Ecthelion
| Biography: Ecthelion | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age Unknown – F.A. 510 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Ecthelion | |
| Info: | Lord of the Fountains of Gondolin, slayer of Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. |
Ecthelion was an Elf-lord of Gondolin, and one of the greatest captains of the city. He was renowned both for his musical skill, being the most gifted flutist among the people of Gondolin, and for his valor in battle.
History
In F.A. 472, during the Battle Under Stars, Ecthelion commanded a wing of Gondolin’s host beside King Turgon. He helped guard the retreat of the people of Gondolin after their defeat, and survived to return to the Hidden City.
By F.A. 495, Ecthelion had become warden of the city's great gate. When Voronwë and his fellow messenger arrived in Gondolin, Ecthelion at first denied them entrance. However, when they revealed their heraldry and invoked Ulmo, Ecthelion relented, declaring that the Lord of the Fountains should not oppose the Lord of Waters.
In F.A. 510, when Morgoth’s armies attacked Gondolin, Ecthelion fought in the city’s defense. Inside the city, he engaged Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. Though mortally wounded, Ecthelion slew Gothmog by driving his spike-helmed head into the Balrog’s body as they both fell into the fountain, perishing together. His sacrifice was remembered as one of the greatest deeds in the Fall of Gondolin.
Description
Ecthelion was described as high and lordly, clad all in silver, with a shining helm bearing a spike tipped with diamond. His shield was studded with crystal and shimmered as though bedewed with drops of rain.
Etymology
The name Ecthelion underwent several linguistic developments in Tolkien’s legendarium.
- In Noldorin, it was interpreted from *ehtë* ("spear") + *thela* ("point"), giving "Spear-point."
- In Sindarin, the expected form was Ægthelion from *aeg* ("sharp") + *thel* ("resolve") + masculine suffix *-on*, "One with Sharp Will." Tolkien retained "Ecthelion" in later writings for its established use.
References
- The Silmarillion
- Unfinished Tales
- The Book of Lost Tales
- The History of Middle-earth
In-game mentins
- One of the Stewards of Gondor carries his name.