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Gothmog (balrog)

2013-01-12T11:16:13Z

41.241.66.152:

{{disambig-two|the Balrog of the First Age|the Lieutenant of Morgul|[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)]]}}
{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Fingon and Gothmog.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gothmog
| othernames=Lord of [[Balrogs]] <br> [[High-captain of Angband]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=
| age=
| destroyed={{FA|510}}, [[Fall of Gondolin]]
| realm=[[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Balrogs]] ([[Maiar]])
| appearance=Possibly twice man-height, bearing black axe and whip
| accomplishments=Slew two [[High King of the Noldor|High Kings of the Noldor]], victorious in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Osombauko.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gothmog.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

'''Gothmog''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈɡoθmoɡ]}}) was the Lord of [[Balrogs]] and the [[High-captain of Angband]], one of the chief servants of the Dark Lord [[Morgoth]] with a rank equal to that of [[Sauron]]. While he was not as powerful as the Dark Lords, he surpassed them in brute strength and possibly strategy.

Gothmog's [[Quenya]] name was '''Oþombauko''' ({{IPA|[ˌoθomˈbaʊko]}}) or later [[Noldorin]] '''Osombauko''' ({{IPA|[ˌosomˈbaʊko]}}).

==History==
Gothmog was apparently one of the [[Maiar]] that followed [[Morgoth|Melkor]] to exile, and because of either his brilliant mind or because of his ability to assume an immensely powerful physical form, he was made the Lord of Balrogs.

At the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] he mortally wounded [[Fëanor]], but called a retreat upon the approach of the [[Sons of Fëanor]] with a sizable force.<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref> He next appeared at the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], where he was also named high-captain of [[Angband]], again inferring his power and status as essentially Morgoth's right-hand Balrog ([[Sauron]], another spirit, played a more domestic than front-line role for his master). There at the Nirnaeth he slew [[Fingon]], thus allowing him to boast of having slain two of the five [[High Kings of the Noldor]].<ref>{{S|Fifth}}</ref> He also captured [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] in this battle, despite Húrin slaughter of many of Gothmog's troll-guard.<ref>{{CH|2}}, p. 59</ref>

He was again deployed as Morgoth's front-line commander in the [[Fall of Gondolin]], where he was slain by [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]].<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> According to the (albeit uncanonical) text, Gothmog piled his iron siege equipment against the [[North Gate of Gondolin]] until it broke from sheer pressure.<ref>{{LT2|III}}, p. 176</ref> The same text states that he also took a front-line position against [[Rog]], turning the tide in that part of the battle.<ref>{{LT2|III}}, p. 179</ref> More confirmed canonically, he beat down [[Tuor]] in single combat, but the elf-lord [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]], who was badly wounded, rose and stood over him. Ecthelion stood no chance against the Lord of Balrogs, and lost his sword in the brief struggle. But then Ecthelion leaped forward, and stabbed Gothmog in the breast with the spike atop his helm. They both fell into the [[Fountain of the King]], where Gothmog, if not already killed by the spike, drowned with his opponent.<ref>{{LT2|III}}, pp. 183-184</ref>
{{Pronounce|Gothmog.mp3|Ardamir}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the character list appended to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Gothmog was described as "a son of Morgoth and the ogress [[Fluithuin]]",<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, p. 216</ref> but the idea of the children of [[Valar]] was abandoned in later writings.

In one of Tolkien's early Middle-earth writings, ''[[Lay of the Children of Húrin]]'', "Lungorthin, Lord of Balrogs" is mentioned.<ref>{{LB|1e}}</ref> It is not, however, certain if it was another name for Gothmog, or it simply meant "a Balrog lord". According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as the final version of Tolkien's mythology.<ref>{{LB|1e}}, Commentary on Part I of the second version</ref>

{{References}}
{{Ainur}}
{{title}}
[[Category:Balrogs]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[de:Gothmog (Balrog)]]
[[fi:Gothmog (balrog)]]

