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{{disambig-two|the King of Gondolin|Steward of Gondor|[[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
{{noldor infobox
| name=Turgon
| name=Turgon
| image=[[File:Venlian - Feanor.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Antti Autio - Turgon Aran Gondolin.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Turgon" by [[:Category:Images by Venlian|Venlian]]
| caption="Turgon Aran Gondolin" by [[Antti Autio]]
| pronun=
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{respell|toor|gon}}
| othernames='''Turucáno''' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]])</br>''Turgon the Wise''
| othernames=''Turukáno'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]])
| titles=[[King of Gondolin]]</br>[[High King of the Noldor]]
| titles=King of Gondolin<br />[[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]]</br>[[Nevrast]]</br>[[Gondolin]]
| location=[[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]]</br>[[Sindarin]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{YT|1300}}
| birth={{YT|1300}}
| brithlocation=[[Tirion]]
| brithlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}} (King of Gondolin)</br>{{FA|472}} - {{FA|510|n}} (High King of the Noldor)
| rule={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}} (Gondolin)<br />{{FA|472}} - {{FA|510|n}} (High King)
| death={{FA|510}}
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondolin]]
| deathlocation=[[Fall of Gondolin]]
| age=c. 29,310
| age=c. 2426<ref group="note">Years of the Sun. Each Year of the Tree is equal to 9.582 Years of the Sun, and the Years of the Trees ended in the year 1500.</ref>
| notablefor=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Fingolfin]]
| house=[[House of Fingolfin]]
| parentage=[[Fingolfin]] (father)</br>[[Anairë]] (mother)
| parentage=[[Fingolfin]] and [[Anairë]]
| siblings=[[Fingon]] (brother)</br>[[Aredhel]] (sister)</br>[[Argon]] (brother)
| siblings=[[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]
| spouse=[[Elenwë]] (wife)
| spouse=[[Elenwë]]
| children=[[Idril]] (daughter)
| children=[[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| height=Taller than all but [[Thingol]]
| hair=
| hair=
| eyes=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Glamdring]]
| weapons=[[Glamdring]]<ref>''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]", [[Elrond]] explains that it once belonged to the King of Gondolin</ref>
| steed=
| steed=
}}
}}
<center>{{quote|Then did the Gondolindrim clash their weapons, for many stood nigh, but Turgon said: ‘Fight not against doom, O my children! Seek ye who may safety in flight, if perhaps there be time yet: but let Tuor have your lealty.’|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', [[The Fall of Gondolin]]}}</center>


'''Turgon''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈturɡon]}}) was an [[Elves|Elven]] king of the [[Noldor]], second son of [[Fingolfin]], brother to [[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]. He was lord of the Elves of [[Nevrast]], and later of the hidden city of [[Gondolin]].
{{quote|And most of all his kin Morgoth feared Turgon; for of old in Valinor his eye had lighted upon him, and whenever he drew near a shadow had fallen on his spirit, foreboding that in some time that yet lay hidden, from Turgon ruin should come to him.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]"}}


He is described as tall, wearing white with a gold belt and a crown of garnets, holding the [[Staff of Doom]] in his hand. He was often called "''the Wise''".
'''Turgon''' was an [[Elves|Elven]] king of the [[Noldor]], second son of [[Fingolfin]], brother to [[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]. He was lord of the [[Gondolindrim|Elves of Nevrast]], and later of the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]].


== History ==
He was often called "''the Wise''" and is described as "tallest of all the [[Children of the World]], save Thingol"; with a white and gold [[Glamdring|sword]] in an ivory sheath.<ref name=Tuor>{{UT|Tuor}}, "Notes", p. 56, note 31</ref> He sat in a high throne, holding his staff of doom.<ref name=Maeglin>{{S|16}}</ref>
=== The Departure to Middle-earth ===
[[File:Marya Filatova - Grinding Ice.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[Marya Filatova]] - ''Grinding Ice (the death of Elenwë)'']]
Although Turgon was originally against the departure of the Noldor from [[Aman]], he eventually did set out on the journey. After [[Fëanor]] and his sons departed using the only ships, he took his people across the dangerous [[Helcaraxë]] with his father Fingolfin.  


During their journey, [[Elenwë]] his wife, and [[Idril]] his daughter, fell into the water, but Turgon managed to save only Idril, and Elenwë drowned. From then on, his hatred for Fëanor and his [[Sons of Fëanor|sons]] was unappeasable, and he would not have any dealings with them.<ref name="Shib">{{PM|XI}}</ref>
==History==
[[File:Marya Filatova - Turukano and Elenwe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Turukáno and Elenwe'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
===Life in Aman===
Turgon was born in the [[Year of the Trees 1300]], the same as his cousin [[Finrod]].<ref>{{AA|85|note}}, p. 106</ref> At some point, he married [[Elenwë]] of the [[Vanyar]], and they had a child: [[Idril]].


After the [[Darkening of Valinor]], [[Fëanor]] gave his famous speech in [[Tirion]] and proclaimed his [[Oath of Fëanor|Oath]]. Turgon and his father [[Fingolfin]] spoke against Fëanor, and the Fëanorians almost unsheathed their swords, but [[Finarfin]] intervened and invited the Noldor to ponder the matter. Turgon and his friend Finrod were together against the departure of the Noldor from [[Aman]], but the Noldorin assembly chose [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. So Turgon did set out on the journey, and although he was originally against it, he did not come back after the [[Doom of Mandos]] because "Fingon and Turgon were bold and fiery of heart, and loath to abandon any task to which they had put their hands until the bitter end, if bitter it must be". After Fëanor and his [[Sons of Fëanor|sons]] departed using the only ships, he took his people across the dangerous [[Helcaraxë]] alongside his father Fingolfin.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref> Elenwë was lost in the crossing, as she and her daughter Idril fell into the bitter waters. Turgon risked his life to save them, but he only could save Idril. Therefore, Turgon was thereafter always hostile to the [[House of Fëanor]].<ref>{{PM|XI4}}, pp. 343-344</ref>


