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{{disambig-more|Ecthelion|[[Ecthelion (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|Ecthelion|[[Ecthelion (disambiguation)]]}}
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{{noldor infobox
{{noldor infobox
| name=Ecthelion
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Ecthelion.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Ecthelion.jpg|250px]]
| name=Ecthelion of the Fountain
| caption="Ecthelion" by [[Anna Lee]]
| quenya=
| pronun=
| titles=Lord of the [[House of the Fountain]]
| othernames=
| titles=Lord of the Fountains
| position=[[Warden of the Great Gate]]
| location=[[Anfauglith]], [[Fen of Serech]], [[Gate of Steel]], [[Tumladen]], and [[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=[[Gondolindrim]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth=
| birth=
| realm=[[Gondolin]]
| birthlocation=
| death=[[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Square of the Palace|Place of the Fountain]], [[Gondolin]]
| age=
| age=
| notablefor=Slaying [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]
| house=[[House of the Fountain]]
| parentage=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| spouse=
| children=
| children=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| hair=Dark
| height=
| ref=''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', ''[[The Silmarillion]]''
| hair=
|}}
| eyes=
{{Pronounce|Ecthelion.mp3|Ardamir}}
| clothing=Silver-spiked helmet, silver garb
<center>{{quote|And high and noble as was Elemmakil, greater and more lordly was Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains, at that time Warden of the Great Gate. All in silver was he clad, and upon his shining helm there was set a spike of steel pointed with a diamond; and as his esquire took his shield it shimmered as if it were bedewed with drops of rain, that were indeed a thousand studs of crystal.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]]}}</center>
| weapons=Sword
<br>
| steed=
'''Ecthelion''' was an [[Elf]]-lord of [[Gondolin]], leader of the [[People of the Fountain]] and slayer of [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs]]. He was also at one point Warden of the [[Great Gate of Gondolin]]. Ecthelion had the most beautiful voice and greatest musical talent with the flute of all the people of Gondolin. He led a wing of Gondolin's forces during the [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]], "The Battle of Unnumbered Tears".  
}}
<center>{{quote|And high and noble as was Elemmakil, greater and more lordly was Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains, at that time Warden of the Great Gate. All in silver was he clad, and upon his shining helm there was set a spike of steel pointed with a diamond; and as his esquire took his shield it shimmered as if it were bedewed with drops of rain, that were indeed a thousand studs of crystal.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]]"}}</center>
 
'''Ecthelion''' was an [[Elves|Elf]]-lord of [[Gondolin]], leader of the [[People of the Fountain]] and slayer of [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs]]. He was also at one point the [[Warden of the Great Gate]] of [[Gondolin]]. Ecthelion had the most beautiful voice and greatest musical talent with the flute of all the people of Gondolin.


==History==
==History==
===Aredhel's Escort===
[[File:Turner Mohan - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
Two hundred years after Gondolin was wrought, Ecthelion, Glorfindel and Egalmoth, along with the [[Aredhel Ar-Feiniel|White Lady]] of the [[Noldor|Ñoldor]] left the [[Gondolin|Hidden City]] due to Aredhel's yearning for the freedom she once had in [[Valinor]]. Their orders were to lead her towards [[Hithlum]], where she would meet her elder brother [[Fingon]]. When coming upon the [[Ford of Brithiach]], Aredhel ordered them to turn South, for she desired to see the [[Sons of Fëanor]]. Thus Ecthelion and his companions sought admittance to [[Doriath]], but the wardens refused them entrance inside the [[Girdle of Melian]]. Having no other choice, they took the dangerous road between the haunted valleys of [[Ered Gorgoroth]]. Near [[Nan Dungortheb]], the Valley of Dreadful Death, the riders were caught in a mesh of shadows and they were lost from Aredhel. In vain they sought her afterwards, but the fell offsprings of [[Ungoliant]] that dwelt in that place pursued them. Barely escaping alive, the three lords returned to Gondolin without the princess, where they were received in sorrow.
In the year {{FA|472}}, Ecthelion fought alongside [[Turgon]] in the battle [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], leading a wing of Gondolin's forces. Upon the defeat of the Noldor, he defended a flank as Turgon retreated.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> Surviving the disastrous battle, Ecthelion returned towards the Hidden City where he next appeared as Warden of the [[Gate of Steel|Great Gate]].
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]


