous. Melkor prevailed for ages, and then at last came a Vala from the far heaven he could not challenge. This was [[Tulkas]] the Strong, and he quickly drove Melkor from Arda, into the [[Outer Darkness]]. It was at this point that Aulë created the two Lamps for the illumination of all Middle Earth. The Valar set them upon high pillars-- [[Illiun]] in the north, and [[Ormal]] in the south. These {{Lamps}} of the Valar filled all of Arda with light. It was then that the seeds [[Yavanna]] had planted sprouted and took root, and the earth was filled with plants from mosses to large trees. <ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Wainrider/Balchoth_War&diff=233154Wainrider/Balchoth War2013-09-12T21:40:22Z<p>Theoden1: Expand tag</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{expansion}}<br />
{{War<br />
| previous=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
| next=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
| name=Wainrider/Balchoth War<br />
| image=<br />
| begin={{TA|1851}}<br />
| end={{TA|2510}}<br />
| place=Calenardhon, Rhovanion, Dagorlad, Ithilien, both banks of River Anduin<br />
| result=Decisive victory for Gondor and the Éothéod<br />
| battles=[[Battle of the Plains]], [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Battle of the Camp]], [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]<br />
| side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan|the Éothéod]]<br />
| side2=Easterling forces: [[Wainriders]] and [[Balchoth]], Northern Orcs<br />
| commanders1=<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Rómendacil I|Tarostar Rómendacil I]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Turambar (King of Gondor)|Turambar]]{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Narmacil II]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]]{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Ondoher]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Earnil II]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Cirion]]{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Rohan transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Eorl]]{{clear}}<br />
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Ecthelion II]] †<br />
| commanders2=<br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Easterling commanders{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:ME-Orcs.png|45px|left]] Unknown Orc commanders<br />
|}}<br />
The '''Wainrider/Balchoth War''' was a long series of battles spread over the first, second and third millennia of the Third Age. The first of these attacks occurred several centuries after the founding of Gondor. During this period, Gondor was under assault from the east by a number of eastern tribes variously referred as [[Wainriders]], [[Easterlings]], and [[Balchoth]]. After some serious setbacks for Gondor, they were at last decisively defeated.<br />
<br />
== Historical Background ==<br />
<br />
Early in the Third Age, c. {{TA|490}}, Easterling tribes began a series of attacks against the southern [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] exile kingdom of Gondor. This first occurred during the reign of King [[Ostoher]], who also rebuilt [[Minas Tirith|Minas Anor]], in c. 490. His successor, [[Rómendacil I]], defeated an Easterling invasion in {{TA}} 500, but was slain in a fresh assault by them in {{TA|541}}. His son, Turambar, once again defeated them, and captured a large area eastwards south of the Sea of Rhûn. Gondor was not troubled by Easterling attacks for centuries afterward, and by the reign of [[Hyarmendacil I|Ciryaher Hyarmendacil]] (c. 1050), Gondor was at the height of its power, controlling wide areas to the south and east.<ref name="B2">{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
<br />
Minalcar, Regent and later King of Gondor, gave the Northmen extensive lands east of Anduin and south of the forest of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<br />
<br />
The Éothéod were a small group of Northmen in the Vales of Anduin during the middle Third Age. They first came to [[Gondor|Gondor's]] notice during the reign of King [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]] of Gondor.<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Calimehtar and Marhwini ==<br />
<br />
King Calimehtar of Gondor had made common cause with Marhwini, lord of the Éothéod, against the Easterling raids. [[Marhwini]] was the son of [[Marhari]], who fell fighting in Gondor's rearguard for Narmacil II at the [[Battle of the Plains]]. Marhwini sent word that the Wainriders were planning raids across the Undeeps into Calenardhon. He added that some of his people, Northmen enslaved near the forest of [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. Calimehtar led his army north through Ithilien, drawing the Easterlings towards him. As they approached the old Dagorlad battlefield, the main Gondorian force made their stand in what became known as the [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]]. Then, a Gondorian cavalry detachment, crossing the Anduin, joined with an [[éored]] led by Marhwini and attacked the Easterlings' flank and rear. <br />
<br />
The Easterling army, under attack from three sides, broke and fled before the allies. Marhwini's mounted forces pursued them across the plains, taunting them about the smoke now rising from their homes to the north. The planned revolt did indeed break out, and caused heavy damage to the Wainriders' camps and storehouses. However, the rebels took heavy casualties from the youths, old men, and young women who were still relatively well armed. In the end, however, the allies were unable to control the eastern regions south of the Forest, and pulled back to the Dagorlad region.<br />
<br />
== Fall of Ondoher ==<br />
[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|left|thumb|''Easterling'' by Olanda Fong-Surdenas]]<br />
<br />
== Cirion and Eorl ==<br />
<br />
<br />
== Aftermath ==<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Kin-Strife]]<br />
| list=Major events of [[Middle-earth]]<br />
| dates={{TA|1851}} - {{TA|2510}}<br />
| next=[[War of the Dwarves and Dragons]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_du_gondor_contre_les_gens-des-chariots]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=233143First War2013-09-12T19:31:54Z<p>Theoden1: /* The First Conflict */</p>
<hr />
<div>==The First Conflict==<br />
{{war<br />
| previous= None<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Before Arda was fully formed and any being dwelt there, Melkor tried to frustrate the purpose of Ilúvatar. During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Morgoth|Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the titanic First War against [[Morgoth|Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. The battles fought were unnamed, but numerous. Melkor prevailed for ages, and then at last came a Vala from the far heaven he could not challenge. This was [[Tulkas]] the Strong, and he quickly drove Melkor from Arda, into the [[Outer Darkness]]. It was at this point that Aulë created the two Lamps for the illumination of all Middle Earth. The Valar set them upon high pillars-- [[Illiun]] in the north, and [[Ormal]] in the south. These Lamps of the Valar filled all of Arda with light. It was then that seed [[Yavanna]] had planted sprouted and took root, and the earth was filled plants from mosses to large trees. <ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Marring_of_the_Spring_of_Arda&diff=233141Marring of the Spring of Arda2013-09-12T19:28:24Z<p>Theoden1: Created page with "{{incomplete}} ===Melkor Attacks=== Melkor eventually threw down the Two Lamps, and caused widespread chaos. Ilúvatar had revealed to the Valar the coming of the [[Elves|..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{incomplete}}<br />
<br />
===Melkor Attacks===<br />
<br />
Melkor eventually threw down the Two Lamps, and caused widespread chaos. [[Ilúvatar]] had revealed to the Valar the coming of the [[Elves|Firstborn Children]], and they were determined to fight to the end. After a war which took ages to wage, the Valar eventually prevailed, and the [[Arda|Earth]] (Arda) slowly took shape.</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Talk:First_War&diff=233140Talk:First War2013-09-12T19:25:55Z<p>Theoden1: </p>
<hr />
<div>This page was created to give a compact description of Arda's first conflict, one that occurred at the foundation of Arda. --{{User:Theoden1/sig}} 16:33, 4 December 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Removed Unnamed tag since this name is given in the text. {{User:Theoden1/sig}} 19:25, 12 September 2013 (UTC)</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Talk:First_War&diff=233139Talk:First War2013-09-12T19:25:06Z<p>Theoden1: Tag removal</p>
<hr />
<div>This page was created to give a compact description of Arda's first conflict, one that occurred at the foundation of Arda. --{{User:Theoden1/sig}} 16:33, 4 December 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Removed Unnamed tag since this name is given in the text. {{User:Theoden1/sig}} {{User:Theoden1/sig}} 19:25, 12 September 2013 (UTC)</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=233137First War2013-09-12T19:23:28Z<p>Theoden1: </p>
<hr />
<div>==The First Conflict==<br />
{{war<br />
| previous=<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Before Arda was fully formed and any being dwelt there, Melkor tried to frustrate the purpose of Ilúvatar. During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Morgoth|Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the titanic First War against [[Morgoth|Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the [[Elves]] knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. The battles fought were unnamed, but numerous. Melkor prevailed for ages, and then at last came a Vala from the far heaven he could not challenge. This was [[Tulkas]] the Strong, and he quickly drove Melkor from Arda, into the [[Outer Darkness]]. It was at this point that Aulë created the two Lamps for the illumination of all Middle Earth. The Valar set them upon high pillars-- [[Illiun]] in the north, and [[Ormal]] in the south. These Lamps of the Valar filled all of Arda with light. It was then that seed [[Yavanna]] had planted sprouted and took root, and the earth was filled plants from mosses to large trees. <ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Erster Krieg]]<br />
[[fi:Ensimmäinen Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Powers&diff=233107Battle of the Powers2013-09-11T17:56:10Z<p>Theoden1: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
| name=Battle of the Powers<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| conflict=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| date={{YT|1090}}-{{YT|1092}}<br />
| place=Northwest of Middle Earth<br />
| result=Victory for Valian forces<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of [[Valinor]]<br />
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}} <br />
* [[Sauron]]<br />
| forces1= Valian forces of Aman<br />
| forces2= Balrogs, Orcs, creatures of Melkor<br />
| casual1= Unknown, probably light<br />
| casual2= Heavy<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of the Powers''' was the great battle between the [[Valar]] and [[Morgoth|Melkor]] that took place soon after the awakening of the [[Elves]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The battle was fought mainly because the Elves awakened, and needed deliverance from Melkor's interference. The forces of Valinor easily triumphed in this battle. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was driven from Middle Earth back to his fortress of [[Utumno]], and a guard was placed over [[Cuiviénen]] to protect the newly-awakened Firstborn from his evil influence. However, this battle marred the area upon which it was fought. Its landscape was changed forever.<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Krieg der Mächte]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Mittelö]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Powers&diff=233106War of the Powers2013-09-11T17:51:30Z<p>Theoden1: /* Prelude */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{war<br />
| previous=[[First War with Melkor]]<br />
| next=[[Wars of Beleriand]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Silmarillion malcolm mcclinton.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=War for Sake of the Elves<br />
| place=North of Aman, northwest Middle Earth<br />
| result= Decisive victory for the [[Valar]], Downfall and [[Chaining of Melkor]]<br />
| battles=[[Battle of the Powers]],[[Siege of Utumno]]<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1090|VY 1090]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1100|VY 1100]]<br />
| side1=Valarian forces of Aman<br />
| side2=Melkor and his servants<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
* [[Sauron]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''War for Sake of the Elves''' was fought by the [[Valar]], under orders from [[Manwë]], the [[Elder King]], against [[Morgoth|Melkor]] to liberate the newly-awakened [[Elves]] from his influence. It culminated in the near-apocalyptic [[Siege of Utumno]], where Melkor was captured, enchained, and imprisoned for three ages of the world.<br />
<br />
== Prelude ==<br />
<br />
After the Fall of the [[Two Lamps]], the Valar held council among themselves and spoke of the message they had received from Eru Ilúvatar of his coming children, the [[Elves]]. [[Yavanna]] noted that the time of their arrival was unknown and they should not leave the lands of their future dwelling unprotected. [[Tulkas]] likewise agreed with the necessity of immediate action.<ref name="Captivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Varda_pablodores_lycos.jpg|left|thumb|''Varda'' by Pablo Dores]]Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he replied that the Children shall come in this age, and the [[Firstborn]] will walk under the stars. [[Varda]] then created other stars to help to light Middle Earth for the coming of the Elves. Using silver dews from [[Telperion]], she created many new stars, including [[Wilwarin]], [[Telemendil]], and others. As a challenge to Melkor, high in the north, she hung the seven stars that make up the [[Sickle of the Valar]]. After Varda's long effort, the Elves, the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar awoke in the starlight by the shores of [[Cuiviénen]], the Water of Awakening.<ref name="Captivity"/><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg|thumb|Orome discovers the Quendi]]<br />
While [[Oromë]] conducted his hunting trips on his great steed [[Nahar]], he heard the newly-born Elves singing. He met them and spent time among them, and yet perceived the influence of Melkor anong them, as they were afraid of him. Oromë reported these findings to the [[Elder King]], who once again called a gathering of all the Valar, even the far-off [[Ulmo]]. He then proclaimed that they "should take up again the mastery of Arda at whatever cost, and deliver the Quendi from the shadow of Melkor".<br />
<br />
== The War Begins: The [[Battle of the Powers]] ==<br />
<br />
The titanic conflict between the Valar and Melkor now began in earnest, with the [[Host of the West]] (Valar) confronting the [[Host of the North]] (Melkor). Melkor would ever remember that this war was begun for the Elves' sake, and it would be burned in his memory. The hosts first clashed in the North-west of Middle Earth, and that region was battered and broken by this collision. The Valar quickly prevailed, driving Melkor off. <br />
<br />
The Elves heard little of the details of the battle. They could feel the earth creaking and groaning under them, and saw bright lights in the North, like those of great fires.<ref name="Captivity"/><br />
<br />
== The [[Siege of Utumno]]==<br />
<br />
Melkor retreated to his great underground fortress of [[Utumno]]. There the Valar besieged him for years, and fought many battles before its gates. It was during this time that the contour of Middle Earth was changed, with the Great Sea being widened. The [[Bay of Balar]] was carved out, and the great river [[Sirion]] came into being. The northern highlands of [[Hithlum]] and [[Dorthonion]], sources of Sirion, were raised up as new mountain ranges. The far north was laid waste, as the Valar's power descended into the deep pits of Utumno. In the end, the pits and halls were unroofed, and [[Tulkas]] wrestled Melkor and cast him down, and bound him with a powerful chain.<br />
<br />
== Aftermath ==<br />
[[File:Roger Garland - Melkor chained.jpg|thumb|''Melkor chained'' by [[Roger Garland]]]]<br />
The [[Valar]], while very powerful, were not omniscient. They failed to find some of the deepest chambers under Utumno and [[Angband]], and Morgoth's lieutenant [[Sauron]] was never captured. Some [[Balrogs]] and other evil creatures hid there, and others dispersed to the far edges of the earth, the Valar's strength too depleted from the lengthy siege to pursue and destroy them. The Valar dragged Melkor back to Valinor for judgment before [[Manwë]], in the [[Máhanaxar|Ring of Doom]].<br />
<br />
In the Ring of Doom, Melkor laid upon his face and begged for mercy from Manwë, but his prayers were denied. He was cast into the prison of Mandos for three ages, after which he would be brought before [[Manwë]] once more. The Valar gathered in council once again, and it was decided, after some debate, to summon the [[Quendi]] (Elves) to Valinor to preserve them from evil influence. Oromë chose ambassadors to accompany him back to Valinor, where they beheld the glory of the Two Trees. Then the [[Great Journey]] began.<ref name="Captivity"/><br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Powers&diff=233105Battle of the Powers2013-09-11T17:45:12Z<p>Theoden1: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
| name=Battle of the Powers<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| conflict=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| date={{YT|1090}}-{{YT|1092}}<br />
| place=Northwest of Middle Earth<br />
| result=Victory for Valian forces<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of [[Valinor]]<br />
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}} <br />
* [[Sauron]]<br />
| forces1= Valian forces of Aman<br />
| forces2= Balrogs, Orcs, creatures of Melkor<br />
| casual1= Unknown, probably light<br />
| casual2= Heavy<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of the Powers''' was the great battle between the [[Valar]] and [[Morgoth|Melkor]] that took place soon after the awakening of the [[Elves]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The battle was fought mainly because the Elves awakened. The forces of Valinor easily triumphed in this battle. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was driven from Middle Earth back to his fortress of [[Utumno]], and a guard was placed over [[Cuiviénen]] to protect the newly-awakened Firstborn from his evil influence. However, this battle marred the area upon which it was fought. Its landscape was changed forever.<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]<br />
[[de:Krieg der Mächte]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Mittelö]]<br />
[[fi:Mahtien Sota]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User_talk:KingAragorn/2013&diff=233063User talk:KingAragorn/20132013-09-08T00:32:56Z<p>Theoden1: /* Current Events */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{talkarchive|2007|2008|2009|2010|2011|2012}}<br />
{{Usertalk}}<br />
<br />
== Artworks by Ivanneth ==<br />
<br />
Hello! You have changed description of artworks by [[Ivanneth (artist)|Ivanneth]] attributing them to me (I am [[Karolina Węgrzyn]]), but that's misunderstanding. All works by Ivanneth I have uploaded do belong to her. You can always verify it at her website: [http://www.geocities.com/ivanneth63/ Ivanneth's portfolio]. I am moving back the changes, Regards! [[User:Sirielle|Sirielle]] 00:52, 30 January 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Many thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 10:44, 9 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Portal:Languages ==<br />
<br />
Shouldn't the Portal:Languages be available from the main page?--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 08:46, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I would like that.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:30, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==English grammar==<br />
I need help on adding an English gloss to the wordlist. Tolkien writes that the meaing of T ''can-'' is "to summons or name a person" (PM:362). To my non-native ears, the verb "to summons" sounds strange -- I would write "to summon ...a person". Do you have an explanation? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:26, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Yes, it does sound odd. The only use of "summons" that I can think of is in relation to a court summons, but that wouldn't really explain it because that would still be a noun. Given that "to summons" appears twice in that footnote it seems intentional. There must be an explanation, but I can't think of one.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 22:44, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Thanks. Hm, perhaps it's an archaic or obsolete usage ... I'll leave it at just "summons" in the wordlist.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:07, 14 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== References template ==<br />
<br />
Hello KA! I've noticed you write <nowiki>{{references}}</nowiki> with all lower-case letters; is there any technical reason why I shouldn't use <nowiki>{{References}}</nowiki>? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:18, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:It doesn't really matter. It's just a consistency thing.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:21, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I prefer lowercase as well. For the same reason. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 22:45, 2 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Spiders profile image ==<br />
<br />
Could we maybe change the profile and race image for the spiders?? I mean no offence by the artist's work or anything, but Ted Nasmith's spiders are far too frightening for me. Could we please maybe change the images to one that is not quite as nightmare inducing as the current one? {{unsigned|Jakegothicsnake}}<br />
<br />
:Sure, we could change it. Do you have an alternative image in mind?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:41, 18 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Perhaps the Spider image by John Howe?<br />
<br />
== Morte Arthure ==<br />
<br />
Thanks for the correction -- ''mea culpa''! --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:15, 20 July 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Current Events ==<br />
<br />
Passing thru-- what's going on these days here? Is the Green Old Party still in business? {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
<br />
:Things are pretty quiet here, but they're trudging along nicely. The GOP is still in business but is close to complete inactivity. How are you doing? --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:11, 2 September 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Doing pretty well. The wife and two step-daughters are doing just fine, the youngest is on her 5th year of a 5-year college program. I'm now in the life insurance biz, and doing well. I plan on becoming active here again, picking up where I left off on some of these battles. {{User:Theoden1/sig}} 00:32, 8 September 2013 (UTC)</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User_talk:KingAragorn/2013&diff=233062User talk:KingAragorn/20132013-09-08T00:32:09Z<p>Theoden1: /* Current Events */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{talkarchive|2007|2008|2009|2010|2011|2012}}<br />
{{Usertalk}}<br />
<br />
== Artworks by Ivanneth ==<br />
<br />
Hello! You have changed description of artworks by [[Ivanneth (artist)|Ivanneth]] attributing them to me (I am [[Karolina Węgrzyn]]), but that's misunderstanding. All works by Ivanneth I have uploaded do belong to her. You can always verify it at her website: [http://www.geocities.com/ivanneth63/ Ivanneth's portfolio]. I am moving back the changes, Regards! [[User:Sirielle|Sirielle]] 00:52, 30 January 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Many thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 10:44, 9 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Portal:Languages ==<br />
<br />
Shouldn't the Portal:Languages be available from the main page?--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 08:46, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I would like that.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:30, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==English grammar==<br />
I need help on adding an English gloss to the wordlist. Tolkien writes that the meaing of T ''can-'' is "to summons or name a person" (PM:362). To my non-native ears, the verb "to summons" sounds strange -- I would write "to summon ...a person". Do you have an explanation? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:26, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Yes, it does sound odd. The only use of "summons" that I can think of is in relation to a court summons, but that wouldn't really explain it because that would still be a noun. Given that "to summons" appears twice in that footnote it seems intentional. There must be an explanation, but I can't think of one.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 22:44, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Thanks. Hm, perhaps it's an archaic or obsolete usage ... I'll leave it at just "summons" in the wordlist.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:07, 14 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== References template ==<br />
<br />
Hello KA! I've noticed you write <nowiki>{{references}}</nowiki> with all lower-case letters; is there any technical reason why I shouldn't use <nowiki>{{References}}</nowiki>? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:18, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:It doesn't really matter. It's just a consistency thing.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:21, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I prefer lowercase as well. For the same reason. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 22:45, 2 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Spiders profile image ==<br />
<br />
Could we maybe change the profile and race image for the spiders?? I mean no offence by the artist's work or anything, but Ted Nasmith's spiders are far too frightening for me. Could we please maybe change the images to one that is not quite as nightmare inducing as the current one? {{unsigned|Jakegothicsnake}}<br />
<br />
:Sure, we could change it. Do you have an alternative image in mind?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:41, 18 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Perhaps the Spider image by John Howe?<br />
<br />
== Morte Arthure ==<br />
<br />
Thanks for the correction -- ''mea culpa''! --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:15, 20 July 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Current Events ==<br />
<br />
Passing thru-- what's going on these days here? Is the Green Old Party still in business? {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
<br />
:Things are pretty quiet here, but they're trudging along nicely. The GOP is still in business but is close to complete inactivity. How are you doing? --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:11, 2 September 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Doing pretty well. The wife and two step-daughters are doing just fine, the youngest is on her 5th year of a 5-year college program. I'm now in the life insurance biz, and doing well. I plan on becoming active here again, picking up where I left off on some of these battles. {{User:Theoden1/sig}}--{{User:Theoden1/sig}} 00:32, 8 September 2013 (UTC)</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User_talk:KingAragorn/2013&diff=232971User talk:KingAragorn/20132013-09-02T20:30:32Z<p>Theoden1: /* Current Events */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{talkarchive|2007|2008|2009|2010|2011|2012}}<br />
{{Usertalk}}<br />
<br />
== Artworks by Ivanneth ==<br />
<br />
Hello! You have changed description of artworks by [[Ivanneth (artist)|Ivanneth]] attributing them to me (I am [[Karolina Węgrzyn]]), but that's misunderstanding. All works by Ivanneth I have uploaded do belong to her. You can always verify it at her website: [http://www.geocities.com/ivanneth63/ Ivanneth's portfolio]. I am moving back the changes, Regards! [[User:Sirielle|Sirielle]] 00:52, 30 January 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Many thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 10:44, 9 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Portal:Languages ==<br />
<br />
Shouldn't the Portal:Languages be available from the main page?--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 08:46, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I would like that.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:30, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==English grammar==<br />
I need help on adding an English gloss to the wordlist. Tolkien writes that the meaing of T ''can-'' is "to summons or name a person" (PM:362). To my non-native ears, the verb "to summons" sounds strange -- I would write "to summon ...a person". Do you have an explanation? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:26, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Yes, it does sound odd. The only use of "summons" that I can think of is in relation to a court summons, but that wouldn't really explain it because that would still be a noun. Given that "to summons" appears twice in that footnote it seems intentional. There must be an explanation, but I can't think of one.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 22:44, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Thanks. Hm, perhaps it's an archaic or obsolete usage ... I'll leave it at just "summons" in the wordlist.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:07, 14 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== References template ==<br />
<br />
Hello KA! I've noticed you write <nowiki>{{references}}</nowiki> with all lower-case letters; is there any technical reason why I shouldn't use <nowiki>{{References}}</nowiki>? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:18, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:It doesn't really matter. It's just a consistency thing.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:21, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I prefer lowercase as well. For the same reason. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 22:45, 2 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Spiders profile image ==<br />
<br />
Could we maybe change the profile and race image for the spiders?? I mean no offence by the artist's work or anything, but Ted Nasmith's spiders are far too frightening for me. Could we please maybe change the images to one that is not quite as nightmare inducing as the current one? {{unsigned|Jakegothicsnake}}<br />
<br />
:Sure, we could change it. Do you have an alternative image in mind?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:41, 18 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Perhaps the Spider image by John Howe?<br />
<br />
== Morte Arthure ==<br />
<br />
Thanks for the correction -- ''mea culpa''! --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:15, 20 July 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Current Events ==<br />
<br />
Passing thru-- what's going on these days here? Is the Green Old Party still in business? {{User:Theoden1/sig}}</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User_talk:KingAragorn/2013&diff=232970User talk:KingAragorn/20132013-09-02T20:19:15Z<p>Theoden1: /* Current Events */ new section</p>
<hr />
<div>{{talkarchive|2007|2008|2009|2010|2011|2012}}<br />
{{Usertalk}}<br />
<br />
== Artworks by Ivanneth ==<br />
<br />