=== Life in Beleriand ===
===Building of Gondolin===
After the host of [[Fingolfin]] reached the shores of [[Middle-earth]], Turgon was given the lordship of a region called [[Nevrast]]. Turgon and his daughter Idril came there, and Turgon there built a city named [[Vinyamar]] and gathered to him one-third of the Noldor of Fingolfin and a large number of Sindar.
Once they arrived in [[Middle-earth]], Turgon and his followers settled at [[Vinyamar]] in [[Nevrast]]. In {{FA|50}}, he and Finrod journeyed together along [[Sirion]], and while they slept near the [[Aelin-uial]], [[Ulmo]] sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could be safe from the power of [[Morgoth]]. Then in the following year Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of [[Tumladen]] in the [[Encircling Mountains]]. Initially, Turgon left Tumladen and returned to Vinyamar, keeping his discovery a secret for many years and planning the construction of a city.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref>
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Turgon and Idril.jpg|thumb|''Turgon and Idril'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], Turgon began once again to feel the restlessness set in his heart by Ulmo, and his thought turned to Tumladen. He secretly moved many of the most skilled Noldor to the valley, and had them build [[Gondolin]]. When it was completed in {{FA|116}},<ref>{{GA|111}}</ref> he abandoned Vinyamar with all his people and led them to Tumladen in secret, hidden by the power of Ulmo. Before leaving, however, and following Ulmo's prophecy, he left in Vinyamar a sword, mail and helm for one who would come in the hour of direst need of the Noldor and deliver hope. In his Hidden City, Turgon was King of the [[Gondolindrim]], and all kept working on embellishing Gondolin. He even personally created the two trees [[Glingal and Belthil]] in the image of the [[Two Trees]].<ref>{{S|15}}</ref>


==== The Dream of Ulmo ====
In {{FA|400}},<ref>{{GA|120}}</ref> after the unfortunate events concerning his sister [[Aredhel]], Turgon welcomed his nephew [[Maeglin]], who became a close counsellor.<ref name=Maeglin></ref>
When he journeyed with his cousin [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] along [[Sirion]], [[Ulmo]] sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could be safe from the power of [[Morgoth]]. Then in the following year Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of [[Tumladen]] in the [[Encircling Mountains]]. Initially, Turgon left Tumladen and returned to Vinyamar, keeping his discovery a secret for many years. After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], Turgon began once again to feel the restlessness set in his heart by Ulmo, and his thought turned to Tumladen. He secretly moved many of the most skilled of the Noldor to the valley, and had them build [[Gondolin]]. When it was completed, he abandoned Vinyamar with his people and led them to Tumladen in secret, hidden by the power of Ulmo. Before leaving, however, and following Ulmo's prophecy, he left in Vinyamar a sword, mail and helm for one who would come in the hour of direst need of the Noldor and deliver hope. <ref>{{S|15}}</ref>


==== The Departure of Aredhel ====
===Doom of the Noldor===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eöl is Led to the Walls.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Eöl is led to the walls'']]
In {{FA|458}} Turgon took in [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]], who were saved by the [[Eagles]]. They forged a good friendship, but after a year he allowed them to leave the city although it was against his law.<ref>{{S|18}}</ref> Turgon and the two brothers met again in the the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]: in the middle of the battle, they rejoiced in their meeting. When Fingon was killed and the battle seemed lost, Huor urged Turgon to leave, prophesying that from both of them a new [[Eärendil|star]] would rise. Thanks to the men of the [[House of Hador]] in the [[Fen of Serech]], the Gondolindrim could escape, but Huor was killed and Húrin captured. Although the battle was still lost, Turgon's unexpected intervention prevented the rout from completely destroying the armies of the Noldor and their allies.<ref name=Nirnaeth>{{S|20}}</ref>
About two hundred years after Gondolin was wrought, Turgon's sister [[Aredhel]] journeyed to meet with the sons of Fëanor. She was lost, however, and returned with her son Maeglin a few years later. However, her husband [[Eöl]] followed them, and stumbled upon the [[Dry River]] and the entrance to Gondolin. After Aredhel revealed his identity to Turgon, he welcomed him as a kinsman an a friend, and bid him stay in Gondolin. But Eöl refused that, and derided the authority of Turgon over any lands of the Teleri. Nonetheless, Turgon warned him that it was his law that none who found entrance to the Hidden City should ever leave it. Eöl, enraged by this, chose death rather than being confined to Gondolin, and he chose death also for his son Maeglin, and casting a poisoned javelin at Maeglin, Aredhel sprang before it and was wounded by it. However, in the following night, Aredhel died due to the poison which Eöl laced over his javelin.<ref name="Eol">{{S|16}}</ref>


Turgon had no more mercy for his actions. He ordered him to be executed by being thrown over [[Caragdûr]] - and with his last words Eöl cursed his son Maeglin - to die in the same manner as he did.<ref name="Eol"/>
With the death of his brother Fingon, Turgon became the new [[High King of the Noldor]], and he was the most feared of the enemies of [[Morgoth]], as he remained hidden.<ref>{{UT|1}}, p. 18</ref> In those times, [[Círdan]] settled down in the [[Mouths of Sirion]], and with his help, Turgon sent seven boats to the [[Aman|West]] to ask help to the Valar, but all of them were wrecked.<ref name=Nirnaeth></ref>
[[File:Catherine Karina Chmiel - Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together.jpg|thumb|''Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
In {{FA|495}},<ref>{{GA|299}}</ref> [[Voronwë]], the only survivor of the shipwrecks, brought into the Hidden City a man: [[Tuor]], son of Huor. The King received him in the [[Tower of the King]], and when Tuor spoke, his cloak fell, revealing the arms Turgon had left in Vinyamar following Ulmo's orders nearly 400 years earlier.<ref name=Tuor></ref> Tuor gave him [[Ulmo's warning]]: the [[Doom of the Noldor]] was approaching, so the [[Gondolindrim]] had to leave their fair city and go down Sirion to the sea. But the King had became proud and loved his kingdom, so he rejected the council of the Vala. However, he ordered the blocking up of the [[Seven Gates]], so nobody could enter now the city and the only news that came in was that brought by [[Thorondor]].<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>


After the deaths of both Eöl and Aredhel, Turgon took their son [[Maeglin]] under his wing and made him the Lord of the [[House of the Mole]]. Maeglin secretly loved Turgon's daughter Idril, who rejected his advances.<ref name="Eol"/>
Some years later, Húrin was released by Morgoth, and in his wanderings he approached the [[Echoriad]] with the hope of returning to Gondolin. Thorondor informed Turgon, but he distrusted Húrin and did not help him. He later regretted it, but it was too late. Thus it was known to Morgoth the location of the Hidden City.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, pp. 271-272</ref>


==== Turgon and Húrin ====
Seven years after his coming, Tuor married Idril. Turgon blessed their union, as he held Tuor in great esteem and he had not forgotten the words of Huor in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - Húrin and Huor are Carried to Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Alan Lee]] - ''Húrin and Huor are carried to Gondolin'']]
Aside from the misadventure of Eöl, the splendor of Turgon's reign in Gondolin was undisturbed until [[Dagor Bragollach]], when Turgon was brought his father's body by [[Thorondor]]. Two years later Thorondor brought him [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]], [[Men|boys]] of the [[House of Hador]], whom he fostered for a year. Great love grew between the brothers Húrin and Huor and Turgon King of Gondolin; and moreover Húrin learned much of the designs of Turgon of the future of his realm.


However, Maeglin disliked the brothers, and when Húrin asked leave from Turgon to return to their kin, he allowed them to return to [[Dor-lómin]] their home, by the way in which they were brought. At this time also, Turgon foresaw the doom of the Noldor, and he secretly sent mariners to try to obtain the mercy of the Valar.<ref>{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
Morgoth attacked the city in {{FA|510}}.<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> In the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', little is mentioned of the deeds of the chieftains of Gondolin, but much is told in ''[[Turgon#Other versions of the legendarium|The Fall of Gondolin]]'': of the defence of the Tower of the King by the people of his stronghold, until this fell down; "and mighty was its fall and the fall of Turgon in its ruin".<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>


None of these missions was successful and only one of the mariners, [[Voronwë]], survived the [[Shadowy Seas]], paving the way for Huor's son, [[Tuor]], and his coming to Gondolin.
A group of [[Exiles of Gondolin|Exiles]] survived the [[Fall of Gondolin]] and reached the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. There [[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]] was named the next High King of the Noldor. Turgon's grandson [[Eärendil|Eärendil the Blessed]] would later bring salvation to Middle-earth, fulfilling Morgoth's fears about him.


==Etymology==
''Turgon'' is [[Sindarin]], meaning "Ruling Lord" or "Victory Prince",<ref name=Eldarin>{{PE|Eldarin}}, pp. 112-113</ref> probably a combination of ''[[tur]]'' ("master")<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''tur''</ref> and ''-gon'' ("lord, prince").<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Finwe}}, p. 345</ref>


==== Nirnaeth Arnoediad ====
However, in ''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', Tolkien translated ''Turgon'' as "Master Shout". There it is explained that the name is the [[Sindarized]] version of his [[Quenya]] [[father-name]], '''''Turukáno''''',<ref name=Feanor></ref> clearly meaning "Victory Commander".<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-136007163.html|articlename=Q. ''Turucáno'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=2 June 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Aure Entuluva.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''"Aurë Entuluva!"'']]
Under the Union of Maedros all the [[Elves]] of Beleriand, as well as the [[Edain]], [[Dwarves]], and the newly arrived [[Easterlings (First Age)|Easterlings]] were invited to combine in arms and fight Morgoth. The Union first cleared Beleriand and Dorthonion of Orcs, and then gathered to assault [[Thangorodrim]].<ref name="Nirn">{{S|20}}</ref>


The plan was for Maedros' host in the east to assault and draw out the army of Angband, after which Fingon's host would attack from the [[Ered Wethrin]], taking the offensive in the west, crushing Morgoth's forces between them.<ref name="Nirn"/>
A rejected Quenya name was ''Turondo'' ("Lord of Stone").<ref name=Eldarin></ref> In the earliest stage of the Elvish [[languages]], the [[Qenya]] name was the same, and the [[Gnomish]] name was also ''Turgon'', which [[Christopher Tolkien]] suggests to be derived from the [[root]] [[TUR|TURU]] ("be strong").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Tuor"</ref>
 
