Glossary

Gondolin

Meaning - The Hidden Rock. The hidden city of Gondolin was founded and then ruled by Turgon, son of the elven Lord Fingolfin. He was instructed to build a hidden city in that location by Ulmo the Vala. It was located within the vale of Tumladen within a ring of mountians. The only way in was a secret path that went under the mountains and was closely guarded.

It remained hidden for a long time from the forces of Morgoth and few outsiders ever went there apart from the great eagles. During that time, Morgoth became aware of the existence of the city and sent out many spies to search for it. The first time elves from Gondolin came out from their city was during the fifth great battle of Beleriand - The Nirnaeth Arnoediad or Battle of unnumbered tears. The armies of Morgoth were gaining the upper hand when the armies from Gondolin appeared unexpected, to aid the combined armies of elves, dwarves and men.

Morgoth finally discovered the location of Gondolin from Maeglin, who was captured after straying further from Gondolin than what was allowed by the laws of King Turgon. Maeglin was turtured until he revealed the location of the city. It was then attacked by a large force of orcs, balrogs, wolves and dragons. Ecthelion, the captain of Gondolin fought with Gothmog, lord of the balrogs in the main square of the city and both slew each other. The king and most of the people of the city were also slain.

A small group managed to escape from the city. They were ambushed by a group of orcs and a balrog. Glorfindel fought the balrog and the rest escaped with the aid of Thorondor, Lord of the eagles.