Hello! You have changed description of artworks by [[Ivanneth (artist)|Ivanneth]] attributing them to me (I am [[Karolina Węgrzyn]]), but that's misunderstanding. All works by Ivanneth I have uploaded do belong to her. You can always verify it at her website: [http://www.geocities.com/ivanneth63/ Ivanneth's portfolio]. I am moving back the changes, Regards! [[User:Sirielle|Sirielle]] 00:52, 30 January 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Many thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 10:44, 9 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Portal:Languages ==<br />
<br />
Shouldn't the Portal:Languages be available from the main page?--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 08:46, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I would like that.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:30, 11 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==English grammar==<br />
I need help on adding an English gloss to the wordlist. Tolkien writes that the meaing of T ''can-'' is "to summons or name a person" (PM:362). To my non-native ears, the verb "to summons" sounds strange -- I would write "to summon ...a person". Do you have an explanation? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:26, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Yes, it does sound odd. The only use of "summons" that I can think of is in relation to a court summons, but that wouldn't really explain it because that would still be a noun. Given that "to summons" appears twice in that footnote it seems intentional. There must be an explanation, but I can't think of one.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 22:44, 13 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Thanks. Hm, perhaps it's an archaic or obsolete usage ... I'll leave it at just "summons" in the wordlist.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:07, 14 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== References template ==<br />
<br />
Hello KA! I've noticed you write <nowiki>{{references}}</nowiki> with all lower-case letters; is there any technical reason why I shouldn't use <nowiki>{{References}}</nowiki>? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:18, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:It doesn't really matter. It's just a consistency thing.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:21, 27 February 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I prefer lowercase as well. For the same reason. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 22:45, 2 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Spiders profile image ==<br />
<br />
Could we maybe change the profile and race image for the spiders?? I mean no offence by the artist's work or anything, but Ted Nasmith's spiders are far too frightening for me. Could we please maybe change the images to one that is not quite as nightmare inducing as the current one? {{unsigned|Jakegothicsnake}}<br />
<br />
:Sure, we could change it. Do you have an alternative image in mind?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:41, 18 March 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Perhaps the Spider image by John Howe?<br />
<br />
== Morte Arthure ==<br />
<br />
Thanks for the correction -- ''mea culpa''! --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:15, 20 July 2013 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Current Events ==<br />
<br />
Passing thru-- what's going on these days here? Is the Green Old Party still in business?</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Downfall_of_N%C3%BAmenor&diff=232946Downfall of Númenor2013-09-01T21:09:41Z<p>Theoden1: /* Prelude */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}{{disambig-two|the event|chapter of ''[[The Silmarillion]]''|"[[Akallabêth]]"}}<br />
{{events<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - The Drowning of Numenor.jpg|250px]]<br />
| event=The Downfall of Númenor<br />
| othernames=The Drowning of [[Númenor]]<br />
| location=Primarily Númenor, but affected the shores of [[Middle-earth]]<br />
| date= {{SA|3319}}<br />
| result=Destruction of Númenor, exile of the [[Faithful]]<br />
| partof=The [[Changing of the World]]<br />
| participants=[[Númenóreans]], [[Valar]], [[Ilúvatar|Eru]]<br />
| description=Catastrophe that caused Númenor to sink into the [[Belegaer|Sea]]<br />
| references=<br />
}}<br />
{{main|Changing of the World}}<br />
The '''Downfall of Númenor''' was the utter destruction of the island of [[Númenor]], a divine punishment for King [[Ar-Pharazôn]]'s assault on the [[Undying Lands]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
During the [[Second Age]], [[Sauron]], [[Morgoth|Morgoth's]] greatest servant, had grown mighty in [[Middle-earth]]. Defeating all resistance and ruling through terror, force, and persuasion, Sauron dominated the peoples of Middle-earth, who looked to Númenor for aid. Heeding their desperate plight, the Númenorians dispatched an immense military force to Middle-earth, and after a period of heavy fighting, defeated Sauron and his hosts. Sauron hid within Mordor, where none dared to assail him, and re-built his strength. After once more reaching a height in his power, and with the armies of Númenor having left Middle-earth, Sauron was for a second time unopposed, and took on the titles '''Lord of the Earth''' and '''King of Men'''.<br />
<br />
The Númenorians again received word of his rise in power. Angered by Sauron's pride and wishing to avoid another difficult war, the Númenorians swiftly came once more to Middle-earth with immense military force to confront Sauron a final time. So mighty were they that Sauron's forces fled from them with barely a fight. Sauron, however, realizing he could not defeat the Númenorians militarily, allowed himself to be captured, and begged, falsely, for mercy. The Númenorians brought him back as a prisoner, though through Sauron's persuasion, he rose from prisoner to advisor for the King himself. Convincing many officials to worship Morgoth, they quickly became corrupted to his side, to the point where Sauron successfully convinced King Ar-Pharazôn to betray the Valar and besiege them.<br />
<br />
[[Elendil]], son of the leader of the Faithful during the reign of Ar-Pharazôn, his sons and his followers had foreseen the disaster that was to befall Númenor, and they had set sail in nine ships before the island fell. His father [[Amandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Amandil]] the [[Lords of Andúnië|Lord of Andúnië]], imitating [[Eärendil]], decided to go West to warn the [[Valar]] about the King's plans.<br />
<br />
===Flooding of Númenor===<br />
[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Fall of Numenor.jpg|thumb|left|''The [[Downfall of Númenor|Fall]] of [[Númenor]]'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]<br />
[[Manwë]], chief of the Valar, called upon [[Ilúvatar]], who destroyed the [[Great Armament]] of [[Ar-Pharazôn]] that had landed on Aman by crushing it under stones; he also broke and changed the world, taking [[Aman]] and [[Tol Eressëa]] from the world forever, changing [[Arda]]'s shape from flat to round so that no sailor would seek the [[Aman|True West]] again. Númenor was covered by great waves and sank into the abyss, killing its inhabitants.<br />
<br />
New lands formed in the West, islands rose and hills were formed. However the coastline of Middle-earth was not much affected, other than [[Tolfalas]] was drowned a bit, and the lands around it formed the [[Ethir Anduin]].<br />
<br />
===Survival===<br />
Just a few people, the [[Faithful]], still uncorrupted by Sauron managed to escape the catastrophe; they fled Númenor by ship, carrying some gifts that the Dúnedain had received from the Valar and the Elves in times of peace. These were the [[Palantíri]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], [[Narsil]] and a fruit of [[Nimloth the Fair]] stolen by [[Isildur]]. They were led by [[Elendil]] the Tall and his two sons, Isildur and [[Anárion]].<br />
<br />
They landed in [[Middle-earth]] and met the colonists who were in the settlements of those lands among the [[Middle Men]]; the followers of Elendil united them by establishing two kingdoms which came to be known as as the realms of Exile: [[Gondor]] in the south, and [[Arnor]] in the north. The culture of Númenor became the dominant culture of Middle-earth (thus, [[Westron]], a descendant of the [[Adûnaic]] language of Númenor, became the [[Westron|Common Speech]]). The sadness and the shock from the loss of their island home always remained in the hearts of Kings of Númenórean descent. <br />
<br />
They were dismayed to discover that Sauron, although greatly diminished and bereft of shape, had survived the Downfall and returned to Middle-earth with [[the One Ring]] to continue troubling its inhabitants. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile some of the [[King's Men]] had established other realms in exile to the south; of these the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]] was the chief and continued to reign the lands there. These were known as [[Black Númenóreans]].<br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
After its fall Númenor was called ''[[Akallabêth]]'' or ''[[Atalantë]]'' in [[Quenya]], meaning "the Downfallen", ''[[Mar-nu-Falmar]]'' ("Land under the Waves").<br />
<br />
Sauron's plan to destroy Númenor had been overwhelmingly successful, and though he too was caught by the flooding, he escaped, and at some point, returned to Middle-earth, believing himself to now be fully unopposed.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Events]]<br />
[[de:Númenor#Der_Niedergang]]<br />
[[fi:Númenor#Númenorin_häviö]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Dagorlad&diff=223221Battle of Dagorlad2012-12-20T16:35:01Z<p>Theoden1: /* The Battle */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Battle of Dagorlad|[[Battle of Dagorlad (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=<br />
|name=Battle of Dagorlad<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
|date={{SA|3434}}<br />
|place=The plains or Dagorlad outside Mordor<br />
|result=Decisive victory for the Allies<br />
|side1=Men, Elves, and Dwarves<br />
|side2=Orcs, Easterlings, Southrons, Trolls, and other creatures and servants of Sauron<br />
|commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon}}<br />
*[[Elendil]]<br />
*[[Elrond]]<br />
*[[Oropher]] †<br />
*[[Amdír]] †<br />
*[[Durin IV]]<br />
|commanders2= {{Sauron blazon}}<br />
|forces1=Hundreds of thousands of Men, Elves, and Dwarves<br />
|forces2=Hundreds of thousands of Orcs, Fallen Men, and other evil creatures<br />
|casual1=Many thousands<br />
|casual2=Vast numbers, more than the allies|<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of Dagorlad''' occurred in the year {{SA|3434|n}} of the [[Second Age]]. It was fought between the army of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] under [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]] and an army of [[Orcs]] and other creatures loyal to [[Sauron]]. The battle took place on the great, treeless, open plain between the [[Dead Marshes]] and [[Cirith Gorgor]]. <br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
<br />
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. Sauron had survived the Fall of Númenor and returned to his fortress [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. <br />
<br />
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Gondor. To counter this attack Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] to defeat Sauron finally. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Appendix A">{{App|A1}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
The united host of Elves and Men crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] and marched south through the vale of [[Anduin]], where they were joined by the [[Silvan Elves]] lead by [[Amdír]] and [[Oropher]]<ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. and also a host from [[Khazad-dûm]]<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>. The Alliance entered the vast plain between the [[Dead Marshes]] and [[Cirith Gorgor]], where Sauron's host awaited them, from the north-west and where joined by Anárion's forces.<br />
<br />
==The Battle==<br />
<br />
Not many accounts of the battle itself are given. The two captains of the Silvan Elves had little sympathy for the [[Sindar]] and [[Noldor]] Elves that were led by Gil-galad. As a result they were indisposed to place themselves under the supreme command of Gil-galad and impetuous and stubborn as they were attacked the host of Mordor rashly, before Gil-galad had given the command. The Silvans were valiant and doughty, but comparably ill-equipped and [[Oropher]] perished in the first onslaught while [[Amdír]] and his troops were cut off an driven into the marshes where half of his host perished<ref name="Silvan Princes"/>.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless the Alliance gained the upper hand and drove away the Orcs and wicked Men Sauron had mustered. Thus they finally broke through [[Cirith Gorgor]] (it is unclear how the Alliance managed to break through the Morannon), and established a camp upon Gorgoroth<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
==Aftermath==<br />
<br />
A great part of Sauron's soldiers was slain in this battle. The Alliance was able to enter Mordor and lay siege upon Barad-dûr itself. Nevertheless Sauron still had enough supplies to defend the fortress for seven more years, until the siege was so pressing that he himself came forth, which led to the battle on the slopes of Orodruin in which Sauron was defeated and [[the One Ring]] taken from him.<ref name="Rings"/><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
In the [[Third Age]], the Dagorlad was the site of several battles between [[Gondor]] and various [[Easterlings|Easterling]] armies, and the climatic [[Battle of the Morannon]]. <br />
<br />
In the text in the [[Unfinished Tales]] Amdír is named [[Malgalad]] for an unknown reason.<ref name="Silvan Princes"/> Oropher's son [[Thranduil]] survived the war and established his reign over the Silvan Elves in [[Eryn Galen]].<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
<references/><br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht auf der Dagorlad]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:2a:guerres:bataille_de_dagorlad]]<br />
[[fi:Dagorladin taistelu]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Wainrider/Balchoth_War&diff=184472Wainrider/Balchoth War2012-01-19T18:28:00Z<p>Theoden1: /* Calimehtar and Marhwini */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{War<br />
| previous=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
| next=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
| name=Wainrider/Balchoth War<br />
| image=<br />
| begin=[[Third Age 1851|T.A. 1851]]<br />
| end=[[Third Age 2510|T.A. 2510]]<br />
| place=Calenardhon, Rhovanion, Dagorlad, Ithilien, both banks of River Anduin<br />
| result=Decisive victory for Gondor and the Éothéod<br />
| battles=[[Battle of the Plains]], [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Battle of the Camp]], [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]<br />
| side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan|the Éothéod]]<br />
| side2=Easterling forces: [[Wainriders]] and [[Balchoth]], Northern Orcs<br />
| commanders1=<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Rómendacil I|Tarostar Rómendacil I]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Turambar (King of Gondor)|Turambar]]{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Narmacil II]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]]{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Ondoher]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Earnil II]] †{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Cirion]]{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Eorl]]{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Ecthelion II]] †<br />
| commanders2=<br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Easterling commanders{{clear}}<br />
[[Image:ME-Orcs.png|45px|left]] Unknown Orc commanders<br />
|}}<br />
The '''Wainrider/Balchoth War''' was a long series of battles spread over the first, second and third millennia of the Third Age. The first of these attacks occurred several centuries after the founding of Gondor. During this period, Gondor was under assault from the east by a number of eastern tribes variously referred as [[Wainriders]], [[Easterlings]], and [[Balchoth]]. After some serious setbacks for Gondor, they were at last decisively defeated.<br />
<br />
== Historical Background ==<br />
<br />
Early in the Third Age, c. T.A. 490, Easterling tribes began a series of attacks against the southern [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] exile kingdom of Gondor. This first occurred during the reign of King [[Ostoher]], who also rebuilt [[Minas Tirith|Minas Anor]], in c. 490 T.A. His successor, [[Rómendacil I]], defeated an Easterling invasion in T.A. 500, but was slain in a fresh assault by them in T.A. 541. His son, Turambar, once again defeated them, and captured a large area eastwards south of the Sea of Rhûn. Gondor was not troubled by Easterling attacks for centuries afterward, and by the reign of [[Hyarmendacil I|Ciryaher Hyarmendacil]] (c. 1050), Gondor was at the height of its power, controlling wide areas to the south and east.<ref name="B2">{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
<br />
Minalcar, Regent and later King of Gondor, gave the Northmen extensive lands east of Anduin and south of the forest of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<br />
<br />
The Éothéod were a small group of Northmen in the Vales of Anduin during the middle Third Age. They first came to [[Gondor|Gondor's]] notice during the reign of King [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]] of Gondor.<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Calimehtar and Marhwini ==<br />
<br />
King Calimehtar of Gondor had made common cause with Marhwini, lord of the Éothéod, against the Easterling raids. [[Marhwini]] was the son of [[Marhari]], who fell fighting in Gondor's rearguard for Narmacil II at the [[Battle of the Plains]]. Marhwini sent word that the Wainriders were planning raids across the Undeeps into Calenardhon. He added that some of his people, Northmen enslaved near the forest of [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. Calimehtar led his army north through Ithilien, drawing the Easterlings towards him. As they approached the old Dagorlad battlefield, the main Gondorian force made their stand in what became known as the [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]]. Then, a Gondorian cavalry detachment, crossing the Anduin, joined with an [[éored]] led by Marhwini and attacked the Easterlings' flank and rear. <br />
<br />
The Easterling army, under attack from three sides, broke and fled before the allies. Marhwini's mounted forces pursued them across the plains, taunting them about the smoke now rising from their homes to the north. The planned revolt did indeed break out, and caused heavy damage to the Wainriders' camps and storehouses. However, the rebels took heavy casualties from the youths, old men, and young women who were still relatively well armed. In the end, however, the allies were unable to control the eastern regions south of the Forest, and pulled back to the Dagorlad region.<br />
<br />
== Fall of Ondoher ==<br />
[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|left|thumb|''Easterling'' by Olanda Fong-Surdenas]]<br />
<br />
== Cirion and Eorl ==<br />
<br />
<br />
== Aftermath ==<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
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{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Kin-Strife]]<br />
| list=Major events of [[Middle-earth]]<br />
| dates={{TA|1851}} - {{TA|2510}}<br />
| next=[[War of the Dwarves and Dragons]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
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[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_du_gondor_contre_les_gens-des-chariots]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Arnor&diff=184460Arnor2012-01-19T17:34:08Z<p>Theoden1: /* War of the Ring */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{kingdom<br />
| image = [[Image:Arnor map.gif|250px]]<br />
| name = Arnor<br />
| meaning= Land of the King, High Lands<br />
| type = Monarchy<br />
| hidep=yes<br />
| headofstate = (High) King of [[Arnor]] (and Gondor), King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| executive = Council of Arnor <br />
| legislative = <br />
| judicial = <br />
| capital = [[Annúminas]] <br />
| language = [[Westron]]<br />
| location = [[Eriador]]<br />
| populous = [[Men]], [[Hobbits|Hobbits]], [[Elves]], [[Dúnedain]]<br />
| currency = <br />
| religious = State Eru worship<br />
| holiday = <br />
| anthem = <br />
| formed = [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]<br />
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]<br />
| reorganized = [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]]<br />
| dissolved = [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974 ]]<br />
| restored = [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]<br />
| era = Second/Third/Fourth Ages<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{Pronounce|Arnor.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<br />
'''Arnor''', or the '''Northern Kingdom''', was a kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the land of [[Eriador]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was the original seat of the [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]] who ruled over both Arnor and Gondor.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<!--"Events" in Eriador infobox links here--><br />
=== Early History ===<br />
<br />
Arnor was founded at the end of the [[Second Age]] (S.A. 3320) by [[Elendil]], whose sons founded [[Gondor]] at the same time. The history of the [[Two Kingdoms|two kingdoms]] is intertwined; both kingdoms are known as the Realms of the [[Dúnedain]] in exile. <br />
<br />
Before the foundation of Arnor there was already a sizable Númenórean population living there, a result of the slow emigration of [[Númenóreans]] which had started under [[Tar-Meneldur]] and [[Tar-Aldarion]]. Before the arrival of the [[Dúnedain]] Arnor was home to [[Middle Men]] of [[Edain]] stock, and the early colonists soon interbred with the indigenous population. Elendil and his people were aided by Noldorin High King Gil-galad and his people, and his ships sailed up the Lune river. He established the city of Annúminas as his capital. Arnor was originally favored over the more southern regions (Gondor) because the [[Elves]] under [[Gil-galad]] lived near it across the river [[Lhûn]].<ref>''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 360.</ref> However, in later days after the Númenóreans fell under [[Sauron|Sauron's]] shadow they settled more to the south. This led to a situation where [[Elendil]] arrived in an area populated by people who, unlike his own [[Númenóreans]], were mainly still friends with the [[Elves]], and unlike [[Gondor]] to the south in Arnor much knowledge of the [[Elder Days]] was preserved.<br> [[Image:Ann18.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Palace Complex at Annúminas'' by Steven White, Jr.]] <br />
<br />
=== The [[Palantíri]] ===<br />
<br />
The '''[[Palantíri]]''' or 'seeing stones' were spherical stones that could communicate with each other and give visual impressions to a skilled remote user. These stones were divided originally between [[Elendil]] and his two sons. They were usually heavily guarded and under the control of the kings. There were seven of these stones in total, with three of them assigned to the northern kingdom, with the other four going to Gondor.<ref>''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 362.</ref> They were:<br />
<br />
* the [[Elostirion-stone]], in the tower of [[Elostirion]], and was used to communicate with the master stone in [[Tol Eressëa]] of the Elves, along the Straight Road. It could not contact the other Middle-Earth stones.<br />
<br />
* the [[Amon Sûl-stone]], in the watchtower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. A large stone, it was often used to contact its corresponding large stone in Gondor, at the great dome in [[Osgiliath]].<br />
<br />
* the [[Annúminas-stone]], in the capital city of [[Annúminas]]. Though one of the lesser stones, it was the stone most often used by the [[Kings of Arnor]].<br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Peter Jackson's Isildur2.jpg|right|220px|thumb|''Isildur'' in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']]<br> At the end of the Second Age, Arnor allied itself with Noldorin High King [[Gil-galad]] in a great alliance opposing Sauron, the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In conjunction with southern forces from Gondor, they confronted Sauron's armies in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. This war was fought over a period of several years on the [[Battle of Dagorlad|Dagorlad plain]] and in Mordor itself, at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. Both [[Elendil]] and his son [[Anárion]] were slain in this conflict, but [[Isildur]] cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and prevailed. [[Elrond]], Gil-galad's herald, urged Isildur to cast it into Mt. Doom and destroy it, but Isildur refused, and the Ring survived. Arnor suffered heavy casualties in the war, and some parts of the land were partially depopulated.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref> <br />
<br />
Arnor's second king [[Isildur]] (also King of [[Gondor]]) was killed in [[Third Age 2|T.A. 2]] by [[Orcs]] in the disastrous [[Battle of the Gladden Fields]]. His three eldest sons were killed with him, but the fourth and youngest, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had remained at [[Rivendell]] due to his youth, became king of Arnor (T.A 2). [[Isildur]] also lost [[the One Ring]] at this time, when it slipped off his finger as he tried to escape pursuing Orcs. Arnor never fully recovered from this devastating loss of its manpower.<br />
<br />
Because [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]] and his heirs did not claim the throne of [[Gondor]] the realms were split, but Arnor's ruler kept the title [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]], whereas in the south the ruler was 'just' King.<br />
<br />
=== Decline and Breakup ===<br />
<br />
{{Transcribed|Arnor_tengwar.png|Arnor|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}<br />
Arnor's capital was [[Annúminas]] on [[Lake Evendim]], but by [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]] [[Fornost Erain]] had become the capital instead as Annúminas became depopulated and was slowly abandoned.<br />
<br />
<br>After the death of its tenth king, [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]], in [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]], Arnor was shaken by civil war between the three sons of [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]. The eldest son, [[Amlaith]], claimed Kingship over all Arnor but was reduced to only ruling the region of Arthedain as his kingdom, while the other sons founded the breakaway kingdoms of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].<br />
<br />
Arnor was refounded ''de jure'' by [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] king [[Argeleb I]], when [[Cardolan]] placed itself under the suzerainty of Arthedain. However, even Arthedain was eventually destroyed. The people of Arnor were mostly wiped out by the continuing wars, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in [[the Shire]], Men survived in [[Bree]] and probably other villages, and the [[Dúnedain]] of Arnor created new homes in the [[Angle of Eriador|Angle]] south of [[Rivendell]], where some of them became known as the [[Rangers of the North]].<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Conflict with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|right|thumb|220px|''The Witch King'' by Eliot Gould]] Arnor's greatest enemy in the north by the middle of the Third Age was Angmar, ruled by the [[Witch-king|Witch King of Angmar]]. During the reign of Malvegil (c. [[Third Age 1300|T.A. 1300]]), this new power arose beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. This land became populated with the Orcs and men of Sauron, and began attacking Rhudaur and Cardolan. Eventually this Witch-king was identified as in fact the chief of Sauron's Ringwraiths. Years later, Argeleb I of [[Arthedain]], reasserted control over [[Cardolan]], and fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]]. Despite this action, Argeleb fell in battle with Angmar and its ally, [[Rhudaur]]. His son Arveleg, however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and drove the enemy back. He held this frontier in force for quite some years successfully.<br />
<br />
[[Image:BFME2 - Weathertop.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Weathertop'' from BFME2]] Then in [[Third Age 1409|T.A. 1409]], Angmar crossed the Hoarwell river into Cardolan and attacked again. This time, Weathertop was captured and Arveleg fell in battle. While Amon Sûl fell, the palantír was recovered and taken to Fornost. While Cardolan was laid waste, Angmar was eventually stopped by Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell]], where [[Elrond]] countered them.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Great Plague]] ===<br />
<br />
Another threat appeared to the northern successor kingdoms, this time one that swords and spears could not deter. A [[Great Plague|major plague]] began in the east, in the vicinity of the [[Sea of Rhûn]], northeast of [[Mordor]]. After doing great damage in [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], it struck [[Osgiliath]] in Gondor in {{TA|1636}}, killing [[Telemnar|King Telemnar]] and his family. In seriously affected areas, the plague killed 50% or more of the populace. This plague, which barely affected western Gondor, spread northwards to [[Cardolan]]. <br />
<br />
In Cardolan, it struck severely, wiping out the last of Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]] at the [[Barrow-downs]]. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area. The Hobbits of the Shire were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.<ref name="lotr1023">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Fall of Arthedain ===<br />
<!--"See also" in Eriador#Destruction of Arnor links here--><br />
In [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]], the final chapter in [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] history began. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather. The capital of [[Fornost]] fell, and the remaining Arnorian forces were driven over the Lune river into Lindon. King [[Arvedui]] was compelled to flee to [[Forochel]], and ask aid of the Snowmen there. His son, [[Aranarth]], journeyed to [[Círdan]] at the Havens to inform him of Arthedain's fall. Círdan responded by sending a ship north to rescue Arvedui. When the [[Snowmen of Forochel]] saw the ship arrive, they were uncomfortable and nervous about the escape plan.<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref> Their chief replied to Arvedui:<br />
{{quote|Do not mount on this sea-monster! If they have them, let the seamen bring us food and other things that we need, and you may stay here till the Witch-king goes home. For in summer his power wanes; but now his breath is deadly, and his cold arm is long.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018}}<br />
<br />
It turned out that the Snowmen were right. A storm blew in that night and drove the ice towards the shore, and the ship was crushed and sank, with great loss of life, including King Arvedui. He unfortunately fulfilled [[Malbeth the Seer|Malbeth the Seer's]] prophecy about him at his birth that he would be the 'Last king' of Arthedain. So the North-kingdom ended, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in the Shire. They eventually chose a [[Thain]] from among themselves to replace the King, and the first of these was [[Bucca of the Marish]], in [[Third Age 1979|T.A. 1979]].<br />
<br />
=== Showdown with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