Nandor

2013-01-12T10:52:48Z

41.241.66.152: Also Silvan elves

{{rewrite}}
{{race
|image=[[Image:Rob Alexander - Elven Cloak.jpg|250px]]
|name=Nandor
|dominions=[[Ossiriand]], [[Edhellond]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Mirkwood]].
|languages=[[Nandorin]], [[Sindarin]].
|height=Tall.
|length=
|skincolor=White or olive.
|haircolor=Usually dark.
|feathers=
|distinctions=Secretive, lovers of the forests and animals.
|lifespan=Immortal.
|members=[[Lenwë]], [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], [[Nimrodel the Elf-maid|Nimrodel]].
}}
The '''Nandor''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnandor]}}; sg. ''Nando''), later known as the ''Silvan Elves'' or "Wood-elves", were one of the [[Teleri]]n races of [[Elves]]. The Nandor were the original elven inhabitants of [[Middle-earth]] east of [[Beleriand]], but eventually they also stretched out across the [[Ered Luin]] as well into [[Ossiriand]]. They loved forests, and were easily{{fact}} the most common kindred of elf by the [[Third Age]] in Middle-earth.

==History==

===Lenwë and Denethor===

The Nandor were originally simply a group of the Teleri indistinct from the others who were afraid to cross the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], and content to remain in the wide forested lands to the east, along the river [[Anduin]]. One of the Teleri, of the silver-haired kindred of [[Olwë]] that would later become the [[Falmari]], rose to lead them. He was named [[Lenwë]], and led a great number of the Teleri south along the Great River, where they fell out of the histories for a long time. They called themselves the Nandor, and they loved water and green things. Under Lenwë they developed great knowledge and skill with herbs and living things, tree and beast alike. Their culture became very distinct.<ref name="ref1">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]''</ref>

Gradually, the Nandor spread out. They may have moved on to live in [[Eriador]], or by the mouth of the Sea at the outpouring of Anduin. They were a simple folk, with no weapons of steel. They made friends, too, with the [[Naugrim]], and were contented. But evil beasts came from the north, and they had no defense against such terrible weapons. They had been told by the Naugrim about King [[Thingol]] and the might of the [[Sindar]], therefore [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], Lenwë's son, crossed over the [[Ered Luin]] into [[Beleriand]], the western lands of Middle-earth. There they settled in the green and many-rivered [[Ossiriand]], welcomed by Thingol as long-lost relatives. They were called the [[Laiquendi|Laegrim]].<ref name="ref2">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Sindar]]''</ref>

===Wars of Beleriand===

Thingol took advantage of their friendship on the first opportunity, when he was in great need. The Dark Lord [[Morgoth|Belegurth]] [[First Battle of Beleriand|invaded]] Beleriand, cutting Thingol off from his other strong allies, the [[Falathrim]]. But Ossiriand was wide and Morgoth could not sever that connection. Thingol called Denethor to his aid, and the Laegrim came. Thingol attacked the orc-host from the west, and the Laegrim from the east, creating a hammer-and-anvil technique that succeeded. But this victory came at great cost. The Laegrim were lightly-armed, and the orcs shod in iron. Denethor was cut off at [[Amon Ereb]]; he and all those nearest about him were killed before Thingol could rescue him. The Laegrim loved him and mourned his loss, and henceforth would take no king. They became reclusive, pulling away from the many troubles of Beleriand, and fighting no longer against Belegurth.<ref name="ref2" />

When the [[Noldor]] returned from over the [[Belegaer|Sea]], they gave the Laegrim the name (in [[Quenya]]) ''[[Laiquendi]]''. The Laiquendi did not participate in the great events of Beleriand throughout the First Age. The Laiquendi accepted [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], who came to [[Tol Galen]] in the midst of their lands, and made it one of the most beautiful places in Beleriand. After the dreadful sack of Doriath and death of Thingol, many of the Laiquendi joined Beren in the [[Battle of Sarn Athrad]]. The Green-elves later sent the news to King [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]] of the final deaths of Beren and Lúthien.<ref name="ref3">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Ruin of Doriath]]''</ref>

After the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the [[Sons of Fëanor]] wandered in the lands of the Laiquendi, bereft of lands, often mixing with them.<ref name="ref4">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Fifth Battle]]''</ref>

===Second Age===
(''Henceforth see also [[Galadhrim]] and [[Elves of Mirkwood]]'')

After the [[War of Wrath]], Ossiriand survived no longer, and the survivors of the Laiquendi once more merged back into the main Nandorin population, who now were spread over the face of Middle-earth. The Nandor on both sides of the mountain range were of a somewhat less pure strain, those in Ossiriand having mixed blood with some [[Sindar]], and those in the east having mixed blood with the [[Avari]] who came westwards. As the Second Age went on, the blood became even more mixed. Even their language changed from [[Nandorin]] to [[Sindarin]]. Gradually, the Nandor were changing into what became known as ''Silvan Elves'' or ''Tawarwaith'', meaning "Forest People"<ref name="ref5">''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', ''[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]'', Appendices A & B</ref>.