===Lord of Gondolin===
Twenty-three years after Nirnaeth Arnoediad, [[Tuor]] and [[Voronwë]] traveled towards the Hidden City. After being led by [[Elemmakil]] through the [[Seven Gates of Gondolin|Seven Gates]], Ecthelion appeared before them. He is portrayed as great and lordly, all clad in silver and having a bright glance. Upon his helm there was a spike with a diamond point, and he bore a shield which shimmered as "a thousand studs of crystal". At first denying passage for Tuor, he allows it after the latter shows the arms of [[Vinyamar]] and mentions [[Ulmo]], saying that the Lord of the Fountains should not oppose the Lord of the Waters.<ref>{{UT|1}}, pp. 50-51</ref>


In the year [[First Age 472|F.A. 472]] Ecthelion fought alongside Turgon in the battle Nirnaeth Arnoediad, leading a wing of Gondolin's forces. Upon the defeat of the Ñoldor, he defended a flank as Turgon retreated. Surviving the disastrous battle, Ecthelion returned towards the Hidden City where he next appeared as Warden of the Great Gate in the ''[[Unfinished Tales|unfinished tale]]'' [[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]].  
In the year {{FA|510}}, [[Morgoth]] attacked the city. Ecthelion battled there against [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs]] in the [[Square of the Palace|Place of the Fountain]], where they slew each other.<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> The battle was well detailed in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]'', and long remembered by the elves.


Twenty-three years after Nirnaeth Arnoediad, [[Tuor]] and [[Voronwë of Gondolin|Voronwë]] traveled towards the Hidden City. After being led by [[Elemmakil]] through the [[Seven Gates of Gondolin|Seven Gates]], Ecthelion appeared before them. In a short description he is portrayed as great and lordly, all clad in silver and having a bright glance. Upon his helm there was a spike with a diamond point which shimmered as "a thousand studs of crystal". At first denying passage for Tuor, he allows it after the later makes a reference towards [[Ulmo]], by saying that the Lord of the Fountains will not oppose the Lord of the Waters.
==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Ecthelion.mp3|Ardamir}}
With the development of the [[Elvish]] languages, the name ''Ecthelion'' had its own evolution.  


The House of the Fountain was one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim]] whose leader was Ecthelion. Its people found delight in diamonds and the silver of their arrays was most beautiful to the sight. In the Fall of Gondolin, Ecthelion led them into battle accompanied by the music of their flutes and great were the damages caused to the enemy by their long, bright swords.
The early [[Gnomish]] conception meant "Lord of the Fountains",<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 31</ref> from ''ecthel'' ("issue of water, spring").<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, entry "Ecthelion"</ref> Its [[Qenya]] cognate was '''''Ektelion'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 104</ref>


===Warcry to the Eldar===
In the [[Noldorin]] stage of the name, it is composed from ''[[ehtë]]'' ("spear") and ''[[thela]]'' ("point" of spear).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "EK-", "STELEG-"</ref> Put together they could be translated as "Spear-point" or "Spear-head".


