Gondolin and a Prophecy

Turgon who still bore the message of Ulmo on his heart. Dagor Aglareb had prompted him to given much thought to the vale within the Encircling Mountains where none dwelt save Thorondor's Eagles. He began to secretly built his safe place as Finrod had built Nargothrond at the prompting of Ulmo. Around First Age 116 Gondolin, the Hidden Rock, was completed. With the protection of Ulmo by the waters of Sirion Turgon's people settled in Gondolin. Turgon was among the last to leave Nevrast by the Sea. Before he left Ulmo appeared himself (now a rare thing for the Valar) to Turgon. Ulmo offered solemn warnings to Turgon: "' Longest of all the realms of the Eldalie shall Gondolin stand against Melkor. But love not to well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West and cometh from the Sea'" (p. 125, The Silmarillion).

Ulmo also reminded Turgon he was under the Doom of Mandos which could not be changed. Danger would more likely come from treason within Gondolin's walls than from force without because of the Doom. Ulmo prophesied about when that day: ""But if this peril draweth nigh indeed, then even from Nevrast one shall come to warn thee, and from him beyond ruin and fire hope shall be born for Elves and Men. Leave therefore in this house arms and a sword, that in years to come he may find them, and thus thou shalt know him, and not be deceived'" (p. 126, The Silmarillion). Turgon then departed and left Nevrast deserted. He and his people passed out of knowledge for many years. They thrived in  Gondolin with fairest there being Idril, Turgon's daughter.

About First Age 155 Melkor tried to catch Fingolfin by surprise sending forth Orcs by way of the grinding ice and attacking at the Firth of Drengist. But Fingolfin was not unaware and he Orcs were found out and destroyed. This was not counted a major battle because not many participated in the fighting. Still, Morgoth realized Orcs alone could not defeat the Noldor. About 100 years later Glaurung, first of the fire-drakes (dragons) issued from Angband against Morgoh's wishes. Initially he struck fear and many fled Dorthonion. But Fingon rode against him with archers and turned him away as he was not yet full-grown. Again Fingon won great praise for his valor. Peace would follow for some time. But the Elves did not realize the full threat of dragons.

The words of Ulmo are playing in my head: "'But love not to well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West and cometh from the Sea.'" I so often am well pleased with myself and what I can accomplish. My ability to make life work, my management of sin, pride in my skills and possessions. And I so easily forget that my true hope and rescue come from Jesus. For the truth is I was a dead man before Christ and a dead man can do nothing for himself. Christ's death on the cross and resurrection is more than sufficient for all my needs. May my true hope lieth in Him.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 116-260
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 125-126 & 116-117
Relevant map: Beleriand