The Nandor, now known in their impure state as Tawarwaith, were soon pushed into refuge when [[Sauron]] rose to challenge elven power in Middle-earth. Some were forced to take refuge with the [[Noldor]], who although weakened were still very powerful, in [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell|Imladris]]. Others dwelt with [[Círdan]] the Sinda in [[Mithlond]], and still others hid in their ancient forest homes [[Lórinand]] and [[Mirkwood|Eryn Galen]]. They took leaders from the pure-blood clans of Noldor and Sindar; in the case of the latter two refuges, the Sindarin lords [[Amdír]] and [[Oropher]] respectively.

The Tawarwaith of Lórinand (the ''[[Galadhrim]]'') and Eryn Galen played mostly a small role in the events of the [[Second Age]], as they had in the First. Amdír and Oropher built up their kingdoms as the shadow of Sauron grew longer and longer, and evil more powerful. Both Amdír and Oropher took great hosts to join the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought in the [[War of the Last Alliance|war that followed]]. Both hosts suffered immense losses; Amdír was cut off and killed in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] with many of his followers, while Oropher rashly disobeyed King [[Gil-galad]] in [[Mordor]] and fell beside two thirds of the entire company<ref name="ref5" />. The Tawarwaith entered the [[Third Age]] greatly weakened and disheartened, despite the seemingly final defeat of Sauron.

===Third Age===

Lórinand, now known as [[Lothlórien]], and Eryn Galen, now known as [[Mirkwood]], continued to host the larger populations of Tawarwaith. [[Amroth]] took over in Lothlórien, later passing the rulership on to [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]], while [[Thranduil]] became king in Mirkwood. Under these rulers the Tawarwaith prospered and became numerous once more, while the Noldor and Sindar were in slow but steady decline. Yet though mostly inactive, they were watchful of the growing of [[men]] and the ominous change the Third Age would bring<ref name="ref5" />.

But the elves of both Lothlórien and Mirkwood were threatened by a new evil growing in south Mirkwood. The [[Necromancer]] was building [[Dol Guldur]]. As the Third Age continued and Sauron rose, the [[White Council]] was formed. Sauron was driven from Dol Guldur several times, but the Tawarwaith were still for the most part impassive. Eventually the [[War of the Ring]] came. [[Legolas]], Thranduil’s son, became a hero of that war, while both Lothlórien and Mirkwood were invaded by Dol Guldur in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|Rhovanion Campaign]]. All attacks were repulsed, and Dol Guldur was [[Fall of Dol Guldur|thrown down]] at last in a grand counterattack by Celeborn and his forces<ref name="ref6">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix B]]''</ref>. Mirkwood was renamed ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]''. Yet the Silvan population was again diminished. Galadriel and Celeborn passed west, and the light of Lórien faded.

Throughout the [[Fourth Age]] they aided the rising [[Reunited Kingdom]], making [[Ithilien]] green, for instance<ref name="ref7">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]]''</ref>. Their eventual fate was to pass west to the land they had never seen, or else to remain in Middle-earth Changed and fade into forgetfulness.
==Etymology==

''Nandor'' is a [[Quenya]] name, meaning "Those who go back",<ref>{{WJ|C}}, p. 384</ref> apparently containing the element ''[[nan-]]''.

*''See also: [[Nandor (Qenya)‎]]''

==Names==

The Nandor were also known by many other names: the Host of Dân, the Wood-elves, the Wanderers, the Axe-elves, the [[Green-elves|Green Elves]], the Brown Elves, the Hidden People.<ref>{{MR|P3I3}}, p. 164</ref>

{{elves}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Nandor| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Laiquendi]]
[[de:Nandor]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/teleri/laiquendi]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/teleri/nandor]]
[[fi:Laiquendi]]
[[fi:Nandor (kansa)]]

Nandor

2013-01-12T10:49:16Z

41.241.66.152:

