War of the Powers
| Previous war: First War | |
| Next war: Wars of Beleriand | |
| War of the Powers | |
|---|---|
| Beginning: Y.T. 1090 | End: Y.T. 1099 |
| Place: Across the northern parts of Middle-earth, passing eastward from its northwestern coasts | |
Outcome: Decisive victory for the Valar
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| Combatants | |
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Forces of the Valar |
Forces of Melkor |
| Commanders | |
The War of the Powers, also known as the Battle of the Powers, was fought by the Valar, under orders from Manwë, the Elder King, against Melkor to liberate the newly-awakened Elves from his influence. It culminated in the near-apocalyptic siege of Utumno, where Melkor was captured, chained, and imprisoned for three ages of the world.
History
Background
Melkor ruined the Two Lamps that gave light to the worlds. The Valar held council among themselves and spoke of the coming Children of Ilúvatar, who first would be the Elves. Yavanna noted that the time of their arrival was unknown and they should not leave the lands of their future dwelling unprotected. Tulkas likewise agreed with the necessity of immediate action.[1]
Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he replied that the Children shall come in this age, and the Firstborn will walk under the stars. Varda then created other stars to help to light the world for the coming of the Elves. Using silver dews from Telperion, she created many new stars, including Wilwarin, Telumendil, and others. As a challenge to Melkor, high in the north, she hung the seven stars that make up the Sickle of the Valar. After Varda's long effort, the Elves, awoke in the starlight by the shores of Cuiviénen, the Water of Awakening.[1]
While Oromë conducted his hunting trips on his great steed Nahar, he heard the newly-born Elves singing. He met them and spent time among them, and yet perceived the influence of Melkor among them, as they were afraid of him. Oromë reported these findings to the Elder King, who once again called a gathering of all the Valar to the Ring of Doom, even the far-off Ulmo. He then proclaimed the councel of Eru that they "should take up again the mastery of Arda at whatever cost, and deliver the Quendi from the shadow of Melkor".
Battle
The titanic conflict between the Valar and Melkor now began in earnest, with the hosts of the West confronting the hosts of Melkor in the North-west of Middle Earth, and all that region was broken by this collision.[1] But the first victory of the hosts of the West was swift, and the servants of Melkor fled before them to Utumno.[1]
Then the Valar passed over Middle-earth, and they set a guard over Cuiviénen; and thereafter the Elves knew nothing of the great battle, save that the Earth shook and groaned beneath them, and the waters were moved, and in the north there were lights due to mighty fires.[1] Long and grievous was the siege of Utumno, and many battles were fought before its gates of which all is but a rumour to the Elves.[1] They had no part in those deeds, and they know little of the riding of the might of the West against the North in the beginning of their days.[1]
In the end, the gates of Utumno were broken and its halls unroofed, and Melkor took refuge in the uttermost pit.[1] Tulkas stood forth as champion of the Valar and wrestled with him, and cast him upon his face; and he was bound with the chain Angainor that Aulë had wrought, and led captive; and the world had peace for a long age.[1]
Aftermath
The Valar, while very powerful, failed to find some of the deepest chambers under Utumno and Angband, and Morgoth's lieutenant Sauron was never captured.[1] Some Balrogs and other evil creatures hid there, and others dispersed to the far edges of the earth, the Valar's strength too depleted from the lengthy siege to pursue and destroy them.[2][1]
From the ruin great clouds arose and hid the stars. It was during this time that the contour of Middle Earth was changed, with the Great Sea being widened.[1] The Bay of Balar was carved out, as well as other minor bays until the Great Gulf southwards; the northern highlands of Hithlum and Dorthonion, sources of Sirion, were raised up as new mountain ranges, and the river came into being.[1]
The Valar dragged Melkor back to Valinor for judgment before Manwë, in the Ring of Doom. Melkor laid upon his face and begged for mercy from Manwë, but his prayers were denied. He was cast into the prison of Mandos for three ages, after which he would be brought before Manwë once more. Although the Elves didn't participate in the war, Melkor never forgot that his downfall was for their sake.[1]
The Valar gathered in council once again, and it was decided, after some debate, to summon the Quendi to Valinor to preserve them from evil. Oromë chose three ambassadors to accompany him back to Valinor, where they beheld the glory of the Two Trees. Then the Great Journey began soon thereafter.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"