In the battle over Gondolin, Ecthelion and his forces made their entrance from the South part of the city, after previously being held in reserve. So terrible was his voice when commanding the drawing of the swords and the killings which followed, that his name became a terror among the enemy and a Warcry to the Eldar. Valiantly fighting side by side with Tuor and his [[House of the Wing]], they drove away the orcs until almost the Gate was regained. As [[Dragons]] reinforced [[Morgoth]]'s army, Ecthelion killed three [[Balrogs]] and his sword did "hurt to their fire". Outnumbered, they had to retreat. When doing so, Ecthelion's left arm was wounded and his shield fell to earth. Tuor carried him away as they joined the remaining leaders in the [[Square of the King]].  
The [[Sindarin]] version should have been '''''Ægthelion''''', derived from ''[[aeg]]'' ("sharp") + ''[[Estel (philosophical concept)|thel]]'' ("intent, resolve") + ''[[-on]]'' (masculine suffix). However, Tolkien wrote that the early ''Ecthelion'' sounded good and it had already been used in publication (with the name of two [[Ecthelion (disambiguation)|ruling stewards]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''), so he let it as an archaic form of the proper Sindarin name.<ref name=Maeglin></ref>{{rp|318-9}} ''Ægthelion'' can be translated as "One with Sharp Will".<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 339</ref>


In that place the great [[Fountain of the King]] stood and Ecthelion regained his strength by drinking from it. As seven dragons lead the enemy's forces towards the Square, the remaining army of Gondolin began retreat. All but Ecthelion, who remained near the fountain in a stand which was remembered as the most valiant "in all the songs or in any tale". It was there that he faced Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs.
==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
The most detailed text about Ecthelion and his deeds during the Fall of Gondolin is the chapter "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]''. There it is told that he is the lord of the [[house of the Fountain]], one of the [[twelve houses of the Gondothlim]]. Its people found delight in diamonds and the silver of their arrays was most beautiful to the sight.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|173}}
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Death of Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain.jpg|thumb|right|''Death of Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
During the siege of the city, Ecthelion led his folk into battle accompanied by the music of their flutes, and great were the damages caused to the enemy by their long, bright swords.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|173}} He and his forces made their entrance from the South part of the city, after previously being held in reserve. So terrible was his voice when commanding the drawing of the swords and the killings which followed, that his name became a terror among the enemy and a war-cry to the [[Eldar]]. Valiantly fighting side by side with Tuor and his [[house of the Wing]], they drove away the [[orcs]] until the gate was almost regained. It is said that Ecthelion and his house of the Fountain slew more orcs than had ever been slain, in all the battles of elves and orcs combined. Ecthelion killed three [[Balrogs]] and his sword did "hurt to their fire". However, [[dragons]] reinforced [[Melkor]]'s army. Outnumbered, they had to retreat. When doing so, Ecthelion's left arm was wounded and his shield fell to earth. Tuor carried him away as they joined the remaining leaders in the [[Square of the King]].<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|180-2}}


===Slayer of Gothmog===
In that place the great [[Square of the Palace|Fountain of the King]] stood and Ecthelion regained his strength by drinking from it. As seven dragons lead the enemy's forces towards the Square, the remaining army of Gondolin began retreat. All but Ecthelion, who remained near the fountain in a stand which was remembered as the most valiant "in all the songs or in any tale". There Gothmog lord of Balrogs beated down [[Egalmoth]], but Ecthelion came inbetween despite being pale as steel. During the duel, Ecthelion was wounded in the hand and lost his sword. Gothmog then was about to deliver a blow with his whip when Ecthelion jumped and drove the spike of his helmet into Gothmog's body. Twining his legs with the enemy's, both fell into the Fountain of the King. Gothmog died there with Ecthelion, sank because of his steel armor.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|183-4}}


[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Ecthelion's Last Stand.jpg|thumb|''Ecthelion's Last Stand'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]Tuor tried to stand in the way of Gothmog, but he was thrown aside. Then Ecthelion, fairest of the Noldor, but whose face now had the pallor of grey steel, dueled him. Losing his sword due to a wound received he was unable to protect himself. Just as Gothmog was about to deliver the finishing blow, Ecthelion jumped and wrapped his legs around the demon, driving the spike of his helmet into Gothmog's body. This caused Gothmog to lose his balance, and he, along with Ecthelion, fell into the Fountain of the King. Gothmog's fire was thus quenched, but Ecthelion also drowned with him and found his death in cool waters, whose Lord he was.
Later, during the escape of the [[Exiles of Gondolin]], the young [[Eärendel]] asked about him, saying that he wished Ecthelion were there, "''to play to me on his flute, or make me willow whistles! Perchance has he gone on ahead?''" After he was informed of Ecthelion's death he "wept bitterly" and said that he cared no more to see the streets of Gondolin.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|191}}