Under Maedros in the east were gathered the remainder of the [[sons of Fëanor]], the Elves and Men of [[Himring]] under Maedros and Bór, and the men of Amon Ereb under Caranthir and Ulfang.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
Under Fingon in the west were gathered the Elves and Men of [[Hithlum]], the Elves of the [[Falas]], the [[Halethrim]] of [[Brethil]] and the companies sent from [[Nargothrond]] and the two elves of [[Doriath]], [[Beleg]] and [[Mablung]].<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
Because of the evil deeds of [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], two of Maedros' brothers, Nargothrond would send only a small company of Elves under [[Gwindor]]. From Doriath, where [[Thingol]] had sworn never to fight beside any son of Fëanor, came only [[Mablung]] and [[Beleg]], who did not wish to remain behind. However, Turgon unexpectedly came forth with over ten thousand Elves from [[Gondolin]], doubling the force of the west.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle of Unnumbered Tears.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Alan Lee]] - ''The Battle of Unnumbered Tears'']]
But Morgoth through his spies had learned of the battle plan, and his spy [[Ulfang]], who betrayed the Noldor, delayed Maedros' attack. A small host of Orcs sallied forth from [[Angband]] to provoke the Western host to attack. Within sight of the [[Ered Wethrin]], Gwindor's brother [[Gelmir (son of Guilin)|Gelmir]], captured during the Dagor Bragollach, was brought forth, and brutally slain. Enraged, Gwindor broke ranks, and with him most of Fingon's troops. The Orcs were swiftly defeated, and the sudden charge of Fingon's army nearly foiled Morgoth's plans; the forces of Gwindor and Fingon pushed forth, reaching Angband itself.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
It is said that Morgoth trembled on his throne as Gwindor's company pounded at his gates. They burst through, and slew the guards on the steps of Angband. They were then ambushed with hidden forces set about Angband; all of Gwindor's company was slain and Gwindor himself was captured. From clandestine gates around Angband thousands of Orcs erupted suddenly, repulsing the host of Fingon from the walls. The Elven army was driven back in great slaughter, and many of the Halethrim fell fighting in the rearguard.
Turgon, who had withheld his host from the reckless charge, now came upon the Orc host. The phalanx of Turgon broke through the Angband lines, and met with the guard of Fingon.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
Finally Maedros arrived, but before he could make junction with Fingon and Turgon, [[Glaurung]] the dragon and [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] lord of [[Balrogs|Balrog]]s intercepted him.  Union forces could yet have prevailed, but [[Uldor]], son of Ulfang and a traitor, turned ranks and attacked Maedros in the rear, while more of his kin came down from the mountains and attacked from the east. [[Maglor]] slew Uldor in single combat, but could not turn the tide of the battle; and Bór and his sons slew the remaining sons of Ulfang the Black, but were themselves slain in turn - thus they won renown, and remained faithful to Maedros. Under assault from three sides, the eastern host was scattered, and only the valour of the [[Dwarves of Belegost]] helped them escape, as their lord Azaghâl and his forces held off Glaurung, allowing the [[sons of Fëanor]] to escape into [[Ossiriand]].<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
Azaghâl and his army fought with fierce iron masks on, and they were able to resist the fire far better than any Elf or Man. Then Glaurung trampled Azaghâl beneath his feet, but Azaghâl ran a dagger through Glaurung's stomach, and the dragon fled in pain. Many of Morgoth's forces retreated with him. In a solemn ceremony the Dwarves picked up their fallen leader, abandoning the battle, and marched him home in a great procession. Their wrath was so great that none troubled them.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
All this had not helped the western host, who were attacked by many Orcs under Gothmog. Gothmog cut a path to Fingon and fought him in single combat. Fingon fell under his might, and [[Húrin]] begged Turgon to retreat back to Gondolin. [[Huor]] and Húrin and the remaining [[Men of Dor-lómin]] formed a living wall across the [[Fen of Serech]], buying time for Turgon to escape with most of the surviving Elves of the north. Acting as a rearguard, these Men were almost all slain &ndash; Huor fell when his eye was pierced by a poisoned arrow. His brother Húrin fought ferociously to buy his allies time to escape, fighting until his axe withered away. Morgoth had ordered him to be taken alive, however; he killed no fewer than seventy Orcs and Trolls before he became pinned under their corpses, and was later taken prisoner by Gothmog.<ref name="Nirn"/>
 
==== Húrin in Echoriad ====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Húrin Reaches the Echoriath.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Húrin reaches the Echoriad'']]
In {{FA|501}}, Húrin son of [[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor]], and a friend of Turgon, after being released by Morgoth after watching the suffering and doom of his kin for over 28 years, sought for the entrance to Gondolin, to behold once more Turgon's beautiful city, the memory of the ancient Tirion upon Túna. However, Turgon did not allow Húrin to be brought to Gondolin, believing that he betrayed its location to Morgoth. But in the end, he changed his mind, remembering his valour, and honour, and bravery, and loyalty, and besought Thorondor to seek for him once more, but he could not be found. And in his despair, Húrin cried aloud somewhere in the Echoriad, begging Turgon to remember their old friendship and his sacrifice to him - but unbeknownst to Húrin, there were spies observing him, and Morgoth at last found out in what region Gondolin stood.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}</ref>
 
==== Tuor in Gondolin ====
[[File:Alarie - The First Gate.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Alarie - ''The First Gate'']]
Tuor son of Huor, 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 told 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.<ref name="III">{{LT2|III}}</ref>
 
Tuor, nonetheless, 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 an axe made for him, [[Dramborleg]]. During this time Tuor married Turgon's daughter [[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]] at [[Gar Ainion|The Place of the Ainur]] and Idril bore him a son, [[Eärendil]].<ref name="III"/>
 
Not all was blissful though, and Idril 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|Amon Gwared]] work began.<ref name="III"/>
 
Idril's advice proved very good since Maeglin was captured by the spies in the region beyond the [[Echoriath|Echoriad]]. 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 [[Dagor Dagorath]].<ref name="III"/>
 
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.
 
==== The Fall of Gondolin ====
[[File:John Howe - The Fall of Gondolin.jpg|300px|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Fall of Gondolin'']]
It was in that year that Eärendil was seven years of age, and when the Gondolindrim were celebrating the festival of the [[Gates of Summer]] 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 dyeing the snow on the mountains as blood. Riders fled over the plain bringing the tidings - Morgoth was upon them.<ref name="III"/>
 
A council of war was called by Turgon and though Tuor recommended an attempt to sally, Maeglin and [[Salgant|Talagand]] (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.<ref name="III"/>
 
So the battle began in earnest. As the hosts of Morgoth, commanded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] crossed the plain of Tumladen, Turgon's war machines opened fire, supplemented by the [[House of the Heavenly Arch|Houses of the Heavenly Arch]] and of the [[House of the Swallow|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 Gwared 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 of the Tree|Galdor]] and [[Rog]] with their houses were hard pressed to hold them.<ref name="III"/>
 
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 arrived 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.<ref name="III"/>
 
At the gate, battle intensified as the [[Balrogs]] came upon the defenders there. Duilin and Penlod were slain. But Rog rallied his [[House of the Hammer of Wrath|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.<ref name="III"/>
 
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 Gwared 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|House of the Fountains]] (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, 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.<ref name="III"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Flight of the Doomed.jpg|500px|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Flight of the Doomed'']]
 
