Orodreth
| Biography: Orodreth | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age F.A. ? – F.A. 495 |
| Race: | Elf - Noldor |
| Gender: | Male |
| Orodreth | |
| Child(ren): | Finduilas Gil-galad |
| Info: | King of Nargothrond, lord of the Noldor; regent of Minas Tirith |
Orodreth was a lord of the Noldor. He served as warden of the tower at the Pass of Sirion under his uncle Finrod Felagund until the fortress was taken by Sauron. After Finrod’s death, Orodreth became King of Nargothrond, but was slain during the city’s fall. He was the nephew of Galadriel and the father of Finduilas and Gil-galad.
History
Orodreth was born in Valinor during the Years of the Trees. During the Flight of the Noldor, he counseled patience and reflection among the Elves before their departure from Aman. Following the Noldor’s return to Middle-earth and the construction of Nargothrond, Orodreth was entrusted with the tower at the Pass of Sirion by Finrod, serving as its warden. He held the tower until shortly after the Battle of Sudden Flame, when Sauron overran the fortress in F.A. 457. Orodreth fled south to Nargothrond, leaving the fortress behind.
When Finrod left Nargothrond to aid Beren in his quest for the Silmaril, Orodreth was appointed regent. Two of the sons of Fëanor attempted to seize influence, but after Finrod’s death, Orodreth regained authority and expelled them from the city.
In F.A. 487, Orodreth encountered Túrin Turambar, who initially concealed his identity. Orodreth's daughter Finduilas fell in love with Túrin, who even so avoided revealing his true identity. When Gwindor revealed Túrin’s heritage, Orodreth honored him and offered him standing in Nargothrond. Túrin influenced the city to abandon secrecy and construct a bridge before the gates, against the counsel of Ulmo’s messengers.
In F.A. 495, Morgoth’s forces, led by a great dragon, attacked Nargothrond at the Battle of Tumhalad. The open bridge allowed Morgoth’s army to devastate the city. Orodreth was killed, and the city fell. Finduilas was also slain during the assault.
Etymology
The name Orodreth translates to "mountaineer," from Sindarin orod (mountain) and reth (climber).
References
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Return of the Noldor"
- The Silmarillion, "Of the Ruin of Beleriand"
- The Silmarillion, "Of Beren and Lúthien"
- The Lost Tales, "The Etymologies"
- Christopher Tolkien, The Lhammas
In-game mentions
- One of the Stewards of Gondor carries his name.