Envoys from Arthedain had journeyed to Gondor to ask assistance from the southern Dúnedain in fighting the Witch-king's forces. Gondor, however, was preoccupied with its own threats from the [[Easterlings]], and so could not respond immediately. Gondor had been in a weakened condition since the death of King Ondoher and his two sons in the [[Battle of the Camp]] fighting the Easterlings in [[Third Age 1944|T.A. 1944]]. [[Arvedui]] of Arnor tried to claim the southern throne but this claim was rejected by Gondor. [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]], the victorious commander in the above battle and a member of the royal house, claimed the throne, and was confirmed by the Gondorian royal council.<ref name="lotr1023">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Amir Salehi - Servant of Death.jpg|right|220px|thumb|''Servant of Death'' by Amir Salehi]]King Arvedui sent increasingly urgent messages to Gondor about the crisis he faced from Angmar's continuing assaults. [[Eärnil II]] was unable to react quickly due to his need to order Gondor after succeeding to the throne, however. The king sent his son and heir [[Eärnur]] north to the Havens with a powerful fleet. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save [[Arthedain]], and the northern kingdom perished. When Eärnur's naval forces landed in the [[Grey Havens]], they dazzled both Men and Elves with their size and majesty. From these ships debarked the most powerful army seen in the north of Middle-earth in centuries. Círdan's people were quite impressed with the strength of Gondor's army, particularly its [[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|cavalry forces]], dominated by riders from the [[Vales of Anduin]]. [[Círdan]] and Eärnur combined their forces, along with the remnant of Arnor's army, in the greatest joint Elf-Man army since the [[War of the Last Alliance]]; this great [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]] re-crossed the River Lune and marched northward.<ref name="lotr1026">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', p. 1026.</ref> These allies drove relentlessly toward the Arnorian capital of [[Fornost]], where the Witch-king had occupied the palace complex there.<br />
<br />
=== Angmar is Vanquished ===<br />
<br />
When the Witch-king saw the invading [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host]], he failed to take it for the serious threat that it in fact was. Instead of awaiting the invaders in the fortress city of Fornost, he confidently marched his forces out to meet them in the open. He expected to defeat them as easily as had vanquished Arvedui's forces the previous year. But there was an appreciable difference this time-- the ground and naval might of Gondor. The allied Host continued to advance, and instead of establishing a merely defensive position, they attacked him from the [[Hills of Evendim]], and a [[Battle of Fornost|large battle]] broke out. The Witch-king's army could not stand before the allies, however, and began to retreat back towards their capital. Any hopes for an orderly withdrawl were in vain, however. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Lena - Glorfindel.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Glorfindel'' by Lena]][[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|Gondorian cavalry forces]], attacking from the north, routed the forces of Angmar, and put them to flight signaling an end to what became known as the [[Battle of Fornost]]. The Witch-king, in full flight, forsook his new conquests, and made for Angmar. But the cavalry under [[Eärnur]] continued the pursuit and rode down what remained of his forces. To add to his difficulties, an Elven force under [[Glorfindel]] also attacked from [[Rivendell]], and completed his forces' destruction. At the last, the Witch-king charged Eärnur in frustration, but his horse shied away from the evil wraith. As Eärnur once again mastered his horse, Glorfindel uttered his famous prophecy:<br />
{{quote|Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|''The Lord of the Rings'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1027.}}<br />
This prophecy would not be fulfilled until a thousand years later, at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<br />
<br />
=== [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] ===<br />
<br />
After the death of King Arvedui, his son, [[Aranarth]], perceived that the northern Dúnedain had become too few to reestablish the realm of [[Arthedain]]. He took his dwindling people and turned them into wanderers who traveled from place to place in [[Eriador]]. Instead of calling himself a king or prince, he assumed the title [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]]. Through them the royal line of Arnor was maintained successfully for a thousand years until the refounding of Arnor in [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]. Aranarth brought his son [[Arahael]] to [[Rivendell]] and gave him to [[Elrond]] for safekeeping until he was grown. This became a tradition that was followed through the rest of the Third Age. Also brought to Elrond were the heirlooms of the House of Elendil: the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the shards of [[Narsil]], and the [[Star of Elendil]].<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref><br />
<br />
So the Dúnedain survived in the shadows, waiting for a better day when the kingdom of Arnor would be reborn. There were sixteen Chieftains in direct descent, with [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]] being the last. There were many perils in Eriador in that time, and many of the Chieftains died premature deaths. One of these was Aragorn II's father, [[Arathorn II]], who was slain by Orcs raiding the area.<br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Ring]] ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|right|220px|thumb|Banner of Arnor (Reunited Kingdom)]]<br>The Kingdom of Arnor had been fallen for a thousand years by the time the [[War of the Ring]] broke out, but northern forces did participate in the War. [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was a [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain Ranger of the North]], and there were several hundred of them operating during the conflict. A company of this group accompanied Aragorn through the [[Paths of the Dead]] and during the attack on [[Umbar]] which captured the Corsair fleet. They participated at the last battle, fighting under his banner, at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], where [[Sauron]] was finally thrown down.<br />
<br />
There was conflict in other areas of the North. There were three different invasions of [[Lothlórien]], which were thrown back by the Elven army under [[Celeborn]] and [[Thranduil]]. Finally, Celeborn led an attack resulting in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur|capture of Dol Guldur]] and put an end to Sauron's northern threat.<br />
<br />
There was also a battle fought in [[the Shire]], between Saruman's [[Ruffians]] and [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] militia forces. This was the last battle fought in the [[War of the Ring]], and resulted in the death of Saruman and the death or capture of his followers. This became known as the [[Battle of Bywater]], and represents the Hobbit contribution to the War.<ref name="lotr992-996">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Scouring of the Shire]], pp. 992-996.</ref><br />
<br />
== Restoration and the [[Reunited Kingdom]] ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Rowena Morrill - The Last Steward of Gondor.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''The Last Steward of Gondor'' by Rowena Morrill]]Faramir, son of Denethor II the last Ruling Steward, presented his rod of office to the new king, and received it back from him. [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] then was crowned by [[Gandalf]] as [[Aragorn|King Elessar]], refounded the Kingdom of Arnor as part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], and made [[Annúminas]] his new capital city.<ref name="lotr1019">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1019.</ref> He was wed to the Elven princess Arwen, who became [[Arwen|Queen Evenstar]] of Arnor and Gondor. After the fall of [[Sauron]] Arnor was safe again for resettlement of Men, and although it remained less populated than [[Gondor]] to the south, in time Arnor became a more densely populated region again, even if it had dwindled in size due to the independence of [[the Shire]]. The area encompassed by the Reunited Kingdom now encompassed the territory of the [[Two Kingdoms]] at their greatest extent. In the North, this included all the land between the [[Lune|River Lune]] and the [[Misty Mountains]], and in the South included all the land between Dunland in the west, to the [[Far Harad]] southwards, to [[Rhûn]] in the east. The reborn kingdom continued on into the Fourth Age, with [[Eldarion]] eventually succeeding his father to the throne of this now empire-sized state.<br />
<br />
== Regions of Arnor ==<br />
<br />
* [[Arthedain]], core of the north-kingdom bordering the Lune<br />
* [[Cardolan]], south of the [[Great East Road]], east of the Brandywine<br />
* [[Rhudaur]], between the Weather Hills and the [[Misty Mountains]]<br />
<br />
== Cities, Fortresses and Watchtowers ==<br />
<br />
* [[Annúminas]], the old capital on the shore of Lake Evendim<br />
* [[Fornost]], the new capital of the successor state of Arthedain<br />
* [[Bree]], a trading center located on the Great East Road<br />
* [[Lond Daer]], an old harbor town founded by Númenóreans<br />
* [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], also called Weathertop, a watchtower on the highest of the Weather Hills<br />
* [[Elostirion]], a watchtower in the Tower Hills<br />
* [[Tharbad]], a fortified town and port along the River Greyflood on the southern border of Arnor<br />
<br />
== Languages ==<br />
<br />
The people of Arnor were of Númenórean stock, so the predominant language spoken by them was [[Westron]]. With the proximity of the Elves of [[Lindon]], at least some of the population, especially the upper classes, were probably fluent in Quenya and Eldarin.<br />
<br />
== Etymology ==<br />
<br />
'''''Arnor''''' was the colloquial name for the '''North Kingdom'''. The North Kingdom, as the land was called at its conception, was also known as ''Turmen Follondiéva'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Arthor na Forlonnas'' in [[Sindarin]]. These names quickly fell out of use, in favor of ''Arnor'': the ''Land of the King'', so called for the kingship of [[Elendil]], and to seal its precedence over the [[Gondor|southern realm]]. In full, poetic Sindarin, it was called ''Arannor'', which mirrored its Quenya name, '''''Arandórë'''''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 28</ref> Though technically ''Arandórë'' would have a Sindarin form ''Ardor'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] chose ''Arnor'' because it sounded better. This linguistic change was ascribed to a later, Mannish development of Sindarin.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 17</ref> The form '''''Arnanórë''''' is also seen.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* [[Kings of Arnor]]<br />
* [[Kings of Gondor]]<br />
* [[Gondor]]<br />
* [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
* [[War of the Ring]]<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Arnor| ]]<br />
[[Category:Eriador]]<br />
[[Category:Mannish Realms]]<br />
[[Category:Regions]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin Locations]]<br />
[[de:Arnor]]<br />
[[fa:آرنور]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/royaumes/arnor]]<br />
[[fi:Arnor]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Tolkien_Gateway_talk:Meetings/31_July_2011&diff=166842Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/31 July 20112011-07-30T13:21:55Z<p>Theoden1: /* Attendees */</p>
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<div>Please put any ideas for the agenda and any general discussion here. If you are going to attend (or not), please sign your name below.<br />
==Attendees==<br />
# {{User:KingAragorn/sig}}<br />
# {{User:Mith/sig}} 18:58, 4 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
# {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 18:55, 11 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
# [[User:Quidon88|Quidon88]] 03:07, 17 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
# [[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 12:00, 24 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
# [[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 10:01, 29 July 2011 (UTC) (50/50)<br />
# [[User:Gamling|Gamling]] 18:13, 29 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
# <small style="border:1px solid #3380CC;background:White"> [[User:Amaniar|<strong style="background:White;color:#13AD0B">&nbsp;Amaniar</strong>]] [[User_Talk:Amaniar|<span style="color:White;background:#039FED">&nbsp;Talk&nbsp;</span>]] </small><br />
# {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
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==Non-Attendees==<br />
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==Ideas for Agenda==<br />
==Discussion==<br />
*Ederchil, this meeting is just to discuss the notion that Tolkien Gateway should become a charity. --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 19:25, 11 July 2011 (UTC)<br />
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__NOTOC__</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gondorian_Military_Forces&diff=126157Gondorian Military Forces2010-09-10T17:05:08Z<p>Theoden1: /* The Third Age */</p>
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<div>{{cleanup}}<br />
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The '''Gondorian Military Forces''' were the most powerful defense forces in [[Middle-earth]] from the late Second Age into the Fourth Age. From the [[War of the Last Alliance]] to the [[War of the Ring]], they formed the core of several campaigns against [[Sauron]] and his allies, like the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and [[Saruman]]. They were made up of three main constituents — the infantry, the cavalry, and the navy.[[Image:ME-Gondor.png|thumb|right|Gondorian military banner]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Infantry of Gondor ==<br />
<br />
=== In The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
<br />
Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]]. Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well. This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling. In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind. Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.<ref>[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men", pp. 5-6</ref><br />
<br />
Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad shields. They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal. They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal. Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry. Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows. This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots. Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed breastplate and backplate. Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection. All of this was topped off with a large steel helmet, with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze. <ref name="WaW2527">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "Númenóreans", pp. 25-27</ref><br />
<br />
The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], [[swords]], [[axes]], and [[bows]]. Gondorian spears were very long, about nine feet in length. The point was made of steel, and often two feet long. It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown. Swords were usually of medium length — longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword. They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent. While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze. In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used. These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.<ref name="WaW2527"/><br />
<br />
=== The Third Age === <br />
<br />
During the [[Third Age]],Gondor's military prowess eventually weakened.The soldiers used two different types of armour and shields. The first one was the same as the ones used in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and were still being used when Gondor was ruled by the Kings,however when Gondor was ruled by the Stewards instead of Kings (this was during the second half of the Third Age), this caused their armour and shields to change.The shields that they carried changed and was only about half the height of it's user which was made of metal. Their armour was affected as well, for it was made out of a thin layer strip of metal that would block against a few attacks, unlike the one used in the Second Age which could block many attacks. The weapons were the same (ex. spear, sword, bow and arrows) throughout the Third Age. Another major diff. was their soldiers. Although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man, they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age. After the Great Plague and the [[Kin-strife]], which left Gondor very weakened, the Gondorian troops mostly consisted of regular soldiers for the rest of the Third Age. Many Numenoreans of pure blood had perished during those troublesome times.<br />
<br />
== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==<br />
<br />
Traditionally, Gondor had a small cavalry force. In the last quarter of the Third Age, it's close ally [[Rohan]] often supplied its main cavalry component. This was true during the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]], and well as during the [[War of the Ring]]. Before the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], a mixed force of infantry and cavalry retreated from the [[Causeway Forts]] and [[Osgiliath]] to the citadel of [[Minas Tirith]]. Pursued by Orcs on the ground, and Nazgûl from the sky, these forces were in great peril. [[Denethor II|Lord Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, finally released a mounted counterattack against them, which drove them back. Leading this attack was the [[Imrahil|Prince Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]], and his mounted swan-knights. These men represented the elite cavalry force of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|RK}}, [[The Siege of Gondor]]</ref><br />
<br />
== Gondorian Naval Forces ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.<br />
<br />
Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection. By [[Third Age 830|T.A. 830]], Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|AA}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar. After the [[Kin-strife]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.<br />
<br />
== Gondorian Special Forces ==<br />
<br />
Several groups were armed men operating often behind enemy lines. Late in the Third Age, and the power of [[Mordor]] grew, Gondor withdrew most of its conventional forces from east of the Anduin, including North and South [[Ithilien]]. They did not abandon the area completely, however, and maintained a guerrilla presence there, the [[Rangers of Ithilien]]. During the [[War of the Ring]], this force was commanded by [[Faramir|Faramir, son of Denethor II]]. They acted as a reconnaissance force, and often harassed Sauron's forces.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category: Gondorians]]<br />
[[Category: Organizations]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gondorian_Military_Forces&diff=126156Gondorian Military Forces2010-09-10T17:04:19Z<p>Theoden1: /* The Third Age */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{cleanup}}<br />
<br />
The '''Gondorian Military Forces''' were the most powerful defense forces in [[Middle-earth]] from the late Second Age into the Fourth Age. From the [[War of the Last Alliance]] to the [[War of the Ring]], they formed the core of several campaigns against [[Sauron]] and his allies, like the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and [[Saruman]]. They were made up of three main constituents — the infantry, the cavalry, and the navy.[[Image:ME-Gondor.png|thumb|right|Gondorian military banner]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Infantry of Gondor ==<br />
<br />
=== In The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
<br />
Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]]. Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well. This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling. In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind. Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.<ref>[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men", pp. 5-6</ref><br />
<br />
Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad shields. They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal. They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal. Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry. Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows. This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots. Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed breastplate and backplate. Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection. All of this was topped off with a large steel helmet, with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze. <ref name="WaW2527">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "Númenóreans", pp. 25-27</ref><br />
<br />
The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], [[swords]], [[axes]], and [[bows]]. Gondorian spears were very long, about nine feet in length. The point was made of steel, and often two feet long. It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown. Swords were usually of medium length — longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword. They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent. While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze. In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used. These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.<ref name="WaW2527"/><br />
<br />
=== The Third Age === <br />
<br />
During the [[Third Age]],Gondor's military powess eventually got weakened.The soldiers used two different types of armour and shields. The first one was the same as the ones used in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and were still being used when Gondor was ruled by the Kings,however when Gondor was ruled by the Stewards instead of Kings (this was during the second half of the Third Age), this caused their armour and shields to change.The shields that they carried changed and was only about half the height of it's user which was made of metal. Their armour was affected as well, for it was made out of a thin layer strip of metal that would block against a few attacks, unlike the one used in the Second Age which could block many attacks. The weapons were the same (ex. spear, sword, bow and arrows) throughout the Third Age. Another major diff. was their soldiers. Although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man, they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age. After the Great Plague and the [[Kin-strife]], which left Gondor very weakened, the Gondorian troops mostly consisted of regular soldiers for the rest of the Third Age. Many Numenoreans of pure blood had perished during those troublesome times.<br />
<br />
== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==<br />
<br />
Traditionally, Gondor had a small cavalry force. In the last quarter of the Third Age, it's close ally [[Rohan]] often supplied its main cavalry component. This was true during the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]], and well as during the [[War of the Ring]]. Before the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], a mixed force of infantry and cavalry retreated from the [[Causeway Forts]] and [[Osgiliath]] to the citadel of [[Minas Tirith]]. Pursued by Orcs on the ground, and Nazgûl from the sky, these forces were in great peril. [[Denethor II|Lord Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, finally released a mounted counterattack against them, which drove them back. Leading this attack was the [[Imrahil|Prince Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]], and his mounted swan-knights. These men represented the elite cavalry force of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|RK}}, [[The Siege of Gondor]]</ref><br />
<br />
== Gondorian Naval Forces ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.<br />
<br />
Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection. By [[Third Age 830|T.A. 830]], Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|AA}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar. After the [[Kin-strife]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.<br />
<br />
== Gondorian Special Forces ==<br />
<br />
Several groups were armed men operating often behind enemy lines. Late in the Third Age, and the power of [[Mordor]] grew, Gondor withdrew most of its conventional forces from east of the Anduin, including North and South [[Ithilien]]. They did not abandon the area completely, however, and maintained a guerrilla presence there, the [[Rangers of Ithilien]]. During the [[War of the Ring]], this force was commanded by [[Faramir|Faramir, son of Denethor II]]. They acted as a reconnaissance force, and often harassed Sauron's forces.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category: Gondorians]]<br />
[[Category: Organizations]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User:Theoden1&diff=115303User:Theoden12010-07-16T19:42:11Z<p>Theoden1: /* NationStates2 Empire */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Théoden -- ''Mighty King of Rohan'' ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Théoden.jpeg|thumb|[[Bernard Hill]] as Théoden]]I'm proud to pay tribute to a great hero of the ''Lord of the Rings'' saga, Théoden, son of Thengel, 17th King of Rohan. He was a commander at both of the great battles of the Trilogy, [[Helm's Deep]] and [[Pelennor Fields]]. He was slain battling the [[Lord of the Nazgul]] on the Pelennor Fields outside [[Minas Tirith]]. He was succeeded as King by his nephew, Éomer, who began the third line of Rohan kings.<br />
<br />
== My Favorite Quotes: ==<br />
<br />
{{quote|That is a fair lord and a great captain of men. If [[Gondor]] has such men still in these days of fading, great must have been its glory in the days of its rising.|Legolas speaking of Prince Imrahil, [[The Return of the King]], ''The Last Debate''}}'''*TG Featured Quote'''<br />
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{{quote|For, it may well prove that you will see me never again; and that I shall show you no such sign as Eärendil showed long ago. But hold you ever in readiness, for the end of the world we have known is now at hand.|Amandil speaking to Elendil, [[The Silmarillion]], ''Akallabêth''}}<br />
<br />
The following is out-of-universe, but it applies to an '''all-war-all-the-time''' guy like me:<br />
{{quote|Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal.|Tupac Shakur}}<br />
<br />
Another o-o-u classic:<br />
{{quote|If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will come floating by.|Sun-Tzu}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Theoden1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This is me, a King among Men]]Being a middle-aged African-American man gives me a little different viewpoint on the Tolkien universe. It's certainly Eurocentric, but its also well-designed and highly entertaining. It should be remembered that Tolkien was a product of his times, which thought that the world revolved around Western Europe. So I don't give a lot of credence to this 'Tolkien was racist' nonsense. I am a veteran of a couple of other Wiki sites, like ''Wikipedia Project: Middle Earth'' and ''Memory Alpha''. I joined Tolkien Gateway to try to make a major contribution and get involved. I try to raise the level of expertise and professionalism on TG, and I tend to concentrate on articles involving conflicts from the First and Second Ages. It's been my privilege to to re-ignite the '''Featured Article''' process here on TG, and to drive the first one through to FA status, '''[[Aragorn II]]'''. I also nominated and shepherded through the first new '''Featured Quote''' in over a year, from [[Legolas]].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:Steven_White_Jr._-_A_Map_of_Beleriand.jpg|450px|center|thumb|Realms of Beleriand]]<br />
<br />
== My Scoreboard ==<br />
{{Special:Editcount/Theoden1}} '''Total Edits'''<br />
<br />
== NationStates2 Empire ==<br />
<br />
Visit my Nationstates2 Empire, the nation of [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/nation/techvarinia Techvarinia], part of the [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/alliances/world95/arnorianimperialalliance Arnorian Imperial Alliance] on World 95. I'm the '''Lord High Chancellor''', and KA is my Foreign Secretary. It's a home away from home for Tolkien fans, and it's growing in power. Sorry to say that the game went offline during summer 2009. I'll miss it. I've moved on to other arenas, like Cybernations. KA and I are involved there with an alliance called the Green Old Party-- he's Military Affairs Triumvir, and I'm Director of Defense-- and he's the boss this time.<br />
<br />
== Contributions ==<br />
<br />
'''Articles written''':<br />
<br />
# [[Angmar War]]<br />
# [[Captain of Umbar]]<br />
# [[Chaining of Melkor]]<br />
# [[Corsair Wars]]<br />
# [[Elendil Stone]]<br />
# [[First War with Melkor]]<br />
# [[Gondorian Military Forces]]<br />
# [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]]<br />
# [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]<br />
# [[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
# [[Second Assault on Hithlum]]<br />
<br />
'''Articles rewritten or heavily modified''':<br />
<br />
# [[Arnor]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Camp]]<br />
# [[Battle of Dale]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Morannon]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Plains]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Powers]]<br />
# [[Cirion]]<br />
# [[Dagor Aglareb]]<br />
# [[Dagor Bragollach]]<br />
# [[Elendil]]<br />
# [[Fëanor]]<br />
# [[First Battle]]<br />
# [[Gondor]]<br />
# [[Isildur]]<br />
# [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]<br />
# [[Morgoth]]<br />
# [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]]<br />
# [[Númenor]]<br />
# [[Númenóreans]]<br />
# [[Rangers of the North]]<br />
# [[Sack of Doriath]]<br />
# [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
# [[Siege of Utumno]]<br />
# [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]<br />
# [[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]<br />
# [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
# [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
# [[War of the Ring]]<br />
# [[War of Wrath]]<br />
# [[Wars of Beleriand]]<br />
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<br />
<br><br />
* [http://www.computerhope.com/htmcolor.htm#01 '''HTML Color Codes''']<br />
* {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
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{| cellspacing="0" style="width:238px;background:#EFC35B"<br />
| style="width:45px;height:45px;background:#CC9000;text-align:center;font-size:14pt" | '''lore-3'''<br />
| style="font-size:8pt;padding:4pt;line-height:1.25em" | This user has an advanced understanding of '''[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s works'''.<br />
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<br>{{User Rohan}}</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn_II&diff=109055Aragorn II2010-06-16T03:47:03Z<p>Theoden1: Spelling fixes</p>
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<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]]|the [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]]|fabled gems|[[Elessar of Eärendil]]}}<br />
<br />
{{gondorian<br />
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Elessar (Battlefields boardgame).jpg|250px]]<br />
| name=Aragorn II<br />
| othernames=[[Elessar]], [[Thorongil]], Strider ([[Aragorn II#Names|see more below]])<br />
| position=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| birth=[[March 1]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| rule={{Ta|3019}} - {{FoA|120}}<br />
