Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Beregond

2009-12-31T02:20:38Z

76.21.147.26: /* Later life */

{{gondorian
| image=[[Image:SBG - Beregond.gif]]
| name=Beregond
| othernames=Beregond of the Guard
| position=[[Guard of the Citadel]], Captain of the [[White Company]]
| birth=
| rule=
| death=
| gender=Male
| parentage=[[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]] + unknown mother
| spouse=
| children=[[Bergil]],<ref name="MT"/> [[Borlas]]<ref name="New"/>
}}
{{quote|I am no captain. Neither office nor rank nor lordship have I, being but a plain man of arms of the Third Company of the Citadel.|Beregond<ref name="MT"/>}}

'''Beregond''', son of [[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]], was a soldier of Gondor and later Captain of the [[White Company]].

==History==
===Early life===
Beregond's fathers were from the vales of the [[White Mountains]], and prior to that they lived in [[Ithilien]].<ref name="MT"/> Beregond had two sons, [[Bergil]], who was ten years of age at the time of the [[War of the Ring]],<ref name="MT"/> and a younger son named [[Borlas]].<ref name="New">{{HM|PM}}, "[[The New Shadow]]"</ref>

Beregond was a member of the [[Tower Guard|Third Company of the Citadel]]. He admired Faramir and saw him as a brave warrior and a great leader. Beregond did not travel outside of [[Minas Tirith]] often but understood the threat that [[Sauron]] posed to the city.<ref name="MT">{{HM|RK}}, "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"</ref>

===War of the Ring===
On the morning of [[March 9]]th, [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], Beregond was assigned to help [[Peregrin Took]] who had just become a Guard of the Citadel. As Beregond had never met a [[hobbit]] before, he was eager to meet Pippin and he was astounded that Pippin looked much like a child yet had faced more dangers than most Men of Gondor.<ref name="MT"/>

====Battle of Pelennor Fields====
During the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]], Beregond was on watch as the sentinel at the gate of the Citadel. Pippin rushed to tell him that Denethor was attempting to burn Faramir alive. Beregond knew his duty of protecting Faramir was more important than to remain at his post so he rushed to his Captain at the [[Silent Street]]. The guard to the street would not let him pass and Beregond was forced to kill him so he could enter. He regretted his decision but he was forced to act quickly. Two more servants of Denethor's guard were killed as they attempted to light the funeral pyre. He stood upon the steps with his sword to ward off the rest until [[Gandalf]] arrived. After Faramir was rescued, Denethor would still not give up, and drew a knife to attempt to kill his son, but Beregond stepped forward to block Denethor. Denethor then gave up and set himself on fire and died.<ref name="Siege">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"</ref>

After helping to carry Faramir to the [[Houses of Healing]], Gandalf gave the key to the [[Closed Door]] to the injured Faramir. Beregond stood guard over Faramir at the Houses of Healing and was present when he awoke.<ref name="houses">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Houses of Healing]]"</ref>

====Battle of the Morannon====
Pippin and Beregond served under the command of [[Imrahil]] at the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. When a Troll-chief charged their ranks, Beregond was stunned and nearly killed, but Pippin managed to save his friend by killing the Troll, which fell on top of him.<ref>{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"</ref>

===Later life===
Upon [[Aragorn II]]'s coronation on [[May 1]]st, Beregond was brought forward to receive judgement for leaving his post and for killing the Denethor's guards on hallowed ground. The penalty would have been death, but the King showed mercy as the deeds were done out of love for Faramir, and was merely forbidden from returning to the White City ever again. For his bravery in battle, Aragorn appointed him the Captain of the Guard of Faramir, which was also called the White Company. He later went to live in [[Emyn Arnen]] in [[Ithilien]] to serve his lord, Faramir, the new [[Prince of Ithilien]].<ref>{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref>

==Etymology==
"Beregond" may stem from [[beren]] meaning "bold" and [[gond]] meaning "stone".<ref>{{HM|LR}}, "[[The Etymologies]]"</ref> He was likely named after [[Beregond (Steward of Gondor)|the steward bearing the same name]].

==Genealogy==
Beregond was descended from people of the vales of the White Mountains and Ithilien. What exactly his relation to [[Iorlas]], described only as an uncle of Bergil,<ref name="MT"/> was, is unknown.
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | BAR| | | | | |BAR=[[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]]<ref name="MT"/>}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |BER| | | | | | | |BER='''BEREGOND'''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | | | | }}
{{familytree |BER| | | |BOR| | | | | | | |BER=[[Bergil]]<ref name="MT"/>|BOR=[[Borlas]]<ref name="New"/>}}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |DAU| | | |BER| | | |DAU=''unnamed daughter''<ref name="New"/>|BER=[[Berelach]]<ref name="New"/>}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Derek Prentice]] provided the voice of Beregond in episode 4 of the second half of the series, "The Siege of Gondor".<ref name="RT1726">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1726, [[December 7]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Beregond - pronounced Buh-ray-gond - appears, though no actor is specified for the part.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'', "[[The Madness of Denethor (episode)|The Madness of Denethor]]"</ref>
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Christopher Scott]] played the part of Beregond. He has a short dialogue with Denethor to inform him of the state of the battle.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'', "[[The Battle of Pelennor Fields (episode)|The Battle of Pelennor Fields]]"</ref>

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:According to actor [[Ian Hughes]], he was cast as Beregond, but the character's name was changed to [[Irolas]] post-production.<ref>"[[Ian Hughes|Irolas]]", ''[http://forums.theonering.com/viewtopic.php?t=74209&start=1620 Marty's spoiler filled ROTK Q&A thread]'', [[TheOneRing.net]]</ref><ref>"Xaonan", "[http://archives.theonering.net/archives/main_news/3.17.03-3.23.03 Hughes IS Beregond?]", [[TheOneRing.net]], [[March 20]], [[2003]]</ref>

{{references}}

[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[de:Beregond (Sohn von Baranor)]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:3a:dunedain:gondoriens:beregond]]
[[fi:Beregond (Valkoisen Komppanian päällikkö)]]

Beregond

2009-12-31T02:19:17Z

76.21.147.26: /* Later life */

{{gondorian
| image=[[Image:SBG - Beregond.gif]]
| name=Beregond
| othernames=Beregond of the Guard
| position=[[Guard of the Citadel]], Captain of the [[White Company]]
| birth=
| rule=
| death=
| gender=Male
| parentage=[[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]] + unknown mother
| spouse=
| children=[[Bergil]],<ref name="MT"/> [[Borlas]]<ref name="New"/>
}}
{{quote|I am no captain. Neither office nor rank nor lordship have I, being but a plain man of arms of the Third Company of the Citadel.|Beregond<ref name="MT"/>}}

'''Beregond''', son of [[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]], was a soldier of Gondor and later Captain of the [[White Company]].

==History==
===Early life===
Beregond's fathers were from the vales of the [[White Mountains]], and prior to that they lived in [[Ithilien]].<ref name="MT"/> Beregond had two sons, [[Bergil]], who was ten years of age at the time of the [[War of the Ring]],<ref name="MT"/> and a younger son named [[Borlas]].<ref name="New">{{HM|PM}}, "[[The New Shadow]]"</ref>

Beregond was a member of the [[Tower Guard|Third Company of the Citadel]]. He admired Faramir and saw him as a brave warrior and a great leader. Beregond did not travel outside of [[Minas Tirith]] often but understood the threat that [[Sauron]] posed to the city.<ref name="MT">{{HM|RK}}, "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"</ref>

===War of the Ring===
On the morning of [[March 9]]th, [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], Beregond was assigned to help [[Peregrin Took]] who had just become a Guard of the Citadel. As Beregond had never met a [[hobbit]] before, he was eager to meet Pippin and he was astounded that Pippin looked much like a child yet had faced more dangers than most Men of Gondor.<ref name="MT"/>

====Battle of Pelennor Fields====
During the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]], Beregond was on watch as the sentinel at the gate of the Citadel. Pippin rushed to tell him that Denethor was attempting to burn Faramir alive. Beregond knew his duty of protecting Faramir was more important than to remain at his post so he rushed to his Captain at the [[Silent Street]]. The guard to the street would not let him pass and Beregond was forced to kill him so he could enter. He regretted his decision but he was forced to act quickly. Two more servants of Denethor's guard were killed as they attempted to light the funeral pyre. He stood upon the steps with his sword to ward off the rest until [[Gandalf]] arrived. After Faramir was rescued, Denethor would still not give up, and drew a knife to attempt to kill his son, but Beregond stepped forward to block Denethor. Denethor then gave up and set himself on fire and died.<ref name="Siege">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"</ref>

After helping to carry Faramir to the [[Houses of Healing]], Gandalf gave the key to the [[Closed Door]] to the injured Faramir. Beregond stood guard over Faramir at the Houses of Healing and was present when he awoke.<ref name="houses">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Houses of Healing]]"</ref>

====Battle of the Morannon====
Pippin and Beregond served under the command of [[Imrahil]] at the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. When a Troll-chief charged their ranks, Beregond was stunned and nearly killed, but Pippin managed to save his friend by killing the Troll, which fell on top of him.<ref>{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"</ref>

===Later life===
Upon [[Aragorn II]]'s coronation on [[May 1]]st, Beregond was brought forward to receive judgement for leaving his post and for killing the Denethor's guards on hallowed ground. The penalty would have been death, but the King showed mercy as the deeds were done out of love for Faramir, but was forbidden from returning to the White City ever again. For his bravery in battle, Aragorn appointed him the Captain of the Guard of Faramir, which was also called the White Company. He later went to live in [[Emyn Arnen]] in [[Ithilien]] to serve his lord, Faramir, the new [[Prince of Ithilien]].<ref>{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref>

==Etymology==
"Beregond" may stem from [[beren]] meaning "bold" and [[gond]] meaning "stone".<ref>{{HM|LR}}, "[[The Etymologies]]"</ref> He was likely named after [[Beregond (Steward of Gondor)|the steward bearing the same name]].

==Genealogy==
Beregond was descended from people of the vales of the White Mountains and Ithilien. What exactly his relation to [[Iorlas]], described only as an uncle of Bergil,<ref name="MT"/> was, is unknown.
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | BAR| | | | | |BAR=[[Baranor of Gondor|Baranor]]<ref name="MT"/>}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |BER| | | | | | | |BER='''BEREGOND'''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | | | | }}
{{familytree |BER| | | |BOR| | | | | | | |BER=[[Bergil]]<ref name="MT"/>|BOR=[[Borlas]]<ref name="New"/>}}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | |DAU| | | |BER| | | |DAU=''unnamed daughter''<ref name="New"/>|BER=[[Berelach]]<ref name="New"/>}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Derek Prentice]] provided the voice of Beregond in episode 4 of the second half of the series, "The Siege of Gondor".<ref name="RT1726">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1726, [[December 7]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Beregond - pronounced Buh-ray-gond - appears, though no actor is specified for the part.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'', "[[The Madness of Denethor (episode)|The Madness of Denethor]]"</ref>
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Christopher Scott]] played the part of Beregond. He has a short dialogue with Denethor to inform him of the state of the battle.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'', "[[The Battle of Pelennor Fields (episode)|The Battle of Pelennor Fields]]"</ref>

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:According to actor [[Ian Hughes]], he was cast as Beregond, but the character's name was changed to [[Irolas]] post-production.<ref>"[[Ian Hughes|Irolas]]", ''[http://forums.theonering.com/viewtopic.php?t=74209&start=1620 Marty's spoiler filled ROTK Q&A thread]'', [[TheOneRing.net]]</ref><ref>"Xaonan", "[http://archives.theonering.net/archives/main_news/3.17.03-3.23.03 Hughes IS Beregond?]", [[TheOneRing.net]], [[March 20]], [[2003]]</ref>

{{references}}

[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[de:Beregond (Sohn von Baranor)]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:3a:dunedain:gondoriens:beregond]]
[[fi:Beregond (Valkoisen Komppanian päällikkö)]]

Maeglin

2009-12-29T21:36:59Z

76.21.147.26: /* Early History */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Lorraine Brevig - Maeglin.jpg|250px]]
| name=Maeglin
| quenya=''[[Lómion]]''
| titles=Lord of the [[House of the Mole]]
| birth=[[First Age]] 320, within [[Nan Elmoth]]
| realm=[[Gondolin]]
| death=[[First Age 510| F.A. 510]], [[The Fall of Gondolin]]
| age=190 years
| parentage=[[Eöl]] + [[Aredhel]]
| spouse=None
| children=
| gender=Male
| hair=Dark.
| ref=''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]''
|}}
<center>{{quote|He resembled in face and form rather his kindred of the Noldor, but in mood and mind he was the son of his father. His words were few save in matters that touched him near, and then his voice had a power to move those that heard him and to overthrow those that withstood him.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]}}</center>
'''Maeglin''' was an [[Elf]], the son of [[Eöl]] the [[Dark Elf]] and [[Aredhel]] daughter of [[Fingolfin]]. He lived in the [[First Age]] of [[Middle-earth]] and was a lord of [[Gondolin]], chief of the [[House of the Mole]].

==History==

===Early History===

Aredhel had left Gondolin to wander through [[Beleriand]], and in the woods of [[Nan Elmoth]] she met [[Eöl]], and stayed with him, eventually giving birth to Maeglin. The child grew up hearing tales of Gondolin, the Hidden City and his uncle, Turgon, most importantly that he had no heir to the throne, thus the idea of leaving the dark places of Nan Elmoth was born in his mind. Years later Aredhel left Eöl and she took her son (who stole his father's sword, [[Anguirel]]) with her, both of them returning to Gondolin. Eöl had followed her, and in judgment before [[Turgon of Gondolin|Turgon]] he attempted to kill Maeglin with a poisoned dart, but hit Aredhel instead. She died, and Eöl was cast down to his death from the city walls, under Maeglin's eyes.

He was now an orphan, but Turgon held him in honor, and Maeglin both learned and taught much. He became an elven lord held in high esteem, even leading his own [[House of the Mole]]. He found rich lodes of metals in the [[Echoriath]] surrounding the city, and forged weapons of steel stronger than had been seen before. His mine in the Echoriath was named ''[[Anghabar]]'', Iron-Mine. In the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], "Battle of Unnumbered Tears", Maeglin refused to remain behind as regent, and went forth to battle with Turgon proving valiant at need, though he was wise in council as well. The seventh and final gate of Gondolin, the [[Gate of Steel]], was Maeglin's creation.

Even though he was one of the mighty of Gondolin, he most desired Turgon's daughter [[Idril]] who was his first cousin. But there was no hope for him, as the "[[Eldar]] wedded not with kin so near". More over, Idril perceived an evil coming from him and for as long as Gondolin existed, she avoided him. Thus the love inside Maeglin's heart turned to darkness and though he had neither her nor the kingship of Gondolin, he endured it in silence, waiting for an opportunity to seize them both.

===The Fall of Gondolin===

When [[Tuor]] came, carrying [[Ulmo]]'s warning of the danger to Gondolin, Maeglin sat on the right hand of Turgon and argued against Tuor. Tuor's marriage with Idril further incensed Maeglin, who rebelled against Turgon and Tuor. Later, seeking after metals, Maeglin defied Turgon's order to stay within the mountains, and was captured by [[Orcs]] and brought to [[Angband]]. [[Morgoth]] promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the [[Elder Days]]. He gave him a token that would allegedly keep him safe from the sack.

Maeglin returned to Gondolin saying nothing about his encounter, but many people noticed a change. Most thought it was for the better, though Idril suspected something and began work on [[Idril's Secret Way]]. He managed to turn some of the weaker lords, such as [[Salgant]] and the roguish to his side. When the hosts of Morgoth surrounded the city, Maeglin counseled Turgon against flight, and because of his place in the King's heart he swayed him to his advantage. As the battle over Gondolin took place, Maeglin tried to kill [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] and take Idril for himself. But Tuor caught up with him and they fought upon the walls of the city. Maeglin lost and he was thrown down to his death.

==Etymology==
''Maeglin'' means "sharp glance" in [[Sindarin]], a name which he received from his father when he was twelve. It is formed by the union of ''[[maeg]]'', which translates as "sharp" or "piercing", "penetrating" and ''[[glîn]]'', meaning "gleam", "glint" (of eyes). At birth, Aredhel gave Maeglin the [[mother-name]] of ''[[Lómion]]'', meaning "Child of Twilight" in [[Quenya]]. It comes from ''[[lómë]]'', a noun that translates as "dusk", "twilight" and also "night".

==Genealogy==

 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|~|~|~|y|~|~|~| IND | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | FEA | | FDS | |!| | | IRM | | FIR | |FIN=[[Fingolfin]]|FIR=[[Finarfin]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|FDS=[[Findis]]|IRM=[[Irimë]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|'| | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | FNG |~|y|~| ANA | | | | | | | | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|ANA=[[Anairë]]}}
{{familytree| | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | FIN | | ELE |y| TUR | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG |FIN=[[Fingon]]|ARE=[[Aredhel]]|TUR=[[Turgon]]|ELE=[[Elenwë]]|EOL=[[Eöl]]|ARG=[[Argon]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | | |MAE='''MAEGLIN'''|IDR=[[Idril]]|TUO=[[Tuor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |EAR=[[Eärendil]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 

==References==

*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]
*''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Fall of Gondolin]]
*''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[Maeglin (chapter)|Maeglin]]

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Maeglin|Images of Maeglin]]

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Gondolin and Turgon]]

Maeglin

2009-12-29T21:35:07Z

76.21.147.26: /* Early History */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Lorraine Brevig - Maeglin.jpg|250px]]
| name=Maeglin
| quenya=''[[Lómion]]''
| titles=Lord of the [[House of the Mole]]
| birth=[[First Age]] 320, within [[Nan Elmoth]]
| realm=[[Gondolin]]
| death=[[First Age 510| F.A. 510]], [[The Fall of Gondolin]]
| age=190 years
| parentage=[[Eöl]] + [[Aredhel]]
| spouse=None
| children=
| gender=Male
| hair=Dark.
| ref=''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]''
|}}
<center>{{quote|He resembled in face and form rather his kindred of the Noldor, but in mood and mind he was the son of his father. His words were few save in matters that touched him near, and then his voice had a power to move those that heard him and to overthrow those that withstood him.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]}}</center>
'''Maeglin''' was an [[Elf]], the son of [[Eöl]] the [[Dark Elf]] and [[Aredhel]] daughter of [[Fingolfin]]. He lived in the [[First Age]] of [[Middle-earth]] and was a lord of [[Gondolin]], chief of the [[House of the Mole]].

==History==

===Early History===

Aredhel had left Gondolin to wander through [[Beleriand]], and in the woods of [[Nan Elmoth]] she met [[Eöl]], and stayed with him, eventually giving birth to Maeglin. The child grew up hearing tales of Gondolin, the Hidden City and his uncle, Turgon, most importantly that he had no heir to the throne, thus the idea of leaving the dark places of Nan Elmoth was born in his mind. Years later Aredhel left Eöl and she took her son (who stole his father's sword, [[Anguirel]]) with her, both of them returning to Gondolin. Eöl had followed her, and in judgment before [[Turgon of Gondolin|Turgon]] he attempted to kill Maeglin with a poisoned dart, but hit Aredhel instead. She died, and Eöl was cast down to his death from the city walls, under Maeglin's eyes.

He was now an orphan, but Turgon held him in honor, and Maeglin both learned and taught much. He became an elven lord held in high esteem, even leading his own [[House of the Mole]]. He found rich lodes of metals in the [[Echoriath]] surrounding the city, and forged weapons of steel stronger than had been seen before. His mine in the Echoriath was named ''[[Anghabar]]'', Iron-Mine. In the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], "Battle of Unnumbered Tears", Maeglin refused to remain behind as regent, and went forth to battle with Turgon proving valiant at need, though he was wise in council as well. The seventh and final gate of Gondolin, the [[Gate of Steel]], was Maeglin's creation.

Even though he was one of the mighty of Gondolin, he most desired Turgon's daughter and first cousin [[Idril]]. But there was no hope for him, as the "[[Eldar]] wedded not with kin so near". More over, Idril perceived an evil coming from him and for as long as Gondolin existed, she avoided him. Thus the love inside Maeglin's heart turned to darkness and though he had neither her nor the kingship of Gondolin, he endured it in silence, waiting for an opportunity to seize them both.

===The Fall of Gondolin===

When [[Tuor]] came, carrying [[Ulmo]]'s warning of the danger to Gondolin, Maeglin sat on the right hand of Turgon and argued against Tuor. Tuor's marriage with Idril further incensed Maeglin, who rebelled against Turgon and Tuor. Later, seeking after metals, Maeglin defied Turgon's order to stay within the mountains, and was captured by [[Orcs]] and brought to [[Angband]]. [[Morgoth]] promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the [[Elder Days]]. He gave him a token that would allegedly keep him safe from the sack.

Maeglin returned to Gondolin saying nothing about his encounter, but many people noticed a change. Most thought it was for the better, though Idril suspected something and began work on [[Idril's Secret Way]]. He managed to turn some of the weaker lords, such as [[Salgant]] and the roguish to his side. When the hosts of Morgoth surrounded the city, Maeglin counseled Turgon against flight, and because of his place in the King's heart he swayed him to his advantage. As the battle over Gondolin took place, Maeglin tried to kill [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] and take Idril for himself. But Tuor caught up with him and they fought upon the walls of the city. Maeglin lost and he was thrown down to his death.

==Etymology==
''Maeglin'' means "sharp glance" in [[Sindarin]], a name which he received from his father when he was twelve. It is formed by the union of ''[[maeg]]'', which translates as "sharp" or "piercing", "penetrating" and ''[[glîn]]'', meaning "gleam", "glint" (of eyes). At birth, Aredhel gave Maeglin the [[mother-name]] of ''[[Lómion]]'', meaning "Child of Twilight" in [[Quenya]]. It comes from ''[[lómë]]'', a noun that translates as "dusk", "twilight" and also "night".

==Genealogy==

 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|~|~|~|y|~|~|~| IND | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | |,|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | FEA | | FDS | |!| | | IRM | | FIR | |FIN=[[Fingolfin]]|FIR=[[Finarfin]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|FDS=[[Findis]]|IRM=[[Irimë]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|'| | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | FNG |~|y|~| ANA | | | | | | | | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|ANA=[[Anairë]]}}
{{familytree| | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | FIN | | ELE |y| TUR | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG |FIN=[[Fingon]]|ARE=[[Aredhel]]|TUR=[[Turgon]]|ELE=[[Elenwë]]|EOL=[[Eöl]]|ARG=[[Argon]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | | |MAE='''MAEGLIN'''|IDR=[[Idril]]|TUO=[[Tuor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |EAR=[[Eärendil]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 

==References==

*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]
*''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Fall of Gondolin]]
*''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[Maeglin (chapter)|Maeglin]]

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Maeglin|Images of Maeglin]]

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Gondolin and Turgon]]

Mithrellas

2009-12-23T00:14:14Z

76.21.147.26:

'''Mithrellas''' as a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] who, at least according to legend, accompanied [[Nimrodel the Elf-maid|Nimrodel]] on her journey to the southern havens. Mithrellas, it is said, became lost in the woods of [[Belfalas]], where she was found by [[Imrazôr]] the [[Númenórean]], who married her. So [[Elvish]] blood entered the line of the [[Prince of Dol Amroth|Princes of Dol Amroth]], it was claimed, and her son [[Galador]] became the first of the long line of Princes.

[[Category:Nandor]]

[[de:Mithrellas]]
[[fi:Mithrellas]]

Finarfin

2009-12-22T00:11:46Z

76.21.147.26: /* History */

{{noldor infobox
| image=
| name=Finarfin
| quenya=''Arafinwë''
| titles=King of [[Tirion]]
| birth=[[YOTT]] c. 1230, [[Tirion]]
| realm=[[Tirion]]
| death=Did not die
| age=
| parentage=[[Finwë]] + [[Indis]]
| spouse=[[Eärwen]]
| children=[[Finrod]], [[Angrod]], [[Aegnor]], [[Galadriel]]
| gender=Male
| hair=Golden ([[Vanyar]]in blood)
| ref=''[[The Silmarillion]]''
|}}
{{Pronounce|Finarfin.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Finarfin''' (born in [[Valinor]] during the [[Years of the Trees]] 1230) was the youngest of the five children of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Finarfin's mother was [[Indis]], Finwë's second wife. The great [[Elf]] Lord [[Fëanor]] was his half-brother. His full siblings were [[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], and [[Irimë]].

== History ==
Two thousand years before the first rising of the [[Sun]], Finarfin married [[Eärwen]], daughter of [[Olwë]], King of the [[Teleri]] in [[Valinor]]. They had four children: [[Finrod Felagund|Finrod]], [[Angrod]], [[Aegnor]] and [[Galadriel]]1. Finarfin's mother was of the [[Vanyar]], and he inherited her fair hair, which he passed on to his children. All other Noldor had dark hair. Thus the Elves of the '''[[House of Finarfin]]''' were unique among their kin.

Centuries later, [[Melkor]] destroyed the [[Two Trees]], slaughtered Finarfin's father Finwë, and stole the [[Silmarils]] of Fëanor. Enraged, Fëanor came to the city of [[Tirion|Tirion upon Túna]] and convinced many of his kinsmen to leave Valinor for [[Middle-earth]], to recover the Silmarils and defeat Morgoth. Fëanor was a charismatic speaker, but Fingolfin and Finarfin were unmoved. However they too followed their half-brother, more for their children who eagerly accepted his cause.

The [[Noldor]] followed Fëanor in groups, and Fingolfin and Finarfin led the last host. As such they did not participate in the [[First Kinslaying]] or know its true cause at the time. While they were travelling up the coast of [[Araman]], the [[Vala]] [[Mandos]] appeared and pronounced the [[Doom of Mandos|Doom of the Noldor]]. Finarfin, dismayed by the prophecy and already contemplating return because of the tragedy of the Kinslaying of his wife's people at Alqualonde, returned to Valinor with a small group of his people. He presumably still rules the few remaining Noldor in Valinor from Tirion upon Túna.

== Etymology ==
Finarfin's [[father-name]] was '''Arafinwë''', [[Quenya]] for "Noble [son of] Finwë". His [[mother-name]] was '''Ingalaurë''' which means "[[Vanyar|Inga]]-gold".

The name ''Finarfin'' is the [[Sindarin]] version of his father-name. It should be mentioned alto that [[Inglor]], an old name used in the early editions of Tolkien's mythology, could be interpreted perhaps as the Sindarin form of Ingalaurë.

== Genealogy ==
 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Irimë]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |`| FRF |~|y|~| EAW | |FRF='''FINARFIN'''|EAW=[[Eärwen]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | FRD | | ANG | | AEG | | GAL | | |FRD=[[Finrod]]|ANG=[[Angrod]]|AEG=[[Aegnor]]|GAL=[[Galadriel]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
Finarfin was called [[Finrod Felagund|Finrod]] in earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], and his son was named '''Inglor Felagund'''. As such he appears in the 1st edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as Finrod. This was changed in later editions, but not all references to '''Inglor''' were removed, since in the later version, it is probably the Sindarin version of '''Ingalaurë'''. (see [[Gildor Inglorion]]).

== Notes ==
# [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] appears as one of Finarfin's sons in the published ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. In [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] writings, however, he clearly marked as [[Angrod]]'s son. [[Christopher Tolkien]], the editor of ''The Silmarillion'', later admitted the mistake.
{{sequence
|prev=[[Finwë]]
|next=none; presumably living
|list=1st [[High King of the Noldor]] (in Valinor) c. YT 1495 - onwards
}}
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[de:Finarfin]]
[[fi:Finarfin]]

Meriadoc Brandybuck

2009-12-06T20:01:41Z

76.21.147.26: /* History */

{{sources}}
{{hobbit
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|300px]]
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| othernames=Merry, the Magnificent, [[Kalimac Brandagamba]] (his true [[Westron]] name)
| birth= Early in the year [[Third Age 2982|S.R. 1382]]
| death=Sometime between S.R. 1486-1495
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] [[Esmeralda Took]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| gender= Male
| height= Taller than average Hobbit
| hair= Brown
| eyes=
}}
{{quote|You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.|Merry, ''[[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''}}

'''Meriadoc Brandybuck''', called '''The Magnificent''', was a [[Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]]. Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and eventually became the Master there.

==History==
Meriadoc was a part of and apparently led the [[Conspirators]], a group of Frodo's friends (namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]], and himself) who sought to protect him (and [[One Ring|the Ring]]). Eventually, they revealed themselves to him, and demanded to be taken along when Frodo left [[Crickhollow]]. Merry had already arranged for provisions and ponies, so they were able to start right away.

During the following trip to [[Bree]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits, and with them encountered [[Old Man Willow]], a [[Barrow-wight]], and [[Tom Bombadil]].

Upon reaching [[Bree]], Merry had an encounter with the [[Black Riders]], and bravely followed them until he passed out from exposure to the [[Black Breath]]. During the trip through the wild with [[Aragorn]], then known as Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others. After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.

After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].

At the gate of [[Moria]], he was commended by [[Gandalf]] for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was hardly his fault). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well running ahead with Pippin. When they reached Lothelorien, he was allowed to sleep in a talan with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Comapny, went blindfolded into the Woods of Lorien in a show of support for Gimli, who had to be blindfolded due to being a dwarf.

After the Breaking of the Fellowship Merry and Pippin tried to distract the orcs from Frodo, but ended up being cornered. Boromir came to their rescue, but the number of the Uruk-hai were too many and eventually he was felled by their leader, Ugluk. Captured with Pippin by [[Uruk-hai]], they were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking they had the One Ring, and he could have it. During the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]] they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]], meeting [[Treebeard]]. They thus became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn Forest. They were present at the [[Entmoot]], and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]].

While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]]. Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted. "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".

Merry was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far. Merry was disappointed until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse. In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.

During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea. However, Dernhelm's steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]]. Affected by the [[Black Breath]], Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden -- who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king -- defying the Nazgûl. He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece. After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king to protect her. He stabbed the Witch-king through the calf with the [[Daggers_of_Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He fainted as Éowyn finished off the Witch-king with a thrust into the head.

Almost killed by the Black Breath, he was revived with Éowyn by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]]. Because of his condition he was unable to go to the [[Battle of the Morannon]], but attended afterwards the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly. Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift.

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]]. He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and lived to be [[Master of Buckland]]. He lived to a ripe old age, coming down to Rohan (presumably after the death of his wife [[Estella Bolger]]) at the request of King Éomer, having lived 102 years. After the King died, he went to Gondor with his likewise aging friend Pippin, where they both died several years later, and were laid in [[Rath Dínen]]. It was said that they were laid beside [[Aragorn II | King Elessar]] upon his death.

==Character==

He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ringbearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo]], Frodo's uncle, actually use the [[One Ring]]. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.

He can easily be recognized as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by [[Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'. He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.

{{:Brandybuck Family}}

==Inspiration==
''Meriadoc'' (also spelled ''Meriadek'') was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the house of [[Rohan]].<ref> [[Mark T. Hooker]], [[The Hobbitonian Anthology]], p. 57</ref> Tolkien himself comments on the ''Celtic cast'' of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in –ac, -ic, -oc. <ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptions==
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Merry is provided by [[Michael Collins]].<ref name="RT1672">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, [[November 25]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Pat Franklyn]].

'''1980: ''[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Casey Kasem]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The part of Merry is portrayed by [[Richard O'Callaghan]].

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:[[Matthew Morgan]] provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil''.

'''2001-3: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]]. Many book-readers believe that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "Conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was frequently a bumbler who had no idea what he was getting into.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Quinton Flynn]]. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, allthough the "[[Three is Company|three]]" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the [[Green Dragon Inn]], and he and Pippin ans Sam are not seen again until [[Bamfurlong]].
{{fellowship}}

{{references}}

[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

Bats

2009-12-02T22:39:02Z

76.21.147.26: /*Bats*/

'''Bats''' were flying creatures of the night, traditionally associated with the forces of [[Morgoth]] and of [[Sauron]]. They were most famous in [[Middle-earth]] for taking the part of the [[Goblins]] during the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Their old name is flittermouse(pl.flittermice).

[[Category:Mammals]]
[[de:Fledermäuse]]
[[fi:Lepakot]]

Dagor Aglareb

2009-11-29T00:48:43Z

76.21.147.26: /* Battle */

{{battle
| name= Dagor Aglareb
| image=[[Image:angband_aglareb.jpg|300px]]
| conflict= [[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date= [[First Age 75|F.A. 75]]
| place= [[Beleriand]]
| result= Decisive victory for the Noldor
| side1= Noldorin forces from [[Hithlum]], [[Himring]], [[Nargothrond]], and elsewhere in Beleriand
| side2= Morgoth forces of [[Angband]]
| commanders1=
{{Fingolfin blazon}}
{{Maedhros blazon}}
{{Finrod blazon}}
* [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]]
* [[Angrod]]
* [[Aegnor]]
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}}
| forces1= Noldorin armies, probably in the tens of thousands
| forces2= As many as 100,000 [[Orcs]] and other creatures as well
| casual1= Light
| casual2= Virtually total
|}}

The '''Dagor Aglareb''' was the third battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]], also known as the '''Glorious Battle'''.
==History==
===Prelude===
After the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] the [[Noldor]] of [[Beleriand]] had wasted their chance to destroy [[Morgoth]]'s forces quickly, and instead had been building their numerous realms and establishing contacts with the [[Sindar]].

===Battle===
As the [[Ered Engrin]] spewed forth fire, Morgoth sent forth numerous small bands of [[Orcs]], which passed through the [[Pass of Sirion]] in the west and [[Maglor's Gap]] in the east. Fighting small battles along the way, they penetrated deep in West and [[East Beleriand]], where they were destroyed by southern forces of the Noldor and [[Elves]] under [[Círdan]] of the Falas. In the east, [[Maedhros]], Maglor and their brothers hunted down other roving bands of Orcs as they penetrated [[Maglor's Gap]] and operated in Ossiriand.

[[Thingol]] refused to march besides the sons of [[Feanor]], and thus no help came from [[Doriath]]. The [[Laiquendi]] of [[Ossiriand]] fought no more battles after their leader had been killed in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]], and they also played no part in the current struggle.

Meanwhile, the main force of the Orcs spewed forth from [[Angband]] across the plains to the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], where the brothers [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] held them off. Soon armies under [[Fingolfin]] and [[Maedhros]] counter-attacked on the plains of [[Lothlann]] and [[Ard-galen]], from both east and west. The Orc armies were caught between the hammer and anvil of the two elven forces, with most of the Orcs being destroyed, and the remnant retreating towards Angband. The Noldor pursued them, and utterly destroyed what remained of their enemies within sight of the peaks of [[Thangorodrim]].

=== Aftermath===

This was the first complete victory over Morgoth, and after it the Noldor maintained a close guard on Angband, beginning the period of watchful peace known as the [[Siege of Angband]]. This siege lasted some 400 years, but it could never be a complete investment because of the impassable [[Iron Mountains]] on the northern flank of Morgoth's fortress.

== References ==

* [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Return of the Noldor]]"

{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]
[[de:Dagor Aglareb]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor_aglareb]]
[[fi:Dagor Aglareb]]

Maedhros

2009-11-29T00:45:50Z

76.21.147.26: /* History */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Maedhros.jpg|250px]]
| name=Maedhros
| quenya=[[fn]] ''[[Nelyafinwë]]'' ([[mn]] ''[[Maitimo]]''; also ''[[Russandol]]'')
| titles=Eldest of the [[Sons of Fëanor]], the Tall
| birth=c. [[Years of the Trees 1234|Y.T. 1234]], [[Tirion]]
| realm=[[March of Maedhros]]
| death=[[First Age 583|F.A. 583]]
| age=3100+
| parentage=[[Fëanor]] + [[Nerdanel]]
| spouse=None
| children=
| gender=Male
| hair=(Dark) red
| ref=''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', ''[[The Silmarillion]]''
|}}
'''Maedhros''' was one of the princes of the [[Noldor]] and was eldest of the [[Sons of Fëanor]].

==History==

After the banishment of [[Fëanor]] from [[Tirion]] in [[Valinor]] he went with his father to [[Formenos]]. When [[Morgoth]] killed Finwë and stole Fëanor's beloved [[Silmarils]], Maedhros was the first son to take the terrible [[Oath of Fëanor]] to recover the holy jewels.

The Oath took Maedhros, his father and his brothers to Middle-earth during the First Age where they established realms in exile, waged war against the armies of Morgoth, fought their own [[Elvish]] kind, and eventually brought ruin upon their House.
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Maedhros Casts Himself into a Chasm.jpg|thumb|left|''Maedhros Casts Himself into a Chasm'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

Shortly after the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] in which Fëanor was killed, Maedhros was captured by Morgoth and hung by the wrist of his right hand upon the face of a precipice of [[Thangorodrim]]. In a daring rescue, his cousin [[Fingon]], helped by [[Thorondor]] the King of Eagles, saved him from torment but he had to cut off Maedhros's hand to release him from the shackle. In gratitude for this, and in atonement for Feanor's desertion of Fingon's house, Maedhros relenquished all claim as the heir of Finwë and made his uncle [[Fingolfin]], Fingon's father, [[High King of the Noldor]], something his brothers did not like.

Seeing that his brothers were likely to cause feuds with their kinsmen, Maedhros moved them out of [[Hithlum]], and later ruled the lands around the [[Hill of Himring]], which became known as the [[March of Maedhros]]. Allied with Fingolfin, he won the battle of [[Dagor Aglareb]], and, thanks to his daring deeds during the [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Himring]] stood while many other elven realms fell.

Hearing words of deeds of [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], he took hope and gathered his brothers and united with other Elven Houses to create the [[Union of Maedhros]], an alliance to lay siege to Morgoth's fortress of [[Angband]]. The Union and the siege was utterly broken after the defeat in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. Himring was garrisoned by [[Orcs]].

Maedhros had learned that [[Elwing]] of [[Doriath]], granddaughter of Lúthien and Beren, had inherited the Silmaril that they had recovered from Morgoth. Still driven by the Oath, he allowed his brother [[Celegorm]] to convince him to attack Doriath. Celegorm, [[Caranthir]], and [[Curufin]] were slain by Beren's son, [[Dior Eluchíl]], the King of Doriath, who was in-turn slain by them. Dior's sons, [[Eluréd]] and [[Elurín]], were captured and abandoned by Celegorm's servants in the forest, leading Maedhros to search for the innocent youths. After learning that Elwing had survived, he and his surviving brothers descended with an army upon the remnants of the people of Doriath living in the [[Havens of Sirion]]. The Noldorin princes killed many Elves, and Amrod(along with Amras in some versions) was killed. Maedhros and Maglor captured Elwing's sons [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] in the sack, but she and her husband [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] escaped to the [[Aman|West]] with the jewel.

After the [[War of Wrath]], he and his last surviving brother, [[Maglor]] stole the two remaining Silmarils taken by the [[Valar]] from Morgoth. But because of the evil deeds committed by the brothers to regain the jewels, they burned in Maglor's and Maedhros's hands. Unable to bear the suffering, Maedhros cast himself and the Silmaril he carried into a fiery chasm in the Earth.

== Etymology ==

Maedhros' [[father-name]] was ''[[Nelyafinwë]]'', meaning "Finwë the Third", shorter form ''Nelyo'', as his grandfather and father both shared the name ''Finwë''. ''[[Nelya]]'' is a [[Quenya]] adjective that means "third". His [[mother-name]] was ''[[Maitimo]]'', "Well-shaped One", for he was noted for his comeliness. His [[epessë]] was ''[[Russandol]]'', "Copper-top", referring to the dark red hair he inherited from his grandfather [[Mahtan]]. It is derived from ''[[russa]]'', a Quenya adjective meaning "red-haired". The name Maedhros is [[Sindarin]], and is said to mean "Pale-glitter" in ''[[The Etymologies]]''. It is formed by the adding up the [[Noldorin]] ''[[maidh]]'', meaning "pale", "fallow" or "fawn" and archaic Noldorin form ''[[rhoss]]'', which translates as "flash", "glitter of metal". However, in ''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', note# 65, the Sindarin form Maedhros is explained as having been derived from a contraction of his mother-name with his epessë (''Mait-'' + ''Rus-'').

== Genealogy ==
 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MHT | | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]|MHT=[[Mahtan]]}}
{{familytree| |`|.| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| MDH | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|MDH='''MAEDHROS'''}}
{{familytree| | | MAG |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CEL | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Irimë]]|CEL=[[Celegorm]]}}
{{familytree| | | CAR |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |CAR=[[Caranthir]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CUR | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]|CUR=[[Curufin]]}}
{{familytree| | | AMD |(| |`|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | |AMD=[[Amrod]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |`| AMR | | CLB | | | | | | | |AMR=[[Amras]]|CLB=[[Celebrimbor]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 

== References ==

* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Return of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Beleriand and Its Realms]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Noldor in Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Ruin of Doriath]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 1]]'', [[Gilfanon's Tale: The Travail of the Noldoli and the Coming of Mankind]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Nauglafring]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Annals of Aman]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Maedhros|Images of Maedhros]]

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]

Éomer

2009-11-25T20:09:04Z

76.21.147.26: /* Struggle against Saruman the White */

{{rohirrim infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Eomer2.jpg|250px]]
| name=Éomer
| othernames= Éomer Éadig
| position=[[King of Rohan]]
| noinline=18
| birth= [[Third Age 2991]]
| rule= [[Third Age 3019]] - [[Fourth Age 63]]
| death= [[Fourth Age 63]], aged 93 years
| gender=Male
| description=6' 6" tall, strong, dark blond hair
| parentage=[[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]
| spouse=[[Lothíriel]]
| children=[[Elfwine]]
|}}
<center>{{quote|Hail, Éomer, King of the Mark!|Rohirrim<ref name="Partings">{{HM|RK}}, "[[Many Partings]]"</ref>}}</center>
'''Éomer''', of the [[House of Eorl]], was the eighteenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], and first of the Third Line. He was the son of [[Théodwyn]], sister of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Éomund]], a Chief Marshal of the Riddermark. After he and his sister [[Éowyn]] were orphaned Théoden adopted them as his own children.<ref name="Appendix A">{{HM|AA}}, "[[Appendix A]] (ii)"</ref>

== History ==

=== Youth ===

Éomer was born in [[Third Age 2991|2991]] as son of [[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]. When he was eleven years old his father was slain by [[Orc]] raiders in the [[Emyn Muil]]. His mother fell ill and died soon after. His uncle [[Théoden]] adopted him and his sister [[Éowyn]] as his own children and they went to live at [[Meduseld]].

Éomer grew strong and tall and became a valiant and skilled warrior and rider. Théoden made him third [[Marshal of the Mark]] and he was in command of the [[East-mark]] like his father. He had his home at [[Aldburg]] in the [[Folde]], one of the oldest towns of Rohan. With his [[Éored]] he defended Rohan mainly against Orcs from [[Mordor]].<ref name="Appendix A">{{HM|AA}}, "[[Appendix A]] (ii)"</ref>

=== Struggle against Saruman the White ===

But Rohans enemies were not only at the borders but also within. [[Gríma Wormtongue]], the King's advisor, was secretly a spy of the wizard [[Saruman]] the White, who dwelled at [[Isengard]] and had become a servant of [[Sauron]]. Gríma in secret worked to weaken Théoden and his kingdom and Théoden fell deeply under his influence. Gríma, however, did not manage to destroy Éomers loyalty to Théoden or his son Théodred, whom Éomer regarded as his brother although he actually was his cousin.

In the summer of [[Third Age 3018|3018]] [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]], son of [[Denethor II]], crossed Rohan on his way to [[Rivendell]]. Éomer learned from him about the dream of [[Isildur's Bane]]. On [[September 19]], [[Third Age 3018|3018]] [[Gandalf]] arrived at [[Edoras]] and warned Théoden of the threat from Saruman. But Théoden, under Grima's influence, told him to take any horse and go. Soon after Gandalf's departure Men, Orcs and Wargs in Saruman's service began to fight openly against the Rohirrim. Saruman claimed lordship over Rohan and blocked the [[Gap of Rohan]].

The chief obstacles to an easy conquest of Rohan by Saruman were now Théodred and Éomer. Therefore Saruman sent out all his fiercest warriors with special orders to slay Théodred at all costs. So it came to the first great battle in the conflict, the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]], on [[February 25]], [[Third Age 3018|3018]]. After untiring assaults on Théodred's position he was finally killed.

The day after the battle Èomer gained knowledge of a troop of Orcs entering Rohan from the east. Although Éomer didn't know that, it were the Orcs that had taken [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Peregrin Took]]. Suspecting an alliance between Saruman and Sauron he wanted to hunt them down. Under the strong influence of Grima Théoden forbade Éomer to pursue the Orcs because Edoras would have been unguarded. But Éomer neglected the order since he already suspected Grima's treachery.

On [[February 27]] he set out with his [[Éored]].<ref name="Appendix B">{{HM|AB}}, "[[Appendix B]]"</ref> At the end of the next day they caught sight of the Orcs at the border of [[Fangorn Forest]]. They surrounded them and remained watchful throughout the night. With several small attacks they weakend the troop till another Orc band from Isengard arrived. But the Rohirrim succeeded in defeating them and surrounded the first troop even closer.
With the first light of the new day the Rohirrim proceeded to attack. They killed all the Orcs and Éomer himself slew their leader [[Ugluk]]. The hobbits meanwhile were able to flee into Fangorn Forest.
Fifteen men and 12 horses didn't survive the assault. They were buried in a mound encircled with fifteen spears.<ref name="Uruk-hai">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Uruk-hai]]"</ref>

On the way back to Edoras the Rohirrim met [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. Éomer demanded their names and business and fighting broke almost out between Gimli and Éomer when Aragorn sprang between them, told Éomer his true name and showed him his sword, [[Anduril]]. Éomer now listened to their journey's story and learned about the losses of [[Gandalf]], [[Boromir]] and the two young hobbits. Although he was counteracting the law of Rohan he lent them two horses, [[Hasufel]] and [[Arod]], and asked them to prove his trust by bringing them back to Edoras.<ref name="Riders">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>

Back in Edoras Éomer threatened Gríma because of his advances on Éowyn. But Grìma arrested him and accused him of breaking the law because he had pursued the Orcs and had allowed strangers to roam freely without Théoden's permission.

[[Image:John Howe - Helms Deep.jpg|thumb|left|500px|''Helms Deep by [[John Howe]]'']]
Éomer was released when Gandalf had freed Théoden from the influence of Gríma. He was delighted to see that his king was recovering quickly from his weakness and was calling him sister-son again. Now Grima's treachery was revealed and only owing to Gandalf's intervening he was not killed but expelled from the [[Golden Hall]]. Théoden, now realizing the situation, decided to lead the Rohirrim into battle against Saruman instantly. The Three Hunters and Gandalf accompanied them when they left Edoras the same day.<ref name="King">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"</ref>

The following day they met the scout [[Ceorl]] who had been sent out by [[Erkenbrand]] to warn Éomer. He was surprised to come across King Théoden's army riding north and brought news that Saruman had let loose his forces and that the Rohirrim had been forced to retreat across the Isen with great losses. These tidings caused Théoden to reconsider his strategy. After consultation with Gandalf he decided to ride to join Erkenbrand at [[Helm's Deep]] while the wizard left them saying that he would meet them there.

They arrived at Helm's Deep on the night of [[March 3]] and Éomer oversaw the preparations for the great battle. In the middle of the night the siege began and when battering rams attacked the gates Éomer and Aragorn led a sortie through a passage on the side of the Hornburg that drove the enemies threatening the doors away. In the course of this Gimli saved Éomer's life when he killed two Orcs who had ambushed Éomer. The battle continued throughout the night and ever more attackers scaled the walls with large ladders. Aragorn and Éomer had to repeatedly move the defenders, who were getting weary, to repel the Orcs. With the help of a device of Saruman's the Orcs caused an explosion under the wall that made a wide hole in it. From then on the attackers could not be stopped an the defenders were separated. Éomer and Gimli retrEated to the [[Glittering Caves]] whereas Aragorn and Legolas defended the Hornburg.

The battle seemed lost when at dawn Gandalf returned with Erkenbrand and 1000 riders from the Westfold. Together they drove the enemies out of the deep and into a mysterious forest that had sprung up during the night and swallowed the Orcs for ever.<ref name="Deep">{{HM|RK}}, "[[Helm's Deep]]"</ref>

After the end of the battle Éomer accompanied his king to Isengard.<ref name="Road">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Road to Isengard]]"</ref> There they met Saruman who tried to enthrall Théoden with his magic voice. But both Éomer and Théoden saw through him and his dark designs. Théoden said that Rohan would have no peace until Saruman and his works had perished. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order of Wizards and the [[White Council]].<ref name="Voice">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"</ref>

=== The Battle of the Pelennor Fields ===

On [[March 5]] the company set out to Helm's Deep. While they rested in the night Pippin took the [[Palantíri|palantir]] of Orthanc from the sleeping Gandalf, looked in it and was confronted by Sauron. Knowing the peril Pippin was in Gandalf said farewell to the others and departed with Pippin towards Minas Tirith.<ref name="Palantir">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Palantír]]"</ref> The Three Hunters and the Rohirrim continued their journey towards Helm's Deep where they arrived on [[March 6]]. Now Aragorn looked into the palantir and revealed himself to Sauron. What he saw made him decide to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Éomer was afraid of never seeing him again but Aragorn predicted that they "might meet again, though all the hosts of Mordor should stand between." and set out.<ref name="Passing">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"</ref>

Éomer accompanied his king to the muster of Dunharrow where he met his sister Éowyn again. Then the Red Arrow of Gondor which requested Rohan's aid was brought by a messenger and the Rohhirim set out in great haste to Minas Tirith.<ref name="Muster">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Muster of Rohan]]"</ref> They used narrow mountain paths and on [[March 13]] reached Drúadan Forest where they met [[Ghan-buri-Ghan]] the chief of the Drúedain. He agreed to lead the Rohirrim by a secret road past the Orc hosts that laid siege to Minas Tirith.

[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|400px|''The Battle of the Pelennor Fields by [[Perkan Pickman]]'']]
So the Rohirrim arrived on the battleground of the [[Pelennor Fields]] at dawn on [[March 15]]. Éomer led the first Éored that should follow the king's banner in the centre.<ref name="Ride">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"</ref> The Rohirrim were strong and filled with wrath and many enemies were slain. The Rohirrim went hither and thither at their will and so Éomer was only brought to Théoden when the king was already mortally wounded. Before his death Théoden hailed Éomer as King of the Mark and Éomer and those who stood by wept. When Éomer recognized Éowyn lying nearby a cold fury rose in him and without taking counsel or waiting for the approach of the men of the City he ran across the field slaying the enemies he saw.

But soon fortune turned against Éomer and he and his men were encircled. Just in time came the aid of the horsemen of Gondor among them [[Hirluin|Hirluin of the Green Hills]] and [[Imrahil]] prince of [[Dol Amroth]] came. But ever more enemies came from [[Osgiliath]] and when the black ships of the [[Corsairs]] came up the [[Anduin]] the battle seemed lost. Éomer rallied the Rohirrim for a last fight against the Corsairs when he realized the standard of Aragorn unfurling on the first ship.

The enemies fled when they saw that their own ship were filled with foes and so Éomer met Aragorn in the middle of the battlefield as Aragorn had predicted.<ref name="Pelennor">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"</ref>

The battle ended in victory and Éomer learned that Éowyn was not dead but lay gravely ill in the [[Houses of Healing]]. He also learned that the contact with the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Lord of the Nazgul]] was not the only reason for her sickness but that also her despair had worsened it. Aragorn managed to heal Éowyn and she awoke at her brother's call. Meriadoc Brandybuck was also healed and Éomer made him a Knight of the Riddermark in return for his aid for Éowyn and Théoden.<ref name="Healing">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Houses of Healing]]"</ref>

The next day Éomer took part in the debate of the Captains of the West. There Gandalf told that their hope now lay with Frodo Baggins and Sam Gamgee, who had gone to Mordor to destroy the One Ring wrought by Sauron. Gandalf councelled that they should ride to the [[Black Gate]] in order to force Sauron to empty his land and to give the Ring-bearers their only chance. Aragorn agreed and Éomer decided to follow his friend in return for his aid in their time of need.<ref name="Debate">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Last Debate]]"</ref>

On [[March 18]] the Host of the West, Gandalf, the Three Hunters and Éomer among them, set out towards the Black Gate. They arrived there on [[March 25]] and withstood the forces of the enemy until the Ring was destroyed and Sauron and his servants and works perished.<ref name="Gate">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"</ref>

After the great victory Aragorn set up his camp on the [[Field of Cormallen]] in [[North Ithilien]] and Éomer took part in the celebrations there.<ref name="Cormallen">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Field of Cormallen]]"</ref>
Together with the other Captains of the West he returned to Minas Tirith and attended the coronation of Aragorn on [[May 1]]. A week later he set out to Rohan with Éowyn for there was much to organize and to set in order. Before his departure he renewed the [[Oath of Eorl]] for Aragorn and both swore everlasting friendship between Rohan and Gondor.<ref name="Steward">{{HM|RK}}, "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Éomer returned in July and brought Théoden's body back to Edoras. On [[August 10]] there the funeral of Théoden took place and Éomer announced the betrothal of Eowyn to Faramir, the Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien. When the feast was over Éomer took leave of the guests and named Merry Holdwine, "loyal friend," of the Mark.<ref name="Partings">{{HM|RK}}, "[[Many Partings]]"</ref>

===King of the Mark===
But though Sauron had perished the King of the West had many enemies to destroy before the White Tree could grow in peace. So Éomer often fulfilled the Oath of Eorl and went with King Elessar far into the East and South of Middle-earth. He was known as '''Éomer Éadig''', or "the Blessed", because during his reign Rohan recovered from the hurts of the War and became a rich and fruitful land again. He wedded Princess [[Lothíriel]], daughter of Prince [[Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]], whom he had met during his stay in Gondor and she bore him a son [[Elfwine]] the Fair.<ref name="Appendix A">{{HM|AA}}, "[[Appendix A]] (ii)"</ref>

In [[Fourth Age 63]] Éomer asked his Knight Merry Brandybuck to visit him one last time. Both Merry and his friend Pippin came to Rohan and stayed for a while. In the autumn of that year, King Éomer died and his son Elfwine the Fair became King of Rohan. King Éomer had reigned for 65 years, longer than any other King of Rohan save Aldor the Old.<ref name="Appendix B">{{HM|AB}}, "[[Appendix B]]"</ref>

== Personality ==

He was tall, strong and possessed of great passion and also was considered a valiant and splendid warrior and a discerning and decent man. Éomer became a great, wise and skilled warrior and rider. In a note written well after the initial publication of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien gave Éomer's height as "of like height with [[Aragorn]]", due to his grandmother [[Morwen Steelsheen]], who was of [[Númenórean]] descent.<ref name="RC367">[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', page 367</ref> Aragorn's height has in a similar fashion been revealed as 6 foot and 6 inches,<ref name="RC229">[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', page 229</ref>

== Weapon ==

Éomer's sword was called [[Gúthwinë]], which is [[Old English]] for "battle-friend".

== Etymology ==

His name is likely derived from the Anglo-Saxon words ''eoh'' ("war-horse"), and ''mere'', ("grand, excellent, famous").

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<gallery>
Image:Eomer from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center>''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]''</center>
Image:Karl Urban as Eomer.jpg|<center>''[[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]''</center>
</gallery>
'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The part of Éomer is played by [[Noel Johnson]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Éomer is shown slaying [[Uglúk]]'s band of Orcs, and later at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], where he took the place of [[Erkenbrand]]. He does not have any lines, nor is any animation superimposed over the rotoscoped live-action.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Matthew Locricchio]] plays Éomer.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'', "[[The Search for the Hobbits]]"</ref> He is portrayed as the son of [[Théoden]], rather than the sister-son.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'', "[[The White Rider (1979 episode)|The White Rider]]"</ref>

'''1980: ''[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]'':'''
:After the death of Théoden, an unnamed character leads the Rohirrim to the [[Black Gate]]. It could be Éomer, though this is unconfirmed.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Éomer is portrayed by [[Anthony Hyde]]. He is imprisoned at the request of [[Gríma Wormtongue]], but after the latters removal from [[Edoras]], he proudly serves beside his uncle in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]].

'''2002: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Éomer is played by [[Karl Urban]]. He is explicitly exiled by [[Gríma]], and an outcast and renegade until he arrives at Helm's Deep, summoned by [[Gandalf]]. Like [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s film, Éomer replaced [[Erkenbrand]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Éomer is a hero unit for the [[Rohan]]-faction. His shouts are voiced by [[Chris Edgerly]].

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Éomer|Images of Éomer]]
{{references}}

{{sequence
|prev=[[Théoden]]
|next=[[Elfwine]]
|list=18th [[King of Rohan]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 63
}}

[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Rulers of Rohan]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

Finrod

2009-11-25T00:16:51Z

76.21.147.26: /* Life in Beleriand */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Anna Lee - Finrod.jpg|250px]]
| name=Finrod Felagund
| quenya=[[fn]] ([[Telerin]]) ''[[Findaráto]]'' ([[Noldorin]]) ''Artafinde'' ([[mn]] ''[[Ingoldo]])''
| titles=Lord of [[Nargothrond]]
| birth=1300 [[Years of the Trees]]
| realm=[[Nargothrond]]
| death=[[First Age 465|F.A. 465]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]
| age=2,500 years
| gender=Male
| parentage=[[Finarfin]] + [[Eärwen]]
| spouse=Lover of [[Amarië]]
| children=None
| hair=Golden
| ref=''[[The Silmarillion]]''
|}}
'''Finrod''' was an Elven king of the [[Noldor]], eldest son of [[Finarfin]], brother to [[Angrod]], [[Aegnor]] and [[Galadriel]], and ruler of [[Nargothrond]]. Finrod was like his father in his fair face and golden hair, and also in noble and generous heart.
== History ==
=== The Return of the Noldor ===
Finrod was among those who opposed [[Fëanor]] and the oath. However when the Noldor were set to depart from [[Aman]], he also joined them, for he would not be sundered from his friends and his people who were eager to go. Finrod along with his father led the rear of the host along with many of the noblest and wisest of the Noldor; and often they looked behind them to see their fair city, especially Finrod for he had to leave behind his beloved, [[Amarië]] of the [[Vanyar]].

Finrod and his people did not participate in the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]. While they were travelling up the coast of [[Araman]], the [[Vala]] [[Mandos]] appeared and pronounced the [[Doom of the Noldor]], and in that hour Finarfin forsook the march and returned to [[Valinor]] with many of his people. But Finrod and his siblings went forward still and led their people on the long and perilous march to [[Middle-earth]].

=== Life in Beleriand ===
After their victory in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]], the Noldor started building their numerous realms. Finrod established the tower of [[Minas Tirith in Beleriand|Minas Tirith]] on the island of [[Tol Sirion]]. Once while journeying southward along the river [[Sirion]], Finrod and his friend [[Turgon]] son of [[Fingolfin]] encamped upon its banks. And [[Ulmo]] coming up the river laid a deep sleep upon them and heavy dreams; and it seemed to each that he was bidden to prepare for a day of evil, and to establish a retreat, lest [[Morgoth]] should burst from [[Angband]] and overthrow the armies of the North.

Now on a time Finrod and his sister [[Galadriel]] were guests of King [[Elu Thingol]] their kinsman in [[Doriath]]. There Finrod told Thingol of his admiration for the halls of [[Menegroth]]; and Thingol spoke to him of the deep gorge of the river [[Narog]]. Thingol told him about the caves under the [[High Faroth]] in its deep western shore. Thus Finrod came to the Caverns of [[Narog]] and established there deep halls and armouries; and that stronghold was called [[Nargothrond]]. In this he was aided by the [[Dwarves]] of the [[Blue Mountains]], and Finrod rewarded them with many jewels from Valinor. And in that time was made for him the [[Nauglamír]], the Necklace of the Dwarves. After Nargothrond was made Finrod committed Minas Tirith to the keeping of [[Orodreth]] his nephew.

=== Encounter with Men ===
When three hundred years and more had passed since the Noldor came to Beleriand, Finrod Felagund lord of Nargothrond journeyed east of Sirion and went hunting with [[Maglor]] and [[Maedhros]] sons of Feanor. But he wearied of the hunt and passed on alone towards the mountains of [[Ered Lindon]]. There in the lands of [[Thargelion]] in [[East Beleriand]] Finrod was first of the Noldor to come across [[Men]]. These were the kindred and followers of [[Bëor]] [[The Old]]. He went among them while they were sleeping and picking up a harp which Bëor had laid aside played music upon it such as the ears of men had not heard. When the men awoke and listened to his song, each thought that he was in some fair dream. He long stayed with them, learning their language ([[Taliska]]) and teaching them [[Sindarin]]. He also intervened on behalf of the [[Laiquendi]] of [[Ossiriand]], who feared Men would destroy their home, and he got permission of [[Thingol]], who held rule over all [[Beleriand]], to guide the Men to [[Estolad]].

Finrod had a close friendship with [[Andreth]] of the [[House of Bëor]], whom he often visited during the [[Siege of Angband]] to converse with her on the matters of Elves and Men. One such conversation was written down and later known as ''[[Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth]]''.

[[Barahir son of Bregor|Barahir]] of the [[House of Bëor]] saved Felagund's life at the [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame"), and Finrod swore an oath of abiding friendship and aid in every need to Barahir and all his kin, he gave him his ring, which became known as the [[Ring of Barahir]].

=== Quest for the Silmaril ===
When, years later, Barahir's son [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] came to Nargothrond seeking help, Finrod went with him on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]] to repay his debt. [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], who were living in Nargothrond at the time, persuaded (using barely veiled threats related to their [[Oath of Fëanor|Oath]]) most of Nargothrond to stay behind; only ten warriors, headed by one [[Edrahil]], were faithful and came with them. Beneath the [[Shadowy Mountains]] they came upon a company of [[Orcs]], and slew them all in their camp. They took their gear and weapons and by the magic of Finrod their own forms and faces were changed to the likeness of Orcs. Thus disguised they came far upon their northward road between [[Ered Wethrin]] and the highlands of [[Taur-nu-Fuin]]. However the twelve were captured and imprisoned by [[Sauron]] on [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] ("Isle of Werewolves"). Thus befell the contest of Finrod and Sauron. Finrod strove with Sauron in songs of power, and the power of the Elven King was very great but in the end Sauron had the mastery. It is told in the [[Lay of Leithian]]:

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
He chanted a song of wizardry,
Of piercing, opening, of treachery,
Revealing, uncovering, betraying.
Then sudden Felagund there swaying
sang in answer a song of staying,
Resisting, battling against power,
Of secrets kept, strength like a tower,
And trust unbroken, freedom, escape;
Of changing and of shifting shape,
Of snares eluded, broken traps,
The prison opening, the chain that snaps,
Backwards and forwards swayed their song.
Reeling and foundering, as ever more strong
The chanting swelled, Felagund fought,
And all the magic and might he brought,
Of Elvenesse into his words.
Softly in the gloom they heard the birds
Singing afar in Nargothond,
The sighing of the sea beyond,
Beyond the western world, on sand,
On sand of pearls in Elvenland.
Then the gloom gathered; darkness growing
In Valinor, the red blood flowing
Beside the sea, where the Noldor slew
The Foamriders, and stealing drew
Their white ships with their white sails
From lamplit havens. The wind wails,
The wolf howls. The ravens flee.
The ice mutters in the mouths of the sea.
The captives sad in Angband mourn,
Thunder rumbles, the fires burn-
And Finrod fell before the throne.
</poem>

Then Sauron stripped from them their disguise, but though their kinds were revealed, he could not discover their names or their purposes. Then Sauron imprisoned them and one by one they killed by werewolves until only Beren and Felagund were left, but none of the companions betrayed them. And when the werewolf came to kill Beren, Felagund put forth all his power and burst his bonds; and he wrestled with the werewolf, and slew it with his hands and teeth. Yet he himself was wounded to the death, and he died in the dark, in Tol-in-Gaurhoth, whose great tower he himself had built. Thus King Finrod Felagund, the fairest and most beloved of the house of [[Finwë]], redeemed his oath.

=== Reincarnation ===
Because of Finrod's noble actions in life, and his reluctance to journey to Middle-earth, he was reincarnated after only a short time. He and [[Glorfindel]] were the only elves who were known to have been reincarnated before the [[War of Wrath]]. It is noted in the ''Lay of Leithian'' that Finrod was soon allowed to return to life in Valinor, and "now dwells with Amarië", so they probably were wed later. It is also noted in [[The Silmarillion]] that "''Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in [[Eldamar]]''".

== Etymology ==
The name Finrod is the Sindarin form of his [[father-name]] '''''Findaráto''''' ("[Golden-]Haired Champion"). His [[mother-name]] was '''''Ingoldo''''' ("The Noldo", singular for [[Noldor]]) or the name can also mean 'one-eminent of the kindred' which is in simpler words 'the wise.' '''''Felagund''''' was an [[epessë]] given to him by the [[Dwarves]] that expanded the caves of Nargothrond, and meant "Hewer of Caves". It is not Sindarin, but rather Sindarized [[Khuzdul]], from '''''Felakgundu'''''.

Finrod was also called '''''Nóm''''' ("Wisdom") by [[Bëor]] and his [[House of Bëor|people]]. His other titles include "King of Nargothrond", "Lord of Nargothrond", and "[[Friend-of-Men]]" which in elvish was Edennil and Atandil, [[Sindarin]] and [[Quenya]] respectively.

== Genealogy ==
<code>
[[Finarfin]] = [[Eärwen]]
|
___________________|_____________________
| | | |
| | | |
'''FINROD''' [[Angrod]] = [[Eldalótë]] [[Aegnor]] [[Galadriel]]
|
|
[[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]]
|
|
[[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]]
</code>

== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
In earlier versions of the Middle-earth myths (see: [[The History of Middle-earth]]), and in the first edition of [[The Lord of the Rings]], the name '''Finrod''' was given to the character later known as Finarfin. Finrod Felagund was then named '''[[Inglor Felagund]]'''. Because of that, some people speculate that Gildor Inglorion was Finrod's son, but there is much evidence to the contrary (see: [[Gildor Inglorion]]).

In the published ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Orodreth is Finrod's brother: this was an editorial decision by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and an admitted mistake. Orodreth was actually the son of Angrod and thus Finrod's nephew.

== References ==
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]''
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''
* ''[[The Lays of Beleriand]]''

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Finrod Felagund|Images of Finrod Felagund]]

[[Category:High Elves]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[de:Finrod]]
[[fi:Finrod]]

User:Amroth/Screenplays/Fall of Gondolin

2009-11-22T19:25:08Z

76.21.147.26:

The '''Fall of Gondolin''' screenplay is an attempt to turn [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s ''The [[Fall of Gondolin]]'' into a film script. The Fall of [[Gondolin]] is, next to the story of [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] (''see [[Lay of Leithian screenplay]]'') and possibly the [[Narn i Chîn Húrin]] (''see [[Narn i Chîn Húrin screenplay]]''), considered the most adaptable of Tolkien's writings to screen. This project will also cover the coming of [[Tuor]]. To aide in this project, see the [[Talk:Fall of Gondolin screenplay|Talk page]] above.

==Dramatis Personae==

<poem>
'''TUOR (TUOR)''' – a young man, looking noble but slightly wild
'''IDRIL (IDR.)''' – an elf maiden, appearance of youth, long golden hair
'''TURGON (TUR.)''' – an elf-king, tall, proud, regally dressed but not glamorously
'''ULMO (ULMO)''' – a Vala, tall, blue-green, reflecting the properties of the Sea
'''VORONWË (VOR.)''' – an elf-mariner, quiet, reflective, and yet a touch of youth
'''EÄRENDIL, young (EDL.)''' – a young boy, appearing between five and ten
'''EÄRENDIL, older (EAR)''' – a handsome young man, yet solemn of face
'''ECTHELION (ECT.)''' – a tall, brave, but stern elf-lord
'''GLORFINDEL (GFD.)''' – a brave, golden-haired, merry elf-lord
'''ROG (ROG)''' – a misshapen, scarred elf; good-hearted
'''GALDOR (GAL.)''' – a cheerful but fierce elf-lord
'''DUILIN (DLN.)''' - a tall, thin, athletic elf-lord
'''MAEGLIN (MAG.)''' – a young, ambitious but somewhat cold elf
'''EGALMOTH (EGM.)''' – tall, handsome, fiery elf-lord
'''LORGAN (LOR.)''' – Cruel Easterling captain
'''WHIP-MASTER (WHM.)''' – Easterling slave-driver
'''MORGOTH(MOR)-A fallen Vala'''
'''GOTHMOG(GOT)-A Balrog'''

'''BLACK SCREEN'''

DOORS OPEN DIRECTLY AHEAD, letting in WHITE LIGHT… TURGON IS FRAMED IN DOORWAY OF VINYAMAR'''

'''ULMO (VO)''' Thou hast found thy exile, Turgon King.

TURGON (face hidden) LEANS over TABLET to place down ARMOR upon it, one piece at a time.

'''ULMO (VO)''' The Noldor forsook their land of happiness. Even now thou must flee the realms of the West, and come to the place to which I will bring thee. Morgoth shall search for thee.

'''TURGON moves his hand over FISH-MAIL'''.

'''ULMO (VO)''' But he shall not find thee, until I send my messenger to thee. He shall wear this armor which thou art to put to rest in the halls of Vinyamar. Thou shalt build a city in hiding, greater than any other city wrought by the hands of the Elves.

'''TURGON TURNS away to leave, heading for the DOORS OF VINYAMAR.

''''''ULMO (VO)''' Thou shalt call it Gondolin.

'''DOORS OF VINYAMAR CLOSE, SCREEN GOES BLACK'''

'''MUSIC STARTS. FADE IN image of MOUNTAINS OF MITHRIM'''

'''SUPER: THE WHITE CITADEL: The Fall of Gondolin'''

'''EAGLE PASSES OVERHEAD, ANGLE BELOW to EASTERLING ENCAMPMENT'''

'''WHM''' [''Walking through camp, SHIFT to inside tent, flap opens to let WHM enter''] You there, the Master wants you, now.

'''TUOR YAWNS, RISES from BED BESIDE DOGS, and FOLLOWS WHIP-MASTER through CAMP to LORGAN’S TENT. SHIFT to inside TENT, where LORGAN SITS at DESK with AIDE. ENTER WHM and TUOR'''

'''LOR''' Ah, there you are, slave. Whip-master, leave us.

'''WHIP-MASTER BOWS and EXITS'''.

'''LOR''' I have been informed of your conduct. You are taller and stronger than the other slaves. I treat those well who can work. You are of the royal house of the thrice-accursed strawhead Hador, are you not?

'''TUOR''' I am, master.

'''LOR''' You were captured three years ago in the company of the outlaws. They say you slew half a dozen of my soldiers before they could disarm you. You and six others were brought here, and I gave you the hardest work. Four of you died, but you and one other survived. Even my Whip-master can give no complaint as to your conduct. I have lightened your load, for I want you to survive. You were only a boy when you are captured, and now I have never had such a worker as you. Therefore I am sending you west with the working crew into the forest. The reason I tell you this is because I want you to be the overseer.

'''TUOR''' I, master?

'''LOR''' I am a generous and benevolent man. I do this for the timber, not to punish. The other slaves trust you, this I know. I believe they shall work twice as fast under your leadership. I am, of course, sending along the usual guard, and you will be under the jurisdiction of the captain. Do well on this assignment, and I shall grant you better next time. You may go.

'''TUOR''' Thank you, master!

'''TUOR BOWS and EXITS. A PAUSE'''.

'''AIDE''' Are you sure this is wise, Lord Lorgan? He is a hard worker. The King cannot touch us out here.

'''LOR''' You would be surprised what the King can do. [''Lifts up a piece of parchment''] The King of the North has sent me a message. Word has come to his ears that one of Hador’s house still exists, in my care. He demands that I send the slave to him, or else dispose of him quickly and quietly. I agree that he has been of great profit to us. But I shall do as the King bids. I will not send the slave to him, but kill him myself. He shall not return from this mission, nor his companion. The Whip-master will do his work thoroughly.

'''AIDE''' Why not kill him here?

'''LOR''' Because, you fool, it might start a slave revolt. No, it is much safer out in the wilderness, and more sure of success.

'''SHIFT TO TUOR WALKING through CAMP. ANNAEL JOINS HIM.'''

'''ANL''' Tuor, why did Lorgan want to see you?

'''TUOR''' He is having me oversee a mission in the west to gather timber. I thought I could get him to trust me.

'''ANL''' I don’t like it, my son. Lorgan surely knows you are a threat to him.

'''TUOR''' A threat, master Annael! How could I be a threat to one of the greatest lords of the Easterlings?

'''ANL''' Because you are the symbol of the hope of Dor-Lómin! We two alone have survived from the original band. To him I am just an old man with some work left in me. But you are young and strong, and though you have acted submissive these three winters, he must know that you cannot be trusted.

'''TUOR''' He is a fool not to. Don’t you see that this is our chance to escape? You’ll surely also be put on the work team, and we can escape together.

'''ANL''' Too risky. Even if he does trust you, he’ll surely put a strict guard around you. We need more time.

'''TUOR''' You raised me to be proud. You were the chief of the outlaws, men who would not submit to the Easterlings after my father died and Dor-Lómin fell. You fostered me. You told me about the hope in the south, and of the Valar and the sea. You told me never to lose hope, never to submit to the invader. I believe our time must surely have come.

'''SHIFT TO SCENES OF TEAM WALKING through the woods. SHIFT TO SLAVES CHOPPING down trees, TREE FALLING. SHIFT TO TUOR CHOPPING FALLEN TRUNK. ANNAEL COMES UP WITH WOOD IN ARMS.'''

'''ANL''' The guards seem more watchful than usual.

'''TUOR''' Well they should be. [''Chops''] Even the Easterlings could not find us if we disappeared into the forest, without dogs. But it is too risky. They are all armed with bows and javelins.

'''ANL''' Have you noticed how we two are the only ones not off cutting down trees? All my senses revolt at this. Be wary.

ANNAEL MOVES ON. TUOR CONTINUES TO CHOP. SHIFT TIME. TUOR PICKS UP cut logs and WALKS toward wagon. SUDDENLY SEES EASTERLING lift up JAVELIN and HURL it at ANNAEL. TUOR SHOUTS, ANNAEL TURNS and receives the javelin in his side.

'''TUOR''' No!

'''TUOR LIFTS UP AXE, dropping logs, and ATTACKS EASTERLINGS. BATTLE ENSUES. TUOR KILLS EASTERLINGS, but WHIP-MASTER ENTERS. BATTLE ENSUES. TUOR KILLS WHIP-MASTER, and DROPS down beside ANNAEL.'''

'''TUOR''' Annael, get up.

'''ANL''' No, Tuor son of Huor, I cannot. This javelin shall be the death of me, I fear. Run while you can. Others will come.

'''TUOR''' I shall take you with me.

'''ANL''' No! Even as you have trusted me in life, you must trust me now. With me you will not get far. You must go now. [Begins to breath more labored] Remember, my son, there is a King in Gondolin.

ANNAEL DIES. TUOR STARES SHOCKED for a moment, then TURNS TO SEE EASTERLINGS approach. Angrily, TUOR CATCHES UP AXE. ARROWS WHISTLE BY, and TUOR FLEES into woods.

'''ETL1''' After him! Don’t let him escape! Bring out the dogs.

'''SHIFT TO TUOR RUNNING through woods. HEAR DOG SOUNDS FAR AWAY. TUOR ENTERS CLEAR, ROCKY HILL and RUNS UP. As he nears the top, DOGS come forth from TREELINE and pursue. EASTERLINGS COME FORTH and HALT THERE, PANTING'''.

'''ETL2''' Sir, I cannot run any longer!

'''ETL1''' We’ll wait here. The dogs will run him aground. The little white demon!

TUOR HALTS AT TOP OF HILL, panting heavily. DOGS APPROACH, AND LEAP ON HIM.

'''TUOR''' Urmald, Orgrin, all of you, get down!

DOGS WAG TONGUES, and look at him.

'''TUOR''' You are wise beasts, and the only ones I shall miss in leaving my life as a slave. Return to the camp! Go home!

'''DOGS BARK and EXIT. TUOR WATCHES, then EXITS. SCREEN FADES IN, revealing TUOR as rugged OUTLAW, walking out of CAVE and into FOREST with BOW.'''

'''IMAGE: TUOR SHOOTING down a group of four EASTERLINGS, then approaching to take their packs and eat what food is in them. Suddenly TUOR RAISES HEAD. HE TURNS to see two ELVES walk forward toward him.'''

'''CDH''' Hail, Tuor son of Huor!

'''TUOR''' Caladharn! Long has it been since I heard the sound of your voice.

'''TUOR RISES AND EMBRACES CALADHARN'''.

'''CDH''' I come from Círdan, Lord of Balar. We have a ship in the Firth. We had heard of the destruction of the outlaws, and feared for your life. We were sent to search for you, to bring you south to the Havens of Sirion, where you will be safe. Our search has been long, but at last we have found you. You may escape this land.

'''TUOR''' Caladharn, I have known you since childhood. You remember that before my mother went southward never to return. after the death of my father in battle, she begged that I, then an infant, should stay in Dor-Lómin, and that great good would come of it. Dor-Lómin was overrun, but still Annael kept me safe in the Caves. Now even the Caves are gone, and I am a wanderer. Yet still this is the land of my father still, and I will ever stay here to avenge myself and Annael on these marauding men of the East.

'''CDH''' Tuor, surely you know that you cannot stay here forever. The life of an outlaw is risky, and one day you shall be caught and killed, or worse sent to the Dark Enemy himself. Lorgan is hunting for you. Please, my friend, come with us. Círdan’s power is still great, and he will keep you safe though all Beleriand crumble about you.

'''TUOR''' I will not do it. I’m afraid your mission has been in vain.

'''CDH''' Very well. But this may be the only chance you ever get. I can leave you only with this counsel: if need is dire, go west. There is a secret tunnel through the mountains called the Gate of the Noldor, along the stream we call Mithalag. Follow it, and it will take you to the Western Sea. Is there naught else I may do for you, my friend?

'''TUOR''' Only tell the Lord Círdan, wisest of the Elves, that Huor’s son still lives, and one day he shall avenge his father against Morgoth.

'''CDH''' This I hear. Farewell.

'''ELVES EXIT. FADE TO BLACK. SHIFT TO EASTERLING ENCAMPMENT, and then INSIDE LORGAN’S TENT.'''

'''LOR''' This shall not do. For three years this young devil has eluded me, raiding and stealing. He shall drive me to ruin.

'''AIDE''' May I suggest setting a trap for him?

'''LOR''' I have tried it before, but he seems to have some accursed elven-sense that keeps him from harm. Have you anything new to propose? The only way to rid us of him would seem to be asking the King for soldiers to raze all Hithlum in search of him!

'''AIDE''' You need not ask for a whole army, my lord.

'''LOR''' What is that?

'''AIDE''' I have heard that the King of Angband has trackers of an unusual sort. They are bred to find blood.

'''LOR''' Not the werewolves of Gorthaur!

'''AIDE''' Merely tell the King that one of Hador’s line is abroad, and I’m sure he will spare some for our purposes.

'''LOR''' It is well thought-of. Tuor cannot escape the werewolves. So be it!

'''SHIFT TO NIGHT-TIME. WEREWOLVES APPEAR, and ENTER LORGAN’S TENT. SHIFT TO INSIDE. LORGAN WAKES AND LIGHTS LAMP.'''

'''LOR''' What is this? [''Gasps'']

'''GTH''' The Master of the World sends his greetings to Lorgan, lord of the fief of Dor-Lómin. [''Morphs into man-figure''] I am Gorthaur, the right hand of the illustrious Melkor.

'''LOR''' [''Rising nervously''] Lord Gorthaur? I am honored by your presence.

'''GTH''' Not at all, man of the East. I have brought three werewolves with me, some of my finest killers. Due to your bungling efforts the son of Huor is alive. His throat will soon be in my jaws.

'''LOR''' Does your master usually send you upon such matters?

'''GTH''' He entrusts me with all such matters of importance. Have a good night, Lorgan. We shall bring you his corpse in the morning.

'''LOR''' Yes, as you say, my lord.

'''GORTHAUR MORPHS INTO WOLF-FORM. WEREWOLVES FLEE with HOWLS. SHOW SCENES OF THEM SNIFFING AND TRACKING. SHIFT TO TUOR SLEEPING, THEN RISING.'''

TUOR Something doesn’t feel right.

'''TUOR SCANS THE TREES. SUDDENLY, WEREWOLF FLIES out AT HIM. TUOR DRAWS SWORD. BATTLE ENSUES. TUOR FORCES WEREWOLF OFF CLIFF INTO RIVER AND FLEES, as other howls rise up.
SHIFT TO DAYLIGHT, TUOR WALKING WEST. SHOW SCENES OF FOLLOWING VARIOUS STREAMS, THEN TURNING AWAY as they lead to dead-ends or turn eastwards. SHIFT TO TUOR SITTING on a ROCK mournfully, HEAD LOWERED. SUDDENLY, TURNS to see SPRING FROM HILL, falling into GORGE. WALKS DOWN INTO GORGE. SEES GELMIR and ARMINAS BELOW. THEY TURN, DRAW SWORDS, AND ATTACK. TUOR DOES NOT MOVE, and G&A LOWER WEAPONS.'''
'''AMN''' Do my eyes belie me, Gelmir?

'''GLM''' Nay. For surely this is a man of the House of Hador. Is not his hair yellow as spun gold?

'''TUOR''' I am Tuor son of Huor, descendant of Hador. You are unlike any other elves I have seen. A light is in your eyes, and your faces seem to shine.

'''AMN''' Well said, Man of Shadows. We are Noldor, who have seen the light that lies in the West across the Sea. We knew Huor in the days of old, and fought beside him in battle. I am Arminas, and this is Gelmir, my brother. We thought that the House of Hador was utterly destroyed. How came you here?

'''TUOR''' I seek escape, and the Gate of the Noldor.

'''GLM''' Your search is ended. We have just come up from the gate. [Points behind to opening] There it stands before you. We can set you on your road, but cannot guide you far. For we are on a mission of great urgency. But fear not. A great doom is written upon your brow, and it shall lead you far from these lands, far indeed from Middle-earth, as I guess.

'''AMN''' Come, Huor’s son, take this lantern. It comes from Valinor, imbued with the light of the stars of Varda, and shall not go out.

'''ARMINAS HANDS TUOR LANTERN. ALL ENTER CAVERN. SHOW THEM ENTER FROM INSIDE. TUOR LOOKS ABOUT in wonder.'''

'''GLM''' Beautiful, is it not, Man of Shadows? Yet it is incomparable to what you shall see on the other side.

SCENES OF WALKING DOWN TUNNEL. At last, TWAIN EXIT TUNNEL above FALLS and CIRITH NINNIACH.

'''AMN''' This is the Ravine of Rainbows, which leads down to the Sea. Straight is your course; just follow the ravine. If you wish to find the Havens, your journey must be long, but continue south along the shoreline, and you will find it eventually.

'''GLM''' But now we must return, for our errand is pressing. Matters of great peril are stirring in Beleriand.

'''TUOR''' Has the hour arrived when the King of Gondolin shall come forth?

'''GLM''' What do you know of Turgon, Man of Shadows, and the Hidden City?

'''TUOR''' Only that my father died to save him and his people at the Battle of the Nirnaeth, and that his hidden stronghold is the last hope for Beleriand against Morgoth. Ever the name of Gondolin stirs my heart. Perhaps one day I shall find it.

'''AMN''' Who shall say? I, too, have sought it long and yet never found it. There are no Men who know this. Only the few messengers of Turgon that come forth from the Mountains have this knowledge, and they will tell no-one, for fear that Morgoth will learn.

'''GLM''' Yet I have heard that your House has the favor of the Lord of Waters. And if his counsels lead you to Turgon, then surely you will come to him, wherever you turn. Follow the road placed before you, and fear not, for you shall not long walk in the darkness. The Dweller in the Deep moves many things in this forsaken lands, and I do not think that our meeting was by chance. Farewell, and may we meet again in happier hour. Anar kaluva tielyanna!

'''GELMIR AND ARMINAS DEPART BACK THROUGH TUNNEL. TUOR TURNS FORWARD, and LOOKS OVER the ravine. BEGINS TO WALK DOWN.'''

'''IMAGE: TUOR WALKING along rocky bank of RIVER in CIRITH NINNIACH, suddenly STOPPING and COCKING HEAD as SEA-GULLS MEW far ahead. TUOR MOVES FORWARD, with a light in his eyes, STRAINING to HEAR. MEWING comes again, and TUOR BEHOLDS GULLS FLYING overhead.'''

'''TUOR''' What beautiful creatures are these white birds! How my heart leaps within me, in anticipation of some great wonder that lies before me.

'''TUOR WALKS ON. SHIFT TO TUOR WALKING forward TOWARD CAMERA, then coming to STOP UPON ROCK. ANGLE TO VIEW FROM BEHIND TUOR, to reveal the ROARING SEA. TUOR is AMAZED.'''

'''TUOR''' Surely this is the fulfillment of my wildest dreams. No Man has seen the Sea of which the Elves sing. Surely across its waters lie the Undying Lands of Valinor, and the houses of the Valar.

'''SHIFT TO BEACH at NIGHT, TUOR SITTING laying beside FIRE. WHISPER COMES, and TUOR RAISES HIS HEAD.'''
'''GULL (VO)''' Go South, and find what thou canst there.

'''ANGLE to FROM BEHIND TUOR’S HEAD, to see GULL on ROCK. GULL turns and FLIES AWAY. SHIFT TO DAYTIME, where TUOR is WALKING along the beach. ANGLE FROM BEHIND TUOR. TUOR HALTS, and LOOKS UP AT VINYAMAR. TUOR WALKS ON. SHIFT TO TUOR CLIMBING PATH TO GATES OF VINYAMAR. TUOR HALTS BEFORE GATES, and LOOKS ABOUT HIM. Then TUOR PUSHES OPEN GATES. SHIFT TO INSIDE VINYAMAR. TUOR LOOKS ABOUT HIM at the grandeur of the magnificent hall of stone, its tapestries still hanging. ANGLE TO TABLET, on which light falls. TUOR APPROACHES TABLET and RUNS FINGERS ACROSS MAIL. GULL PERCHES ON HIS SHOULDER'''.

'''TUOR''' It’s almost as if these were left here for me. This place seems Elvish to me, and there is a wholesome air. This armor is a marvel, the like of which I have never seen. I wonder how long it has waited here; waited, seemingly, for me. I feel somehow as if I were meant to have it. [Touches emblem on shield] By this token shall I take up these arms, and whatever doom they bear.

'''TUOR TAKES UP MAIL, and PULLS IT ON, CAMERA SHOWING CLOSEUPS OF EACH PIECE OF ARMOR as TUOR places it on himself. Lastly, TUOR PLACES HELM on his head; MUSIC IS QUIET BUT TRIUMPHANT. CAMERA SHIFTS to show TUOR WALKING ALONG BEACH in front of VINYAMAR. Suddenly there is the sound of THUNDER out over the SEA, and TUOR TURNS to GAZE out on the Ocean. SHIFT TO VIEW from BEHIND TUOR. ULMO’S THEME played on French horns and reed instruments, while a heavy wind comes forth from the Sea. Green peaks, seeming to be enshrouded by mist, appear far over the turbulent sea. Then ULMO ENTERS, RISING FROM THE SEA GRADUALLY, UNTIL AS IF KNEELING IN THE WATER.'''

'''ULM''' Hail, Tuor, of the House of Hador! Fear not my wrath. I am him whom the Noldor name Ulmo, Lord of Waters, Vala of the Sea. Long ago I instructed the elf-lord Turgon to leave the arms thou now bearest in Vinyamar. Long have I called thee to this place, and time grows short. It would have been good hadst thou come in the Spring, but thou must learn haste, for Winter draws near, and thy journey will be hard. A great evil creeps on the Valley of Sirion, and already a host of foes have come between thee and thy goal.

'''TUOR''' What is my goal, Lord?

'''ULM''' That which thy heart hath ever sought. To find Turgon, and look upon Gondolin. For this reason I have arrayed thee as my messenger. Now thou must pass under shadow and peril. Tarry no longer. Wilt thou take up my errand?

'''TUOR''' I will, Lord.

'''ULM''' Take this cloak to hide thyself from evil eyes. [''Throws forth cloak of shadows''] I will set words in thy mouth to say unto Turgon. He is a Noldo, one of those banished from the Undying Lands for his rebellion five centuries ago. Doom is strong, and the shadow of the Enemy lengthens. I alone of the Powers wish to pardon the Elves, and am alone and weak in Beleriand. The curse of Mandos, given after the rebellion, states that all the works of the Noldor will come to ruin. That curse is close to fulfillment. They have one hope left, and that is in thee. A light shall pierce the darkness. From the wrath of Ossë I shall send you a guide, a mariner from the last ship to seek the West before the rising of the Star. Go now!

'''ULMO BOWS, and raises STAFF. WHIRLWIND COMES, and ULMO EXITS amid it. TUOR STANDS on BEACH as the last strains of ULMO’S THEME fades away. PULLS ON CLOAK. TUOR’S EYES are DOWNCAST, but when he LOOKS UP, he sees VORONWË LYING AT EDGE OF WATER in torn and soaked clothes. TUOR WALKS DOWN, and PULLS VORONWË UP by the arm. TUOR PULLS VORONWË up the beach, and SETS HIM DOWN on his back.'''

'''TUOR''' Welcome, Voronwë! I have awaited you.

'''VOR''' By all the Valar, get me some water!

'''TUOR ADMINISTERS WATER to VORONWË. VORONWË SIGHS and LAYS BACK his HEAD on the sands. SHIFT TO NIGHT, WHERE TUOR SITS BEFORE FIRE, VORONWË RESTING NEARBY.'''

'''VOR''' Who are you, my preserver? Long I have labored against the sea, and I seek tidings. Is the Shadow overthrown? Have the Hidden People come forth?

'''TUOR''' Nay, good mariner. The Shadow lengthens, and the Hidden remain hid. I am a Man. Are you not Voronwë son of Aranwë, last mariner of the last ship to seek the West?

'''VOR''' I am, but my name and errand were secret. How do you know such things?

'''TUOR''' I have spoken with Ulmo, Lord of Waters. You have been saved from the wrath of Ossë that you may become my guide to the Hidden City.

'''VORONWË REMAINS SILENT. SEVERAL MOMENTS PASS.'''

'''VOR''' You have spoken with the Lord of Waters. I doubt not your voice. But no man has the right to go thither to Gondolin. Even were I to lead you to the gate, you would be turned away there. The mission would be vain.

'''TUOR''' Nothing ordained by Ulmo is vain. I am Tuor son of Huor, and the name of Huor cannot have been forgotten by Turgon. Nor can he have forgotten the words of Ulmo long ago. No matter how perilous the journey, and no matter how unlikely the outcome, I must go to Gondolin. And you are my ordained companion.

'''VOR''' So be it.

'''FADE TO BLACK. IMAGE: TUOR and VORONWË WALKING along the ERED WETHRIN. ANGLE TO FACING TUOR. TUOR TURNS to look on last time upon the SEA. VORONWË HALTS and WATCHES TUOR.'''

'''VOR''' The Sea! No elf can resist its call. We forsook our paradise across the sea, and it is the hope of every Noldo that we may someday return.

'''TUOR TURNS AWAY and COMES UP BESIDE VORONWË to LOOK OUT OVER MIDDLE-EARTH spread out before them. WOODS OF NÚATH below.'''

'''VOR''' Beleriand the Wide, west of the Blue Mountains, east of the Great Sea. We have many miles to go. We shall cross the Narog at the Pools of Ivrin, and then pass by the woven wood of Doriath. Gondolin should lie north of that place, amid the Encircling Mountains.

'''TUOR''' The world seems so big.

'''VOR''' It is a lot larger than you can possibly imagine, Tuor. There are lands much greater than Beleriand west of the sea, and large plains and seas to the east that have been unexplored since the beginning of time.

'''VORONWË MOVES ON. TUOR STANDS STILL for several moments, then FOLLOWS. SHIFT TO SCENE of TUOR AND VORONWË WALKING THROUGH FOREST. SHIFT TO TUOR and VORONWË SITTING DOWN ON LOG, FIRE COOKING VENISON.'''