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 Talagand 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 Gondolindrim 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.<ref name="III"/>
 
However, the battle proved vain, and 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 Gondolindrim 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 Noldor!"'' 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.<ref name="III"/>
 
As Tuor and the remnants of the Gondolindrim were escaping towards Idril's secret way, Tuor met Idril along with Voronwë near his own house. Together they watched the fall of the Tower of the King, and realized that Turgon was in fact trying to draw off the army of Morgoth from the refugees and so buy them the time for their escape. And thus, Turgon was killed in the ruin of his own tower.<ref name="III"/>
 
<center>{{quote|Then said Idril heavily: ‘Sad is the blindness of the wise’; but Tuor said: ‘Sad too is the stubbornness of those we love - yet 'twas a valiant fault.’|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', [[The Fall of Gondolin]]}}</center>


== Genealogy ==
== Genealogy ==
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{{familytree| MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1495}}''</small>|IND=[[Indis]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|MIR=[[Míriel]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1170}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1495}}''</small>|IND=[[Indis]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|MIR=[[Míriel]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1170}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG |y| ANA | | IRM | | FIR | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]</br><small>''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''</small>|FDS=[[Findis]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]</br><small>''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''</small>|ANA=[[Anairë]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|IRM=[[Lalwen]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FIR=[[Finarfin]]</br><small>''b. {{YT|1230}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG |y| ANA | | IRM | | FIR | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]</br><small>''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''</small>|FDS=[[Findis]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]</br><small>''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''</small>|ANA=[[Anairë]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|IRM=[[Írimë]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FIR=[[Finarfin]]</br><small>''b. {{YT|1230}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| FIN | | TUR |y| ELE | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG|FIN=[[Fingon]]</br><small>''d. {{FA|472}}''</small>|ARE=[[Aredhel]]</br><small>''{{YT|1362}} - {{FA|400}}''</small>|TUR='''TURGON'''</br><small>''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''</small>|ELE=[[Elenwë]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1500}}''</small>|EOL=[[Eöl]]</br><small>''d. {{FA|400}}''</small>|ARG=[[Argon]]</br><small>''d. {{FA|1}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| FIN | | TUR |y| ELE | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG|FIN=[[Fingon]]</br><small>''{{YT|1260}} - {{FA|472}}''</small>|ARE=[[Aredhel]]</br><small>''{{YT|1362}} - {{FA|400}}''</small>|TUR='''TURGON'''</br><small>''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''</small>|ELE=[[Elenwë]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1500}}''</small>|EOL=[[Eöl]]</br><small>''d. {{FA|400}}''</small>|ARG=[[Argon]]</br><small>''d. {{FA|1}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | ||MAE=[[Maeglin]]</br><small>''{{FA|320}} - {{FA|510|n}}''</small>|IDR=[[Idril]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|TUO=[[Tuor]]</br><small>''b. {{FA|472}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | ||MAE=[[Maeglin]]</br><small>''{{FA|320}} - {{FA|510|n}}''</small>|IDR=[[Idril]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|TUO=[[Tuor]]</br><small>''b. {{FA|472}}''</small>}}
Line 145: Line 89:
</div>
</div>


== Etymology ==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
''Turgon'' is the [[Sindarization|Sindarized]] version of his [[Quenya]] [[father-name]], '''''Turucáno'''''. The latter contains the element ''[[káno|cáno]]'' ("commander").<ref>{{PM|Finwe}}, p. 345</ref>
===The Book of Lost Tales===
{{quote|But I Turgon will not leave my city, and will burn with it.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}


[[File:Narfil Palùrfalas - House-of-the-King.jpg|thumb|center|Narfil Palùrfalas - ''Turgon's Heraldic Device'']]
Turgon already appears in the earliest stage of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. He is the son of Finwë Nólemë, lord of the [[Noldoli]] (precursor of both [[Finwë]] and [[Fingolfin]]). Before Turgon (or ''Turondo'' in [[Qenya]]) was born, [[Amnon]] prophesied the fall of Gondolin and the fade of Turgon.<ref>{{LT1|VII}}, pp. 167, 172</ref> Turgon was born soon after the [[Exile of the Noldor|Flight of the Noldoli]] in [[Lake Mithrim]] or near [[Sirion]]. Later he participated in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], and there his father was isolated and slain by the enemy, and the Orcs cut out Nólemë's heart. But Turgon could rescue the body and the [[Scarlet Heart]] became his emblem. With terrible wrath, he ran out of the battle, and went to save the women and children of the camps. Then he fled south along Sirion, and aided by its magic waters, he escaped into a secret place away from [[Melko]]. There the Noldoli built the secret city of Gondolin and Turgon became their king.<ref>{{LT1|X}}, pp. 238-242</ref>


{{references}}
Many years later, when [[Tuor#Other versions of the legendarium|Tuor]] came to the city, he found Turgon in the [[Square of the Palace]]. "Then Turgon king of Gondolin robed in white with a belt of gold, and a coronet of garnets upon his head, stood before his doors and spake from the head of the white stairs that led thereto." Tuor was well received, as his coming was prophesied, but [[Ulmo's warning]] was not attended by the king, who answered he had already sent boats to the West that never came back. However, Turgon knew that Tuor had the favour of the Valar, and invited him to dwell in Gondolin, even in the royal halls.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|160-162}}