| death={{FoA|120}} (210 years old)<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]] + [[Gilraen]]<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters<br />
}}{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Steward and the King]]}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}; [[Third Age]] March 1, 2931 – [[Fourth Age]] 120, aged 210 years<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]].</ref>) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was a [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest man of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
At his birth, he received the name Aragorn from his father as "a name used in the House of the Chieftains". But his grandmother, Ivorwen, noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone; from this would come his royal name ''Elessar''([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone"), and he would be a healer and a renewer.<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]]. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead, and was not told about his heritage until he came of age in {{TA|2951}}.<br />
<br />
Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry in 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, and delivered to him the heirlooms of his House: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. The next day, in the woods of Rivendell, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]].<br />
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Aragorn took up his proper name as Aragorn II, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and went into [[The Wild]].<br />
In [[Third Age 2953|2953]] he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and they became great friends. At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]], and became known around the area as '''''Strider'''''.<br />
[[Image:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Thorongil" with [[Ecthelion II]], by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From [[Third Age 2957|2957]] to [[Third Age 2980|2980]] Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor. Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and with a few Gondorian ships he led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]], destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord. He later left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. Later in 2980 he was in [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This may seem a harsh condition, but it should be noted that it is significantly more lenient than the closest precedent, King [[Elu Thingol|Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]].<br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
====Fellowship of the Ring and events preceding====<br />
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In [[Third Age 3018|3018]] after searching intermittently over the years, Aragorn finally overtakes Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] and takes him to Thranduil in Mirkwood to be held captive. He then returns west where he meets with Gandalf and learns of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the ring.<br />
<br />
Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] waiting for sight of Frodo. While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions. He watched as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the [[Ambush at Weathertop]] and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[Image:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Aragorn at the death of Boromir, by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
<br />
At the Council of Elrond Aragorn was as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]].<br />
<br />
Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s plan to pass through [[Khazad-dûm|Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. Even at the [[Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
====The early War of the Ring====<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save Merry and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defense against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counterattacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Black ships, by [[Luca Michelucci]]]]<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumors. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<br />
<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the Destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]]. Gandalf took him up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there Aragorn found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. He died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterward in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
He founded the [[House of Telcontar]], and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. He also had a number of daughters, whose names were not recorded.<br />
<br />
Through his ancestor Elendil, Aragorn was a descendant of the [[Númenóreans]], great [[Men]] who were granted long lives by the [[Valar]]. Though [[Númenor]] was destroyed, its people lived on as the [[Dúnedain]], and like their ancestors they too were long-lived. Thus Aragorn lived to a great age, finally passing on at 210 years.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name '''Aragorn''' has long been without a clear etymology. [[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree"<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', page 114.</ref>, but [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] specifically said that this was not the case<ref>''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]].</ref>. [[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor" <ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', page 341.</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour (for so is that name interpreted)"<ref>''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', Foreword, page xii.</ref>. This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal"<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref>. [[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]]<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31]], page 18.</ref>. In "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950's manuscript by Tolkien, the most clear, and apparently final, thoughts of Tolkien indicate the name means '''"Revered King"''', from ''[[aran]]'' "king" and ''ngorn'' "dreaded, revered"<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases & Passages in 'The Lord of the Rings'", [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17, page 113.</ref>.<br />
<br />
===Names and titles===<br />
* Aragorn II - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* Elessar - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* Edhelharn - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter<ref>''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', The Epilogue, page 128 and following.</ref>. Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* [[Wingfoot]] - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]]. <br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* The Dúnadan - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* Longshanks - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* Arakorno - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya "and"<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases & Passages in 'The Lord of the Rings'", [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17, page 71.</ref>. Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery> <br />
Image:Strider from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]''</center><br />
Image:Aragorn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]''</center><br />
Image:Aragorn grimace.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''</center><br />
Image:Aragorn Anduril viv lotr.JPG|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]''</center><br />
Image:Aragorn LOTRO.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''</center><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|stereotype of a Native American]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]].<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though originally, [[Stuart Townsend]] was cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt; a change that was presumably made to fit him in the modern "anti-hero" jacket.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference being that in the book, their was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a non-playable character, who the player first meets at [[the Prancing Pony]] and later in the story in [[Rivendell]].<br />
<br />
'''See also:''' <br>[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | |EAR|y|ELW| | | | | | EAR=[[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | | |GAL|y|CEL| | GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!|}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |!| }}<br />
{{familytree | | |ROS| |RON|~|y|~|CLB| | | ROS=[[Elros Tar-Minyatur|Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]] }}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | |KON| | | | | |!| | | | KON=[[Kings of Númenor]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | |LOA| | | | | |!| | | LOA=Lords of [[Andúnië]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | |ELE| | | | | |!| | | ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | |!| | }}<br />
{{familytree |ISI| |ANA| | | |!| | | ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | | |!| | }}<br />
{{familytree |KOA| |KOG| | | |!| | KOA=[[Kings of Arnor]]|KOG=[[Kings of Gondor]] }}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | | |!| | }}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | |EAN| | | |!| | | EAN=[[Eärnur]]}}<br />
{{familytree |COD| | | | | | | |!| | COD=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | | | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree |ART|~|y|~|GIL| |!| | ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | |ARA|~|y|~|ARW| | | ARA='''ARAGORN II'''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | |ELD| | |SDS| | ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several daughters}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]]<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn II|Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
<br />
{{sequence<br />
|prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
|next=none<br />
|list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br>[[January 15]], {{TA|3019}} - [[February 16]], T.A. 3019<br />
}}<br><br />
{{sequence<br />
|prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
|next=none (abandoned)<br />
|list=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br>{{TA|2933}} – T.A. 3019<br />
}}<br><br />
{{sequence<br />
|prev=[[Eärnur]], 971 years earlier<br />
|next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
|list=[[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br>T.A. 3019 – {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br>{{sequence<br />
|prev=[[Arvedui]], 1,046 years earlier<br />
|next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
|list=[[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br> T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120<br />
}}<br>{{sequence<br />
|prev=[[Isildur]], 3,017 years earlier<br />
|next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
|list=[[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br>T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120<br />
}}<br>{{sequence<br />
|prev=none<br />
|next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
|list=[[House of Telcontar]]<br>T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120<br />
}}{{fellowship}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:House of Aranarth]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Featured Articles]]<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Osgiliath_(disambiguation)&diff=109054Battle of Osgiliath (disambiguation)2010-06-16T03:40:30Z<p>Theoden1: Spelling fixes</p>
<hr />
<div>{{cleanup}}<br />
<br />
<br />
{{battle<br />
|name=Battle of Osgiliath<br />
|image=[[Image:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|300px]]<br />
|conflict=War of the Ring<br />
|date= 3018-3019 TA<br />
|place= The ruins of Osgiliath, Anduin river fords<br />
|result=Victory for Sauron, Fall of the eastern and western halves of Osgiliath, leading to the siege of Minas Tirith<br />
|side1=Gondor<br />
|side2=Mordor<br />
|commanders1=<br />
* Boromir<br />
* Faramir<br />
|commanders2=<br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
* The Witch-king<br />
|forces1=Several thousand Gondorians<br />
|forces2=thousands of Orcs and other servants of Sauron<br />
|casual1=Unknown, hundreds maybe even thousands<br />
|casual2=Unknown, thousands|<br />
}}<br />
{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of Osgiliath''' was a prelude to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
<br />
Prior to this, Sauron had regained all his military strength and was prepared to attack [[Middle-earth]]. He first planned to attack his most powerful enemy, the land of Gondor, where "the hammer will fall hardest". But in order to destroy Gondor's capital, [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]], he first needed to capture [[Osgiliath]], a city strategically positioned on the river. Fords across the river were located in Osgiliath (half of the city was located on each side of the river) that were the only path a large army could cross the Anduin for hundreds of miles up or downstream (from Cair Andros to Pelargir). If captured, Sauron could freely move his main army across the river and to the primary target of his strategy in the war, Minas Tirith. <br />
<br />
The battle to control the ruins of Osgiliath had actually been fought, on and off, for over a century since the fall of [[Ithilien]] to Mordor. A renewed offensive by Mordor to take the city had begun several years prior to the [[Quest of Mount Doom]] (several years before TA 3018), and was fought continuously after that point with occasional lulls. <br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
<br />
The forces of Gondor, led by their captain-general [[Boromir|Boromir]], engaged in fierce urban warfare during this long siege. Under Boromir's command the enemy was pushed out of the half of the city on the west bank of the river, and on a strike force including Boromir and his younger brother [[Faramir|Faramir]] was able to destroy the last bridge in the city that connected the two banks of the river. This prevented Mordor's army from making an easy crossing, although the fords remained. After this temporary victory secured the river passing, Sauron's assault lessened. This lull in the Mordor-offensive was probably caused by Sauron not sending more troops to Osgiliath, but instead massing them within Mordor for a killing-blow months later. During this break in heavy fighting Boromir left Gondor to seek consul at [[Rivendell]]; he would never return. <br />
<br />
During this time, Faramir led several Ranger attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate; Frodo and Sam stumbled into one such attack.<br />
<br />
When the Great Signal from Mordor went up and another answered from Minas Morgul, the [[War of the Ring]] proper began (although [[Isengard]] had been fighting before this and Sauron had been pursuing his other fronts). Thus the Battle of Osgiliath was the first battle of the war in a strict sense. <br />
<br />
While there were men defending the west side of Osgiliath, the Steward [[Denethor II]] ordered Faramir to lead a force to reinforce them. However, Mordor was prepared. Months beforehand, the Orcs in East Osgiliath had been secretly constructing massive numbers of boats and rafts, and swelled by reinforcements they swarmed across the River Anduin to the Gondorian positions on the other bank. After long and heavy fighting the garrison under Faramir and his troops were forced to flee back to Minas Tirith, behind the [[Rammas Echor]]. Faramir himself was badly wounded in the retreat, when a poisoned Southron arrow pierced him; more severe damage was done by the [[Black Breath]] of the [[Nazgûl]]. In the meantime, the Orcs made makeshift repairs to several destroyed bridges. The main combined army of Mordor then arrived, formed from those that Frodo saw leaving Minas Morgul, but this was "but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth": a far greater host that had massed at the Black Gate joined them at Osgiliath, and the combined forces now entired the western bank of Osgiliath. More also came from the fords at Cair Andros, which was recently captured, but they would not reach Minas Tirith until later.<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===<br />
<br />
Osgiliath now completely in the hands of Mordor, the vast army of Sauron marched from the city and surrounded Minas Tirith, beginning the [[siege of Gondor]] and leading directly into the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations ==<br />
For cinematic purposes, the movie-version of ''[[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. (In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised and certain to result in death.)<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_Wrath&diff=101848War of Wrath2010-04-02T23:49:15Z<p>Theoden1: Undo revision 101839 by Jason. (Talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{expansion}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{battle<br />
| name=War of Wrath<br />
| image=[[Image:Perkan_Pickman_-_War_of_Wrath.jpg|350px]]<br />
| conflict=[[War of Wrath]]<br />
| date=c. [[First Age 545|F.A. 545]] - [[First Age 587|587]]<br />
| place=[[Beleriand]]<br />
| result=Decisive victory for the [[Host of the Valar]], Drowning of [[Beleriand]], Expulsion of [[Morgoth]] from Arda<br />
| side1=[[Morgoth]] and his minions, including [[Balrogs]], [[Orcs]], and [[Dragons]]<br />
| side2=The [[Host of the Valar]], including the [[Vanyar]] and [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]]<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Morgoth blazon}}<br />
* [[Ancalagon]] †<br />
| commanders2=<br />
{{Eärendil blazon}}<br />
{{Finarfin blazon}}<br />
* [[Eönwë]] <br />
* [[Thorondor]]<br />
| forces1= Millions<br />
| forces2= Hundreds of thousands<br />
| casual1=Virtually entire force<br />
| casual2=Unknown, but most likely severe.<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''War of Wrath''', or the '''Great Battle''', was the final [[Wars of Beleriand|battle]] against [[Morgoth]] at the end of the [[First Age]], and the greatest battle ever fought in all of [[Middle-earth]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
500 years into the First Age, Morgoth had become mighty in Middle-earth, not least because of the strife among the [[Noldor]]. The mariner [[Eärendil]], wearing the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] on his brow, came to [[Valinor]], the first with mortal blood to set foot there, and begged the [[Valar]] to help the enslaved [[Elves]] and [[Men]] of Middle-earth.<br />
<br />
The Valar were moved by Eärendil's plea, and along with the [[Vanyar]] and Noldor that were in Valinor, riding in the ships of the [[Teleri]], came to Middle-earth in a mighty host. They marched across [[Beleriand]], and met the forces of Morgoth in the plains of [[Anfauglith]].<br />
<br />
=== The Great Battle ===<br />
The Valar and the Elves destroyed the [[Balrogs]], all save a few who fled and hid themselves, and the armies of the [[Orcs]] perished like straw in a great fire. While the [[Three Houses of the Edain]] fought with the Valar, many other Men fought against them and perished. Facing defeat, Morgoth released his ultimate weapon, the winged [[Dragons]], which had never been seen before, and drove the Valar back. The leader of these dragons was the powerful [[Ancalagon|Ancalagon the Black]].<br />
<br />
Then [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] came with his sky-ship [[Vingilótë|Vingilot]], along with the [[Eagles]], and they fought the dragons, in the end slaying Ancalagon, the mightiest of the dragon horde, who broke the towers of [[Thangorodrim]] in his fall.<br />
<br />
Morgoth was captured hiding in the deepest dungeon of Angband and bound with his old chain Angainor; the two Silmarils still in his possession were taken by the Maia [[Eönwë]] and guarded (whence they were later stolen by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]]). In the end the Valar thrust him "through the [[Door of Night]], beyond the [[Walls of the World]], into the [[The Void|Timeless Void]]", where he remains until the [[Last Battle]] and the Day of Doom. Only then shall he be utterly destroyed. <br />
[[Image:Doors_of_Night.jpg|left|200px|thumb|left|"The Doors of Night" by [[John Howe]].]]<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
The wreckage of the war was immense; most of the land west of the [[Ered Luin]] was laid waste and soon after sank beneath the waves. Most of the Elves went to the West, while others went East. The Valar raised up the island of [[Númenor]] in the Western Sea as a new home for the [[Edain]].<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
{{warsofbeleriand}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]<br />
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User:Theoden1&diff=95185User:Theoden12010-02-05T14:26:32Z<p>Theoden1: /* Contributions */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Théoden -- ''Mighty King of Rohan'' ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Théoden.jpeg|thumb|[[Bernard Hill]] as Théoden]]I'm proud to pay tribute to a great hero of the ''Lord of the Rings'' saga, Théoden, son of Thengel, 17th King of Rohan. He was a commander at both of the great battles of the Trilogy, [[Helm's Deep]] and [[Pelennor Fields]]. He was slain battling the [[Lord of the Nazgul]] on the Pelennor Fields outside [[Minas Tirith]]. He was succeeded as King by his nephew, Éomer, who began the third line of Rohan kings.<br />
<br />
== My Favorite Quotes: ==<br />
<br />
{{quote|That is a fair lord and a great captain of men. If [[Gondor]] has such men still in these days of fading, great must have been its glory in the days of its rising.|Legolas speaking of Prince Imrahil, [[The Return of the King]], ''The Last Debate''}}'''*TG Featured Quote'''<br />
<br />
{{quote|For, it may well prove that you will see me never again; and that I shall show you no such sign as Eärendil showed long ago. But hold you ever in readiness, for the end of the world we have known is now at hand.|Amandil speaking to Elendil, [[The Silmarillion]], ''Akallabêth''}}<br />
<br />
The following is out-of-universe, but it applies to an '''all-war-all-the-time''' guy like me:<br />
{{quote|Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal.|Tupac Shakur}}<br />
<br />
Another o-o-u classic:<br />
{{quote|If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will come floating by.|Sun-Tzu}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Theoden1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This is me, a King among Men]]Being a middle-aged African-American man gives me a little different viewpoint on the Tolkien universe. It's certainly Eurocentric, but its also well-designed and highly entertaining. It should be remembered that Tolkien was a product of his times, which thought that the world revolved around Western Europe. So I don't give a lot of credence to this 'Tolkien was racist' nonsense. I am a veteran of a couple of other Wiki sites, like ''Wikipedia Project: Middle Earth'' and ''Memory Alpha''. I joined Tolkien Gateway to try to make a major contribution and get involved. I try to raise the level of expertise and professionalism on TG, and I tend to concentrate on articles involving conflicts from the First and Second Ages. It's been my privilege to to re-ignite the '''Featured Article''' process here on TG, and to drive the first one through to FA status, '''[[Aragorn II]]'''. I also nominated and shepherded through the first new '''Featured Quote''' in over a year, from [[Legolas]].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:Steven_White_Jr._-_A_Map_of_Beleriand.jpg|450px|center|thumb|Realms of Beleriand]]<br />
<br />
== My Scoreboard ==<br />
{{Special:Editcount/Theoden1}} '''Total Edits'''<br />
<br />
== NationStates2 Empire ==<br />
<br />
Visit my Nationstates2 Empire, the nation of [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/nation/techvarinia Techvarinia], part of the [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/alliances/world95/arnorianimperialalliance Arnorian Imperial Alliance] on World 95. I'm the '''Lord High Chancellor''', and KA is my Foreign Secretary. It's a home away from home for Tolkien fans, and it's growing in power. Sorry to say that the game went offline during summer 2009. I'll miss it...<br />
<br />
== Contributions ==<br />
<br />
'''Articles written''':<br />
<br />
# [[Angmar War]]<br />
# [[Captain of Umbar]]<br />
# [[Chaining of Melkor]]<br />
# [[Corsair Wars]]<br />
# [[Elendil Stone]]<br />
# [[First War with Melkor]]<br />
# [[Gondorian Military Forces]]<br />
# [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]]<br />
# [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]<br />
# [[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
# [[Second Assault on Hithlum]]<br />
<br />
'''Articles rewritten or heavily modified''':<br />
<br />
# [[Arnor]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Camp]]<br />
# [[Battle of Dale]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Morannon]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Plains]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Powers]]<br />
# [[Cirion]]<br />
# [[Dagor Aglareb]]<br />
# [[Dagor Bragollach]]<br />
# [[Elendil]]<br />
# [[Fëanor]]<br />
# [[First Battle]]<br />
# [[Gondor]]<br />
# [[Isildur]]<br />
# [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]<br />
# [[Morgoth]]<br />
# [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]]<br />
# [[Númenor]]<br />
# [[Númenóreans]]<br />
# [[Rangers of the North]]<br />
# [[Sack of Doriath]]<br />
# [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
# [[Siege of Utumno]]<br />
# [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]<br />
# [[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]<br />
# [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
# [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
# [[War of the Ring]]<br />
# [[War of Wrath]]<br />
# [[Wars of Beleriand]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br />
* [http://www.computerhope.com/htmcolor.htm#01 '''HTML Color Codes''']<br />
* {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
<br><br><br />
<div style="float:left;border:solid #CC9000 1px;margin:1px"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width:238px;background:#EFC35B"<br />
| style="width:45px;height:45px;background:#CC9000;text-align:center;font-size:14pt" | '''lore-3'''<br />
| style="font-size:8pt;padding:4pt;line-height:1.25em" | This user has an advanced understanding of '''[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s works'''.<br />
|}</div><br />
<includeonly>[[Category:User lore-3|{{PAGENAME}}]]</includeonly><br />
{{User Númenor}}<br />
<br>{{User Rohan}}</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Assaults_on_Hithlum&diff=94480Assaults on Hithlum2010-02-03T16:27:33Z<p>Theoden1: Article create</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
<br />
This was one of minor battles in the [[Wars of Beleriand]]. It occurred after the [[Dagor Bragollach]], and involved Cirdan's sending of a task force to fend off an Orc attack on [[Hithlum]].</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=User:Theoden1&diff=93314User:Theoden12010-01-29T14:15:26Z<p>Theoden1: /* Contributions */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Théoden -- ''Mighty King of Rohan'' ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Théoden.jpeg|thumb|[[Bernard Hill]] as Théoden]]I'm proud to pay tribute to a great hero of the ''Lord of the Rings'' saga, Théoden, son of Thengel, 17th King of Rohan. He was a commander at both of the great battles of the Trilogy, [[Helm's Deep]] and [[Pelennor Fields]]. He was slain battling the [[Lord of the Nazgul]] on the Pelennor Fields outside [[Minas Tirith]]. He was succeeded as King by his nephew, Éomer, who began the third line of Rohan kings.<br />
<br />
== My Favorite Quotes: ==<br />
<br />
{{quote|That is a fair lord and a great captain of men. If [[Gondor]] has such men still in these days of fading, great must have been its glory in the days of its rising.|Legolas speaking of Prince Imrahil, [[The Return of the King]], ''The Last Debate''}}'''*TG Featured Quote'''<br />
<br />
{{quote|For, it may well prove that you will see me never again; and that I shall show you no such sign as Eärendil showed long ago. But hold you ever in readiness, for the end of the world we have known is now at hand.|Amandil speaking to Elendil, [[The Silmarillion]], ''Akallabêth''}}<br />
<br />
The following is out-of-universe, but it applies to an '''all-war-all-the-time''' guy like me:<br />
{{quote|Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal.|Tupac Shakur}}<br />
<br />
Another o-o-u classic:<br />
{{quote|If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will come floating by.|Sun-Tzu}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Theoden1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This is me, a King among Men]]Being a middle-aged African-American man gives me a little different viewpoint on the Tolkien universe. It's certainly Eurocentric, but its also well-designed and highly entertaining. It should be remembered that Tolkien was a product of his times, which thought that the world revolved around Western Europe. So I don't give a lot of credence to this 'Tolkien was racist' nonsense. I am a veteran of a couple of other Wiki sites, like ''Wikipedia Project: Middle Earth'' and ''Memory Alpha''. I joined Tolkien Gateway to try to make a major contribution and get involved. I try to raise the level of expertise and professionalism on TG, and I tend to concentrate on articles involving conflicts from the First and Second Ages. It's been my privilege to to re-ignite the '''Featured Article''' process here on TG, and to drive the first one through to FA status, '''[[Aragorn II]]'''. I also nominated and shepherded through the first new '''Featured Quote''' in over a year, from [[Legolas]].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:Steven_White_Jr._-_A_Map_of_Beleriand.jpg|450px|center|thumb|Realms of Beleriand]]<br />
<br />
== My Scoreboard ==<br />
{{Special:Editcount/Theoden1}} '''Total Edits'''<br />
<br />
== NationStates2 Empire ==<br />
<br />
Visit my Nationstates2 Empire, the nation of [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/nation/techvarinia Techvarinia], part of the [http://www.nationstates2.com/g/alliances/world95/arnorianimperialalliance Arnorian Imperial Alliance] on World 95. I'm the '''Lord High Chancellor''', and KA is my Foreign Secretary. It's a home away from home for Tolkien fans, and it's growing in power. Sorry to say that the game went offline during summer 2009. I'll miss it...<br />
<br />
== Contributions ==<br />
<br />
'''Articles written''':<br />
<br />
# [[Angmar War]]<br />
# [[Captain of Umbar]]<br />
# [[Chaining of Melkor]]<br />
# [[Corsair Wars]]<br />
# [[Elendil Stone]]<br />
# [[First War with Melkor]]<br />
# [[Gondorian Military Forces]]<br />
# [[Second Battle of Dagorlad]]<br />
# [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]<br />
# [[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
<br />
'''Articles rewritten or heavily modified''':<br />
<br />
# [[Arnor]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Camp]]<br />
# [[Battle of Dale]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Morannon]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Plains]]<br />
# [[Battle of the Powers]]<br />
# [[Cirion]]<br />
# [[Dagor Aglareb]]<br />
# [[Dagor Bragollach]]<br />
# [[Elendil]]<br />
# [[Fëanor]]<br />
# [[First Battle]]<br />
# [[Gondor]]<br />
# [[Isildur]]<br />
# [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]<br />
# [[Morgoth]]<br />
# [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]]<br />
# [[Númenor]]<br />
# [[Númenóreans]]<br />
# [[Rangers of the North]]<br />
# [[Sack of Doriath]]<br />
# [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
# [[Siege of Utumno]]<br />
# [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]<br />
# [[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]<br />
# [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
# [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
# [[War of the Ring]]<br />
# [[War of Wrath]]<br />
# [[Wars of Beleriand]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br />
* [http://www.computerhope.com/htmcolor.htm#01 '''HTML Color Codes''']<br />