Later, a young [[Eärendil]] asked about him, saying that he wished Ecthelion were there, "to play to me on his flute, or make me willow whistles! Perchance has he gone on ahead?" After he was informed of Ecthelion's death he "wept bitterly" and said that he cared no more to see the streets of Gondolin.
===Aredhel's escort===
While composing the chapter about [[Maeglin]], [[Tolkien]] considered Ecthelion, [[Glorfindel]] and [[Egalmoth]] as the escort of Aredhel when she left the [[Gondolin|Hidden City]] in his way to visit [[Fingon]].<ref name=Maeglin/>{{rp|318}} However, in the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] did not mention any of the escorts of Aredhel, based on a note in which his father discuss about the motives of Celegorm and Curufin of not sending any message to Gondolin about Aredhel. Tolkien decided that it was necessary ''not'' to name the most eminent and bravest chieftains as Aredhel's escort, as they would have seek for her beyond the [[Bridge of Esgalduin]].<ref name=Maeglin>{{WJ|Maeglin}}</ref>{{rp|328}}


==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
{{references}}
Perhaps the earliest [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] writing, [[The Fall of Gondolin]] was written during a leave of absence from the [[World War I]], in the year 1916. It is in that story, published posthumously by [[Christopher Tolkien]] in the volume ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'' that Ecthelion first appears. Thus he is one of the first characters Tolkien ever created.


However, from a chronological point of view, the first account of his presence is the chapter [[Of Maeglin]] from ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. The events described here took place more than one hundred and fifty years before those of Gondolin's fall.  Along with [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] and [[Egalmoth of the Heavenly Arch|Egalmoth]], he was assigned by [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] as [[Aredhel|Aredhel's]] escort on her ill-fated journey. Though no name is mentioned, only that "Turgon appointed three lords of his household", an explanatory note in the volume ''[[ The War of the Jewels]]'', chapter called [[Maeglin (chapter)|Maeglin]], sheds light on the escorts' identities.
{{gondolin}}


==Etymology==
{{HousesofGondolin}}
There are three different sources that offer a translation of ''Ecthelion'' and they all differ substantially. In ''The Book of Lost Tales Part 2'', Appendix, it is said that the name derives from the [[Quenya]] ''[[ehtelë]]'',  "issue of water, spring", a reference to his title as Lord for the House of the Fountain. In the [[Etymologies]], volume ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', his name is composed from ''[[ehtë]]'', "spear" and ''[[thela]]'', "point" (of spear). Put together they would translate as "Spear-point" or "Spear-head". In ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', which seems to be the last matter J.R.R. Tolkien wrote on it, it is derived from ''[[aeg]]'', "sharp", and ''[[Estel (philosophical concept)|thel]]'', "intent, resolve". This would translate "one of sharp resolve".


{{references}}
[[Category:Battle cries]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
*''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 1]]'', [[The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
*''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Fall of Gondolin]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion ]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]  
*''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[Maeglin (chapter)|Maeglin]]
 
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Ecthelion|Images of Ecthelion]]


[[de:Ecthelion (Hauptmann von Gondolin)]]
[[de:Ecthelion (Hauptmann von Gondolin)]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:ecthelion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:ecthelion]]
[[fi:Ecthelion (Gondolin)]]
[[fi:Ecthelion (Gondolin)]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Gondolin and Turgon]]

