Gwindor
| Biography: Gwindor | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age F.A. 438 – F.A. 499 |
| Race: | Elf - Noldor |
| Gender: | Male |
| Gwindor | |
| Info: | Elf of Nargothrond, scout and warrior, companion of Túrin Turambar |
Gwindor was a Noldor Elf of Nargothrond. He was renowned as a bold leader and scout, covering much of the lands around the kingdom. He was betrothed to Finduilas, daughter of Orodreth.
History
Gwindor’s brother was captured during the Battle of Sudden Flame. Seeking vengeance, he joined the army serving the High King. During the battle, Gwindor led a small company of Elves at Barad Eithel. Morgoth’s forces ambushed them, and his brother was mutilated and killed in front of the company. Gwindor fought valiantly, but all his comrades were slain. He was taken captive to Angband, where he spent fourteen years as a slave, during which his strength and beauty were ruined. While working in the stone-gangs, he obtained a small sword from a fellow captive and fought the guards, losing a hand but ultimately escaping. He fled south and eventually reached Dorthonion.
Exhausted, Gwindor was found by Beleg Strongbow, who was searching for Túrin Turambar. Together they located the Orc band holding Túrin captive and freed him. During the rescue, Túrin mistakenly killed Beleg, thinking him an Orc. Gwindor comforted Túrin and guided him to Nargothrond. He helped Túrin integrate into the kingdom, though he himself was weakened from captivity. Túrin gained influence among the elves, and Finduilas fell in love with him. Gwindor revealed Túrin’s true identity to Finduilas and encouraged him, though he could not prevent him from pursuing open warfare against Morgoth’s forces.
Gwindor foresaw the coming doom of Nargothrond. He warned against constructing a bridge over the nearby river, as it would expose the kingdom’s location. When a great dragon attacked, the elves were driven into the field, where most of them, including Orodreth and Gwindor, were slain. Gwindor had entrusted Finduilas to Túrin for protection, though she ultimately could not escape her fate either.
In-game mentions
- One of the Falathlorn Homesteads is named in his honor.
References
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Silmarillion
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Children of Húrin