Many years later, Turgon allowed the wedding of Tuor and his daughter Idril. All the [[Gondothlim]] and the king were overjoyed when [[Eärendel]] was born, except [[Meglin]], the king's nephew and a close counsellor.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|164-165}} One year later, news come about spies of [[Morgoth|Melko]] near [[Tumladin]], and the king remembered the words of Tuor, so he tripled the watch and ordered preparations for war.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|167}} However, more years passed and his fear softened, and the watch was reduced again, as the Gondothlim became confident after Melko withdrew the spies.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|170}}
[[File:Natalie Chen - Turgon King of Gondolin.jpg|thumb|''Turgon King of Gondolin'' by [[:Category:Images by Natalie Chen|Natalie Chen]]]]
During the [[Tarnin Austa]], news came about the armies of Melko approaching the city, so Turgon called a council and all the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim]] came to his palace. Among them were his personal guard, the [[House of the King]], who wore his emblems: the Sun, the Moon and the [[Scarlet Heart]].<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|172}} In the council, all the lords of Gondolin supported Tuor, who wanted to leave the city to save all the people; but the king was convinced by Meglin and [[Salgant]] alone, because they appealed to the wealth and strength of the city.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|175-176}}
Thus, the [[Fall of Gondolin]] began. Turgon watched the most of the battle from [[Tower of the King|his tower]],<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|180}} while his folk was hold in reserve in the Square of the Palace, biding fresh in order to defend him.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|183}} Throughout the siege, the king sent the different reserved hosts to help where necessary, until the remnants of all the surviving houses finally gathered in the Square. After [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] killed there [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], the king came down in splendour and helped his house to cleanse the square. But the steam of the fountains killed some men, so the king was saved and taken under [[Glingol]] and [[Bansil]]. Then said the king: "''Great is the fall of Gondolin!''", the words of the prophet [[Amnon]]. Seeing he had brought ruin upon his city, he proclaimed he would not fight against [[Doom of the Noldor|Doom]], so he ordered the survivors to follow Tuor and threw down his crown at the roots of Glingol. [[Galdor (elf of Gondolin)|Galdor]] picked it up, but Turgon rejected it and climbed to the pinnacle of his tower.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|184-185}}
{{blockquote|There he shouted in a voice like a horn blown among the mountains, and all that were gathered beneath the Trees and the foemen in the mists of the square heard him: "Great is the victory of the Noldoli!" And 'tis said that it was then middle night, and that the Orcs yelled in derision.}}
Now, Tuor wanted to escape from the city to save women and children, but he could not leave the king, so messengers were sent to convince him to run away. But Turgon refused thrice, saying he will not leave his city and will burn with it. His royal house remained at his side, protecting the tower.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|185}} Later, Tuor and Idril could see from the [[Gar Ainion]] how the Square of the King was taken by enemies. Dragons crushed the base of the tower and this falled covered in flames. "Great was the clangour of that terrible fall, and therein passed Turgon King of the Gondothlim". Idril wept for her father, saying "''Sad is the blindness of the wise''"; and Tuor answered "''Sad too is the stubborness of those we love — yet 'twas a valiant fault''".<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|187}}
==Inspiration==
There is a clear correlation between Turgon and the Byzantine Emperor [[:Wikipedia:Constantine XI|Constantine XI]], specially in ''The Book of Lost Tales'' as summarized above. When he was asked to escape during the [[:Wikipedia:Fall of Constantinople|Fall of Constantinople]], Constantine XI pronounced himself in the same terms as Turgon:
{{blockquote|God forbid that I should live as an Emperor without an Empire. As my city falls, I will fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me.<ref>Nicolle, David; Haldon, John; Turnbull, Stephen (Osprey Publishing, 2007). ''The Fall of Constantinople: The Ottoman Conquest of Byzantium'',  p. 228</ref>}}
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{{HousesofGondolin}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:House of Fingolfin]]
[[Category:House of Fingolfin]]

Revision as of 18:10, 15 September 2021

This article is about the King of Gondolin. For the Steward of Gondor, see Turgon (Steward of Gondor).
Turgon
Noldo
Antti Autio - Turgon Aran Gondolin.jpg
"Turgon Aran Gondolin" by Antti Autio
Biographical Information
PronunciationS, toor-gon
Other namesTurukáno (Q, fn)
TitlesKing of Gondolin
High King of the Noldor
LocationGondolin
LanguageQuenya, Sindarin
BirthY.T. 1300
RuleF.A. 116 - 510 (Gondolin)
F.A. 472 - 510 (High King)
DeathF.A. 510 (aged c. 2426[note 1])
Fall of Gondolin
Family
HouseHouse of Fingolfin
ParentageFingolfin and Anairë
SiblingsFingon, Aredhel and Argon
SpouseElenwë
ChildrenIdril Celebrindal
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTaller than all but Thingol
WeaponryGlamdring[1]
GalleryImages of Turgon
"And most of all his kin Morgoth feared Turgon; for of old in Valinor his eye had lighted upon him, and whenever he drew near a shadow had fallen on his spirit, foreboding that in some time that yet lay hidden, from Turgon ruin should come to him."
Quenta Silmarillion, "Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"

Turgon was an Elven king of the Noldor, second son of Fingolfin, brother to Fingon, Aredhel and Argon. He was lord of the Elves of Nevrast, and later of the Hidden City of Gondolin.

He was often called "the Wise" and is described as "tallest of all the Children of the World, save Thingol"; with a white and gold sword in an ivory sheath.[2] He sat in a high throne, holding his staff of doom.[3]

History

Turukáno and Elenwe by Marya Filatova

Life in Aman

Turgon was born in the Year of the Trees 1300, the same as his cousin Finrod.[4] At some point, he married Elenwë of the Vanyar, and they had a child: Idril.

After the Darkening of Valinor, Fëanor gave his famous speech in Tirion and proclaimed his Oath. Turgon and his father Fingolfin spoke against Fëanor, and the Fëanorians almost unsheathed their swords, but Finarfin intervened and invited the Noldor to ponder the matter. Turgon and his friend Finrod were together against the departure of the Noldor from Aman, but the Noldorin assembly chose Exile. So Turgon did set out on the journey, and although he was originally against it, he did not come back after the Doom of Mandos because "Fingon and Turgon were bold and fiery of heart, and loath to abandon any task to which they had put their hands until the bitter end, if bitter it must be". After Fëanor and his sons departed using the only ships, he took his people across the dangerous Helcaraxë alongside his father Fingolfin.[5] Elenwë was lost in the crossing, as she and her daughter Idril fell into the bitter waters. Turgon risked his life to save them, but he only could save Idril. Therefore, Turgon was thereafter always hostile to the House of Fëanor.[6]

Building of Gondolin

Once they arrived in Middle-earth, Turgon and his followers settled at Vinyamar in Nevrast. In F.A. 50, he and Finrod journeyed together along Sirion, and while they slept near the Aelin-uial, Ulmo sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could be safe from the power of Morgoth. Then in the following year Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of Tumladen in the Encircling Mountains. Initially, Turgon left Tumladen and returned to Vinyamar, keeping his discovery a secret for many years and planning the construction of a city.[7]

Turgon and Idril by Mysilvergreen

After the Dagor Aglareb, Turgon began once again to feel the restlessness set in his heart by Ulmo, and his thought turned to Tumladen. He secretly moved many of the most skilled Noldor to the valley, and had them build Gondolin. When it was completed in F.A. 116,[8] he abandoned Vinyamar with all his people and led them to Tumladen in secret, hidden by the power of Ulmo. Before leaving, however, and following Ulmo's prophecy, he left in Vinyamar a sword, mail and helm for one who would come in the hour of direst need of the Noldor and deliver hope. In his Hidden City, Turgon was King of the Gondolindrim, and all kept working on embellishing Gondolin. He even personally created the two trees Glingal and Belthil in the image of the Two Trees.[9]

In F.A. 400,[10] after the unfortunate events concerning his sister Aredhel, Turgon welcomed his nephew Maeglin, who became a close counsellor.[3]

Doom of the Noldor

In F.A. 458 Turgon took in Húrin and Huor, who were saved by the Eagles. They forged a good friendship, but after a year he allowed them to leave the city although it was against his law.[11] Turgon and the two brothers met again in the the Nirnaeth Arnoediad: in the middle of the battle, they rejoiced in their meeting. When Fingon was killed and the battle seemed lost, Huor urged Turgon to leave, prophesying that from both of them a new star would rise. Thanks to the men of the House of Hador in the Fen of Serech, the Gondolindrim could escape, but Huor was killed and Húrin captured. Although the battle was still lost, Turgon's unexpected intervention prevented the rout from completely destroying the armies of the Noldor and their allies.[12]

With the death of his brother Fingon, Turgon became the new High King of the Noldor, and he was the most feared of the enemies of Morgoth, as he remained hidden.[13] In those times, Círdan settled down in the Mouths of Sirion, and with his help, Turgon sent seven boats to the West to ask help to the Valar, but all of them were wrecked.[12]

Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together by Catherine Karina Chmiel

In F.A. 495,[14] Voronwë, the only survivor of the shipwrecks, brought into the Hidden City a man: Tuor, son of Huor. The King received him in the Tower of the King, and when Tuor spoke, his cloak fell, revealing the arms Turgon had left in Vinyamar following Ulmo's orders nearly 400 years earlier.[2] Tuor gave him Ulmo's warning: the Doom of the Noldor was approaching, so the Gondolindrim had to leave their fair city and go down Sirion to the sea. But the King had became proud and loved his kingdom, so he rejected the council of the Vala. However, he ordered the blocking up of the Seven Gates, so nobody could enter now the city and the only news that came in was that brought by Thorondor.[15]

Some years later, Húrin was released by Morgoth, and in his wanderings he approached the Echoriad with the hope of returning to Gondolin. Thorondor informed Turgon, but he distrusted Húrin and did not help him. He later regretted it, but it was too late. Thus it was known to Morgoth the location of the Hidden City.[16]

Seven years after his coming, Tuor married Idril. Turgon blessed their union, as he held Tuor in great esteem and he had not forgotten the words of Huor in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.[15]

Morgoth attacked the city in F.A. 510.[17] In the Quenta Silmarillion, little is mentioned of the deeds of the chieftains of Gondolin, but much is told in The Fall of Gondolin: of the defence of the Tower of the King by the people of his stronghold, until this fell down; "and mighty was its fall and the fall of Turgon in its ruin".[15]

A group of Exiles survived the Fall of Gondolin and reached the Mouths of Sirion. There Ereinion Gil-galad was named the next High King of the Noldor. Turgon's grandson Eärendil the Blessed would later bring salvation to Middle-earth, fulfilling Morgoth's fears about him.

Etymology

Turgon is Sindarin, meaning "Ruling Lord" or "Victory Prince",[18] probably a combination of tur ("master")[19] and -gon ("lord, prince").[20]

However, in The Shibboleth of Fëanor, Tolkien translated Turgon as "Master Shout". There it is explained that the name is the Sindarized version of his Quenya father-name, Turukáno,[20] clearly meaning "Victory Commander".[21]

A rejected Quenya name was Turondo ("Lord of Stone").[18] In the earliest stage of the Elvish languages, the Qenya name was the same, and the Gnomish name was also Turgon, which Christopher Tolkien suggests to be derived from the root TURU ("be strong").[22]

Genealogy

Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
Finwë
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Anairë
b. Y.T.
 
Írimë
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fingon
Y.T. 1260 - F.A. 472
 
TURGON
Y.T. 1300 - F.A. 510
 
Elenwë
d. Y.T. 1500
 
Aredhel
Y.T. 1362 - F.A. 400
 
Eöl
d. F.A. 400
 
Argon
d. F.A. 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuor
b. F.A. 472
 
Idril
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
Maeglin
F.A. 320 - 510
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eärendil
b. F.A. 503
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other versions of the legendarium

The Book of Lost Tales

"But I Turgon will not leave my city, and will burn with it."
The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "The Fall of Gondolin"

Turgon already appears in the earliest stage of the legendarium in The Book of Lost Tales. He is the son of Finwë Nólemë, lord of the Noldoli (precursor of both Finwë and Fingolfin). Before Turgon (or Turondo in Qenya) was born, Amnon prophesied the fall of Gondolin and the fade of Turgon.[23] Turgon was born soon after the Flight of the Noldoli in Lake Mithrim or near Sirion. Later he participated in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and there his father was isolated and slain by the enemy, and the Orcs cut out Nólemë's heart. But Turgon could rescue the body and the Scarlet Heart became his emblem. With terrible wrath, he ran out of the battle, and went to save the women and children of the camps. Then he fled south along Sirion, and aided by its magic waters, he escaped into a secret place away from Melko. There the Noldoli built the secret city of Gondolin and Turgon became their king.[24]