{{rewrite}}
{{race
|image=[[Image:Rob Alexander - Elven Cloak.jpg|250px]]
|name=Nandor
|dominions=[[Ossiriand]], [[Edhellond]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Mirkwood]].
|languages=[[Nandorin]], [[Sindarin]].
|height=Tall.
|length=
|skincolor=White or olive.
|haircolor=Usually dark.
|feathers=
|distinctions=Secretive, lovers of the forests and animals.
|lifespan=Immortal.
|members=[[Lenwë]], [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], [[Nimrodel the Elf-maid|Nimrodel]].
}}
The '''Nandor''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnandor]}}; sg. ''Nando''), later known as the ''Silvan Elves'' or "Wood-elves", were one of the [[Teleri]]n races of [[Elves]]. The Nandor were the original elven inhabitants of [[Middle-earth]] east of [[Beleriand]], but eventually they also stretched out across the [[Ered Luin]] as well into [[Ossiriand]]. They were the "green elves", loving forests, and easily{{fact}} the most common kindred of elf by the [[Third Age]] in Middle-earth.

==History==

===Lenwë and Denethor===

The Nandor were originally simply a group of the Teleri indistinct from the others who were afraid to cross the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], and content to remain in the wide forested lands to the east, along the river [[Anduin]]. One of the Teleri, of the silver-haired kindred of [[Olwë]] that would later become the [[Falmari]], rose to lead them. He was named [[Lenwë]], and led a great number of the Teleri south along the Great River, where they fell out of the histories for a long time. They called themselves the Nandor, and they loved water and green things. Under Lenwë they developed great knowledge and skill with herbs and living things, tree and beast alike. Their culture became very distinct.<ref name="ref1">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]''</ref>

Gradually, the Nandor spread out. They may have moved on to live in [[Eriador]], or by the mouth of the Sea at the outpouring of Anduin. They were a simple folk, with no weapons of steel. They made friends, too, with the [[Naugrim]], and were contented. But evil beasts came from the north, and they had no defense against such terrible weapons. They had been told by the Naugrim about King [[Thingol]] and the might of the [[Sindar]], therefore [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], Lenwë's son, crossed over the [[Ered Luin]] into [[Beleriand]], the western lands of Middle-earth. There they settled in the green and many-rivered [[Ossiriand]], welcomed by Thingol as long-lost relatives. They were called the [[Laiquendi|Laegrim]].<ref name="ref2">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Sindar]]''</ref>

===Wars of Beleriand===

Thingol took advantage of their friendship on the first opportunity, when he was in great need. The Dark Lord [[Morgoth|Belegurth]] [[First Battle of Beleriand|invaded]] Beleriand, cutting Thingol off from his other strong allies, the [[Falathrim]]. But Ossiriand was wide and Morgoth could not sever that connection. Thingol called Denethor to his aid, and the Laegrim came. Thingol attacked the orc-host from the west, and the Laegrim from the east, creating a hammer-and-anvil technique that succeeded. But this victory came at great cost. The Laegrim were lightly-armed, and the orcs shod in iron. Denethor was cut off at [[Amon Ereb]]; he and all those nearest about him were killed before Thingol could rescue him. The Laegrim loved him and mourned his loss, and henceforth would take no king. They became reclusive, pulling away from the many troubles of Beleriand, and fighting no longer against Belegurth.<ref name="ref2" />

When the [[Noldor]] returned from over the [[Belegaer|Sea]], they gave the Laegrim the name (in [[Quenya]]) ''[[Laiquendi]]''. The Laiquendi did not participate in the great events of Beleriand throughout the First Age. The Laiquendi accepted [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], who came to [[Tol Galen]] in the midst of their lands, and made it one of the most beautiful places in Beleriand. After the dreadful sack of Doriath and death of Thingol, many of the Laiquendi joined Beren in the [[Battle of Sarn Athrad]]. The Green-elves later sent the news to King [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]] of the final deaths of Beren and Lúthien.<ref name="ref3">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Ruin of Doriath]]''</ref>

After the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], the [[Sons of Fëanor]] wandered in the lands of the Laiquendi, bereft of lands, often mixing with them.<ref name="ref4">''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Of the Fifth Battle]]''</ref>

===Second Age===
(''Henceforth see also [[Galadhrim]] and [[Elves of Mirkwood]]'')

After the [[War of Wrath]], Ossiriand survived no longer, and the survivors of the Laiquendi once more merged back into the main Nandorin population, who now were spread over the face of Middle-earth. The Nandor on both sides of the mountain range were of a somewhat less pure strain, those in Ossiriand having mixed blood with some [[Sindar]], and those in the east having mixed blood with the [[Avari]] who came westwards. As the Second Age went on, the blood became even more mixed. Even their language changed from [[Nandorin]] to [[Sindarin]]. Gradually, the Nandor were changing into what became known as ''Silvan Elves'' or ''Tawarwaith'', meaning "Forest People"<ref name="ref5">''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', ''[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]'', Appendices A & B</ref>.

