Union of Maedhros

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The Union of Maedhros was the short-lived alliance formed by Maedhros uniting the Sons of Fëanor with the other Noldor and Edain and other peoples of Beleriand, after the Dagor Bragollach.

Structure

The Union was divided in two armies in the east and west, led Maedhros and Fingon respectively.

Eastern army
Western army

History

After the Dagor Bragollach, Maedhros heard of the heroic deeds of Beren and Lúthien which inspired new hope to him. Maedhros decided to unite the peoples of Beleriand to assail Angband.

Elves, Men and Dwarves joined the alliance. The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains supplied both armed forces and forged weapons. Even Turgon in Gondolin heard word of the Union and secretly made his own preparations. Other Elves, like Orodreth, refused to join because of the evils of Celegorm and Curufin, while Thingol had sworn never to fight alongside the Feanorians; only a few representatives came from Doriath and Nargothrond.

Maedhros' plans were to lead his army (with some assistance from the western army) to Anfauglith in order to draw out the armies of Morgoth, and then flank with the hidden forces of Fingon that would emerge from the Ered Wethrin.

Initially the forces managed to clean of evil creatures West Beleriand and Dorthonion, and the final assault was planned for Midsummer's Day. However Morgoth had time to prepare his forces as Maedhros revealed himself too early, and then Uldor, who was an agent of the Enemy, delayed Maedhros' forces by giving false reports of enemy presence. A small force of Orcs managed to provoke the western army prematurely, instigated by Gwindor. As a result, the armies of the Union were themselves outflanked in the unsuing battle, which, despite Turgon's timely and unexpected arrival, would prove disastrous, and would be known as the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.

References