The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Date
Probably I 4951
Race
Nargothrond was a city of the Elves, sacked by the Dragon Glaurung and his Orcs
Division
Culture
Family
Nargothrond was ruled by descendants of the House of Finarfin
Settlements
Nargothrond, beneath the Taur-en-Faroth on the River Narog
Pronunciation
Nargothond is pronounced 'narrgo'thrond' (where rr emphasises that the 'r' sound should be distinctly pronounced)
Meaning
Nargothrond means 'underground fortress on the river Narog'

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 16 May 2004
  • This entry is complete

Sack of Nargothrond

The destruction of the halls on the Narog

Since its foundation by Finrod, the Elves of Nargothrond had pursued a secretive war against Morgoth, hunting their enemies by stealth and ambush rather than going to open war. When Túrin was led there by Gwindor, though, he counselled a different strategy to Orodreth, who had by that time succeeded his brother Finrod as King in Nargothrond. Orodreth therefore built a bridge from his doors across the Narog, and went to open war with Morgoth.

This was a foolhardy strategy. In centuries of searching, Morgoth had been unable to find the fortress of Nargothrond, but now not only was its location revealed, but the new bridge removed the defence of the River Narog. Glaurung was sent out from Angband with an army of Orcs to capture the city.

The army of Nargothrond went out to meet Glaurung on the field of Tumhalad, some miles north of the citadel. They were routed, and those Elves left in the city awaiting their return, instead found the Dragon and his Orcs crossing their bridge and entering the citadel. These people, including Orodreth's daughter Finduilas, were captured by the Orcs and driven northward.

Coming late to the sack were Túrin and some few other survivors of the Battle of Tumhalad. At the sight of the Dragon, Túrin's companions fled, but Túrin himself was placed under Glaurung's Dragon-spell, and forced to watch as the captives were driven away. Then Glaurung released Túrin, knowing the evils this would cause. Driving out the remaining Orcs from Nargothrond, Glaurung gathered its treasures together and lay upon them in the halls of his newly-sacked domain.


Notes

1

Following The Grey Annals in volume XI of The History of Middle-earth.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 16 May 2004
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2004. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by myDISCprofile, the free online personality test.
Take the FREE myDISCprofile personality test to discover your core personality and your ideal job.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry