The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
First recorded after the Dagor Bragollach of I 455
Location
Race
Used by Elves and Men for Morgoth, one of the Ainur
Meaning
Derived from Old French cravent, 'defeated', but the modern meaning is 'coward'
Title of

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  • Updated 26 February 2023
  • This entry is complete

Craven

A title of cowardice given especially to Morgoth

"Never again will Morgoth the Craven come forth from Angband..."
Words of Túrin Turambar
The Children of Húrin X
Túrin in Nargothrond

An old word describing a person of utter cowardice. As a title, it was given in contempt to Morgoth, who ruled from the depths of his dark fortress of Angband, almost never emerging to give battle himself. The insult seems to have originated with Fingolfin who, after the disaster of the Dagor Bragollach, rode to challenge Morgoth in single combat. Morgoth at first ignored his challenges, until Fingolfin named him Craven in the face of his servants, and so forced him to act.

In the event, Morgoth defeated Fingolfin, but the title of 'Craven' given to him at this time seems to have remained in use long afterward. We have a record of it being spoken by Túrin decades later (though it is not certain that Túrin was mirroring Fingolfin's words). Given that Túrin was discussing Morgoth's apparent fear of leaving Angband, it is conceivable that he may have devised the title independently of its original use.


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About this entry:

  • Updated 26 February 2023
  • This entry is complete

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