'''TUOR''' Tell me your story, Voronwë. I am most interested.

'''VORONWË CLOSES HIS EYES, then OPENS THEM.'''

'''VOR''' The story begins in the year 473 in the Years of the Sun, thirty-two years ago. On the coast for many centuries had stood the kingdom of the Falathrim, known as the Falas of the Two Cities [''Image: Eglarest'']. Círdan, most foresighted of all the elves was its lord [''Image: Círdan''], and the enemy could not reach that far. But after the Nirnaeth the Black Foe invaded the Falas [''Image: Sack and burning of Eglarest''], and it fell before him. Almost two thirds of all the elves there were killed or fell into captivity. [''Shift back to Voronwë, who falls silent for a moment''] Turgon heard of this, and knew that he was the last free lord in the North. Morgoth had his eye trained on Gondolin, and Turgon feared it might go ill. He heard that Círdan had survived with some of his followers, and had gone down to found the Havens and the Isle of Balar. Therefore he sent forth messengers [''Image: Messengers coming forth''], bidding Círdan build ships that would bear them westward, to seek Valinor and the pardon of the Valar [''Image: Swan-ships'']. Yet I tarried in the fair land of Nan-tathren [''Image: Voronwë in Nan-tathren''], and came last to Balar. All but one of the seven ships had by then been built, and one by one the mariners had departed never to return [''Image: Ship sailing away'']. I left on the last ship, seeking to find the beauty that I had tasted in the springs I spent in Nan-tathren. [''Shift to Voronwë, who sighs''] The ships of the Falathrim cannot be drowned by any water, but worse things there are in the Great Sea [''Image: Great storm, with Voronwë’s ship and the sounds as if of a monster howling in the darkness, then fade to black'']. For seven years I labored against it, coming to strange and fearful lands, but never to the west. It was shut to us. [''Shift to Voronwë''] At last the ship broke against the rocks off of where you found me, and the sea spit me up onto the sand. I was spared, but had been shown many dreadful deaths in the Sea. [''Voronwë laughs''] And yet very bright were the stars upon the margin of the world, when the clouds about the West were drawn away. Still at times we would see another cloud to the west; or, as some held, perhaps the mountains of the Pelóri beyond the lost strands of our ancient home. I know not. Far, far away they stand, and none from mortal lands shall come there ever again, I deem. The west is closed.

'''SHIFT TO TWAIN WALKING THROUGH THE WOOD'''.

'''VOR''' I look forward to seeing the Pools of Ivrin again. Their beauty is unsurpassed. Few remember when, almost five hundred years ago, Fingolfin the High King called a grand feast there. I remember the mist in the mornings, when we could hear the singing of the nightingales and the cry of the loons! The moonlight would dance upon the shimmering surface of the waters among the reeds at night.

'''SHIFT TO VORONWË LEAVING FOREST. VORONWË STOPS, SHOCKED'''.

'''TUOR''' (from behind) What is it, Voronwë?

'''VOR''' All that remains of the Pools of Ivrin, I fear.

'''SHIFT TO FROM BEHIND VORONWË AND TUOR, SHOW BURNT-OUT BOG.'''

'''VOR''' Alas! Has the evil come even here? Once far from the threat of Angband was this place; but ever the fingers of Morgoth grope further.

'''TUOR''' It is even as the Lord of Water said.

'''VOR''' Yet a malice has been here with strength greater than that of Orcs. Fear lingers in this place.

'''TUOR''' [''pointing''] Voronwë, look!

'''SHIFT TO GLAURUNG’S TRACKS.'''

'''VOR''' Yea, a great evil. Not long ago Glaurung, the Great Worm of Angband, was here, most fell of all the creatures of the Enemy! We are already late. There is need of haste.

'''ENTER TÚRIN, VORONWË AND TUOR DRAW BACK.'''

'''TÚR''' Ivrin, Faelivrin! Gwindor and Beleg! Here once I was healed. But now I shall never drink the draught of peace again.

'''EXIT TÚRIN. VORONWË AND TUOR COME FORWARD.'''

'''TUOR''' Who was that man, who bore a black sword?

'''VOR''' A strange light was in his eyes. Some fell doom was upon him. I feel as if some dreadful thing has happened. We should not stay.

'''TUOR AND VORONWË MOVE AWAY. SHIFT TO SKY; SNOW BEGINS TO FALL. SHIFT TO TUOR and VORONWË CROSSING snowy plain. IMAGES OF SNOWY TRAVEL. SHIFT TO WALKING THROUGH COPSE.'''

'''TUOR''' Voronwë, I don’t know about you, but I cannot survive this much longer. We have not eaten in days, and this cold pierces my very marrow.

'''VOR''' Something fell is in this wind. I do not like it. But look! There is fire.

'''TUOR''' Let us hope they are travelers, and will offer us shelter.

'''VOR''' There are no travelers in this land. Nevertheless we shall get close as we may.

'''TUOR and VORONWË APPROACH. SHIFT TO THEIR VIEW OF ORC ENCAMPMENT.'''

'''VOR''' It is a raiding party of orcs.

'''TUOR''' Gurth an Glamhoth! I would risk death for mastery of that fire, or even a piece of their meat.

'''VOR''' We have no choice. We are too few. Let us leave, quickly, before they catch our scent.

'''PAUSE. ORCS SUDDENLY RISE and TURN in their direction.'''

'''VOR''' Too late – we must flee.

'''SCENES OF CHASE. At last, TUOR and VORONWË HUDDLE BENEATH BOULDER.'''

'''TUOR''' Someday, I vow, I shall be able to put my blade to these servants of Morgoth, rather than flee like a cowed dog.

'''VOR''' May you take joy in the moment, my friend! Here we should be safe. [''Pause''] I heard some of their words? I know a little of their speech. They seek one called Blacksword, and I heard the name of Túrin mentioned.

'''TUOR''' It cannot be the man we saw at Ivrin? Do you not know? Túrin is my cousin, the son of Húrin.

'''VOR''' Some evil fate has found him. Be glad, Tuor, that you are favored by the Valar so. The Blacksword had done evil; he was fay and fell, and his conscience burdened him. Death would be a better lot than his. Ponder these things deeply, Tuor. Understand them, and you may gain much wisdom.

'''SHIFT TO MORNING. VORONWË RISES'''.

'''VOR''' By the Valar, look Tuor!

'''TUOR SITS UP and OPENS HIS EYES. SHIFT TO SCENE BEFORE THEM.'''

'''VOR''' The Ered Echoriath, the Encircling Mountains! We came further than I thought. Gondolin is not far.

'''SHIFT TO SCENE OF WALKING OVER RISE, in front the Ford of Brithiach.'''

'''VOR''' We must wait here. We cannot cross the Ford of Brithiach in daylight, nor while we still are in doubt as to whether or not we are pursued.

'''TUOR''' The cloak of Ulmo will shade us from unfriendly eyes. Time is pressing. We cannot afford the delay.

'''VOR''' [''Looking up, and joy comes into face''] It is well! The Brithiach is still guarded.

'''TUOR''' What do you see, Voronwë?

'''VOR''' Short-sighted are men! Do you not see, up in the sky? The Eagles of the Crissaegrim are here, coming toward us.

'''EAGLES COME INTO SIGHT. VORONWË BECKONS, but THEY TURN and FLY AWAY.'''

'''VOR''' Let us hurry. If there are any orcs nearby, they shall be cowering until the Eagles have completely gone.

'''TUOR''' What were they?

'''VOR''' The Great Eagles are the protectors of the Hidden City. No spy of the Enemy has ever gotten past them, and it is because of their vigilance we are safe. Come, now.

'''TUOR and VORONWË RUN down the slope. SHIFT TO WALKING in FORESTED AREA at FOOT OF MOUNTAINS. VORONWË HALTS BEFORE STREAMBED.'''

'''VOR''' At last we have found it. This is the mouth of a dry stream. It goes through the gully for a long way, and then we come to the tunnel.

'''TUOR''' It is certainly not what I expected. I had thought to see a great gate barring the entrance, but this is open and would be easily accessible, save that it is a wearying road for the footsore.

'''VOR''' Though Turgon is mighty, he trusts still to secrecy. You shall see these mighty gates, but they are a ways down. Would anyone have seen this as different than any of the other numerous streambeds that come from the Mountains? And yet I will warn you that in entering you are placing yourself in great peril. I may be regarded as a traitor to bring a man thither, and we should both be instantly slain did they have the slightest doubt of suspicion. May the Lord of Waters show his power here, and protect us.

'''TUOR''' Forebode no more, Voronwë. I have been warned. Lead on!

'''SHIFT TO TWAIN WALKING through STREAMBED. VARIOUS SCENES of this. At last, VORONWË HALTS and POINTS OFF TO THE LEFT, up another DRY TRIBUTARY. THEY WALK UP for a ways, then come to a CAVE MOUTH.'''

'''VOR''' This is one of thousands of caves in the Ered Echoriath, and yet is the only way to the Orfalch Echor. Our journey is almost over. It will be a tight squeeze, but eventually I believe it widens out.

'''VORONWË LIGHTS TORCH; BOTH WALK down into the PASSAGEWAY. SHIFT to scenes of WALKING through the darkness. PASSAGE OPENS into LARGE CAVERN. VARIOUS SCENES. ENTER SMALLER PASSAGE AGAIN, WALK for a ways.'''

'''ELM''' Who goes there?

'''LANTERN UNVEILED to reveal GUARDS with drawn bows and naked swords.'''

'''VOR''' [''Stepping forward''] I am Voronwë, a mariner of Turgon King who has returned from a long journey. Far have I walked, yet I still remember your voice, Elemmakil.

'''ELM''' [''Walking forward into the light''] Well do I know thee, Voronwë. But who is this stranger thou hast brought with thee? Thou knowest well that it is against our laws. Step forward, stranger.

'''TUOR STEPS FORWARD.'''

'''ELM''' A mortal man, hooded and cloaked. We were long friends, Voronwë. If you had brought one of our own kindred, I would have trusted you. But now you force me to choose between the law and our friendship. He has seen the secret way, and that means I must slay him.

'''VOR''' Not so, my friend. I have acted on greater authority than that of the laws of the White City. The King alone must judge me.

'''PAUSE.'''

'''ELM''' I shall take you to the Lord Ecthelion, master of the Great Gate and deemed the wisest of the lords of Gondolin, save for the King himself. Come with me.

'''SCENES of SEVEN GATES; THEME STRONG in the background. Eventually they come to the GREAT GATE. ECTHELION and GUARDS STAND THERE.'''

'''ELM''' Hail, Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains.

'''ECT''' Who are these you have brought with you, Elemmakil?

'''ELM''' It is Voronwë Aranwion, who returns from his long voyages. And a stranger, whom Voronwë demands must see the King.

'''ECT''' You have been brought to the Last Gate. No stranger that passes it may come forth again, save in death.

'''TUOR''' If the messenger of the Lord of Waters go by that door, then all those who dwell here will follow him. Hinder him not.

'''TUOR THROWS BACK CLOAK, and the LANTERN LIGHT SPARKLES on his ARMOR.'''

'''TUOR''' I am Tuor, son of Huor, sent by Ulmo who moves the Deeps to the Hidden City of Gondolin. I am commanded to go there, and give a message to the son of Fingolfin.

'''PAUSE.'''

'''ECT''' No further proofs are needed.

'''ECTHELION SIGNALS with his hand. The GREAT GATE OPENS, and the PROCESSION WALKS through. ECTHELION LEADS TUOR to the edge of the OVERLOOK. From there TUOR SEES TUMLADEN, with GONDOLIN sparkling in the center like a white gem. GONDOLIN THEME is played fully for the first time.'''

'''ECT''' Gondolin. May you take pleasure at the sight, son of Huor. Be light of heart, weary travelers, for rest is found here, and beauty. Light and laughter dwell here, and peace.

'''VOR''' There never was a fairer sight.

'''ELM''' But now I must return to my post. Farewell, Tuor, and may we meet again under the stars!

'''ELEMMAKIL TURNS AWAY.'''

'''ECTHELION, TUOR, and VORONWË WALK down the path. Music is loud as alternating shots of them pass by of them walking down the MAIN HIGHWAY across Tumladen. SHIFT to view from WALLS OF GONDOLIN, angled slightly from above. GUARDS STAND solemnly gazing out over Tumladen toward the Mountains. IDRIL ENTERS to look out over the wall. SHIFT back to view from behind TRIO. HORNS SOUND. SHIFT to other places along the WALLS. Many GONDOLIN-FOLK are gathered on the WALLS, LOOKING out at the TRIO. SHIFT to TUOR, CLOSE-UP. TRIO HALTS at the foot of the GONDOLIN STAIRCASE. TUOR takes a deep breath, then MOVES FORWARD. SHOW SCENES of TUOR WALKING up the STAIRCASE. SHIFT to ECTHELION'''.

'''ECT''' [''Shouting''] Open the gates!

'''SHIFT to INSIDE of the GATES OF GONDOLIN. GUARDS OPEN GATES, and TRIO WALKS through. HOST of GONDOLIN-FOLK GATHER around the TRIO, looking curiously. ECTHELION takes the lead, and WALKS down the KING’S HIGHWAY. The CROWD PARTS for the TRIO as TUOR and VORONWË follow. SHIFT to scenes showing TRIO WALKING down KING’S HIGHWAY. At last, TRIO ASCENDS to KING’S SQUARE. ENTER PALACE and GREAT HALL. TURGON SITS there on his throne, accompanied by GLORFINDEL, IDRIL, MAEGLIN, and TRAIN OF NOBLES. TURGON STANDS.'''

'''TUR''' Long has been the journey of the Man of Shadows, and yet he comes at last to his heart’s desire. Welcome, Messenger of the Lord of Waters. Tell me thy name, and from whence thou comest.

'''TUOR''' Hail, Turgon King son of Fingolfin, wisest and greatest of the Noldor east of the Sea! I am Tuor son of Huor, who has come out of Nevrast. Time presses.

'''CLOSEUP of TUOR’S FACE. HIS EYES SHINE, and his FACE IS IMMOBILE.'''

'''TUOR''' Hear the voice of Ulmo: That the time has now come indeed when all the works of the Noldor shall come to naught. Doom is at hand, and now the Mover of the Deeps bids thee rise up and leave Gondolin forever. Seek the West, and the pardon of the Valar. For in that alone may you be preserved.

'''LIGHT in TUOR’S EYES DIES. SHIFT TO TURGON.'''

'''TUR''' Do you think I have been idle during these long years? Do you think that I do not yearn for Valinor? I sent messengers to Círdan of the Havens, bidding him build ships and seek the West. How many have returned? Only Voronwë Aranwion, who stands beside you. The West is closed.

'''TUOR''' If you place your lives in the hands of the Valar, such an act of faith may stir them to action against the Dark Enemy.

'''TUR''' This I cannot do. I would be placing the lives of all the Gondolindrim at risk. I am one of the last of my house, and the people of Gondolin are nearly the last remnant of the Noldor in Middle-earth. Why should I trust the Valar to save us now, when they have been deaf to the Elves these longs years? My father and all my brothers are dead. Where were they when Hithlum was sacked, or the Falas were destroyed? Where were they at the Nirnaeth, in our hour of need? Though it be the counsel of Ulmo himself, who guided me long ago to Gondolin, I will not do this thing.

'''TUOR''' Then I will only bid you remember the words of Ulmo that he spoke to you long ago: “Love not too well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; and remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West, and cometh from the Sea.”

'''MAG''' My lord, Gondolin lies still hidden from the eyes of the Black Shadow. Even were the Enemy to escape the eyes of the Eagles, he could scarcely assail us here. Are we to abandon all that we have toiled and bled for these hundreds of years? Are we to place the fate of thousands into the pitiless hands of the Powers, who dwell in bliss in the West and care nothing for the troubles across the Sea?

'''TUR''' You speak well, Maeglin. I knew your father, Tuor, and loved him as a brother; the more so because he saved my life and that of my people, sacrificing his own to keep us safe at the Nirnaeth. I also know that Ulmo is the friend of Man and Elf. But it is not his people that he would place upon so fragile a hope. It is not he who has been ignored by the Valar when in need. The Doom of Mandos lies on us still. We deserved our exile, I do not deny it. But if they will not give us pardon, we must trust to our own strength, the strength of the Noldor, and this city.

'''TUOR TURNS and WALKS AWAY, OUT of the PALACE and to the edge of the KING’S SQUARE, STANDING to overlook the city. TURGON COMES up behind him, and LAYS A HAND ON TUOR’S SHOULDER.'''

'''TUR''' Stay in Gondolin, Tuor. It would not only be for your father’s sake that I would welcome you as a son.

'''TUOR''' Thank you, Lord King, I will.

'''TUR''' [''Turning to Voronwë''] Voronwë, I welcome you back to Gondolin. Go with Tuor as his guide.

'''VOR''' With a good will, Lord King.

'''SHIFT BACK TO TUOR, who LOOKS AT IDRIL. IDRIL LOWERS her HEAD. SHIFT TO TUOR and VORONWË WALKING through the GARDENS.'''

'''VOR''' I am sorry, Tuor. Turgon is very old, and has seen many things under the sun and moon, and still more before they were wrought. He heard the Doom of Mandos pronounced. He is deemed the wisest of the Noldor in Beleriand.

'''TUOR''' And yet he who has seen the Valar will not trust to their mercy.

'''VOR''' You do not know how much of his heart he has poured into this city. He loves his people, but has seen death and horror, and many battles. He thinks he does what is best. The city is strong.

'''TUOR''' But doom is stronger. [''Pause''] Who was that one who stood beside the King, and counseled against me?

'''VOR''' That was Maeglin, Turgon’s nephew. He is wise and cunning, the son of the King’s sister, who was upon a time lost in darkness, and a Dark Elf from the forests of Nan Elmoth.

'''TUOR''' And who was the woman sitting at the King’s right hand?

'''VOR''' Idril, the King’s daughter, one of the fairest maidens of Gondolin.

'''TUOR''' Is Gondolin so untroubled that it can cultivate such beautiful flowers?

'''VOR''' It is peaceful here, but none may forget the Exile and the Nirnaeth.

'''SHIFT TO ROG’S FORGE. VORONWË and TUOR ENTER.'''

'''VOR''' I am taking you to Rog, the chieftest of our smiths. He has wanted to see you ever since you arrived.

'''ROG TURNS from his anvil.'''

'''ROG''' I have waited long for your coming, messenger of Ulmo. I was compelled years ago to forge a weapon unlike any I have yet made. Was it not I who forged Glamdring, sword of Turgon, and the greatest blades of Gondolin? And yet this work is greater still.