* {{User:Theoden1/sig}}<br />
<br><br><br />
<div style="float:left;border:solid #CC9000 1px;margin:1px"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width:238px;background:#EFC35B"<br />
| style="width:45px;height:45px;background:#CC9000;text-align:center;font-size:14pt" | '''lore-3'''<br />
| style="font-size:8pt;padding:4pt;line-height:1.25em" | This user has an advanced understanding of '''[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s works'''.<br />
|}</div><br />
<includeonly>[[Category:User lore-3|{{PAGENAME}}]]</includeonly><br />
{{User Númenor}}<br />
<br>{{User Rohan}}</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=93279First War2010-01-28T21:10:41Z<p>Theoden1: Text adj</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{war<br />
| previous=<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the first great battle against [[Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the Elves knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. Melkor eventually threw down the Two Lamps, and caused widespread chaos. [[Ilúvatar]] had revealed to the Valar the coming of the [[Elves|Firstborn Children]], and they were determined to fight to the end. After a war which took ages to wage, the Valar eventually prevailed, and the [[Earth]] (Arda) slowly took shape.<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=First_War&diff=93278First War2010-01-28T21:06:42Z<p>Theoden1: Detail add</p>
<hr />
<div>{{unnamed}}<br />
{{war<br />
| previous=<br />
| next=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]<br />
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=First War with Melkor<br />
| place=All of Arda<br />
| result=Victory for the [[Valar]], Formation of [[Arda]]<br />
| battles=Many and various<br />
| begin= [[Valian Year 1|VY 1]]<br />
| end= [[Valian Year 1499|VY 1499]]<br />
| side1=Valar and Maiar of Arda<br />
| side2=Melkor<br />
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]<br />
* [[Tulkas]]<br />
| commanders2={{morgoth blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
During the early [[Valian Years]], [[Melkor]] battled the other [[Valar]] and marred [[Arda]] during its formation. This was the first great battle against [[Melkor]] where he struggled to undo the work of the Valar, demolishing mountains they created, raising up valleys they brought into existence, and spilling seas they had carved. This titanic conflict occurred in prehistory, and the Elves knew only what the Powers told them of it. This duel was for nothing less than dominion over [[Arda]], and much was at stake. Melkor threw down the Two Lamps, and caused widespread chaos. [[Ilúvatar]] had revealed to the Valar the coming of the [[Elves|Firstborn Children]], and they were determined to fight to the end. After a war which took ages to wage, the Valar eventually prevailed, and the [[Earth]] (Arda) slowly took shape.<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Morgoth&diff=93277Morgoth2010-01-28T21:04:05Z<p>Theoden1: /* Wars of the Valar */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{evil infobox<br />
| image=[[Image:Angel Falto - Morgoth.jpg|250px]]<br />
| name=Morgoth<br />
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]<br />
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]<br />
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-[[Years of the Trees 1100|Y.T. 1100]], c. [[Years of the Trees 1500|Y.T. 1500]]-[[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]<br />
| age=<br />
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] [[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]<br />
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| race=[[Ainur]]<br />
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form<br />
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]<br />
|}}{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}<br />
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again and be destroyed in the [[Dagor Dagorath]] by [[Túrin Turambar]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.<br />
<br />
===The Music of the Ainur===<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.<br />
<br />
Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.<br />
<br />
===Wars of the Valar===<br />
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.<br />
<br />
The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.<br />
<br />
Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.<br />
<br />
But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.<br />
<br />
===Dominance of Middle-earth===<br />
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.<br />
<br />
Melkor brooded in the north, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.<br />
<br />
===Time in Valinor===<br />
The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.<br />
<br />
At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.<br />
<br />
===Revenge against the Valar===<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees'' by [[John Howe]]]]<br />
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straightaway to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.<br />
<br />
Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.<br />
<br />
Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.<br />
<br />
===Return to Beleriand===<br />
Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth feared her suddenly. He reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, though she tortured him. His screams went out to [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.<br />
<br />
===Wars of Beleriand===<br />
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.<br />
<br />
====Dagor-nuin-Giliath==== <br />
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.<br />
<br />
====Dagor Aglareb====<br />
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.<br />
<br />
====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin==== <br />
[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|thumb|right|300px|''Morgoth vs. Fingolfin'' by [[John Howe]]]]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until [[First Age 455|455]]. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth dared not refuse, for fear of showing himself a coward in front of his servants. With [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, he fought Fingolfin long. The Elf-lord gave him seven wounds, but at last was struck down. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin to crush him, Fingolfin struck one last time, and Morgoth’s blood filled the pools made by his hammer. Morgoth could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew into his face and escaped with the body.<br />
<br />
====The Quest for the Silmaril====<br />
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth lusted after Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but she danced for him and lured him to sleep with her magic robes. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].<br />
<br />
====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====<br />
Some time after, in [[First Age 471|471]], [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in [[First Age 495|495]]. But [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of the Sirion]].<br />
<br />
===The Curse of Morgoth===<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Morgoth Punishes [[Húrin]]'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.<br />
<br />
===The Fall of Gondolin===<br />
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]].<br />
<br />
===The War of Wrath===<br />
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more. This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy, if to a far lesser degree: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].<br />
<br />
==The Future==<br />
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.<br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
[[Image:James Stirzaker - Melkor and the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor and the Silmarils'' by [[James Stirzaker]]]]Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. Traditionally he was covered head to foot in armor, though this is not specifically stated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.<br />
<br />
Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or Gothmog had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). He also had great mental and physical power, at least in the earlier days, greater than any of the other [[Valar]].<br />
<br />
==Names==<br />
* ''Morgoth'' (''[[Bauglir]]'') – [[Q.]] “The Dark Enemy” (“The Constrainer”), given him by [[Fëanor]]<br />
* ''Melkor'' – [[Q.]] “He who arises in might”<br />
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]<br />
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''<br />
* ''[[Belegur]]([[Belegurth|th]])'' – [[S.]] “Great Death”<br />
* ''Lord of the Dark''<br />
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]<br />
* ''[[mbelekôro]]'' – [[C.E.]] Unknown meaning<br />
* ''Great Enemy''<br />
* ''Black Foe''<br />
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]<br />
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<br />
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned<br />
<br />
==Minions==<br />
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with the [[One Ring]]<br />
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]<br />
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin Turambar|Túrin]]<br />
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]]<br />
* [[Othrond]] – (noncanon) [[Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]<br />
* [[Lungorthin]] - (noncanon) A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband<br />
<br />
==Noun inflection==<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|{{qya-decl-o|num=sg|Moringott|udual=Moringottu}}<br />
|valign="top"|{{sjn-noun-m|num=sing|tc=1|orgoth}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Valar]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[de:Morgoth]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Morgoth&diff=93276Morgoth2010-01-28T21:03:17Z<p>Theoden1: /* Wars of the Valar */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{evil infobox<br />
| image=[[Image:Angel Falto - Morgoth.jpg|250px]]<br />
| name=Morgoth<br />
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]<br />
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]<br />
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-[[Years of the Trees 1100|Y.T. 1100]], c. [[Years of the Trees 1500|Y.T. 1500]]-[[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]<br />
| age=<br />
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] [[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]<br />
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| race=[[Ainur]]<br />
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form<br />
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]<br />
|}}{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}<br />
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again and be destroyed in the [[Dagor Dagorath]] by [[Túrin Turambar]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.<br />
<br />
===The Music of the Ainur===<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.<br />
<br />
Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.<br />
<br />
===Wars of the Valar===<br />
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, [[The First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.<br />
<br />
The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.<br />
<br />
Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.<br />
<br />
But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.<br />
<br />
===Dominance of Middle-earth===<br />
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.<br />
<br />
Melkor brooded in the north, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.<br />
<br />
===Time in Valinor===<br />
The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.<br />
<br />
At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.<br />
<br />
===Revenge against the Valar===<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees'' by [[John Howe]]]]<br />
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straightaway to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.<br />
<br />
Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.<br />
<br />
Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.<br />
<br />
===Return to Beleriand===<br />
Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth feared her suddenly. He reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, though she tortured him. His screams went out to [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.<br />
<br />
===Wars of Beleriand===<br />
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.<br />
<br />
====Dagor-nuin-Giliath==== <br />
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.<br />
<br />
====Dagor Aglareb====<br />
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.<br />
<br />
====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin==== <br />
[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|thumb|right|300px|''Morgoth vs. Fingolfin'' by [[John Howe]]]]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until [[First Age 455|455]]. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth dared not refuse, for fear of showing himself a coward in front of his servants. With [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, he fought Fingolfin long. The Elf-lord gave him seven wounds, but at last was struck down. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin to crush him, Fingolfin struck one last time, and Morgoth’s blood filled the pools made by his hammer. Morgoth could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew into his face and escaped with the body.<br />
<br />
====The Quest for the Silmaril====<br />
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth lusted after Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but she danced for him and lured him to sleep with her magic robes. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].<br />
<br />
====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====<br />
Some time after, in [[First Age 471|471]], [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in [[First Age 495|495]]. But [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of the Sirion]].<br />
<br />
===The Curse of Morgoth===<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Morgoth Punishes [[Húrin]]'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.<br />
<br />
===The Fall of Gondolin===<br />
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]].<br />
<br />
===The War of Wrath===<br />
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more. This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy, if to a far lesser degree: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].<br />
<br />
==The Future==<br />
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.<br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
[[Image:James Stirzaker - Melkor and the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor and the Silmarils'' by [[James Stirzaker]]]]Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. Traditionally he was covered head to foot in armor, though this is not specifically stated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.<br />
<br />
Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or Gothmog had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). He also had great mental and physical power, at least in the earlier days, greater than any of the other [[Valar]].<br />
<br />
==Names==<br />
* ''Morgoth'' (''[[Bauglir]]'') – [[Q.]] “The Dark Enemy” (“The Constrainer”), given him by [[Fëanor]]<br />
* ''Melkor'' – [[Q.]] “He who arises in might”<br />
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]<br />
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''<br />
* ''[[Belegur]]([[Belegurth|th]])'' – [[S.]] “Great Death”<br />
* ''Lord of the Dark''<br />
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]<br />
* ''[[mbelekôro]]'' – [[C.E.]] Unknown meaning<br />
* ''Great Enemy''<br />
* ''Black Foe''<br />
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]<br />
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<br />
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned<br />
<br />
==Minions==<br />
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with the [[One Ring]]<br />
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]<br />
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin Turambar|Túrin]]<br />
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]]<br />
* [[Othrond]] – (noncanon) [[Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]<br />
* [[Lungorthin]] - (noncanon) A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband<br />
<br />
==Noun inflection==<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|{{qya-decl-o|num=sg|Moringott|udual=Moringottu}}<br />
|valign="top"|{{sjn-noun-m|num=sing|tc=1|orgoth}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Valar]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[de:Morgoth]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Fall_of_Gondolin_(chapter)&diff=92508The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)2010-01-27T16:49:37Z<p>Theoden1: /* The Fall */ -sp</p>
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<div><center>[[Image:Canon_Scale_-_2.jpg]]</center><br />
{{events<br />
| image=[[Image:John Howe - The Fall of Gondolin.jpg|300px]]<br />
| event=The Fall of Gondolin<br />
| othernames=<br />
| date=c. [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]<br />
| location=[[Gondolin]]<br />
| result=The destruction of Gondolin and deaths of most of its people; survivors fled to [[Nan-tathren]]<br />
| partof=[[Morgoth]]'s destruction of the [[Noldor]]<br />
| participants=[[Turgon]], [[Tuor]], [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]], [[Gondolindrim]], [[Gothmog]], [[Orcs]], [[Dragons]]<br />
| description=A massive attack by Morgoth's forces upon Gondolin<br />
| references=<br />
|}}<br />
'''The Fall of Gondolin''' is perhaps the earliest extant writing of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[legendarium]]. It was written during a leave of absence granted to Tolkien around the year 1916, while he was fighting in the [[World War I]] and was only published postumously in the [[Book of Lost Tales 2|second volume]] of ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series by his son, [[Christopher Tolkien]].<br />
<br />
It is also striking as a text as it is the single complete account of the city of [[Gondolin]]'s fall in existance. The only revision made was an incomplete narrative entitled ''[[Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin]]'' which cut off abruptly at the moment Tuor first witnesses the city and thus never dealt with the actual fall of the city. It was publised in [[Unfinished Tales]] under the title 'Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin' to more accurately state it's content. In the commentry to 'The Fall of Gondolin'' Christopher Tolkien calls the unfinished state of 'Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin' "...one of the saddest facts in the whole history of incompletion" which adequately expresses the complications that arise.<br />
<br />
== Canonicity == <br />
As the text is such an early writing, many conceptions in ''The Fall of Gondolin'' are in their infancy and thus difficult to judge in relation to the notion of [[canon]]. Within its narrative are many features that rub uneasily if not outright clash with later conceptions of their forms. [[Balrogs]] for instance within 'The Fall' are slain in their multitudes: ''"Of those demons of fire [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] slew three...yet the leap of that axe [[Dramborleg]] that was swung by the hand of [[Tuor]] were they still more afraid...and five of them went down before it."'' and in the fight in the [[Square of the King]] ''"...of the balrogs slew even two score"''.<br />
<br />
However the problem of canon stretches beyond just the battle. The entire notion of Gondolin's secrecy is presented as far weaker than later versions. Morgoth's animal spies (another feature not expressed fully in later versions of the legendarium) surround the vale of [[Tumladen]] completely, having discovered by their own scoutings exactly where the city lies. When [[Maeglin]] is captured therefore, the price of his freedom is not telling [[Morgoth]] the location of the city (as in later texts) but rather for information regarding [[Turgon]]'s preparations for the defence (since Morgoth's spies had been marked by the Gondothlim) and the layout of the city. <br />
<br />
Many of the details found in ''The Fall of Gondolin'' feature only in that text with no other sources to confirm or deny their place in Middle-earth canon. Others, such as the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]] receive only fleeting and largely insubstantial glimpses in later writings: In the case of the Houses of the Gondothlim Ecthelion and [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] are occassionally featured with their respective titles [[House of the Fountain|'of the Fountain']] and [[House of the Golden Flower|'of the Golden Flower']] refering to the Houses they commanded. <br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
===In the Beginning ===<br />
Tuor lived by the shores of [[Lake Mithrim]] hunting in its woods and learning lore from the [[Ñoldor]] that wandered in the region. At some point however he is driven by some force of fate to enter a cave through which a river ran. Driven on he meets a couple of the Noldor (characters who would become [[Gelmir of Angrod's People|Gelmir]] and [[Arminas]]) and comes through the cave into the [[Rainbow Cleft]]. Tuor spent a time dwelling on the shores of the region (presumably [[Nevrast]]) before three swans encouraged him to follow them, because he had a great liking of the birds and took them as his symbol. There-follows a long trek south into more pleasant lands where the trend of the coast was more west-east than north-south. Eventually he reaches a land where a river empties into the sea. There, during the night he is met by a group of the Ñoldor who guide him far inland, to Arlisgion from where he followed the course of the River [[Sirion]] north until he came to [[Nan-tathren]], the beautiful valley of willows. In this region Tuor was content to live and fearing this, [[Ulmo]] lord of waters who had willed Tuor on this journey came before Tuor in person, bidding him to seek the hidden city of Gondolin. This Tuor does, but soon the Ñoldor guides desert him fearing the reach of Morgoth's power. Only [[Voronwë of Gondolin|Voronwë]] remains with him and together they find a way to the hidden city.<br />
<br />
The above section of the tale was replaced in its entirety by ''[Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin]'' which retains many features and phrases but changes dramatically the narrative. In ''Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin'' Tuor is guided by the swans to [[Turgon]]'s old city of [[Vinyamar]] where he finds arms and armour left for him by Turgon at the bidding of Ulmo. There the encounter with Ulmo takes place who sends him Voronwë, saved from a shipwreck to guide Tuor to Gondolin (the other Ñoldor do not appear). The journey is also considerably shorter, both in distance and the time it takes, as Tuor and Voronwë turn east beyond [[Mount Taras]] traveling the wilderness south of the line of the [[Ered Wethrin]]. However from the moment the travelers see Gondolin for the first time, ''The Fall of Gondolin'' is the only source.<br />
<br />
=== Tuor in Gondolin === <br />
Tuor and Voronwë entered Gondolin, greeted with awe by its people and were taken before King Turgon. There Tuor, given the power and majesty of Ulmo's own voice tells Turgon to gather his forces and attack Morgoth as the time for his overthrow is ripe. Turgon refused this counsel and so Tuor warned him that both [[elves]] and [[men]] would suffer for a long whiles before the [[Valar]] could contrive another means of salvation. However Tuor voices Ulmo's other counsel which was to leave Gondolin, travel down the Sirion, build ships and sail back to [[Valinor]]. Again Turgon refuses, informing Tuor that he had every year sent messengers by boat over the sea but no word returned of their fate. <br />
<br />
Tuor, none the less, is invited to remain in Gondolin and there he learned many things that would otherwise be kept secret from the race of men. Matters of music, lore, architecture and culture are all taught to him and he became beloved in the city. Turgon had a suit of armour made for him and an axe, [[Dramborleg]]. During this time he married Turgon's daughter [[Idril Celebrindal]] at [[Gar Ainion]] and Idril bore him a son, [[Eärendil the Mariner]].<br />
<br />
Not all was blissful though because Morgoth had gathered an army of spies and these he sent out to discover the city. They had found the [[Orfalch Echor|Way of Escape]] and with the aid of captive Ñoldor, bypassed the magic protecting it to enter through. Tidings of these spyings were bought to Turgon and he began preparing Gondolin for whatever may become of them. Idril then encouraged Tuor to have a [[Idril's Secret Way|secret tunnel]] constructed, leading from their house far onto the plain of [[Tumladen]], for Idril perceived that things would not remain peaceful and that [[Maeglin]], her cousin, was not all he seemed. This Tuor did and despite the hardness of the rock of [[Amon Gwareth]] work began.<br />
<br />
Idril's advice proved very good since Maeglin was captured by [[orcs]] spying in the region. In exchange for his life he offered them much information on Gondolin, and though they knew much of what he had told them, he told them to bring him before Morgoth so that he may judge the worth of his information. Morgoth was well pleased by what Maeglin had to tell and together they conceived a plan for the capture of Gondolin, Morgoth even promising Maeglin the hand of Idril if he could slay Tuor and Eärendil. On Maeglin's advice Morgoth had his smiths and sorcerers construct iron monsters in the likeness of dragons, which might cross difficult terrain and harbour legions of orcs to transport them safely across the open plain of Tumladen. These monsters it is noted had never been seen before and never would be again until the ''"Great End"''.<br />
<br />
Maeglin returned to Gondolin promptly so as not to arouse suspicion and from that point on appeared increasingly happy and light-hearted though a shadow of dread placed upon him by Morgoth ever gnawed at him. This new Maeglin however only increased Tuor and Idril's suspicion. Furthermore Morgoth withdrew his spies which Turgon and the people of Gondolin interpreted as him seeing the impregnability of Gondolin and deciding against assault and the watch on the mountains was slackened. It was in that year that Eärendil was seven years of age.<br />
<br />
=== The Fall ===<br />
It was as the Gondolindrim were celebrating the festival of [[Tarnin Austa]] that Morgoth assaulted their city. As the sun went down that day and all the people were out to witness the ending of the day, a red glow grew in the north dying the snow on the mountains as blood. Riders fled over the plain bringing the tidings, Morgoth was upon them.<br />
<br />
There follows a detailed description of the symbols and colours of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothli]] as they ready for battle: [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] and the [[House of the King]]; Tuor and the [[House of the Wing]]; Maeglin and the [[House of the Mole]]; [[Duilin of Gondolin|Duilin]] and the [[House of the Swallow]]; [[Egalmoth of the Heavenly Arch|Egalmoth]] and the [[House of the Heavenly Arch]]; [[Penlod]] and the twin Houses of [[House of the Pillar|the Pillar]] and [[House of the Tower of Snow|the Tower of Snow]]; [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] and the [[House of the Tree]]; [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] and the [[House of the Golden Flower]]; [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] and the [[House of the Fountain]]; [[Salgant]] and the [[House of the Harp]] and [[Rog]] and the [[House of the Hammer of Wrath]].<br />
<br />
A council of war was called by Turgon and though Tuor recommends an attempt to sally, Maeglin and Salgant (who fawned upon Maeglin and did his bidding) convinced Turgon to remain in the city since it was so hard in the making. So ended the council and the Gondolindrim deployed themselves for the battle.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_1.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
So the battle began in earnest. As the hosts of Morgoth, commanded by [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] crossed the plain of Tumladen, Turgon's war machines opened fire, supplemented by the Houses of the Heavenly arch and of the Swallow, both houses of archers. However for all their efforts they did little to slow the advance. Once the forces of Morgoth had reached the city however, they found that they couldn't assault the walls as the sides of Amon Gwareth were smooth and hard and the beasts of Morgoth could not climb them. Therefore Gothmog led an assault on the [[North Gate]], using the iron monsters that Morgoth had had forged to break them. From the bellies of the Iron creatures hosts of orcs spilled and Galdor and Rog with their houses were hard pressed to hold them. <br />
<br />
At this time Maeglin had decided to bring his plans to fruition and had traveled with the House of the Mole to Tuor's abode on the south western wall. There he intended to thrust Eärendil over the walls and to goad Idril into leading him out of the ruin of the city by her secret way, which Maeglin had heard rumour of. However he was thwarted by Tuor, who arriving just as Maeglin was dragging Eärendil to the walls and Tuor gave a great shout, and battle ensued between the Houses of the Mole and of the Wing. In the midst of this Tuor rescued his wife and son and lifting Maeglin threw him over the walls to his death. Tuor left Idril and Eärendil in the keeping of Voronwë and a guard of warriors from his house and returned with the remainder of the House of the Wing to the combat. [[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_2.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
At the gate, battle intensified as the balrogs came upon the defenders there. Duilin and Penlod were slain. But Rog rallied his House about him and made for a desperate charge, beating the enemy back from the gates and bringing the battle out onto Tumladen. There, however, he was slain, cut off from the city and his house fell to a man by the horde assembled.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_3.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Battle continued and a fresh assault was made by the forces of Morgoth upon the western wall. There the dragons had beat a way up Amon Gwareth and heaved against the wall, succeeding in breaching it. But Tuor and the House of the Wing and Ecthelion and the House of the Fountain (which had before now been held in reserve) were ready to meet it. In the battle that followed Tuor and Ecthelion proved themselves mighty in battle, slaying orc chieftains and balrogs alike but it was there that Ecthelion bought a wound on his left arm from a Balrog's whip. There a great dragon appeared and trampled all those about it, orc and elf alike. But Tuor hewed its foot and it fled wrecking ruin about it.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_4.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