Latest revision as of 11:15, 24 January 2024

The name Ecthelion refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Ecthelion (disambiguation).
Ecthelion
Noldo
Anna Lee - Ecthelion.jpg
"Ecthelion" by Anna Lee
Biographical Information
TitlesLord of the Fountains
PositionWarden of the Great Gate
LocationAnfauglith, Fen of Serech, Gate of Steel, Tumladen, and Gondolin
AffiliationGondolindrim
LanguageQuenya, Sindarin
DeathF.A. 510
Place of the Fountain, Gondolin
Notable forSlaying Gothmog
Family
HouseHouse of the Fountain
Physical Description
GenderMale
ClothingSilver-spiked helmet, silver garb
WeaponrySword
GalleryImages of Ecthelion
"And high and noble as was Elemmakil, greater and more lordly was Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains, at that time Warden of the Great Gate. All in silver was he clad, and upon his shining helm there was set a spike of steel pointed with a diamond; and as his esquire took his shield it shimmered as if it were bedewed with drops of rain, that were indeed a thousand studs of crystal."
Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin"

Ecthelion was an Elf-lord of Gondolin, leader of the People of the Fountain and slayer of Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. He was also at one point the Warden of the Great Gate of Gondolin. Ecthelion had the most beautiful voice and greatest musical talent with the flute of all the people of Gondolin.

History[edit | edit source]

Glorfindel and Ecthelion by Turner Mohan

In the year F.A. 472, Ecthelion fought alongside Turgon in the battle Nirnaeth Arnoediad, leading a wing of Gondolin's forces. Upon the defeat of the Noldor, he defended a flank as Turgon retreated.[1] Surviving the disastrous battle, Ecthelion returned towards the Hidden City where he next appeared as Warden of the Great Gate.

Twenty-three years after Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Tuor and Voronwë traveled towards the Hidden City. After being led by Elemmakil through the Seven Gates, Ecthelion appeared before them. He is portrayed as great and lordly, all clad in silver and having a bright glance. Upon his helm there was a spike with a diamond point, and he bore a shield which shimmered as "a thousand studs of crystal". At first denying passage for Tuor, he allows it after the latter shows the arms of Vinyamar and mentions Ulmo, saying that the Lord of the Fountains should not oppose the Lord of the Waters.[2]

In the year F.A. 510, Morgoth attacked the city. Ecthelion battled there against Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs in the Place of the Fountain, where they slew each other.[3] The battle was well detailed in The Fall of Gondolin, and long remembered by the elves.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

With the development of the Elvish languages, the name Ecthelion had its own evolution.

The early Gnomish conception meant "Lord of the Fountains",[4] from ecthel ("issue of water, spring").[5] Its Qenya cognate was Ektelion.[6]

In the Noldorin stage of the name, it is composed from ehtë ("spear") and thela ("point" of spear).[7] Put together they could be translated as "Spear-point" or "Spear-head".

The Sindarin version should have been Ægthelion, derived from aeg ("sharp") + thel ("intent, resolve") + -on (masculine suffix). However, Tolkien wrote that the early Ecthelion sounded good and it had already been used in publication (with the name of two ruling stewards in The Lord of the Rings), so he let it as an archaic form of the proper Sindarin name.[8]:318-9 Ægthelion can be translated as "One with Sharp Will".[9]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

The Book of Lost Tales[edit | edit source]

The most detailed text about Ecthelion and his deeds during the Fall of Gondolin is the chapter "The Fall of Gondolin", in The Book of Lost Tales Part Two. There it is told that he is the lord of the house of the Fountain, one of the twelve houses of the Gondothlim. Its people found delight in diamonds and the silver of their arrays was most beautiful to the sight.[10]:173

Death of Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain by Mysilvergreen

During the siege of the city, Ecthelion led his folk into battle accompanied by the music of their flutes, and great were the damages caused to the enemy by their long, bright swords.[10]:173 He and his forces made their entrance from the South part of the city, after previously being held in reserve. So terrible was his voice when commanding the drawing of the swords and the killings which followed, that his name became a terror among the enemy and a war-cry to the Eldar. Valiantly fighting side by side with Tuor and his house of the Wing, they drove away the orcs until the gate was almost regained. It is said that Ecthelion and his house of the Fountain slew more orcs than had ever been slain, in all the battles of elves and orcs combined. Ecthelion killed three Balrogs and his sword did "hurt to their fire". However, dragons reinforced Melkor's army. Outnumbered, they had to retreat. When doing so, Ecthelion's left arm was wounded and his shield fell to earth. Tuor carried him away as they joined the remaining leaders in the Square of the King.[10]:180-2