Many years later, when Tuor came to the city, he found Turgon in the Square of the Palace. "Then Turgon king of Gondolin robed in white with a belt of gold, and a coronet of garnets upon his head, stood before his doors and spake from the head of the white stairs that led thereto." Tuor was well received, as his coming was prophesied, but Ulmo's warning was not attended by the king, who answered he had already sent boats to the West that never came back. However, Turgon knew that Tuor had the favour of the Valar, and invited him to dwell in Gondolin, even in the royal halls.[25]:160-162

Many years later, Turgon allowed the wedding of Tuor and his daughter Idril. All the Gondothlim and the king were overjoyed when Eärendel was born, except Meglin, the king's nephew and a close counsellor.[25]:164-165 One year later, news come about spies of Melko near Tumladin, and the king remembered the words of Tuor, so he tripled the watch and ordered preparations for war.[25]:167 However, more years passed and his fear softened, and the watch was reduced again, as the Gondothlim became confident after Melko withdrew the spies.[25]:170

Turgon King of Gondolin by Natalie Chen

During the Tarnin Austa, news came about the armies of Melko approaching the city, so Turgon called a council and all the Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim came to his palace. Among them were his personal guard, the House of the King, who wore his emblems: the Sun, the Moon and the Scarlet Heart.[25]:172 In the council, all the lords of Gondolin supported Tuor, who wanted to leave the city to save all the people; but the king was convinced by Meglin and Salgant alone, because they appealed to the wealth and strength of the city.[25]:175-176

Thus, the Fall of Gondolin began. Turgon watched the most of the battle from his tower,[25]:180 while his folk was hold in reserve in the Square of the Palace, biding fresh in order to defend him.[25]:183 Throughout the siege, the king sent the different reserved hosts to help where necessary, until the remnants of all the surviving houses finally gathered in the Square. After Ecthelion of the Fountain killed there Gothmog, the king came down in splendour and helped his house to cleanse the square. But the steam of the fountains killed some men, so the king was saved and taken under Glingol and Bansil. Then said the king: "Great is the fall of Gondolin!", the words of the prophet Amnon. Seeing he had brought ruin upon his city, he proclaimed he would not fight against Doom, so he ordered the survivors to follow Tuor and threw down his crown at the roots of Glingol. Galdor picked it up, but Turgon rejected it and climbed to the pinnacle of his tower.[25]:184-185

There he shouted in a voice like a horn blown among the mountains, and all that were gathered beneath the Trees and the foemen in the mists of the square heard him: "Great is the victory of the Noldoli!" And 'tis said that it was then middle night, and that the Orcs yelled in derision.

Now, Tuor wanted to escape from the city to save women and children, but he could not leave the king, so messengers were sent to convince him to run away. But Turgon refused thrice, saying he will not leave his city and will burn with it. His royal house remained at his side, protecting the tower.[25]:185 Later, Tuor and Idril could see from the Gar Ainion how the Square of the King was taken by enemies. Dragons crushed the base of the tower and this falled covered in flames. "Great was the clangour of that terrible fall, and therein passed Turgon King of the Gondothlim". Idril wept for her father, saying "Sad is the blindness of the wise"; and Tuor answered "Sad too is the stubborness of those we love — yet 'twas a valiant fault".[25]:187

Inspiration

There is a clear correlation between Turgon and the Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI, specially in The Book of Lost Tales as summarized above. When he was asked to escape during the Fall of Constantinople, Constantine XI pronounced himself in the same terms as Turgon:

God forbid that I should live as an Emperor without an Empire. As my city falls, I will fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me.[26]

Notes

  1. Years of the Sun. Each Year of the Tree is equal to 9.582 Years of the Sun, and the Years of the Trees ended in the year 1500.

References

  1. The Hobbit, "A Short Rest", Elrond explains that it once belonged to the King of Gondolin
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin", "Notes", p. 56, note 31
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Maeglin"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "The Annals of Aman": Note on §85, p. 106
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of Finwë's descendants", pp. 343-344
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §111
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Noldor in Beleriand"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §120
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  12. 12.0 12.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin", p. 18
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §299
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: I. The Wanderings of Húrin", pp. 271-272
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: V. The Tale of Years", p. 351
  18. 18.0 18.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 112-113
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry tur
  20. 20.0 20.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of Finwë's descendants", p. 345
  21. Paul Strack, "Q. Turucáno m.", Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon (accessed 2 June 2020)
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales – Part I, entry "Tuor"
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "VII. The Flight of the Noldoli", pp. 167, 172
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "X. Gilfanon's Tale: The Travail of the Noldoli and the Coming of Mankind", pp. 238-242
  25. 25.00 25.01 25.02 25.03 25.04 25.05 25.06 25.07 25.08 25.09 25.10 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "III. The Fall of Gondolin"
  26. Nicolle, David; Haldon, John; Turnbull, Stephen (Osprey Publishing, 2007). The Fall of Constantinople: The Ottoman Conquest of Byzantium, p. 228
Turgon
House of Fingolfin
Born: Y.T. 1300 Died: F.A. 510
None
Position created
King of Gondolin
F.A. 116 - F.A. 510
None
Gondolin destroyed
Preceded by:
Fingon
High King of the Noldor
F.A. 472F.A. 510
Followed by:
Gil-galad


Twelve houses of the Gondothlim
King (leader: Turgon) · Wing (Tuor) · Mole (Meglin) · Swallow (Duilin) · Heavenly Arch (Egalmoth) · Pillar (Penlod) · Tower of Snow (Penlod) · Tree (Galdor) · Golden Flower (Glorfindel) · Fountain (Ecthelion) · Harp (Salgant) · Hammer of Wrath (Rog)