And so slowly but surely all those Houses that remained were driven back to the [[Square of the King]]. Of the Chieftains, Turgon, Tuor, Ecthelion, Galdor, Egalmoth and Glorfindel were there. Glorfindel came late, only able to escape from his position in the [[Great Market]] once the House of the Harp under the craven Salgant had taken leave of their captain quailing in his bed and relieved the House of the Golden Flower, as they had previously been ordered. There the Gondothlim made their final stand, reinforced by the presence of Turgon and the House of the King. They were hard pressed and soon what barricades they could erect were broken. There came Gothmog and though grievously wounded Ecthelion stepped up to face him. Gothmog disarmed him, ruining his right arm, but Ecthelion was not so easily defeated and drove the spike of his helmet into the chest of Gothmog, wrapping his legs around the demon's body and forcing him into the [[Fountain of the King]] where they both drowned.<br />
<br />
=== The Escape ===<br />
Battle proved vain, and Turgon recited the words of [[Amnon]] the prophet: ''"Great is the Fall of Gondolin"''. As the Noldor were pushed back to the very [[Tower of the King]] Turgon repented of his dismissal of Ulmo's advice, casting off his crown and bidding the Gondothlim follow Tuor from now on and if they might, find a way to flee the city. With that Turgon climbed to the highest peak of his tower and declared ''"Great is the victory of the Ñoldoli!"'' to which the orcs sneered in derision. Desperate council was taken and Tuor now informed them of the secret delving of Idril he had had made. <br />
<br />
This course of action seemed best and so gathering what people of Gondolin they could find, Tuor led them south by the [[Road of Pomps]]. Where it crossed the [[Way of Running Waters]] to Tuor's house stood [[Gar Ainion]] where he and Idril had been married and there once again was Idril with a great mass of people about her but without Eärendil and Tuor feared he was dead. With Glorfindel and the House of the Golden Flower protecting the rear therefore, they moved quickly down the Way of Running Waters, with [[dragons]] and orcs in pursuit.<br />
<br />
They won to Tuor's house and there filed down into the tunnel which was hot from the fires of the dragons upon the plain and choked with bodies of those crushed by dislodged rocks in its roof. At length though, they came to the exit hidden in a dried pool shrouded by bushes. There the band came into some conflict over the path to take for though Tuor proposed [[Cristhorn]] others trusted rather to the Way of Escape which was nearer. Therefore a split occurred and those who fared to the Way of Escape were caught by a dragon that waited there and were slain. In the dark of the rising dawn, Tuor's company were guided across the plain by [[Legolas of Gondolin|Legolas]], of the folk of the tree and went far across the plain. But looking back they witnessed six men on foot fleeing across the plain pursued by orcs upon [[wolves]] and Tuor saw that upon the shoulders of one man was Eärendil. Therefore gathering fifty men about him he led them to the rescue of his son, destroying the orcs. So was Eärendil reunited with his parents. <br />
<br />
Tuor and the [[Exiles of Gondolin|refugees]] made it to the [[Eagle's Cleft]] and moved along the narrow pass, a cliff to one hand and a sheer drop to the other. They had already begun the passage when a hail of stones came from above, hurled by orcs, and from behind a Balrog came upon them, set there to prevent escape from the city. Glorfindel blocked it from reaching its target and there ensued a battle on the heights. Glorfindel hewed its arm and wrestled with it, but to defeat his foe forced his weight against it forcing it over the brink and into the abyss. The [[eagles]] came, driving the orcs off the mountain-side and so the column of exiles were saved. Glorfindel's body was borne up by the eagles and a cairn was made for him despite their haste and after this deed the exiles escaped the ruin of Gondolin.<br />
<br />
=== Later events ===<br />
In the text it is told that the exiles wandered for a year or more before they found the Way of Escape and Sirion (This cannot logically be taken as canon for the Way of Escape was little more than five miles from the exit of the Cirith Thoronath). In this time they suffered much hunger and anguish and only late came at last again to the land of willows where Tuor had once witnessed Ulmo. Here the text ends.<br />
<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
Tolkien reputedly wrote ''The Fall of Gondolin'' recovering in a field hospital after the [[Battle of the Somme]]. While many of his works echo the conflicts of [[World War I]], ''The Fall of Gondolin'' is particularly striking in the descriptions of the 'monsters' Morgoth has built in his preparation for the battle. The [[Iron Dragons]] which are capable of crossing difficult terrain and which contain within them companies of orcs are speculated by some, notably [[John Garth]] in his book [[Tolkien and the Great War]] to be in part allegorical of the tanks that made their debut in the Battle of the Somme. In the commentary to the text in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales 2]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] seems to support this view saying that ''"the language employed suggests that some at least of the 'Monsters' were inanimate 'devices'."''<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]]<br />
*[[Gondolin]]<br />
*[[Fall of Gondolin screenplay]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Book of Lost Tales Part Two chapters|Fall of Gondolin]]<br />
[[Category:Gondolin and Turgon]]<br />
[[Category:Writings]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]<br />
[[fi:Gondolinin Häviö]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht um Gondolin]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Fall_of_Gondolin_(chapter)&diff=92507The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)2010-01-27T16:45:34Z<p>Theoden1: /* Tuor in Gondolin */ -sp</p>
<hr />
<div><center>[[Image:Canon_Scale_-_2.jpg]]</center><br />
{{events<br />
| image=[[Image:John Howe - The Fall of Gondolin.jpg|300px]]<br />
| event=The Fall of Gondolin<br />
| othernames=<br />
| date=c. [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]<br />
| location=[[Gondolin]]<br />
| result=The destruction of Gondolin and deaths of most of its people; survivors fled to [[Nan-tathren]]<br />
| partof=[[Morgoth]]'s destruction of the [[Noldor]]<br />
| participants=[[Turgon]], [[Tuor]], [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]], [[Gondolindrim]], [[Gothmog]], [[Orcs]], [[Dragons]]<br />
| description=A massive attack by Morgoth's forces upon Gondolin<br />
| references=<br />
|}}<br />
'''The Fall of Gondolin''' is perhaps the earliest extant writing of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[legendarium]]. It was written during a leave of absence granted to Tolkien around the year 1916, while he was fighting in the [[World War I]] and was only published postumously in the [[Book of Lost Tales 2|second volume]] of ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series by his son, [[Christopher Tolkien]].<br />
<br />
It is also striking as a text as it is the single complete account of the city of [[Gondolin]]'s fall in existance. The only revision made was an incomplete narrative entitled ''[[Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin]]'' which cut off abruptly at the moment Tuor first witnesses the city and thus never dealt with the actual fall of the city. It was publised in [[Unfinished Tales]] under the title 'Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin' to more accurately state it's content. In the commentry to 'The Fall of Gondolin'' Christopher Tolkien calls the unfinished state of 'Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin' "...one of the saddest facts in the whole history of incompletion" which adequately expresses the complications that arise.<br />
<br />
== Canonicity == <br />
As the text is such an early writing, many conceptions in ''The Fall of Gondolin'' are in their infancy and thus difficult to judge in relation to the notion of [[canon]]. Within its narrative are many features that rub uneasily if not outright clash with later conceptions of their forms. [[Balrogs]] for instance within 'The Fall' are slain in their multitudes: ''"Of those demons of fire [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] slew three...yet the leap of that axe [[Dramborleg]] that was swung by the hand of [[Tuor]] were they still more afraid...and five of them went down before it."'' and in the fight in the [[Square of the King]] ''"...of the balrogs slew even two score"''.<br />
<br />
However the problem of canon stretches beyond just the battle. The entire notion of Gondolin's secrecy is presented as far weaker than later versions. Morgoth's animal spies (another feature not expressed fully in later versions of the legendarium) surround the vale of [[Tumladen]] completely, having discovered by their own scoutings exactly where the city lies. When [[Maeglin]] is captured therefore, the price of his freedom is not telling [[Morgoth]] the location of the city (as in later texts) but rather for information regarding [[Turgon]]'s preparations for the defence (since Morgoth's spies had been marked by the Gondothlim) and the layout of the city. <br />
<br />
Many of the details found in ''The Fall of Gondolin'' feature only in that text with no other sources to confirm or deny their place in Middle-earth canon. Others, such as the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]] receive only fleeting and largely insubstantial glimpses in later writings: In the case of the Houses of the Gondothlim Ecthelion and [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] are occassionally featured with their respective titles [[House of the Fountain|'of the Fountain']] and [[House of the Golden Flower|'of the Golden Flower']] refering to the Houses they commanded. <br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
===In the Beginning ===<br />
Tuor lived by the shores of [[Lake Mithrim]] hunting in its woods and learning lore from the [[Ñoldor]] that wandered in the region. At some point however he is driven by some force of fate to enter a cave through which a river ran. Driven on he meets a couple of the Noldor (characters who would become [[Gelmir of Angrod's People|Gelmir]] and [[Arminas]]) and comes through the cave into the [[Rainbow Cleft]]. Tuor spent a time dwelling on the shores of the region (presumably [[Nevrast]]) before three swans encouraged him to follow them, because he had a great liking of the birds and took them as his symbol. There-follows a long trek south into more pleasant lands where the trend of the coast was more west-east than north-south. Eventually he reaches a land where a river empties into the sea. There, during the night he is met by a group of the Ñoldor who guide him far inland, to Arlisgion from where he followed the course of the River [[Sirion]] north until he came to [[Nan-tathren]], the beautiful valley of willows. In this region Tuor was content to live and fearing this, [[Ulmo]] lord of waters who had willed Tuor on this journey came before Tuor in person, bidding him to seek the hidden city of Gondolin. This Tuor does, but soon the Ñoldor guides desert him fearing the reach of Morgoth's power. Only [[Voronwë of Gondolin|Voronwë]] remains with him and together they find a way to the hidden city.<br />
<br />
The above section of the tale was replaced in its entirety by ''[Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin]'' which retains many features and phrases but changes dramatically the narrative. In ''Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin'' Tuor is guided by the swans to [[Turgon]]'s old city of [[Vinyamar]] where he finds arms and armour left for him by Turgon at the bidding of Ulmo. There the encounter with Ulmo takes place who sends him Voronwë, saved from a shipwreck to guide Tuor to Gondolin (the other Ñoldor do not appear). The journey is also considerably shorter, both in distance and the time it takes, as Tuor and Voronwë turn east beyond [[Mount Taras]] traveling the wilderness south of the line of the [[Ered Wethrin]]. However from the moment the travelers see Gondolin for the first time, ''The Fall of Gondolin'' is the only source.<br />
<br />
=== Tuor in Gondolin === <br />
Tuor and Voronwë entered Gondolin, greeted with awe by its people and were taken before King Turgon. There Tuor, given the power and majesty of Ulmo's own voice tells Turgon to gather his forces and attack Morgoth as the time for his overthrow is ripe. Turgon refused this counsel and so Tuor warned him that both [[elves]] and [[men]] would suffer for a long whiles before the [[Valar]] could contrive another means of salvation. However Tuor voices Ulmo's other counsel which was to leave Gondolin, travel down the Sirion, build ships and sail back to [[Valinor]]. Again Turgon refuses, informing Tuor that he had every year sent messengers by boat over the sea but no word returned of their fate. <br />
<br />
Tuor, none the less, is invited to remain in Gondolin and there he learned many things that would otherwise be kept secret from the race of men. Matters of music, lore, architecture and culture are all taught to him and he became beloved in the city. Turgon had a suit of armour made for him and an axe, [[Dramborleg]]. During this time he married Turgon's daughter [[Idril Celebrindal]] at [[Gar Ainion]] and Idril bore him a son, [[Eärendil the Mariner]].<br />
<br />
Not all was blissful though because Morgoth had gathered an army of spies and these he sent out to discover the city. They had found the [[Orfalch Echor|Way of Escape]] and with the aid of captive Ñoldor, bypassed the magic protecting it to enter through. Tidings of these spyings were bought to Turgon and he began preparing Gondolin for whatever may become of them. Idril then encouraged Tuor to have a [[Idril's Secret Way|secret tunnel]] constructed, leading from their house far onto the plain of [[Tumladen]], for Idril perceived that things would not remain peaceful and that [[Maeglin]], her cousin, was not all he seemed. This Tuor did and despite the hardness of the rock of [[Amon Gwareth]] work began.<br />
<br />
Idril's advice proved very good since Maeglin was captured by [[orcs]] spying in the region. In exchange for his life he offered them much information on Gondolin, and though they knew much of what he had told them, he told them to bring him before Morgoth so that he may judge the worth of his information. Morgoth was well pleased by what Maeglin had to tell and together they conceived a plan for the capture of Gondolin, Morgoth even promising Maeglin the hand of Idril if he could slay Tuor and Eärendil. On Maeglin's advice Morgoth had his smiths and sorcerers construct iron monsters in the likeness of dragons, which might cross difficult terrain and harbour legions of orcs to transport them safely across the open plain of Tumladen. These monsters it is noted had never been seen before and never would be again until the ''"Great End"''.<br />
<br />
Maeglin returned to Gondolin promptly so as not to arouse suspicion and from that point on appeared increasingly happy and light-hearted though a shadow of dread placed upon him by Morgoth ever gnawed at him. This new Maeglin however only increased Tuor and Idril's suspicion. Furthermore Morgoth withdrew his spies which Turgon and the people of Gondolin interpreted as him seeing the impregnability of Gondolin and deciding against assault and the watch on the mountains was slackened. It was in that year that Eärendil was seven years of age.<br />
<br />
=== The Fall ===<br />
It was as the Gondolindrim were celebrating the festival of [[Tarnin Austa]] that Morgoth assaulted their city. As the sun went down that day and all the people were out to witness the ending of the day, a red glow grew in the north dying the snow on the mountains as blood. Riders fled over the plain bringing the tidings, Morgoth was upon them.<br />
<br />
There follows a detailed description of the symbols and colours of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]] as they ready for battle: [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] and the [[House of the King]]; Tuor and the [[House of the Wing]]; Maeglin and the [[House of the Mole]]; [[Duilin of Gondolin|Duilin]] and the [[House of the Swallow]]; [[Egalmoth of the Heavenly Arch|Egalmoth]] and the [[House of the Heavenly Arch]]; [[Penlod]] and the twin Houses of [[House of the Pillar|the Pillar]] and [[House of the Tower of Snow|the Tower of Snow]]; [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] and the [[House of the Tree]]; [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] and the [[House of the Golden Flower]]; [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] and the [[House of the Fountain]]; [[Salgant]] and the [[House of the Harp]] and [[Rog]] and the [[House of the Hammer of Wrath]].<br />
<br />
A council of war was called by Turgon and though Tuor recommends an attempt to sally, Maeglin and Salgant (who fawned upon Maeglin and did his bidding) convinced Turgon to remain in the city since it was so hard in the making. So ended the council and the Gondothlim deployed themselves for the battle.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_1.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
So the battle began in earnest. As the hosts of Morgoth, commanded by [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] crossed the plain of Tumladen, Turgon's war machines opened fire, supplemented by the Houses of the Heavenly arch and of the Swallow, both houses of archers. However for all their efforts they did little to slow the advance. Once the forces of Morgoth had reached the city however, they found that they couldnt assault the walls as the sides of Amon Gwareth were smooth and hard and the beasts of Morgoth could not climb them. Therefore Gothmog led an assault on the [[North Gate]], using the iron monsters that Morgoth had had forged to break them. From the bellies of the Iron creatures hosts of orcs spilled and Galdor and Rog with their houses were hard pressed to hold them. <br />
<br />
At this time Maeglin had decided to bring his plans to fruition and had traveled with the House of the Mole to Tuor's abode on the south western wall. There he intended to thrust Eärendil over the walls and to goad Idril into leading him out of the ruin of the city by her secret way, which Maeglin had heard rumour of. However he was thwarted by Tuor, who arriving just as Maeglin was dragging Eärendil to the walls and Tuor gave a great shout, and battle ensued between the Houses of the Mole and of the Wing. In the midst of this Tuor rescued his wife and son and lifting Maeglin threw him over the walls to his death. Tuor left Idril and Eärendil in the keeping of Voronwë and a guard of warriors from his house and returned with the remainder of the House of the Wing to the combat. [[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_2.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
At the gate, battle intensified as the balrogs came upon the defenders there. Duilin and Penlod were slain. But Rog rallied his House about him and made for a desperate charge, beating the enemy back from the gates and bringing the battle out onto Tumladen. There, however, he was slain, cut off from the city and his house fell to a man by the horde assembled.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_3.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Battle continued and a fresh assault was made by the forces of Morgoth upon the western wall. There the dragons had beat a way up Amon Gwareth and heaved against the wall, succeeding in breaching it. But Tuor and the House of the Wing and Ecthelion and the House of the Fountain (which had before now been held in reserve) were ready to meet it. In the battle that followed Tuor and Ecthelion prooved themselves mighty in battle, slaying orc chieftains and balrogs alike but it was there that Ecthelion bought a wound on his left arm from a Balrog's whip. There a great dragon appeared and trampled all those about it, orc and elf alike. But Tuor hewed its foot and it fled wrecking ruin about it.[[Image:Siege_of_Gondolin_4.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
And so slowly but surely all those Houses that remained were driven back to the [[Square of the King]]. Of the Chieftains, Turgon, Tuor, Ecthelion, Galdor, Egalmoth and Glorfindel were there. Glorfindel came late, only able to escape from his position in the [[Great Market]] once the House of the Harp under the craven Salgant had taken leave of their captain quailing in his bed and relieved the House of the Golden Flower, as they had previously been ordered. There the Gondothlim made their final stand, reinforced by the presence of Turgon and the House of the King. They were hard pressed and soon what barricades they could erect were broken. There came Gothmog and though grevously wounded Ecthelion stepped up to face him. Gothmog disarmed him, ruining his right arm, but Ecthelion was not so easily defeated and drove the spike of his helmet into the chest of Gothmog, wrapping his legs around the demon's body and forcing him into the [[Fountain of the King]] where they both drowned.<br />
<br />
=== The Escape ===<br />
Battle proved vain, and Turgon recited the words of [[Amnon]] the prophet: ''"Great is the Fall of Gondolin"''. As the Noldor were pushed back to the very [[Tower of the King]] Turgon repented of his dismissal of Ulmo's advice, casting off his crown and bidding the Gondothlim follow Tuor from now on and if they might, find a way to flee the city. With that Turgon climbed to the highest peak of his tower and declared ''"Great is the victory of the Ñoldoli!"'' to which the orcs sneered in derision. Desperate council was taken and Tuor now informed them of the secret delving of Idril he had had made. <br />
<br />
This course of action seemed best and so gathering what people of Gondolin they could find, Tuor led them south by the [[Road of Pomps]]. Where it crossed the [[Way of Running Waters]] to Tuor's house stood [[Gar Ainion]] where he and Idril had been married and there once again was Idril with a great mass of people about her but without Eärendil and Tuor feared he was dead. With Glorfindel and the House of the Golden Flower protecting the rear therefore, they moved quickly down the Way of Running Waters, with [[dragons]] and orcs in pursuit.<br />
<br />
They won to Tuor's house and there filed down into the tunnel which was hot from the fires of the dragons upon the plain and choked with bodies of those crushed by dislodged rocks in its roof. At length though, they came to the exit hidden in a dried pool shrouded by bushes. There the band came into some conflict over the path to take for though Tuor proposed [[Cristhorn]] others trusted rather to the Way of Escape which was nearer. Therefore a split occurred and those who fared to the Way of Escape were caught by a dragon that waited there and were slain. In the dark of the rising dawn, Tuor's company were guided across the plain by [[Legolas of Gondolin|Legolas]], of the folk of the tree and went far across the plain. But looking back they witnessed six men on foot fleeing across the plain pursued by orcs upon [[wolves]] and Tuor saw that upon the shoulders of one man was Eärendil. Therefore gathering fifty men about him he led them to the rescue of his son, destroying the orcs. So was Eärendil reunited with his parents. <br />
<br />
Tuor and the [[Exiles of Gondolin|refugees]] made it to the [[Eagle's Cleft]] and moved along the narrow pass, a cliff to one hand and a sheer drop to the other. They had already begun the passage when a hail of stones came from above, hurled by orcs, and from behind a Balrog came upon them, set there to prevent escape from the city. Glorfindel blocked it from reaching its target and there ensued a battle on the heights. Glorfindel hewed its arm and wrestled with it, but to defeat his foe forced his weight against it forcing it over the brink and into the abyss. The [[eagles]] came, driving the orcs off the mountain-side and so the column of exiles were saved. Glorfindel's body was borne up by the eagles and a cairn was made for him despite their haste and after this deed the exiles escaped the ruin of Gondolin.<br />
<br />
=== Later events ===<br />
In the text it is told that the exiles wandered for a year or more before they found the Way of Escape and Sirion (This cannot logically be taken as canon for the Way of Escape was little more than five miles from the exit of the Cirith Thoronath). In this time they suffered much hunger and anguish and only late came at last again to the land of willows where Tuor had once witnessed Ulmo. Here the text ends.<br />
<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
Tolkien reputedly wrote ''The Fall of Gondolin'' recovering in a field hospital after the [[Battle of the Somme]]. While many of his works echo the conflicts of [[World War I]], ''The Fall of Gondolin'' is particularly striking in the descriptions of the 'monsters' Morgoth has built in his preparation for the battle. The [[Iron Dragons]] which are capable of crossing difficult terrain and which contain within them companies of orcs are speculated by some, notably [[John Garth]] in his book [[Tolkien and the Great War]] to be in part allegorical of the tanks that made their debut in the Battle of the Somme. In the commentary to the text in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales 2]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] seems to support this view saying that ''"the language employed suggests that some at least of the 'Monsters' were inanimate 'devices'."''<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]]<br />
*[[Gondolin]]<br />
*[[Fall of Gondolin screenplay]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Book of Lost Tales Part Two chapters|Fall of Gondolin]]<br />
[[Category:Gondolin and Turgon]]<br />
[[Category:Writings]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]<br />
[[fi:Gondolinin Häviö]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht um Gondolin]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Glorfindel&diff=92506Glorfindel2010-01-27T16:40:51Z<p>Theoden1: /* Gondolin */ -reword</p>
<hr />
<div>{{noldor infobox<br />
| image= [[Image:Soni - Glorfindel.jpg|250px]]<br />
| name= Glorfindel of the Golden Flower<br />
| quenya= [[Laurefindil]]<br />
| titles= Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]<br />
| birth= Sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]], [[Aman]]. Returned to [[Middle-earth]] c. [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]<br />
| realm= [[Aman]] ([[Tirion]]?), [[Vinyamar]], [[Gondolin]]<br />
| death= [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]; quickly re-embodied; may have sailed West during the [[Fourth Age]]<br />
| age= 6000+<br />
| parentage= Probably [[Noldor]]in/[[Vanyar]]in mix<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children= <br />
| gender= Male<br />
| hair= Long Golden<br />
| ref=''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', ''[[Last Writings]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''<br />
|}}{{Pronounce|Glorfindel.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}<br />
'''Glorfindel''' ([[Sindarin|S]] "golden head of hair", pron. {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindel]}}) was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early History===<br />
<br />
Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown; due to his apparent nobility and a note that he was kin of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] it is possible that he was the son of one of [[Finwë]]’s daughters, [[Findis]] or [[Irimë]]. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as [[Indis]] their mother was a [[Vanya]]. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of [[Voronwë]] (who may have been the grandson of Irimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor. Nevertheless, his parentage is and always will be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] never explored that matter very deeply.<br />
<br />
He was of the host of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].<br />
<br />
===Gondolin===<br />
<br />
After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".<br />
<br />
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered to) hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel with some of the strongest of his followers cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, ambushing their pursuers, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]]. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.<br />
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As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and Turgon King was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn|Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.<br />
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[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.<br />
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===Re-embodiment and Return===<br />
<br />
Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the maiar.<br />
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Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after the [[One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.<br />
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===Third Age===<br />
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[[Image:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anna Lee]].]] Glorfindel greeted his friend [[Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the great Elves of Middle-earth fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.<br />
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His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after the [[One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<br />
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[[Image:Hope Hoover - Glorfindel in Battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Glorfindel in Battle'' as drawn by [[Hope Hoover]].]]After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.<br />
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During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns. It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and the [[One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.<br />
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==Earlier Versions of the Legendarium==<br />
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Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]], with [[Gandalf]], [[Second Age 1200|S.A. 1200]] and the years following, or [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.<br />
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==Attributes==<br />
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Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.<br />
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==Controversy==<br />
<br />
Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. Tolkien may simply have borrowed a name from his earlier legendarium, something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.<br />
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{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}<br />
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{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}<br />
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As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.<br />
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==Portrayal in Adaptations==<br />
[[Image:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Glorfindel, silverhaired, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]].]]<br />
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.<br />
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'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].<br />
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'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''A na vedui, Dúnadan!'' and ''Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".<br />
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'''2001: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided, to have [[Arwen]] meet the travelers and then ride on [[Asfaloth]].<br />
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'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor Inglorion|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.<br />