In that place the great Fountain of the King stood and Ecthelion regained his strength by drinking from it. As seven dragons lead the enemy's forces towards the Square, the remaining army of Gondolin began retreat. All but Ecthelion, who remained near the fountain in a stand which was remembered as the most valiant "in all the songs or in any tale". There Gothmog lord of Balrogs beated down Egalmoth, but Ecthelion came inbetween despite being pale as steel. During the duel, Ecthelion was wounded in the hand and lost his sword. Gothmog then was about to deliver a blow with his whip when Ecthelion jumped and drove the spike of his helmet into Gothmog's body. Twining his legs with the enemy's, both fell into the Fountain of the King. Gothmog died there with Ecthelion, sank because of his steel armor.[10]:183-4

Later, during the escape of the Exiles of Gondolin, the young Eärendel asked about him, saying that he wished Ecthelion were there, "to play to me on his flute, or make me willow whistles! Perchance has he gone on ahead?" After he was informed of Ecthelion's death he "wept bitterly" and said that he cared no more to see the streets of Gondolin.[10]:191

Aredhel's escort[edit | edit source]

While composing the chapter about Maeglin, Tolkien considered Ecthelion, Glorfindel and Egalmoth as the escort of Aredhel when she left the Hidden City in his way to visit Fingon.[8]:318 However, in the published Silmarillion, Christopher Tolkien did not mention any of the escorts of Aredhel, based on a note in which his father discuss about the motives of Celegorm and Curufin of not sending any message to Gondolin about Aredhel. Tolkien decided that it was necessary not to name the most eminent and bravest chieftains as Aredhel's escort, as they would have seek for her beyond the Bridge of Esgalduin.[8]:328

References

Realm of Gondolin
Ondolindë · Hidden City · City of Seven Names
Outside locations Amon Gwared · Anghabar · Echoriad (Crissaegrim · Eithel Nínui · Fingolfin's cairn) · Seven Gates of Gondolin (Gate of Wood · Gate of Stone · Gate of Bronze · Gate of Writhen Iron · Gate of Silver · Gate of Gold · Gate of Steel) · Orfalch Echor · Tumladen
Inside locations Alley of Roses · Arch of Inwë · Caragdûr · Fountains of the South · Gar Ainion · Great Market · Lesser Market · Idril's secret way · Place of the Fountain · Place of the Well · Road of Arches · Road of Pomps · Tower of the King · Way of Running Waters
Objects Anguirel · Axe of Tuor · Crown of the Hidden Kingdom · Elfstone · Glamdring · Glingal and Belthil · Orcrist · Sting
Houses House of the King · House of the Wing · House of the Mole · House of the Swallow · House of the Heavenly Arch · House of the Pillar · House of the Tower of Snow · House of the Tree · House of the Golden Flower · House of the Fountain · House of the Harp · House of the Hammer of Wrath
People Aranwë · Aredhel · Dark Guard · Duilin · Eärendil · Ecthelion · Egalmoth · Elemmakil · Elenwë · Enerdhil · Eöl · Exiles of Gondolin · Galdor · Glorfindel · Huor · Húrin · Hendor · Idril · Legolas · Maeglin · Meleth · Pengolodh · Penlod · Rog · Salgant · Tuor · Turgon · Ulmo · Voronwë · Warden of the Great Gate
Events Fall of Gondolin · Gates of Summer · Nirnaeth Arnoediad · Ulmo's warning · Wanderings of Húrin
Main texts Lost Tale of The Fall of Gondolin (1916-20) · The Lay of the Fall of Gondolin (c. 1920) · Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin (1950) · Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin (1977) · The Fall of Gondolin (2018)
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)