Nargothrond

Nargothrond was a secret stronghold built by Finrod Felagund in Beleriand during the First Age. It delved into the hills of western Beleriand and became the capital of the realm, including the surrounding hills and plains. Finrod was the overlord of the Elves in western Beleriand.

History

After the return of the Noldor to Middle-earth, Finrod and his brothers settled in northern Beleriand. In F.A. 50, he was visited by his cousin Turgon. Both travelled southward, where Ulmo appeared to them in dreams, inspiring them to search for hidden places in case Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband.

In F.A. 52, Finrod, a guest of Thingol in Doriath, was told of caves on the western bank of the local river, known to few, and was provided guides. At the riverbanks he discovered many caves, inhabited by Petty-dwarves, remnants of a once-larger people.

Finrod used these caves to construct great halls and storehouses, initially aided by the Petty-dwarves, who were generously rewarded. By F.A. 102, Nargothrond was fully completed, and a great feast was held attended by Finrod’s brothers and Galadriel.

In F.A. 150, the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains assisted in extending the fortress. The chieftain of the Petty-dwarves, Mîm, became enraged and attempted to kill Finrod but failed and was driven out.

Finrod himself carved many adornments for Nargothrond, earning the epithet "Felagund". He also raised an artificial hill a league from the gates of the city.

Finrod ruled Nargothrond until he departed with Beren in his quest for the Silmaril, leaving Orodreth as regent. During the Battle of Sudden Flame, two sons of Fëanor, sought influence over the city. After Finrod’s death, Orodreth expelled them, restoring order.

In F.A. 487, Túrin Turambar came to Nargothrond and became a chief warrior. Under his influence, the city abandoned secrecy and built a bridge before its gates. This ultimately led to its destruction.

In F.A. 495, a great dragon attacked Nargothrond with Morgoth’s armies at the Battle of Tumhalad. The bridge facilitated the city’s sack, and Orodreth was slain. Many of its inhabitants, including Finduilas, perished.

The dragon remained in Nargothrond for several years before departing to Brethil. Later, Mîm reclaimed the fortress but was killed by Húrin Thalion. The treasures brought from Valinor were recovered by Húrin. The fortress remained abandoned until the War of Wrath, when the lands of Beleriand were destroyed.

Etymology

The name Nargothrond means "Underground fortress on the river," combining the Elvish suffix -rond, meaning "vaulted dome," with the river’s original name. Its Petty-dwarvish name was Nulukkhizdîn. Tolkien later devised the Dwarvish form Nar(u)kathan. In Old English translations, it was called Hlydingaburg or Stangaldor(burg).

In-game mentions

• Nargothrond is the origin of the High Elves of Nargothrond.
• The related Quest:Heritage: Of Nargothrond
• The related Of Nargothrond title

References

• The Silmarillion, "Of the Return of the Noldor"
• The Silmarillion, "Of Beren and Lúthien"
• The Silmarillion, "Of the Ruin of Beleriand"
• The Lost Tales, "The Etymologies"
• Christopher Tolkien, The Lhammas