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'''2003: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:[[Decipher]] made two [[Decipher Card|card]] featuring extra [[Jarl Benzon]] as Glorfindel, one of them being at the [[Coronation of Elessar]].<br />
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'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]] of [[Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (Region)|Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].<br />
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==Collectibles==<br />
[[Gentle Giant]] produced a [http://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/314 Glorfindel Mini Bust] for [[Comic-Con 2007]], based on Glorfindel's appearance in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''.<br />
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==Etymology==<br />
''Glorfindel'' is the [[Sindarin]] calque of '''[[Laurefindil]]''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "golden head of hair", pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˌlaʊreˈfindil]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˌlaʊreˈɸindil]}}), which is made up of two components; ''[[laurë]]'' means "golden color" and ''[[findil]]'' or ''[[findilë]]'' means "head of hair". The name is in reference to Glorfindel's golden hair, hinting to a possible [[Vanyar]]in heritage. As a prince of the [[Noldor]], it is highly probable that Glorfindel is descended from any one of the children born to [[Finwë]] by the Vanya [[Indis]]. [[Finarfin]], [[Finrod]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Idril]] were also Noldorin descendants of Vanyarin intermarriage who inherited the same trademark golden hair to varying degrees.<br />
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==Noun inflection==<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|{{qya-decl-l|num=sg|Laurefindi}}<br />
|valign="top"|{{sjn-noun-g|num=sing|L|l|orfindel}}<br />
|}<br />
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[[Category:Noldor]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
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[[de:Glorfindel]]<br />
[[fi:Glorfindel]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Arnor&diff=91052Arnor2010-01-21T00:31:58Z<p>Theoden1: /* Restoration and the Reunited Kingdom */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{kingdom<br />
| image = [[Image:Arnor map.gif|300px]]<br />
| name = Arnor<br />
| meaning= Land of the King, High Lands<br />
| type = Monarchy<br />
| hidep=yes<br />
| headofstate = (High) King of [[Arnor]] (and Gondor), King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| executive = Council of Arnor <br />
| legislative = <br />
| judicial = <br />
| capital = [[Annúminas]] <br />
| language = [[Westron]]<br />
| location = [[Eriador]]<br />
| populous = [[Men]], [[Hobbit|Hobbits]], [[Elves]], [[Dúnedain]]<br />
| currency = <br />
| religious = State Eru worship<br />
| holiday = <br />
| anthem = <br />
| formed = [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]<br />
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]<br />
| reorganized = [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]]<br />
| dissolved = [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974 ]]<br />
| restored = [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]<br />
| era = Second/Third/Fourth Ages<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{Pronounce|Arnor.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<br />
'''Arnor''', or the '''Northern Kingdom''', was a kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the land of [[Eriador]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was the original seat of the [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]] who ruled over both Arnor and Gondor.<br />
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==History==<br />
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=== Early History ===<br />
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Arnor was founded at the end of the [[Second Age]] (S.A. 3320) by [[Elendil]], whose sons founded [[Gondor]] at the same time. The history of the [[Two Kingdoms|two kingdoms]] is intertwined; both kingdoms are known as the Realms of the [[Dúnedain]] in exile. <br />
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Before the foundation of Arnor there was already a sizable Númenórean population living there, a result of the slow emigration of [[Númenóreans]] which had started under [[Tar-Meneldur]] and [[Tar-Aldarion]]. Before the arrival of the [[Dúnedain]] Arnor was home to [[Middle Men]] of [[Edain]] stock, and the early colonists soon interbred with the indigenous population. Elendil and his people were aided by Noldorin High King Gil-galad and his people, and his ships sailed up the Lune river. He established the city of Annúminas as his capital. Arnor was originally favored over the more southern regions (Gondor) because the [[Elves]] under [[Gil-galad]] lived near it across the river [[Lhûn]].{{ref|1}} However, in later days after the Númenóreans fell under [[Sauron|Sauron's]] shadow they settled more to the south. This led to a situation where [[Elendil]] arrived in an area populated by people who, unlike his own [[Númenóreans]], were mainly still friends with the [[Elves]], and unlike [[Gondor]] to the south in Arnor much knowledge of the [[Elder Days]] was preserved.<br> [[Image:Ann18.jpg|left|300px|thumb|''Palace Complex at Annúminas'' by Steven White, Jr.]] <br />
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=== The [[Palantíri]] ===<br />
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The '''[[Palantíri]]''' or 'seeing stones' were spherical stones that could communicate with each other and give visual impressions to a skilled remote user. These stones were divided originally between [[Elendil]] and his two sons. They were usually heavily guarded and under the control of the kings. There were seven of these stones in total, with three of them assigned to the northern kingdom, with the other four going to Gondor.{{ref|2}} They were:<br />
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* the [[Elostirion-stone]], in the tower of [[Elostirion]], and was used to communicate with the master stone in [[Tol Eressëa]] of the Elves, along the Straight Road. It could not contact the other Middle-Earth stones.<br />
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* the [[Amon Sûl-stone]], in the watchtower of [[Amon Sûl]]. A large stone, it was often used to contact its corresponding large stone in Gondor, at the great dome in [[Osgiliath]].<br />
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* the [[Annúminas-stone]], in the capital city of [[Annúminas]]. Though one of the lesser stones, it was the stone most often used by the [[Kings of Arnor]].<br />
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=== [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
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[[Image:Peter Jackson's Isildur2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''Isildur'' in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']]<br> At the end of the Second Age, Arnor allied itself with Noldorin High King [[Gil-galad]] in a great alliance opposing Sauron, the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In conjunction with southern forces from Gondor, they confronted Sauron's armies in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. This war was fought over a period of several years on the [[Battle of Dagorlad|Dagorlad plain]] and in Mordor itself, at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. Both [[Elendil]] and his son [[Anárion]] were slain in this conflict, but [[Isildur]] cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and prevailed. [[Elrond]], Gil-galad's herald, urged Isildur to cast it into Mt. Doom and destroy it, but Isildur refused, and the Ring survived. Arnor suffered heavy casualties in the war, and some parts of the land were partially depopulated. {{ref|3}} <br />
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Arnor's second king [[Isildur]] (also King of [[Gondor]]) was killed in [[Third Age 2|T.A. 2]] by [[Orcs]] in the disastrous [[Battle of the Gladden Fields]]. His three eldest sons were killed with him, but the fourth and youngest, [[Valandil]], who had remained at [[Rivendell]] due to his youth, became king of Arnor (T.A 2). [[Isildur]] also lost the [[One Ring]] at this time, when it slipped off his finger as he tried to escape pursuing Orcs. Arnor never fully recovered from this devastating loss of its manpower.<br />
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Because [[Valandil]] and his heirs did not claim the throne of [[Gondor]] the realms were split, but Arnor's ruler kept the title [[High King]], whereas in the south the ruler was 'just' King.<br />
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=== Decline and Breakup ===<br />
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{{Transcribed|Arnor_tengwar.png|Arnor|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}<br />
Arnor's capital was [[Annúminas]] on [[Lake Evendim]], but by [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]] [[Fornost Erain]] had become the capital instead as Annúminas became depopulated and was slowly abandoned.<br />
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<br>After the death of its tenth king, [[Eärendur]], in [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]], Arnor was shaken by civil war between the three sons of [[Eärendur]]. The eldest son, [[Amlaith]], claimed Kingship over all Arnor but was reduced to only ruling the region of Arthedain as his kingdom, while the other sons founded the breakaway kingdoms of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].<br />
<br />
Arnor was refounded ''de jure'' by [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] king [[Argeleb I]], when [[Cardolan]] placed itself under the suzerainty of Arthedain. However, even Arthedain was eventually destroyed. The people of Arnor were mostly wiped out by the continuing wars, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in [[the Shire]], Men survived in [[Bree]] and probably other villages, and the [[Dúnedain]] of Arnor created new homes in the [[Angle of Eriador|Angle]] south of [[Rivendell]], where some of them became known as the [[Rangers of the North]].{{ref|1018}}<br />
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=== Conflict with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''The Witch King'' by Eliot Gould]] Arnor's greatest enemy in the north by the middle of the Third Age was Angmar, ruled by the [[Witch-king|Witch King of Angmar]]. During the reign of Malvegil (c. [[Third Age 1300|T.A. 1300]]), this new power arose beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. This land became populated with the Orcs and men of Sauron, and began attacking Rhudaur and Cardolan. Eventually this Witch-king was identified as in fact the chief of Sauron's Ringwraiths. Years later, Argeleb I of [[Arthedain]], reasserted control over [[Cardolan]], and fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]]. Despite this action, Argeleb fell in battle with Angmar and its ally, [[Rhudaur]]. His son Arveleg, however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and drove the enemy back. He held this frontier in force for quite some years successfully.<br />
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[[Image:BFME2 - Weathertop.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''Weathertop'' from BFME2]] Then in [[Third Age 1409|T.A. 1409]], Angmar crossed the Hoarwell river into Cardolan and attacked again. This time, Weathertop was captured and Arveleg fell in battle. While Amon Sûl fell, the palantír was recovered and taken to Fornost. While Cardolan was laid waste, Angmar was eventually stopped by Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell]], where [[Elrond]] countered them.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Great Plague]] ===<br />
<br />
Another threat appeared to the northern successor kingdoms, this time one that swords and spears could not deter. A [[Great Plague|major plague]] began in the east, in the vicinity of the [[Sea of Rhûn]], northeast of [[Mordor]]. After doing great damage in [[Rhovanion]], it struck [[Osgiliath]] in Gondor in [[Third age|T.A. 1636]], killing [[Telemnar|King Telemnar]] and his family. In seriously affected areas, the plague killed 50% or more of the populace. This plague, which barely affected western Gondor, spread northwards to [[Cardolan]]. <br />
<br />
In Cardolan, it struck severely, wiping out the last of Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]] at the [[Barrow-downs]]. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area. The Hobbits of the Shire were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.{{ref|5}}<br />
<br />
=== The Fall of Arthedain ===<br />
<br />
In [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]], the final chapter in [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] history began. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather. The capital of [[Fornost]] fell, and the remaining Arnorian forces were driven over the Lune river into Lindon. King [[Arvedui]] was compelled to flee to [[Forochel]], and ask aid of the Snowmen there. His son, [[Aranarth]], journeyed to [[Círdan]] at the Havens to inform him of Arthedain's fall. Círdan responded by sending a ship north to rescue Arvedui. When the [[Snowmen of Forochel]] saw the ship arrive, they were uncomfortable and nervous about the escape plan.{{ref|6}} Their chief replied to Arvedui:<br />
{{quote|Do not mount on this sea-monster! If they have them, let the seamen bring us food and other things that we need, and you may stay here till the Witch-king goes home. For in summer his power wanes; but now his breath is deadly, and his cold arm is long.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018}}<br />
<br />
It turned out that the Snowmen were right. A storm blew in that night and drove the ice towards the shore, and the ship was crushed and sank, with great loss of life, including King Arvedui. He unfortunately fulfilled [[Malbeth the Seer|Malbeth the Seer's]] prophecy about him at his birth that he would be the 'Last king' of Arthedain. So the North-kingdom ended, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in the Shire. They eventually chose a [[Thain]] from among themselves to replace the King, and the first of these was [[Bucca of the Marish]], in [[Third Age 1979|T.A. 1979]].<br />
<br />
=== Showdown with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
Envoys from Arthedain had journeyed to Gondor to ask assistance from the southern Dúnedain in fighting the Witch-king's forces. Gondor, however, was preoccupied with its own threats from the [[Easterlings]], and so could not respond immediately. Gondor had been in a weakened condition since the death of King Ondoher and his two sons in the [[Battle of the Camp]] fighting the Easterlings in [[Third Age 1944|T.A. 1944]]. [[Arvedui]] of Arnor tried to claim the southern throne but this claim was rejected by Gondor. [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]], the victorious commander in the above battle and a member of the royal house, claimed the throne, and was confirmed by the Gondorian royal council.{{ref|5}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Amir Salehi - Servant of Death.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''Servant of Death'' by Amir Salehi]]King Arvedui sent increasingly urgent messages to Gondor about the crisis he faced from Angmar's continuing assaults. [[Eärnil II]] was unable to react quickly due to his need to order Gondor after succeeding to the throne, however. The king sent his son and heir [[Eärnur]] north to the Havens with a powerful fleet. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save [[Arthedain]], and the northern kingdom perished. When Eärnur's naval forces landed in the [[Grey Havens]], they dazzled both Men and Elves with their size and majesty. From these ships debarked the most powerful army seen in the north of Middle-earth in centuries. Círdan's people were quite impressed with the strength of Gondor's army, particularly its [[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|cavalry forces]], dominated by riders from the [[Vales of Anduin]]. [[Círdan]] and Eärnur combined their forces, along with the remnant of Arnor's army, in the greatest joint Elf-Man army since the [[War of the Last Alliance]]; this great [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]] re-crossed the River Lune and marched northward. {{ref|rotk1026}} These allies drove relentlessly toward the Arnorian capital of [[Fornost]], where the Witch-king had occupied the palace complex there.<br />
<br />
=== Angmar is Vanquished ===<br />
<br />
When the Witch-king saw the invading [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host]], he failed to take it for the serious threat that it in fact was. Instead of awaiting the invaders in the fortress city of Fornost, he confidently marched his forces out to meet them in the open. He expected to defeat them as easily as had vanquished Arvedui's forces the previous year. But there was an appreciable difference this time-- the ground and naval might of Gondor. The allied Host continued to advance, and instead of establishing a merely defensive position, they attacked him from the [[Hills of Evendim]], and a [[Battle of Fornost|large battle]] broke out. The Witch-king's army could not stand before the allies, however, and began to retreat back towards their capital. Any hopes for an orderly withdrawl were in vain, however. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Lena - Glorfindel.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''Glorfindel'' by Lena]][[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|Gondorian cavalry forces]], attacking from the north, routed the forces of Angmar, and put them to flight signaling an end to what became known as the [[Battle of Fornost]]. The Witch-king, in full flight, forsook his new conquests, and made for Angmar. But the cavalry under [[Eärnur]] continued the pursuit and rode down what remained of his forces. To add to his difficulties, an Elven force under [[Glorfindel]] also attacked from [[Rivendell]], and completed his forces' destruction. At the last, the Witch-king charged Eärnur in frustration, but his horse shied away from the evil wraith. As Eärnur once again mastered his horse, Glorfindel uttered his famous prophecy:<br />
{{quote|Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|''The Lord of the Rings'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1027.}}<br />
This prophecy would not be fulfilled until a thousand years later, at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<br />
<br />
=== [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] ===<br />
<br />
After the death of King Arvedui, his son, [[Aranarth]], perceived that the northern Dúnedain had become too few to reestablish the realm of [[Arthedain]]. He took his dwindling people and turned them into nomads who traveled from place to place in [[Eriador]]. Instead of calling himself a king or prince, he assumed the title [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]]. Through them the royal line of Arnor was maintained successfully for a thousand years until the refounding of Arnor in [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]. Aranarth brought his son [[Arahael]] to [[Rivendell]] and gave him to [[Elrond]] for safekeeping until he was grown. This became a tradition that was followed through the rest of the Third Age. Also brought to Elrond were the heirlooms of the House of Elendil: the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the shards of [[Narsil]], and the [[Star of Elendil]].{{ref|rotk1018}}<br />
<br />
So the Dúnedain survived in the shadows, waiting for a better day when the kingdom of Arnor would be reborn. There were sixteen Chieftains in direct descent, with [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]] being the last. There were many perils in Eriador in that time, and many of the Chieftains died premature deaths. One of these was Aragorn II's father, [[Arathorn II]], who was slain by Orcs raiding the area.<br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Ring]] ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|right|175px|thumb|Banner of Arnor (Reunited Kingdom)]]<br>The Kingdom of Arnor had been fallen for a thousand years by the time the [[War of the Ring]] broke out, but northern forces did participate in the War. [[Aragorn II]] was a [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain Ranger of the North]], and there were several hundred of them operating during the conflict. A company of this group accompanied Aragorn through the [[Paths of the Dead]] and during the attack on [[Umbar]] which captured the Corsair fleet. They were with him at the last battle, fighting under his banner, at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], where [[Sauron]] was finally thrown down.<br />
<br />
There was conflict in other areas of the North. There were three different invasions of [[Lorien]], which were thrown back by the Elven army under [[Celeborn]] and [[Thranduil]]. Finally, Celeborn led an attack resulting in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur|capture of Dol Guldur]] and put an end to Sauron's northern threat.<br />
<br />
There was also a battle fought in the [[Shire]], between Saruman's [[Ruffians]] and [[Hobbit]] militia forces. This was the last battle fought in the [[War of the Ring]], and resulted in the death of Saruman and the death or capture of his followers. This became known as the [[Battle of Bywater]], and represents the Hobbit contribution to the War.{{ref|10}}<br />
<br />
== Restoration and the [[Reunited Kingdom]] ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Rowena Morrill - The Last Steward of Gondor.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''The Last Steward of Gondor'' by Rowena Morrill]]Faramir, son of Denethor II the last Ruling Steward, presented his rod of office to the new king, and received it back from him. [[Aragorn II]] then was crowned by [[Gandalf]] as [[Aragorn Elessar|King Elessar]], refounded the Kingdom of Arnor as part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], and made [[Annúminas]] his new capital city.{{ref|rotk1019}} He was wed to the Elven princess Arwen, who became [[Arwen Evenstar|Queen Evenstar]] of Arnor and Gondor. After the fall of [[Sauron]] Arnor was safe again for human resettlement, and although it remained less populated than [[Gondor]] to the south, in time Arnor became a more densely populated region again, even if it had dwindled in size due to the independence of the [[Shire]]. The area encompassed by the Reunited Kingdom now encompassed the territory of the [[Two Kingdoms]] at their greatest extent. In the North, this included all the land between the [[Lune|River Lune]] and the [[Misty Mountains]], and in the South included all the land between Dunland in the west, to the [[Far Harad]] southwards, to [[Rhûn]] in the east. The reborn kingdom continued on into the Fourth Age, with [[Eldarion]] eventually succeeding his father to the throne of this now empire-sized state.<br />
<br />
== Regions of Arnor ==<br />
<br />
* [[Arthedain]], core of the north-kingdom bordering the Lune<br />
* [[Cardolan]], south of the [[Great East Road]], east of the Brandywine<br />
* [[Rhudaur]], between the Weather Hills and the [[Misty Mountains]]<br />
<br />
== Cities, Fortresses and Watchtowers ==<br />
<br />
* [[Annúminas]], the old capital on the shore of Lake Evendim<br />
* [[Fornost]], the new capital of the successor state of Arthedain<br />
* [[Bree]], a trading center located on the Great East Road<br />
* [[Lond Daer]], an old harbor town founded by Númenóreans<br />
* [[Amon Sûl]], also called Weathertop, a watchtower on the highest of the Weather Hills<br />
* [[Elostirion]], a watchtower in the Tower Hills<br />
* [[Tharbad]], a fortified town and port along the River Greyflood on the southern border of Arnor<br />
<br />
== Languages ==<br />
<br />
The people of Arnor were of Númenórean stock, so the predominant language spoken by them was [[Westron]]. With the proximity of the Elves of [[Lindon]], at least some of the population, especially the upper classes, were probably fluent in Quenya and Eldarin.<br />
<br />
== Etymology ==<br />
<br />
'''Arnor''' was the colloquial name for the '''North Kingdom'''. The North Kingdom, as the land was called at its conception, was also known as ''Turmen Follondiéva'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Arthor na Forlonnas'' in [[Sindarin]]. These names quickly fell out of use, in favor of ''Arnor'': the ''Land of the King'', so called for the kingship of [[Elendil]], and to seal its precedence over the [[Gondor|southern realm]]. In full, poetic Sindarin, it was called ''Arannor'', which mirrored its Quenya name, '''Arandórë'''{{ref|n1}}. Though technically ''Arandórë'' would have a Sindarin form ''Ardor'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] chose ''Arnor'' because it sounded better. This linguistic change was ascribed to a later, Mannish development of Sindarin.{{ref|n2}}.<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
# {{note|1}} ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 360.<br />
# {{note|2}} ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 362.<br />
# {{note|3}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.<br />
# {{note|4}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], pp. 1017-1018.<br />
# {{note|5}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.<br />
# {{note|6}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.<br />
# {{note|7}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1017.<br />
# {{note|8}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1019.<br />
# {{note|9}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1017.<br />
# {{note|10}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Scouring of the Shire]], pp. 992-996.<br />
# {{note|11}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1020.<br />
# {{note|e1}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''" (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]]), published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (July [[2007]]), p. 28.<br />
# {{note|e2}} ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] ([[December 17]], [[1972]]); see also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 17.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* [[Kings of Arnor]]<br />
* [[Kings of Gondor]]<br />
* [[Gondor]]<br />
* [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
* [[War of the Ring]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]<br />
[[Category:Regions]]<br />
[[Category:Eriador]]<br />
[[Category:Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Realms]]<br />
[[de:Arnor]]<br />
[[fi:Arnor]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Arnor&diff=91051Arnor2010-01-21T00:31:06Z<p>Theoden1: /* War of the Ring */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{kingdom<br />
| image = [[Image:Arnor map.gif|300px]]<br />
| name = Arnor<br />
| meaning= Land of the King, High Lands<br />
| type = Monarchy<br />
| hidep=yes<br />
| headofstate = (High) King of [[Arnor]] (and Gondor), King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| executive = Council of Arnor <br />
| legislative = <br />
| judicial = <br />
| capital = [[Annúminas]] <br />
| language = [[Westron]]<br />
| location = [[Eriador]]<br />
| populous = [[Men]], [[Hobbit|Hobbits]], [[Elves]], [[Dúnedain]]<br />
| currency = <br />
| religious = State Eru worship<br />
| holiday = <br />
| anthem = <br />
| formed = [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]<br />
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]<br />
| reorganized = [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]]<br />
| dissolved = [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974 ]]<br />
| restored = [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]<br />
| era = Second/Third/Fourth Ages<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{Pronounce|Arnor.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<br />
'''Arnor''', or the '''Northern Kingdom''', was a kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the land of [[Eriador]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was the original seat of the [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]] who ruled over both Arnor and Gondor.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
=== Early History ===<br />
<br />
Arnor was founded at the end of the [[Second Age]] (S.A. 3320) by [[Elendil]], whose sons founded [[Gondor]] at the same time. The history of the [[Two Kingdoms|two kingdoms]] is intertwined; both kingdoms are known as the Realms of the [[Dúnedain]] in exile. <br />
<br />
Before the foundation of Arnor there was already a sizable Númenórean population living there, a result of the slow emigration of [[Númenóreans]] which had started under [[Tar-Meneldur]] and [[Tar-Aldarion]]. Before the arrival of the [[Dúnedain]] Arnor was home to [[Middle Men]] of [[Edain]] stock, and the early colonists soon interbred with the indigenous population. Elendil and his people were aided by Noldorin High King Gil-galad and his people, and his ships sailed up the Lune river. He established the city of Annúminas as his capital. Arnor was originally favored over the more southern regions (Gondor) because the [[Elves]] under [[Gil-galad]] lived near it across the river [[Lhûn]].{{ref|1}} However, in later days after the Númenóreans fell under [[Sauron|Sauron's]] shadow they settled more to the south. This led to a situation where [[Elendil]] arrived in an area populated by people who, unlike his own [[Númenóreans]], were mainly still friends with the [[Elves]], and unlike [[Gondor]] to the south in Arnor much knowledge of the [[Elder Days]] was preserved.<br> [[Image:Ann18.jpg|left|300px|thumb|''Palace Complex at Annúminas'' by Steven White, Jr.]] <br />
<br />
=== The [[Palantíri]] ===<br />
<br />
The '''[[Palantíri]]''' or 'seeing stones' were spherical stones that could communicate with each other and give visual impressions to a skilled remote user. These stones were divided originally between [[Elendil]] and his two sons. They were usually heavily guarded and under the control of the kings. There were seven of these stones in total, with three of them assigned to the northern kingdom, with the other four going to Gondor.{{ref|2}} They were:<br />
<br />
* the [[Elostirion-stone]], in the tower of [[Elostirion]], and was used to communicate with the master stone in [[Tol Eressëa]] of the Elves, along the Straight Road. It could not contact the other Middle-Earth stones.<br />
<br />
* the [[Amon Sûl-stone]], in the watchtower of [[Amon Sûl]]. A large stone, it was often used to contact its corresponding large stone in Gondor, at the great dome in [[Osgiliath]].<br />
<br />
* the [[Annúminas-stone]], in the capital city of [[Annúminas]]. Though one of the lesser stones, it was the stone most often used by the [[Kings of Arnor]].<br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Peter Jackson's Isildur2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''Isildur'' in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']]<br> At the end of the Second Age, Arnor allied itself with Noldorin High King [[Gil-galad]] in a great alliance opposing Sauron, the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In conjunction with southern forces from Gondor, they confronted Sauron's armies in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. This war was fought over a period of several years on the [[Battle of Dagorlad|Dagorlad plain]] and in Mordor itself, at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. Both [[Elendil]] and his son [[Anárion]] were slain in this conflict, but [[Isildur]] cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and prevailed. [[Elrond]], Gil-galad's herald, urged Isildur to cast it into Mt. Doom and destroy it, but Isildur refused, and the Ring survived. Arnor suffered heavy casualties in the war, and some parts of the land were partially depopulated. {{ref|3}} <br />
<br />