The Nandor, now known in their impure state as Tawarwaith, were soon pushed into refuge when [[Sauron]] rose to challenge elven power in Middle-earth. Some were forced to take refuge with the [[Noldor]], who although weakened were still very powerful, in [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell|Imladris]]. Others dwelt with [[Círdan]] the Sinda in [[Mithlond]], and still others hid in their ancient forest homes [[Lórinand]] and [[Mirkwood|Eryn Galen]]. They took leaders from the pure-blood clans of Noldor and Sindar; in the case of the latter two refuges, the Sindarin lords [[Amdír]] and [[Oropher]] respectively.

The Tawarwaith of Lórinand (the ''[[Galadhrim]]'') and Eryn Galen played mostly a small role in the events of the [[Second Age]], as they had in the First. Amdír and Oropher built up their kingdoms as the shadow of Sauron grew longer and longer, and evil more powerful. Both Amdír and Oropher took great hosts to join the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought in the [[War of the Last Alliance|war that followed]]. Both hosts suffered immense losses; Amdír was cut off and killed in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] with many of his followers, while Oropher rashly disobeyed King [[Gil-galad]] in [[Mordor]] and fell beside two thirds of the entire company<ref name="ref5" />. The Tawarwaith entered the [[Third Age]] greatly weakened and disheartened, despite the seemingly final defeat of Sauron.

===Third Age===

Lórinand, now known as [[Lothlórien]], and Eryn Galen, now known as [[Mirkwood]], continued to host the larger populations of Tawarwaith. [[Amroth]] took over in Lothlórien, later passing the rulership on to [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]], while [[Thranduil]] became king in Mirkwood. Under these rulers the Tawarwaith prospered and became numerous once more, while the Noldor and Sindar were in slow but steady decline. Yet though mostly inactive, they were watchful of the growing of [[men]] and the ominous change the Third Age would bring<ref name="ref5" />.

But the elves of both Lothlórien and Mirkwood were threatened by a new evil growing in south Mirkwood. The [[Necromancer]] was building [[Dol Guldur]]. As the Third Age continued and Sauron rose, the [[White Council]] was formed. Sauron was driven from Dol Guldur several times, but the Tawarwaith were still for the most part impassive. Eventually the [[War of the Ring]] came. [[Legolas]], Thranduil’s son, became a hero of that war, while both Lothlórien and Mirkwood were invaded by Dol Guldur in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|Rhovanion Campaign]]. All attacks were repulsed, and Dol Guldur was [[Fall of Dol Guldur|thrown down]] at last in a grand counterattack by Celeborn and his forces<ref name="ref6">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix B]]''</ref>. Mirkwood was renamed ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]''. Yet the Silvan population was again diminished. Galadriel and Celeborn passed west, and the light of Lórien faded.

Throughout the [[Fourth Age]] they aided the rising [[Reunited Kingdom]], making [[Ithilien]] green, for instance<ref name="ref7">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]]''</ref>. Their eventual fate was to pass west to the land they had never seen, or else to remain in Middle-earth Changed and fade into forgetfulness.
==Etymology==

''Nandor'' is a [[Quenya]] name, meaning "Those who go back",<ref>{{WJ|C}}, p. 384</ref> apparently containing the element ''[[nan-]]''.

*''See also: [[Nandor (Qenya)‎]]''

==Names==

The Nandor were also known by many other names: the Host of Dân, the Wood-elves, the Wanderers, the Axe-elves, the [[Green-elves|Green Elves]], the Brown Elves, the Hidden People.<ref>{{MR|P3I3}}, p. 164</ref>

{{elves}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Nandor| ]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Laiquendi]]
[[de:Nandor]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/teleri/laiquendi]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/teleri/nandor]]
[[fi:Laiquendi]]
[[fi:Nandor (kansa)]]