Turgon
- This page is about the elf of the First Age. For the Captain of the South-gate, see Turgon (Pelennor).
| Biography: Turgon | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age YT 1300–FA 510 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Turgon | |
| Child(ren): | Idril |
Turgon the Wise was a prince of the Noldor, second son of the first High King of the Noldor, and later King of Gondolin and High King of the Noldor himself. He was the founder and ruler of the Hidden City of Gondolin, which endured in secret for nearly four centuries.
History
Turgon was born in Y.T. 1300 in Valinor, the same year as his cousin Finrod. He wedded an elf-maid of the Vanyar, with whom he had one daughter, Idril. After the Darkening of Valinor, Turgon opposed Fëanor’s call for rebellion, but when the majority of the Noldor chose exile, he followed his father. Crossing the Helcaraxë, his wife perished, though Turgon saved his daughter from the ice. He remained ever after estranged from the House of Fëanor.
In Middle-earth, Turgon initially established his rule in the west, but in F.A. 50, Ulmo sent him a vision of a hidden refuge, leading him to discover the vale of Tumladen. Guided by this counsel, he later planned and constructed Gondolin in secret. After the Dagor Aglareb, Turgon brought craftsmen and people to the plains where they built Gondolin. Completed in F.A. 116, it became the greatest hidden realm of the Noldor. Before departing his first settlement, Turgon left arms and armor for one who would come in the direst need, in accordance with Ulmo’s prophecy.
He created within the city replicas of the Two Trees. In F.A. 400, he received his nephew, one of Fëanor's sons, into Gondolin, who became one of his closest counselors. In F.A. 458, Turgon gave refuge to Húrin Thalion and his brother, who later returned to their home. At the Battle of Unnumbered Tears (F.A. 472), Turgon’s army played a decisive role. After his brother's death, Turgon assumed command. Húrin's brother foretold that from their houses a new star would arise. Thanks to the Edain, Turgon escaped with the people of Gondolin, though Húrin was captured.
Following his brother's death, Turgon became High King of the Noldor. Though Morgoth feared him above all his kin, Turgon remained hidden in Gondolin. He attempted to send ships to Valinor, but none succeeded. In F.A. 495, Ulmo’s messenger arrived in Gondolin, bearing the arms Turgon had left in his original settlement. The messenger delivered Ulmo’s warning to abandon Gondolin and return to the sea, but Turgon, proud of his city, rejected the counsel. He sealed Gondolin against intrusion, though he honored the messenger and later blessed his marriage to Idril.
When Húrin came seeking entrance to Gondolin, Turgon refused him, an act he later regretted. Through this, Morgoth eventually learned the city’s location. In F.A. 510, Morgoth’s armies attacked Gondolin with overwhelming force. Turgon defended the city until its fall. He perished in the ruin of his stronghold. Survivors of Gondolin fled south and joined the people of Sirion. After Turgon’s death, Gil-galad was named High King. Turgon’s grandson Eärendil would later fulfill the prophecy of Húrin's brother, bringing salvation to Elves and Men.
Etymology
Turgon is Sindarin, likely from tur (“master”) and -gon (“lord, prince”), meaning "Ruling Lord" or "Victory Prince".