Arnor's second king [[Isildur]] (also King of [[Gondor]]) was killed in [[Third Age 2|T.A. 2]] by [[Orcs]] in the disastrous [[Battle of the Gladden Fields]]. His three eldest sons were killed with him, but the fourth and youngest, [[Valandil]], who had remained at [[Rivendell]] due to his youth, became king of Arnor (T.A 2). [[Isildur]] also lost the [[One Ring]] at this time, when it slipped off his finger as he tried to escape pursuing Orcs. Arnor never fully recovered from this devastating loss of its manpower.<br />
<br />
Because [[Valandil]] and his heirs did not claim the throne of [[Gondor]] the realms were split, but Arnor's ruler kept the title [[High King]], whereas in the south the ruler was 'just' King.<br />
<br />
=== Decline and Breakup ===<br />
<br />
{{Transcribed|Arnor_tengwar.png|Arnor|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}<br />
Arnor's capital was [[Annúminas]] on [[Lake Evendim]], but by [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]] [[Fornost Erain]] had become the capital instead as Annúminas became depopulated and was slowly abandoned.<br />
<br />
<br>After the death of its tenth king, [[Eärendur]], in [[Third Age 861|T.A. 861]], Arnor was shaken by civil war between the three sons of [[Eärendur]]. The eldest son, [[Amlaith]], claimed Kingship over all Arnor but was reduced to only ruling the region of Arthedain as his kingdom, while the other sons founded the breakaway kingdoms of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].<br />
<br />
Arnor was refounded ''de jure'' by [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] king [[Argeleb I]], when [[Cardolan]] placed itself under the suzerainty of Arthedain. However, even Arthedain was eventually destroyed. The people of Arnor were mostly wiped out by the continuing wars, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in [[the Shire]], Men survived in [[Bree]] and probably other villages, and the [[Dúnedain]] of Arnor created new homes in the [[Angle of Eriador|Angle]] south of [[Rivendell]], where some of them became known as the [[Rangers of the North]].{{ref|1018}}<br />
<br />
=== Conflict with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''The Witch King'' by Eliot Gould]] Arnor's greatest enemy in the north by the middle of the Third Age was Angmar, ruled by the [[Witch-king|Witch King of Angmar]]. During the reign of Malvegil (c. [[Third Age 1300|T.A. 1300]]), this new power arose beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. This land became populated with the Orcs and men of Sauron, and began attacking Rhudaur and Cardolan. Eventually this Witch-king was identified as in fact the chief of Sauron's Ringwraiths. Years later, Argeleb I of [[Arthedain]], reasserted control over [[Cardolan]], and fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]]. Despite this action, Argeleb fell in battle with Angmar and its ally, [[Rhudaur]]. His son Arveleg, however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and drove the enemy back. He held this frontier in force for quite some years successfully.<br />
<br />
[[Image:BFME2 - Weathertop.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''Weathertop'' from BFME2]] Then in [[Third Age 1409|T.A. 1409]], Angmar crossed the Hoarwell river into Cardolan and attacked again. This time, Weathertop was captured and Arveleg fell in battle. While Amon Sûl fell, the palantír was recovered and taken to Fornost. While Cardolan was laid waste, Angmar was eventually stopped by Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell]], where [[Elrond]] countered them.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Great Plague]] ===<br />
<br />
Another threat appeared to the northern successor kingdoms, this time one that swords and spears could not deter. A [[Great Plague|major plague]] began in the east, in the vicinity of the [[Sea of Rhûn]], northeast of [[Mordor]]. After doing great damage in [[Rhovanion]], it struck [[Osgiliath]] in Gondor in [[Third age|T.A. 1636]], killing [[Telemnar|King Telemnar]] and his family. In seriously affected areas, the plague killed 50% or more of the populace. This plague, which barely affected western Gondor, spread northwards to [[Cardolan]]. <br />
<br />
In Cardolan, it struck severely, wiping out the last of Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]] at the [[Barrow-downs]]. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area. The Hobbits of the Shire were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.{{ref|5}}<br />
<br />
=== The Fall of Arthedain ===<br />
<br />
In [[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]], the final chapter in [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] history began. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather. The capital of [[Fornost]] fell, and the remaining Arnorian forces were driven over the Lune river into Lindon. King [[Arvedui]] was compelled to flee to [[Forochel]], and ask aid of the Snowmen there. His son, [[Aranarth]], journeyed to [[Círdan]] at the Havens to inform him of Arthedain's fall. Círdan responded by sending a ship north to rescue Arvedui. When the [[Snowmen of Forochel]] saw the ship arrive, they were uncomfortable and nervous about the escape plan.{{ref|6}} Their chief replied to Arvedui:<br />
{{quote|Do not mount on this sea-monster! If they have them, let the seamen bring us food and other things that we need, and you may stay here till the Witch-king goes home. For in summer his power wanes; but now his breath is deadly, and his cold arm is long.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018}}<br />
<br />
It turned out that the Snowmen were right. A storm blew in that night and drove the ice towards the shore, and the ship was crushed and sank, with great loss of life, including King Arvedui. He unfortunately fulfilled [[Malbeth the Seer|Malbeth the Seer's]] prophecy about him at his birth that he would be the 'Last king' of Arthedain. So the North-kingdom ended, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in the Shire. They eventually chose a [[Thain]] from among themselves to replace the King, and the first of these was [[Bucca of the Marish]], in [[Third Age 1979|T.A. 1979]].<br />
<br />
=== Showdown with Angmar ===<br />
<br />
Envoys from Arthedain had journeyed to Gondor to ask assistance from the southern Dúnedain in fighting the Witch-king's forces. Gondor, however, was preoccupied with its own threats from the [[Easterlings]], and so could not respond immediately. Gondor had been in a weakened condition since the death of King Ondoher and his two sons in the [[Battle of the Camp]] fighting the Easterlings in [[Third Age 1944|T.A. 1944]]. [[Arvedui]] of Arnor tried to claim the southern throne but this claim was rejected by Gondor. [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]], the victorious commander in the above battle and a member of the royal house, claimed the throne, and was confirmed by the Gondorian royal council.{{ref|5}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Amir Salehi - Servant of Death.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''Servant of Death'' by Amir Salehi]]King Arvedui sent increasingly urgent messages to Gondor about the crisis he faced from Angmar's continuing assaults. [[Eärnil II]] was unable to react quickly due to his need to order Gondor after succeeding to the throne, however. The king sent his son and heir [[Eärnur]] north to the Havens with a powerful fleet. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save [[Arthedain]], and the northern kingdom perished. When Eärnur's naval forces landed in the [[Grey Havens]], they dazzled both Men and Elves with their size and majesty. From these ships debarked the most powerful army seen in the north of Middle-earth in centuries. Círdan's people were quite impressed with the strength of Gondor's army, particularly its [[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|cavalry forces]], dominated by riders from the [[Vales of Anduin]]. [[Círdan]] and Eärnur combined their forces, along with the remnant of Arnor's army, in the greatest joint Elf-Man army since the [[War of the Last Alliance]]; this great [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]] re-crossed the River Lune and marched northward. {{ref|rotk1026}} These allies drove relentlessly toward the Arnorian capital of [[Fornost]], where the Witch-king had occupied the palace complex there.<br />
<br />
=== Angmar is Vanquished ===<br />
<br />
When the Witch-king saw the invading [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host]], he failed to take it for the serious threat that it in fact was. Instead of awaiting the invaders in the fortress city of Fornost, he confidently marched his forces out to meet them in the open. He expected to defeat them as easily as had vanquished Arvedui's forces the previous year. But there was an appreciable difference this time-- the ground and naval might of Gondor. The allied Host continued to advance, and instead of establishing a merely defensive position, they attacked him from the [[Hills of Evendim]], and a [[Battle of Fornost|large battle]] broke out. The Witch-king's army could not stand before the allies, however, and began to retreat back towards their capital. Any hopes for an orderly withdrawl were in vain, however. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Lena - Glorfindel.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''Glorfindel'' by Lena]][[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|Gondorian cavalry forces]], attacking from the north, routed the forces of Angmar, and put them to flight signaling an end to what became known as the [[Battle of Fornost]]. The Witch-king, in full flight, forsook his new conquests, and made for Angmar. But the cavalry under [[Eärnur]] continued the pursuit and rode down what remained of his forces. To add to his difficulties, an Elven force under [[Glorfindel]] also attacked from [[Rivendell]], and completed his forces' destruction. At the last, the Witch-king charged Eärnur in frustration, but his horse shied away from the evil wraith. As Eärnur once again mastered his horse, Glorfindel uttered his famous prophecy:<br />
{{quote|Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|''The Lord of the Rings'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1027.}}<br />
This prophecy would not be fulfilled until a thousand years later, at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<br />
<br />
=== [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] ===<br />
<br />
After the death of King Arvedui, his son, [[Aranarth]], perceived that the northern Dúnedain had become too few to reestablish the realm of [[Arthedain]]. He took his dwindling people and turned them into nomads who traveled from place to place in [[Eriador]]. Instead of calling himself a king or prince, he assumed the title [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]]. Through them the royal line of Arnor was maintained successfully for a thousand years until the refounding of Arnor in [[Fourth Age 1|F.O. 1]]. Aranarth brought his son [[Arahael]] to [[Rivendell]] and gave him to [[Elrond]] for safekeeping until he was grown. This became a tradition that was followed through the rest of the Third Age. Also brought to Elrond were the heirlooms of the House of Elendil: the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the shards of [[Narsil]], and the [[Star of Elendil]].{{ref|rotk1018}}<br />
<br />
So the Dúnedain survived in the shadows, waiting for a better day when the kingdom of Arnor would be reborn. There were sixteen Chieftains in direct descent, with [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]] being the last. There were many perils in Eriador in that time, and many of the Chieftains died premature deaths. One of these was Aragorn II's father, [[Arathorn II]], who was slain by Orcs raiding the area.<br />
<br />
=== [[War of the Ring]] ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|right|175px|thumb|Banner of Arnor (Reunited Kingdom)]]<br>The Kingdom of Arnor had been fallen for a thousand years by the time the [[War of the Ring]] broke out, but northern forces did participate in the War. [[Aragorn II]] was a [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain Ranger of the North]], and there were several hundred of them operating during the conflict. A company of this group accompanied Aragorn through the [[Paths of the Dead]] and during the attack on [[Umbar]] which captured the Corsair fleet. They were with him at the last battle, fighting under his banner, at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], where [[Sauron]] was finally thrown down.<br />
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There was conflict in other areas of the North. There were three different invasions of [[Lorien]], which were thrown back by the Elven army under [[Celeborn]] and [[Thranduil]]. Finally, Celeborn led an attack resulting in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur|capture of Dol Guldur]] and put an end to Sauron's northern threat.<br />
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There was also a battle fought in the [[Shire]], between Saruman's [[Ruffians]] and [[Hobbit]] militia forces. This was the last battle fought in the [[War of the Ring]], and resulted in the death of Saruman and the death or capture of his followers. This became known as the [[Battle of Bywater]], and represents the Hobbit contribution to the War.{{ref|10}}<br />
<br />
== Restoration and the [[Reunited Kingdom]] ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Rowena Morrill - The Last Steward of Gondor.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''The Last Steward of Gondor'' by Rowena Morrill]]Faramir, son of Denethor II the last Ruling Stewart, presented his rod of office to the new king, and received it back from him. [[Aragorn II]] then was crowned by [[Gandalf]] as [[Aragorn Elessar|King Elessar]], refounded the Kingdom of Arnor as part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], and made [[Annúminas]] his new capital city.{{ref|rotk1019}} He was wed to the Elven princess Arwen, who became [[Arwen Evenstar|Queen Evenstar]] of Arnor and Gondor. After the fall of [[Sauron]] Arnor was safe again for human resettlement, and although it remained less populated than [[Gondor]] to the south, in time Arnor became a more densely populated region again, even if it had dwindled in size due to the independence of the [[Shire]]. The area encompassed by the Reunited Kingdom now encompassed the territory of the [[Two Kingdoms]] at their greatest extent. In the North, this included all the land between the [[Lune|River Lune]] and the [[Misty Mountains]], and in the South included all the land between Dunland in the west, to the [[Far Harad]] southwards, to [[Rhûn]] in the east. The reborn kingdom continued on into the Fourth Age, with [[Eldarion]] eventually succeeding his father to the throne of this now empire-sized state.<br />
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== Regions of Arnor ==<br />
<br />
* [[Arthedain]], core of the north-kingdom bordering the Lune<br />
* [[Cardolan]], south of the [[Great East Road]], east of the Brandywine<br />
* [[Rhudaur]], between the Weather Hills and the [[Misty Mountains]]<br />
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== Cities, Fortresses and Watchtowers ==<br />
<br />
* [[Annúminas]], the old capital on the shore of Lake Evendim<br />
* [[Fornost]], the new capital of the successor state of Arthedain<br />
* [[Bree]], a trading center located on the Great East Road<br />
* [[Lond Daer]], an old harbor town founded by Númenóreans<br />
* [[Amon Sûl]], also called Weathertop, a watchtower on the highest of the Weather Hills<br />
* [[Elostirion]], a watchtower in the Tower Hills<br />
* [[Tharbad]], a fortified town and port along the River Greyflood on the southern border of Arnor<br />
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== Languages ==<br />
<br />
The people of Arnor were of Númenórean stock, so the predominant language spoken by them was [[Westron]]. With the proximity of the Elves of [[Lindon]], at least some of the population, especially the upper classes, were probably fluent in Quenya and Eldarin.<br />
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== Etymology ==<br />
<br />
'''Arnor''' was the colloquial name for the '''North Kingdom'''. The North Kingdom, as the land was called at its conception, was also known as ''Turmen Follondiéva'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Arthor na Forlonnas'' in [[Sindarin]]. These names quickly fell out of use, in favor of ''Arnor'': the ''Land of the King'', so called for the kingship of [[Elendil]], and to seal its precedence over the [[Gondor|southern realm]]. In full, poetic Sindarin, it was called ''Arannor'', which mirrored its Quenya name, '''Arandórë'''{{ref|n1}}. Though technically ''Arandórë'' would have a Sindarin form ''Ardor'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] chose ''Arnor'' because it sounded better. This linguistic change was ascribed to a later, Mannish development of Sindarin.{{ref|n2}}.<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
# {{note|1}} ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 360.<br />
# {{note|2}} ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 362.<br />
# {{note|3}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.<br />
# {{note|4}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], pp. 1017-1018.<br />
# {{note|5}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.<br />
# {{note|6}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.<br />
# {{note|7}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1017.<br />
# {{note|8}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1019.<br />
# {{note|9}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1017.<br />
# {{note|10}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Scouring of the Shire]], pp. 992-996.<br />
# {{note|11}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1020.<br />
# {{note|e1}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''" (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]]), published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (July [[2007]]), p. 28.<br />
# {{note|e2}} ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] ([[December 17]], [[1972]]); see also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 17.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* [[Kings of Arnor]]<br />
* [[Kings of Gondor]]<br />
* [[Gondor]]<br />
* [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
* [[War of the Ring]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]<br />
[[Category:Regions]]<br />
[[Category:Eriador]]<br />
[[Category:Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Realms]]<br />
[[de:Arnor]]<br />
[[fi:Arnor]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gondor&diff=91050Gondor2010-01-21T00:18:37Z<p>Theoden1: /* Cirion and Eorl */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{kingdom<br />
| image = [[Image:Gondor.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name = Gondor<br />
| meaning = Land of Stone<br />
| type = Monarchy/Stewardship<br />
| hidep=yes<br />
| headofstate = [[King of Gondor]]/[[Ruling Steward]]<br />
| executive = [[Council of Gondor]]<br />
| legislative = <br />
| judicial = <br />
| capital = [[Osgiliath]]/[[Minas Tirith]]<br />
| language = [[Westron]]<br />
| location = South of the [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]<br />
| populace= Mostly [[Men]]<br />
| currency = The [[castar]]<br />
| religious =<br />
| holiday = <br />
| anthem = <br />
| formed = The escape of the [[Faithful]] from the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]<br />
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]<br />
| reorganized = [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]<br />
| fragmented = <br />
| dissolved = <br />
| restored = <br />
}}{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea!<br>West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn II|Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center><br />
<br />
'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom''' of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion son of Elendil|Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn II|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.<br />
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== History ==<br />
=== Early History ===<br />
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population before the ships of Elendil's sons arrived, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]].<ref name="UTD">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Drúedain]]"</ref> Pelargir was founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year [[Second Age 2350|2350 of the Second Age]]. <br />
<br />
The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion|Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those that had already colonized this area of Middle-earth. The colonists north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them. South of the Great River, however, the also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]] did not recognize Elendil's claim. Since the Black Númenóreans were the descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who were opposed to the Faithful, they did not unite with Elendil and his sons, who represented the [[Faithful]] in Middle-earth. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.<br />
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[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''The White Tree'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its destruction. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital. From this city Isildur and Anárion ruled side-by-side, and used the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.<br />
<br />
=== First Conflict with Sauron ===<br />
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.<br />
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=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===<br />
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"</ref><br />
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=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===<br />
====Rebuilding====<br />
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in Minas Anor, and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Battle of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref><br />
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==== Gondor Prospers ====<br />
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.<br />
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==== Gondor's Golden Age ====<br />
[[Image:Gondor map.gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 1050|T.A. 1050]]]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-king|Ship-kings]]":<br />
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* [[Tarannon Falastur]], reigned [[Third Age 840]] - [[Third Age 913]]. First of the Ship-Kings, died childless <br />
* [[Eärnil I]], [[Third Age 913]] - [[Third Age 936]]. Nephew of Tarannon <br />
* [[Ciryandil]], [[Third Age 936]] - [[Third Age 1015]] <br />
* [[Hyarmendacil I|Ciryaher Hyarmendacil I]], [[Third Age 1015]] - [[Third Age 1149]]. Last of the Ship-Kings.<ref name="Gondor">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]]'', "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"</ref> <br />
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The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Haven of Umbar|Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]", note 7</ref> <br />
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In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]], south to the nearest lands of the [[Haradrim]], as far north as [[Mirkwood]] and west towards the borders of [[Arnor]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might.<ref name="Gondor"/><br />
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[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor around [[Third Age 1340]].<br />
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=== The Decline of Gondor ===<br />
But after his reign decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]. <br />
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==== The Kin-strife ====<br />
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and he fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.<br />
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==== The Great Plague ====<br />
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.<br />
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==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====<br />
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for well over a century. The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by a general named Eärnil, and they destroyed the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in [[Third Age 1944]].<br />
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=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===<br />
==== Reunification Rejected ====<br />
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. [[Arvedui]], King of [[Arthedain]], Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.<br />
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Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].<br />
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==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====<br />
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king of Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall". <br />
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Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].<br />
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=== The Stewards of Gondor ===<br />
==== The Ruling Stewards ====<br />
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.<br />
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==== Cirion and Eorl ====<br />
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].<br />
<br />
Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/><br />
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=== [[War of the Ring]]===<br />
[[Image:Gondor map (Third Age).gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]]]<br />
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war.<ref name="tBotPF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"</ref><br />
<br />
After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor. <br />
<br />
[[Faramir (son of Denethor II)|Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 244]] (dated c. [[1963]])</ref><br />
<br />
==Geography==<br />
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]"</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"</ref><br />
===Regions===<br />
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:<br />
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith<br />
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]]<br />
* [[Lossarnach]] <br />
* [[Lebennin]] <br />
* [[Belfalas]]<br />
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]<br />
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]<br />
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west<br />
* [[Ethir Anduin]]<br />
<br />
The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.<br />
<br />
Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:<br />
* [[Harondor]] or South Gondor, which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]<br />
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan<br />
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned<br />
* [[Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age<br />
<br />
===Cities===<br />
Cities in Gondor included:<br />
* [[Calembel]]<br />
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas<br />
* [[Erech]], fortress of Gondor, abandoned by the end of the Third Age<br />
* [[Linhir]]<br />
* [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings<br />
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age<br />
* [[Pelargir]]<br />
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref><br />
<br />
===Fortresses and outposts===<br />
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:<br />
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons<br />
* [[Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]<br />
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep<br />
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor<br />
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]<br />
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]<br />
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians<br />
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]<br />
* The [[Haven of Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times<br />
<br />
==Languages==<br />
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lied in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
'''Gondor''' translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the [[Sindarin]] words ''gond'', "stone", and ''(n)dor'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonórë''.<ref name="VT42">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by [[Carl F. Hostetter]] and [[Christopher Tolkien]]), published in [[Vinyar Tengwar 42]], July [[2001]]</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath. In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondië'', ''Hyallondië'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin. Though absent in the English translation, both these names are clearly from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[lond|londië'' and ''lonnas'']] mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''" (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]], published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (July [[2007]]), page 28</ref> Tolkien wrote that the newer name was likely adopted from lesser people's terminology;<ref name="L324">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 324]] (dated [[June 4]]-[[June 5|5]], [[1971]])</ref> in [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''',<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<small><references/></small><br />
<br />
[[Category:Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Realms]]<br />
[[Category:Regions]]<br />
[[de:Gondor]]<br />
[[fi:Gondor]]</div>Theoden1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=And%C3%BAni%C3%AB&diff=91049Andúnië2010-01-21T00:16:49Z<p>Theoden1: Correction</p>
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<div>{{location<br />
| image=[[Image:Felix Sotomayor - Andunie.jpg|250px]]<br />
| name=Andúnië<br />
| type=City/Port<br />
| location=western [[Numenor]]<br />
| inhabitants=[[Numenoreans]], [[Falmari]]<br />
| realms=[[Numenor]]<br />
| description=<br />
| othernames=<br />
| etymology="Sunset" in [[Quenya]]<br />
| events=<br />
| references=[[Unfinished Tales]], [[The Silmarillion]]<br />
|}}<br />
{{Pronounce|Andunie.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''Andúnië''' was an important city and port in the realm of [[Númenor]], located on the [[Bay of Andúnië]] in the [[Andustar]] region, on the western end of the island. Though not the capital, it was initially the largest city of Númenor because the [[Falmari|Elves]] of [[Tol Eressëa]] would often visit the haven.<br />
<br />
In [[Second Age]] 630, [[Tar-Elendil]] created the title [[Lord of Andúnië]] in honor of his first grandson, [[Valandil of Númenor|Valandil]]. A distaff branch of the line of [[Elros]], the [[:Category:Lords of Andúnië|Lords of Andúnië]] were important nobles and members of the [[Council of the Sceptre]]. Since Andúnië was an Elf-haven, the Lords of Andúnië were also the leaders of the "[[Faithful]]" — those who advocated continued friendship with the and obedience to the [[Valar]]. <br />
<br />
However, as the [[Shadow]] was falling upon Númenor, [[Armenelos]] became larger and more important than Andúnië. By the close of the Second Age, the Faithful were labeled as traitors by the [[King's Men]] and deported to [[Rómenna]] in the east. Andúnië was ultimately destroyed in the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in 3319.<br />
<br />
[[Amandil of Andúnië|Amandil]], the last of the Lords of Andúnië, was the ancestor of the Kings of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] in [[Middle-earth]].<br />
<br />
Andúnië is a variant of the [[Quenya]] word '''''[[andúnë]]''''', meaning "sunset".<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities in Númenor]]<br />
[[Category:Quenya words]]<br />
[[de:Andúnië]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:numenor:andunie]]<br />
[[fi:Andúnië]]</div>Theoden1