'''ROG WALKS to a RACK and LIFTS UP DRAMBORLEG. HE WALKS TOWARD TUOR.'''

'''ROG''' This is Dramborleg, which in the tongue of Men is called Sharp Stroke. The blade shall neither break nor bend, nor will it rust or blacken though it lie in the ground for a thousand years.

'''TUOR TAKES DRAMBORLEG and RAISES IT UP. ROG BOWS REVERENTLY. SHIFT TO TUOR and VORONWË WALKING OUT OF the FORGE.'''

'''TUOR''' What happened to him? Why is he so bent and scarred, when all the Gondolindrim I have seen are tall and fair?

'''VOR''' Long ago he was captured and tortured by balrogs. He took the name of Rog, come from the elven word meaning “bent”, and roughened it until it sounds uncouth on our tongues. He professes an undying hatred to the Dark Lord and his servants, especially the balrogs.

'''SHIFT TO GARDENS, where IDRIL WALKS THOUGHTFULLY. MAEGLIN APPROACHES.'''

'''MAG''' Fairer than the petals of the elanor are the maidens of Gondolin, taller and sweeter than the golden mallorn-trees, and yet Idril Turgon’s Daughter is fairer than they, even as they are to mortals.

'''IDR''' Maeglin, your approaches profit you nothing.

'''MAG''' Am I to be despised because I love you so fully and so well?

'''IDR''' You know that it is forbidden for you to marry your cousin, by the laws of the city and of the Eldar. And I have let you know full well that my heart leans not to your advances.

'''MAG''' So I am tortured night and day. And yet to be with you is joy, though fleeting. I would that we were wed, more than anything in the world.

'''IDR''' I pity you, Maeglin. And yet this desire is unwholesome. Leave me, and try and forget this passion.

'''ENTER GLORFINDEL.'''

'''GFD''' Is Maeglin troubling you, my lady?

'''MAG''' You would naturally be here, meddler and window-peerer, Glorfindel of the Golden Flower.

'''GFD''' I meant no discourtesy. But if the Lady Idril is in any way threatened by your behavior...

'''GLORFINDEL PUTS his HAND on MAEGLIN’S ARM.'''
'''IDR''' Glorfindel, let him go.

'''GFD''' On your way then, dark elf [''Releases Maeglin'']. And do not address the Lady again without her consent.

'''MAEGLIN EXITS'''.

'''GFD''' He is bad, through and through.

'''IDR''' Not wholly, I think. But two sides strive for mastery of his soul, and his desire, though borne out of one side, can turn him to the other.

'''GFD''' Yet you are safe in Gondolin, my lady.

'''IDR''' My heart turns ever westward. I was only a child when I left Valinor with my father, and yet you grew up there, and now must ever feel the memory of that place.

'''GFD''' The messenger has disturbed you, then?

'''IDR''' I love my father, Glorfindel. But he has lost his faith, and almost his hope. We cannot stay hidden forever, though Thorondor and Ulmo and all the powers of Beleriand try and protect us.

'''GFD''' I long only for battle, and the feel of orc-blood on my blade once more.

'''IDR''' You were the greatest warrior among us. And yet by no power of the Noldor may the Dark King Morgoth be thrown down.

'''GFD''' You speak well and wisely, my lady. My heart as well aches for the West, more than ever since the coming of Huor’s son. Whether by the sword or by the ship, I hope that one day I shall return there. I long to see white shores again, and the fair green country. Thus I fear not death.

'''IDR''' Ecthelion says that you have taken to dreaming of late. And yet your dreaming must be sweeter than the living.

'''GFD''' The West still lives. One day, the Valar shall pardon us, and we will return.

'''PAUSE.'''

'''IDR''' Leave me, Glorfindel, for I have much to think about.

'''GLORFINDEL BOWS and EXITS. SHIFT to TUOR SITTING UNDER A TREE in the GARDENS. ENTER IDRIL. TUOR STARTS UP.'''

'''TUOR''' My lady.

'''TUOR BOWS, IDRIL SMILES.'''

'''IDR''' Does Gondolin fulfill your expectations, son of Huor?

'''TUOR''' It exceeds them, my lady. I feel as if I have just come from darkness into light. There is so much life here, in the fountains and the trees.

'''IDR''' And what of where you came from? Had you no-one to mourn your departure?

'''TUOR SITS DOWN.'''

'''TUOR''' My mother departed Hithlum never to return after the death of my father, when I was but a babe. I was an outlaw, who dwelt alone in the Land of Shadows, always under a cloud of fear.

'''IDRIL KNEELS BESIDE HIM.'''

'''IDR''' I regret now greatly that Huor must have died to protect the Hidden City.

'''TUOR''' And yet, having seen it, I do not. If Gondolin were to lie cold and dark under a clouded sky, then all light would pass from the north. He sacrificed his life to preserve this beauty. So would I.

'''IDR''' And yet there comes a time when all things must fail. I had a dream three nights before you came.

'''TUOR''' And what did you see, my lady?

'''IDR''' I saw the White City in flames. The trees were burning, the fountains were dry. Her maidens and young children were lying out on the streets, all dead. Night had fallen.

'''TUOR''' Let us pray that your dream was of things that might come, rather than of those which will.

TUOR and IDRIL LOOK long at one another.

'''TUOR''' What is that brooch you wear?

'''IDR''' It is the elessar, a symbol of hope and healing, one of the greatest treasures ever produced by our smiths. It is said to make the weary fresh and strong, to make the downcast fair and light of heart, and the wounded whole. I found healing in its touch. I lost my mother, Elenwë, during the exile. It was a terrible journey, though I was just a child then.

'''TUOR''' And has Turgon been healed by it as well?

'''IDR''' [''Sadly''] He refuses to touch it. For five centuries he has dwelt with his grief. He has cloaked it, for his mind is strong, but inwardly he is pained with a great pain, and though he hates it he will not release it.

'''SHIFT TO TUOR and VORONWË in HALL OF THE CHRONICLE.'''

'''VOR''' This is the Hall of the Chronicle. On the walls of this hall are painted the history of the world from its making unto the Nirnaeth. Look well, Tuor.

'''SCENES OF TUOR LOOKING OVER VARIOUS PAINTINGS. Light is high, music is full, motion is slowed down. HE STOPS BEFORE PAINTING.'''

'''TUOR''' Who are these?

'''VOR''' They are Beren, a mortal of the House of Bëor, and Lúthien Tinúviel, fairest of the Elves and daughter of Thingol King of Doriath. They met on a time in the forest. Beren had escaped the dreadful doom of the north, and beheld her dancing. The two fell in love, though one was mortal and the other was lasting. Their love took them through many adventures, during which they cast down the fortress of Gorthaur and escaped the stronghold of Morgoth with a Silmaril from the dark lord’s crown as Lúthien’s bride-price. Beren was slain, but Lúthien followed him even after death, and death released them to live for a time upon the earth as mortals together. And then Lúthien was counted among the race of Men, even beyond the ending of the world. There has never been a union like it, neither before nor after.

'''TUOR TURNS AROUND to SEE ANOTHER PAINTING on the opposite wall. CLOSEUP. TUOR TOUCHES FACE OF HUOR.'''

'''VOR''' Thus was the Nirnaeth, and Huor son of Galdor in that dark hour. A dark fate pursues the men of that line.

'''TUOR''' Yet perhaps I have broken it.

'''VOR''' Much sorrow do I see in store for you, but also joy. Your fate shall be unprecedented and, maybe, unrepeated.

'''TUOR''' And it seems I must accept it.

'''SHIFT TO SCENE OF TUMLADEN, from OVERLOOK. Sky is overcast and dark, and raining lightly. HORSEMEN RIDE and HALT briefly, before RIDING DOWN ROAD. SHIFT TO SCENE OF GATEHOUSE.'''

'''DLN''' Who goes there?

'''PAN TO BELOW.'''

'''GAL''' Galdor of the House of the Tree. I bring news.

'''DLN''' Open the gates! Galdor has returned!

'''SHIFT TO GREAT HALL. TURGON SITS on the throne, about him ENTOURAGE.'''

'''GAL''' [''Bowing''] My lord, I bring terrible news. Nargothrond has fallen.

'''MURMURING FILLS HALL. TURGON STANDS.'''

'''TUR''' And my cousin, Orodreth?

'''GAL''' He is dead.

'''TURGON SITS in shock.'''

'''TUR''' Nargothrond has fallen. I am the last of my line in Middle-earth.

'''GALDOR BOWS HEAD'''.

'''TUR''' [''Looks up''] And who are these with you, Galdor?

'''GAL''' These are Noldor, escaped slaves of Morgoth. They saved my life in Nan Dungortheb.

'''SPY1''' [''Steps forward''] Hail, Turgon King. Long have we labored under the chains of the Enemy. Our bodies may be ill-used, but to the last breath they will serve you.

'''SPY1 TURNS to LOOK AT TUOR. Their EYES MEET'''.

'''TUR''' [''Extending staff''] I accept your allegiance.

'''SPY1 TOUCHES tip of STAFF. SHIFT TO ROAD, DAYLIGHT. CROWDS WALKING ABOUT, SPIES IN GROUP. TUOR STANDS WITH VORONWË AMONG CROWD.'''

'''TUOR''' They’re always together, Voronwë. They do not speak to us, they do not laugh or enjoy the sun.

'''VOR''' They have spent many years in captivity. Not many escape from the Enemy. The Lord Rog has not been the same since his capture. It does not surprise me that they are unsociable for the time being. But it may wear off in time. It did with Lord Rog.

'''TUOR''' I don’t like the look in their eyes. I feel like I’m looking into those of an animal, those of a savage animal.

'''VOR''' Those that fall under the shadow and yet return are never unchanged.

'''TUOR''' For this do I fear them.

'''SHIFT TO SCENE in KING’S SQUARE. Nighttime, stars burning brightly above. TUOR STANDS GAZING out over Tumladen. VORONWË APPROACHES from behind.'''

'''VOR''' You’re up rather late, man of shadows.

'''TUOR''' I cannot sleep, my friend. I have been thinking. I have been thinking of Gondolin. How did Turgon build such a magnificent city in secret?

'''VOR''' Ulmo showed the King this place long ago, and at that time Morgoth’s darkness did not cover the face of the earth. The alliance kept him trapped in Angband, his fortress in the north. Turgon kept this place secret from even his father the High King, and planned with the greatest architects of the Noldor a city in memory of our home in the West, the beautiful Tirion. The construction went on in absolute secrecy for two and fifty years. Then the Noldor raised up their voices and cried, “Tirion is born again, the Lily of the Plain.” All the Gondolindrim love her, Turgon most of all. He was able to pour his dreams and his genius into this city, to put his mind on other things than his dead wife. Every year this city gets bigger, and more beautiful.

'''SHIFT TO SPIES 1 2 3 4 CREEPING THROUGH PALACE DOORS.'''

'''TUOR''' Look! What are they doing entering the palace?

'''VOR''' Shall we call the guards?

'''TUOR''' No, it may be nothing. Follow behind me, and be ready to shout.

'''TUOR and VORONWË FOLLOW SPIES DOWN HALLS. TUOR suddenly KNOCKS STOOL OVER. SPIES SPOT HIM and RUN DOWN HALLS.'''

'''TUOR''' Call the guards, Voronwë! I’ll pursue.

'''VORONWË SPLITS OFF, SHOUTING. TUOR BEGINS TO RUN AFTER SPIES, but HESITATES.'''

'''TUOR''' They’re heading for the Royal Quarters. I know a quicker way.

'''TUOR TURNS OFF and RUNS DOWN NARROW PASSAGES. LEAPS OVER EDGE of PARAPET in front of SPIES and DRAWS DRAMBORLEG. SPIES DRAW KNIVES.'''

'''TUOR''' Dramborleg!

'''FIGHT. TUOR KILLS TWO. SHIFT TO IDRIL’S CHAMBER. SPY WALKS THROUGH DOOR, IDRIL STARTS UP. SPY RAISES KNIFE. TUOR CUTS SPY DOWN from behind. TUOR and IDRIL STARE at one another. ENTER TURGON, VORONWË with swords, and GUARDS.'''

'''TUR''' Well struck, son of Huor. Idril, my daughter, are you all right?

'''IDR''' I am fine, father.

'''HORN SOUNDS in DISTANCE.'''

'''VOR''' The others are trying to escape through the gate!

'''TUR''' [''To guards''] Get our horses. Celegvyr, signal the Eagles.

'''SHIFT TO OUTSIDE PALACE DOORS. TUOR and VORONWË LEAP FORWARD, JUMPING ONTO TWO HORSES. TURGON and GUARDS MOUNT shortly after. SCENES OF RIDING to the GATE. SHIFT TO GATE, where GUARDS 1 2 BATTLE SPIES 5 6 7 8. ENTER MAEGLIN.'''

'''MAG''' Desist, brigands!

'''SPY 8 TURNS TOWARD HIM. MAEGLIN HALTS'''.

'''SPY8''' Maeglin, nephew of Turgon.

'''GUARD 1 DIES.'''

'''SPY8''' You are a cunning lord, a son of your father the Dark Elf. You need not fear us. You would be welcomed by the Power of the North. His rewards are great. He could give you anything you asked for. Gondolin shall fall. We shall escape, and it shall not be long before Morgoth knows where the Hidden City is, and shall destroy it.

'''MAG''' No, no.

'''SPY8''' Gold, gems, honor… a high position in my Master’s army. One day my Master shall even overthrow death, and you can stand beside him and revenge yourself on those you hate most. You would receive your choice of spoils of Gondolin… wealth, or people.

'''MAG''' No, Gondolin shall stand!

'''SPY8 LAUGHS. MAEGLIN LEAPS FORWARD with SWORD. SPY8 DUCKS SWORD and SLAMS MAEGLIN in the midriff. MAEGLIN FALLS TO THE FLOOR, GASPING.'''

'''SPY8''' Remember my words… Dark Elf.

'''GATES OPEN just as PURSUERS COME into sight (dead guards can be seen on the ground). SPIES ON HORSES RIDE OUT. OTHERS PURSUE. SHIFT TO CELEGVYR LAUNCHING SIGNAL. SHIFT TO SCENES of CHASE ON TUMLADEN. TUOR COMES ALONGSIDE SPY 5 and KILLS HIM with DRAMBORLEG. OTHER SPIES SUDDENLY HALT and TURN to THROW DAGGERS at TURGON. TUOR MOVES to the side and DEFLECTS TWO DAGGERS with DRAMBORLEG, OTHER DAGGER HITS TUOR’S HORSE. TUOR FALLS OFF.'''

'''TUR''' Glorfindel, shoot me the leader!

'''GLORFINDEL BENDS BOW and HITS SPY 6 in LEFT SHOULDER. SPY 6 FALLS from HORSE. SPIES 7 8 ride off. OTHERS PURSUE. SPY 6 RISES FROM GROUND with SWORD, WALKING TOWARD TUOR. TUOR GROPES FOR DRAMBORLEG, BUT SPY 6 CHARGES. VORONWË DOUBLES BACK and DECAPITATES SPY 6. TUOR NODS THANKS.'''

'''VOR''' We’ll never catch those other two.

'''TUOR''' They’ll reach the mountains and escape!

'''VOR''' No, they won’t.

'''EAGLES CRY ABOVE THEM TERRIBLY. SWOOP DOWN on SPIES. SPY 7 IS RAISED UP BY EAGLE 1 and TORN WITH BEAK BEFORE BEING DROPPED. SPY 8 RAISES BOW and SHOOTS THORONDOR in the WING, but THORONDOR HURLS HIM FROM HORSE and FLIES AWAY with SPY 8 in talons. LANDS BEFORE TURGON, who has RIDDEN BACK to TUOR and VORONWË'''.

'''THOR''' Turgon King, I bring thee thine enemy.

'''TUR''' My thanks, Lord Thorondor. Ye have done well. Speak, spy, false to your race, in the name of all the Valar!

'''SPY8''' There is no god but Morgoth; there is no word but his. He is coming to get you. You cannot stay hidden in your precious city forever. [''Dies'']

'''TUR''' You saved my life, Tuor, and that of my daughter. All Gondolin shall learn of this. I welcomed you once as a son, for your father’s sake, but now I welcome you as a son for your own sake.

'''SHIFT TO VIEW FROM ABOVE OF TUOR AMONG THE CHEERING CROWDS OF GONDOLINDRIM. SHIFT TO TURGON, GLORFINDEL, AND ECTHELION IN TOWER OF THE KING.'''

'''TUR''' Tuor has become a hero in the minds of the Gondolindrim. None cease to give him praise, man though he is. Tell me, my lords, do you think I do wrongly?

'''GFD''' My lord?

'''TUR''' Am I wrong to not heed the words of Ulmo? Am I wrong to stay in Gondolin, against the counsel of the Valar?

'''GFD''' Your reasoning is understandable, Turgon. We all felt betrayed by them long ago.

'''TUR''' But you nevertheless feel I should listen to them?

'''ECT''' Lord King, it was Ulmo the Vala who brought you here, and it is thus Ulmo the Vala who has hitherto kept us safe.

'''TUR''' I know it well, friend Ecthelion. But you must realize what it would mean to listen to him. Ulmo is not in hiding in the midst of a desolate land prowled by the spies of Morgoth. Ulmo did not spend years and much toil and sweat and – aye – blood for the foundation of this city. If we listened to him and abandoned Gondolin, we would first have to pass through wide, rugged lands prowled by legions of orcs [''Image: Nan Dungortheb'']. Then, we would have to cross the great plains, out in the open and exposed [''Image: Talath Dirnen'']. Then we would have to find some way down the cliffs and steep hills of the Andram [''Image: Andram'']. After that, we would follow the Great River Sirion for many leagues to the Bay of Balar [''Image: Sirion down to Balar'']. Then, spend years in constant danger while the Shipwrights of Círdan build us enough ships to carry us all [''Image: construction of ships'']. When the ships are built, we dare the dangers of the Western Seas [''Image: ships on sea'']. If the Valar are merciful, we may find at last Valinor [''Shift to Turgon's face'']. But if their hearts are closed still, our entire race will drown. Here, we are hidden. The eagles of Thorondor protect us faithfully, and the mountains shelter us. Even if we were found, no enemy, however big the army, could assault the city. We cannot be starved out, for food can be produced within the city indefinitely, and pure springs will not let us succumb to thirst [''Image: Gondolin garden'']. Our walls are high and strong [''Image: walls from below'']. Even could the beasts of Morgoth climb the insurmountable rock of Amon Gwareth [''Image: moving up Amon Gwareth''], they could neither breach our walls nor climb them. The gate is large and unbreakable [''Image: gate'']. We can withstand siege without end, and not even Morgoth has an army that can overthrow Gondolin [''Shift to Turgon’s face; pause'']. I am sorry, my friends and counselors. I would never tell another this, but I am old, old and afraid; afraid of what is to come. Afraid to move, afraid to stay here. They call me Turgon the Wise. Wise I may be; perhaps too much so. I have lost my faith, for I see too much. They say the Elves do not age. Yet for some, what the body shows not the mind reveals only too much. I must be strong before my people, but within me my heart is failing.

