Dagor Bragollach

From Tolkien Gateway
Revision as of 04:41, 19 August 2009 by 200.8.169.200 (talk)
Dagor Bragollach
File:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png
Conflict: War of the Jewels
Date: F.A. 455
Place: Northern Beleriand/Anfauglith
Outcome: Victory for Morgoth, breaking of the Siege of Angband, destruction of Dorthonion, loss of key fortresses and passes
Combatants

The Ñoldor, The Edain (especially the House of Bëor)

Orc armies, Glaurung, Gothmog

Commanders

Template:Fingolfin blazon Template:Maedhros blazon Template:Finrod blazon

Template:Morgoth blazon

Strength

Forces besieging Angband, garrisons of several strongholds including Himring, Barad Eithel, Nargothrond and Tol Sirion, Men of the House of Bëor and Dor-lómin

Balrogs, uncounted Orcs,Trolls, other creatures

Casualties

Heavy for both Elves and Men, including the virtual destruction of the House of Bëor

Unknown, but probably heavy

The Dagor Bragollach (Sindarin for "Battle of Sudden Flame") was the fourth battle of the Wars of Beleriand.

The Battle Opens

It began when Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband, which had held for four hundred years. On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming Ard-galen, which was renamed Anfauglith. Many elves perished as they fled from these flames, from the fire and the smoke. His armies of Balrogs and Orcs, led by Glaurung first of the Urulóki, overran the highlands of Dorthonion, and slew Angrod and Aegnor. Maglor's horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of Lothlann, and Maglor's Gap was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand itself. Maglor retreated with heavy losses to Himring, where he helped defend the city of Maedhros.

East Beleriand Overrun

The Pass of Aglon was also breached, and Celegorm and Curufin fled south of Doriath to Nargothrond. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forests of Mount Rerir, and defiled Lake Helevorn, scattering south through Thargelion into East Beleriand. Caranthir fled to Amon Ereb, where he and Amrod built defenses. From there they slowly freed East Beleriand of the Orcs, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border.

Minas Tirith in the Pass of Sirion in the West under Orodreth held, and Orodreth's brother and Lord Finrod Felagund came north from Nargothrond with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the Fen of Serech. The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed but for a sortie by Barahir, who descended from Dorthonion and rescued the Elven lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the Ring of Barahir.

Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the Ered Wethrin around Hithlum also held, although barely.


The Battle Ends: Fingolfin's Duel

Fingolfin's Wrath by Ted Nasmith

Thus the Siege was broken, the Sons of Fëanor scattered, and the forces of Morgoth roamed at will throughout the north.

When Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, learned of the losses of so many Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of Angband itself, they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, Ringil, wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet, he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, Grond, and slain by Morgoth's mighty foot.

See also


War of the Great Jewels
First Battle · Dagor-nuin-Giliath · Dagor Aglareb · Dagor Bragollach · Nirnaeth Arnoediad · War of Wrath