'''ECT''' You are right, my lord. Gondolin shall stand. Hope is not lost.

'''TUR''' Not for the Noldor perhaps. But I wish only to live and die with Gondolin. I have seen all my family die in Middle-earth; It may be that I have lived too long.

'''SHIFT TO SCENE OF TURGON and ECTHELION IN KING’S SQUARE. AMID TREES, IDRIL and TUOR LAUGH and PLAY.'''

'''TUR''' It seems that my daughter has taken a great liking to the Man of Shadows.

'''ECT''' If I may be so bold, my lord, a liking that may turn to love.

'''TUR''' So I am not the only one who has noticed it. You are a shrewd man, Ecthelion, whose mind perceives many more things than your mouth lets on about.

'''ECT''' Do you intend to forbid their love?

'''TUR''' Ecthelion, do your remember the last words of Huor at the Nirnaeth to our ears?

'''ECT''' I cannot forget, my lord.

'''TUR''' (''With Huor VO'') Out of your house shall come the hope of Elves and Men. Though we part here forever, from you and from me a new star shall arise. (''No VO'') Long have I pondered these words. The fate of the Noldor is bound to this messenger. I love him as I would a son. If he pursues his suit, I shall not – indeed, I cannot stand in their way.

'''ECT''' But he is a man, and she is of the immortal kind.

'''TUR''' Such a union has happened once before, and though death was their lot in the end, there was also bliss. Idril will never love another, and I know that she would be happy with this man. Death will be her fate in the end, if I am not mistaken. But it shall be a sweet death. This prophecy may be of the union of Tuor and Idril. Even if it is not, I shall die contented, though maybe I shall envy their bliss.

'''WEDDING SCENE IN GAR AINION. VARIOUS SCENES IN SLOW MOTION, MUSIC CLEAR AND SOFT. VARIOUS SHOTS AS TURGON SINGS SLOWLY, INCLUDING THE BIRTH OF EÄRENDIL.'''

'''TUR (VO)''' [''Quenya (with subtitles?)'' In the West, beyond the sea, there grew two trees. One shone with gold, the other with silver, and cast their light across the lands. O Valinor! Never may we forget thy mountains tall. O Valinor! We always long to see green shores once more.]

'''FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: Ten years later… ENTER IDRIL, TUOR, and EÄRENDIL. EÄRENDIL RUNS FORWARD ACROSS LAWN.'''
'''IDR''' Are you happy here, Tuor? Tell me truthfully.

'''TUOR''' Very much so.

'''IDR''' Are you sure, my husband?

'''TUOR''' How could I not be happy? I have a wife and a beautiful boy-child, a fair house, and a whole company at my command. But…

'''IDR''' The sea.

'''TUOR''' How did you know?

'''IDR''' You are constantly gazing westward, sometimes singing. You murmur in your sleep, sometimes about your father and your home in the Shadows, but usually about the gulls and the lapping of the waves.

'''TUOR''' I have heard the music of Ulmo, beloved, and never will it leave me. One day, I shall build a house by the sea, and we shall live always listening to the Mover of Waters.

'''IDR''' And when could that happen?

'''TUOR''' I shall, if only at the renewing of the world.

'''ENTER MAEGLIN, MOUNTED. EÄRENDIL APPROACHES.'''

'''EDL''' Master Maeglin!

'''MAG''' Eärendil! [''dismounting and catching up Eärendil in his arms''] How are you, my dear boy?

'''PAN TO OVER MAEGLIN’S SHOULDER, TOWARD TUOR AND IDRIL. MAEGLIN PUTS EÄRENDIL DOWN.'''

'''IDR''' Maeglin.

'''MAG''' Idril, Lord Tuor. I am leaving Gondolin for several days, searching for ore in the mountains.

'''TUOR''' [''nodding, coldly''] Very well, Maeglin.

'''MAEGLIN, AFTER STARING AT IDRIL AND EÄRENDIL, MOUNTS AND RIDES AWAY. SHIFT TO MINING CAMP.'''

'''MINER''' My lord, we are scraping up nothing in these shafts. We seem to have exhausted the iron in this area.

'''MAG''' We will drill elsewhere. Did you not discover a vein a few days ago that looked promising?

'''MINER''' Yes, but it runs a good distance outside the King’s perimeter.

'''MAG''' It matters not. I have authority over this operation, and a league or so beyond the border does not make much difference. Try and find a lode, and I will come along and inspect your progress in a short while.

'''MINER''' What about the orcs?

'''MAG''' They do not venture so far into the mountains. We will be safe.

'''SHIFT TO GONDOLIN in the MORNING, TUOR EMBRACES IDRIL in BED.'''

'''IDR''' I dreamed a strange dream, husband. I dreamt of Maeglin.

'''IMAGE: ORC PATROL FALLS ON MINERS. MAEGLIN KNOCKED OUT. DARKNESS.'''

'''IDR (VO)''' I dreamed that he built a great furnace.

'''IMAGE: ORCS at THANGORODRIM BELLOWS. MAEGLIN LED through dark PASSAGES.'''

'''IDR (VO)''' When evening came, he took our dear child and cast him into the fire. And he delivered you to the darkness beyond.

'''MAEGLIN CAST BEFORE MORGOTH.'''

'''MOR''' Maeglin, Prince of the Gondolindrim. Welcome to Angband, the seat of my power. I apologize for the rough reception. Come, look me in the eyes.

'''MORGOTH REACHES DOWN AND JERKS MAEGLIN’S HEAD UP, STARING HIM IN THE FACE. MAEGLIN SEEMS DAZED.'''

'''MOR''' I see many things in your mind, Dark Elf. Alas for your noble mother, Aredhel the White! [''Image: Aredhel wandering in the forest''] For she strayed into darkness under the trees. [''Image: Eöl looking down at Aredhel from tree-branch''] When she returned from the shadows, she brought with her a child, an son. The offspring of an elf of the darkling wood. [''Image: Aredhel presenting Turgon a youthful Maeglin''] He followed her, and brought her in the end to ruin, though he perished himself. [''Image: Eöl hurling spear into Aredhel, Glorfindel cuts him down'']

'''MAEGLIN SHRINKS AWAY.'''

'''MOR''' Misunderstood, mistreated by the people of Gondolin, Maeglin Darkfather. You have loved nothing… save one thing only. Idril, princess of the Gondolindrim. But she forsook you. She betrayed you for that whelp Tuor. It is his fault. He should pay. I see how it is with you. [''leans down''] I can help.

'''MAEGLIN HAS VISION OF TUOR LYING DEAD, EARENDIL WAILING, AND IDRIL WALKING TOWARD HIM. SHIFT BACK TO MORGOTH AND MAEGLIN.'''

'''MOR''' If you shall show me Gondolin, I shall give you all that your heart desires.

'''MAG''' I… I don’t know.

'''MOR''' No more shall you suffer the arrogance of this man. He will die, and this child, the symbol of your wrongs. Then who can stand between you and the beautiful princess?

'''MAEGLIN LOOKS UP INTO MORGOTH’S EYES. SHIFT TO HIM RIDING BACK INTO GONDOLIN.'''

'''ECT''' Lord Maeglin, we are glad to see your return. We were grieved when we heard of the attack on your mining camp. The King will be anxious to see you.

'''MAEGLIN NODS FEEBLY.'''

'''MAG''' Forgive me, but I am tired. I shall await the King’s grace at a later hour.

'''MAEGLIN DEPARTS. GLORFINDEL COMES UP TO ECTHELION.'''

'''GFD''' If the King were just he would punish Maeglin severely for drilling beyond his boundaries. It cost the lives of almost the entire operation, and someone may track them back here.

'''ECT''' Maeglin acts differently. I would expect him to be all sneers and swagger after escaping as he did, weary or not.

'''GFD''' I do not like what this bodes.

'''SHIFT TO TUOR’S HOUSE. VORONWË EXAMINES FLOOR.'''

'''VOR''' We can begin right here. The tunnel will extend forty fathoms down and then aim due west. That way we should hit right on the Way of Escape.

'''TUOR''' Not west, north.

'''VOR''' Tuor?

'''TUOR''' We will go toward the Eagles’ Pass.

'''VOR''' But that way is narrow, and dangerous.

'''TUOR''' The strength of this tunnel lies in its secrecy. If the Enemy knows enough to get to Gondolin, he will know of the Way of Escape. I hear Ulmo’s voice in my head, warning me always of the doom that is at hand. We must have our laborers work without cease.

'''VOR''' Shall we keep this project from the King?

'''TUOR''' My heart fears Maeglin, who will surely learn of it if the King does. It would be better that none but we, my wife, and the workers were aware of its existence.

'''VOR''' There is one other thing you can do. Maeglin, after he had grown to full stature and skill, gathered a group of men about him. Outcasts and bullies mostly, hardened in the mines, and some refugees from the north. He received a commission from the King organizing these elves as his own personal bodyguard, the House of the Mole. If you go to the King, I think he will do the same.

'''SHIFT TO TURGON’S PALACE.'''

'''TUOR''' And so, milord, I feel it would be beneficial to form another house of my own choosing for the purpose of guarding the city from its internal threats of crime and espionage.

'''TUR''' So be it, my son. What do you wish to call your house?

'''TUOR''' Let it be the House of the Wing. [''undertone''] And may it find its use in times of need.

'''SHIFT TO IMAGES OF SECRET WORK on the TUNNEL interspersed with DRILLING of the HOUSE OF THE WING. IMAGE: MAEGLIN sees HOUSE OF THE WING and looks on them with distaste. SHIFT TO MOUTH OF TUNNEL.'''

'''TUOR''' How is the work going, Voronwë?

'''VOR''' It progresses as ever. We should be finished by the next full moon. No-one suspects a thing.

'''IDR''' I am glad you are taking these steps, my love.

'''TUOR''' I will do anything I must to protect my beautiful wife and handsome boy. Speaking of which, I have a present for you, young man.

'''BENDS DOWN, HANDS EÄRENDIL STING.'''

'''TUOR''' I am sure Master Glorfindel will be pleased to show you how to use it.

'''EDL''' Oh, thank you father.

'''EÄRENDIL EXITS. VORONWE AND IDRIL LAUGH, TUOR SMILES.'''

'''SHIFT TO TWO DAYS LATER'''

'''IDRIL AND TURGON ENTER'''

'''TUR''' Are you feeling well,my daughter?

'''IDR''' Father,I am married to Tuor,son of Huor.

'''TUR''' So?

'''IDR''' So your nephew was watching me hungrily ever since he came here even though that I have a husband and son!Father,I love Maeglin not at all!He must be stopped!

'''TUR''' I'll talk to him.Be at peace.

'''IDRIL EXITS'''

'''MAEGLIN ENTERS'''

'''TUR''' You love my daughter.

'''MAG''' Yes.

'''TUR''' If you love her,let her be.Tuor is not the immortal.You'll have your turn.

'''MAEGLIN EXITS'''

'''SHIFT TO EARENDIL'S SEVENTH BIRTHDAY'''

'''MAEGLIN GIVES ORCRIST TO EARENDIL'''

'''MAG''': I've forged that for you.

'''EARENDIL SMILES'''

'''MAEGLIN WHISPRES TO HIMSELF'''

'''MAG''' I may give informaton to Morgoth,but I'll make sure he is somehow defeated.

'''MAEGLIN EXITS'''

'''EARENDIL EXITS'''

'''SHIFT TO THREE MONTS LATER'''

'''MORGOTH IS SHOWN'''

'''MOR''':Time to attack!

'''SHIFT TO GONDOLIN'''

'''MORGOTH AND HIS TROOPS ARRIVE'''

'''MOR''':One final order.Do not harm Idril,Maeglin or Earendil.

'''GOT''':Right.If someone tries,I'll stop them.

'''MOR''':Good!Now,go and destroy!

'''GOTHMOG AND RANDOM ORC COME ACROSS IDRIL CELEBRINDAL HOLDING EARENDIL IN HER ARMS'''

'''ORC PREPARES TO STRIKE HER'''

'''GO'''T:No!Remember our orders.

'''ORC''':Oh,I forgot.

'''IDR''':You'll spare us?

'''GOTHMOG TURNS TO IDRIL'''

'''GOT''':If it were up to me,I'd take you to allow me a little golden light in our dark Angband,but you have already been promised to Maeglin.

'''IDRIL BLUSHES'''

'''GOTHMOG SMILES AND TURNS TO ATTACK FURTHER'''

'''ORC GRINS AND FOLLOWS GOTHMOG'''

'''MAEGLIN COMES AND CAPTURES IDRIL AND EARENDIL'''

'''IDR''' What do you want of us?

'''MAG''' Merely that you both love me,and to see you both safe,of course

'''TUOR RUNS UP TO THEM'''

'''MAEGLIN AND TUOR FIGHT ON THE WALLS'''

'''TUOR THROWS MAEGLIN OF AMON GWARETH'''

'''TUOR''' Traitor!

'''MAG''':Idril....

'''MAEGLIN FALLS'''

'''TUOR SPATS AT MAEGLIN'''

'''TUOR,IDRIL AND EARENDIL LEAD SURVIVORS TO SAFETY'''

</poem>

[[Category:Screenplays]]

Curufin

2009-11-10T22:14:33Z

76.21.147.26: /* Death */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Alan Michael - His Father's Son.jpg|250px]]
| name=Curufin
| quenya=[[fn]] ''[[Curufinwë]]'' ([[mn]] ''[[Atarinkë]]'')
| titles=A lord of [[Himlad]] (under [[Celegorm]] his brother)
| birth=Sometime during [[YOTT]], [[Tirion]], after 1250
| realm=[[Himlad]]
| death=[[First Age 506|F.A. 506]], [[Menegroth]]
| age=650+
| parentage=[[Fëanor]] + [[Nerdanel]]
| spouse=Unknown
| children=[[Celebrimbor]]
| gender=Male
| hair=Black
| ref=
|}}
'''Curufin''' was a [[Noldor]]in prince, the fifth of the [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]] of [[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]]. Curufin was Fëanor's favorite and much like him in appearance, temperament, and skill. He was also the father of [[Celebrimbor]], master jewel-smith of [[Eregion]], who forged the three [[Elves|Elvish]] [[Rings of Power]].

==History==
====Flight of the Noldor====
Curufin was born in [[Tirion]] during the [[Years of the Trees]] and he
received the name ''[[Curufinwë]]'', same as his father. His [[mother-name]] was ''[[Atarinkë]]''. While in [[Valinor]], he married at some point, and his son's name was [[Celebrimbor]]. But Celebrimbor was unlike his father, and later on he came to dislike his deviousness and dealings with the other Noldor.

As with the other sons of Fëanor, Curufin bound himself by an [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]] to recover his father's [[Silmarils]], which had been stolen by the Dark Lord [[Morgoth]]. The Oath took him and his brothers to [[Endor]] during the [[First Age]] where they established realms in exile, waged war against the armies of Morgoth, fought their own Elvish kind, and eventually brought ruin upon themselves.

====Life in Beleriand====
Curufin dwelt with his brother [[Celegorm]] in [[Himlad]], a pass that led into Kingdom of [[Doriath]], which the two brothers fortified and held until the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. Following the battle, the two brothers were defeated and had to flee with their people to [[Nargothrond]], where their cousin [[Finrod]] welcomed them.

Shortly after, [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] also came to Nargothrond to collect on an oath Finrod had made to his ancestor. Finrod decided to help Beren, but Celegorm and Curufin, remembering their own oath, persuaded the people of Nargothrond not to follow him, and not to wage open war against Morgoth, making them fearful.

Finrod therefore had to leave with a handful of warriors, including Beren, and later died. His nephew [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] was made to rule in his stead.

====The Attack upon Beren====
Later, Curufin and Celegorm went hunting with Celegorm's hound [[Huan]] and found [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]], daughter of [[Thingol]], searching for Beren. Feigning to help her, they took her captive and brought her to Nargothrond, for Celegorm had become enamored and would have Thingol give him her hand. However Huan helped Lúthien to flee, and they freed Beren and other thralls from [[Sauron]]. As these thralls returned, the people of Nargothrond perceived the two brother's treachery, and though Orodreth would not let them be slain, he cast them from Nargothrond.

The two brothers met Lúthien and Beren as they fled, and Curufin fought with the latter. Defeated, he had to flee with Celegorm, but sought to slay Lúthien even as he did, and shot Beren instead.

Because of Celegorm and Curufin's wicked deeds, Thingol and Orodreth would not lend join the [[Union of Maedhros]] against Morgoth.

====Death====
Curufin fell in the [[Second Kinslaying]], when the Sons of Fëanor attacked Doriath to seize a Silmaril in the possession of the King [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] the Beautiful. Celegorm and Caranthir died with him during the assault.

== Etymology ==
Curufin's [[father-name]] was ''[[Curufinwë]]'' ("Skillful [son of] [[Finwë]]"), the same father-name given to Fëanor. Because Curufin was Fëanor's favorite son, he chose to give him the same name. His [[mother-name]] was ''[[Atarinkë]]'' ("Little Father"), choosen because of his physical resemblance to his father. The name Curufin is the [[Sindarin]] version of his father-name. It is stated in [[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]] that of all the sons of Fëanor only Curufin did not prefer to use his mother-name.

== Genealogy ==

 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MHT | | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]|MHT=[[Mahtan]]}}
{{familytree| |`|.| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| MDH | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]|MDH=[[Maedhros]]}}
{{familytree| | | MAG |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CEL | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Irimë]]|CEL=[[Celegorm]]}}
{{familytree| | | CAR |(| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |CAR=[[Caranthir]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |)| CUR | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]|CUR='''CURUFIN'''}}
{{familytree| | | AMD |(| |`|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | |AMD=[[Amrod]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |`| AMR | | CLB | | | | | | | |AMR=[[Amras]]|CLB=[[Celebrimbor]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 

== References ==

* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Return of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Beleriand and Its Realms]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Noldor in Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Maeglin]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Beren and Lúthien]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Ruin of Doriath]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Tale of Tinúviel]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[The Nauglafring]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Shaping of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Earliest Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Annals of Aman]]
* ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Later Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[Of Dwarves and Men]], note #7
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Curufin|Images of Curufin]]

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]

[[de:Curufin]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:curufin]]
[[fi:Curufin]]