The Battle of Sudden Flame

Seeing the strength of Elves and Men Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, turned his attention toward Angband wondering how it might be assailed. There were few that willingly listened to such counsel, least of all the sons of Fëanor, because they knew their losses would be great. So Fingolfin's thoughts were not acted upon. The long peace over the land was broken in 455. In the winter Morgoth's sent rivers of flame and lava down from his mountains burning many Noldor stronghold's and killing the inhabitants. Following the flames came Glaurung, now a full-grown dragon, with Balrog's and legions of Orcs in tow. Thus began Dagor Bragollach, The Battle of Sudden Flame. Many of the stoutest enemies of Morgoth were killed and scattered in the first dew days of fighting that would last through the spring. The Siege of Angband was broken.

Many Grey Elves fled altogether forsaking the war and entered into Thingol's service; strengthening his kingdom that remained guarded and by the Girdle of Melian. Others hid themselves in Ossiriand or even over the mountains. Angrod and Aegnor, the sons of Finarfin, who lived within sight of Angband were slain; along with them Bregolas, now lord of Bëor's people and many of his warriors were killed.
Barahir, Bregolas' brother was caught in the west fighting. There he met Finrod who was cut off from his people, surrounded, with only a small company. Finrod was facing certain death, "...but Barahir came up with the bravest of his men and rescued him, and made a wall of spears about him; and they cut their way out of the battle with great loss" (p. 152, The Silmarillion). Finrod was able to retreat to Nargothrond and swore abiding friendship to Barahir and all his kin. Finrod sealed this oath with his ring that he gave to Bregolas, the new lord of the House of Bëor.

The onslaught was so great that Fingolfin and Fingon could not aid Finarfin's sons. Hador, at age sixty-six, died protecting the rear guard of Fingolfin along with his son Gundor. Galdor the Tall took lordship of the people of Marach. Fingolfin found he was cut off from his kin. The sons of Feanor faired no better. Celegorm and Curufin were forced to flee finding refuge with Finrod in Nargothrond. Only Maedhros' stronghold at the Hill of Himring could not be taken as his spirit burned white-hot against the hosts of Morgoth after his tortured imprisonment. Maglor and Caranthir were assailed by Glaurang and forced to flee. Maglor joined Maedhros. Caranthir joined up with Amrod and Amras and were able to regroup a bit with the help of the Green Elves.

Upon hearing the news Fingolfin perceived the ruin of the Noldor. In a state of despaired rage he rode alone and undaunted to Angband. There he pounded on the doors and challenged Morgoth to one-on-one combat. It is said Morgorth did not go willingly but with all his servants watching he had no choice. "And he issued forth clad in black armour; and he stood before the King like a tower, iron-crowned, and his vast shield, sable unblazoned, cast a shadow over him like a stormclaud. But Fingolfin gleamed beneath it as a star; for his mail was overlaid with silver, and his blue shield was set with crystals, and he drew his sword Ringil, that glittered like ice" (p. 153, The Silmarillion).

An epic battle ensued with Fingolfin wounding Morgoth seven times but alas the Elf was no match for one who was once Valar. Weary from being crushed to his knees several times by Morgoth's mace Grond, the Hammer of the Underworld, Fingolfin fell on his back. Morgoth crushed his neck with his foot but not before Fingolfin hewed his foot. "Thus died Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, most proud and valiant of the Elven-kings of old" (p. 154, The Silmarillion). Morgoth sought to desecrate the body but Thorondor, King of Eagles, rushed down marring Morgoth's face and taking Fingolfin's body. "Morgoth went ever halt of one foot after that day, and the pain of his wounds could not be healed; and in his face was the scar that Thorondor made" (p. 154, The Silmarillion). Fingon took lordship of the Noldor with the news of Fingolfin's death and sent his young son, Gil-Galad, to the Havens.

Barahir, being a valiant man would not flee Dorthonion and sought to contest Morgoth's host at every turn. Many of his people were pursued to death. In desperation Barahir's wife, Emeldir the Manhearted (for she wanted to fight not flee) led the women and children to safety in Brethil. Others went further to Galdor and among these were Rían daughter of Belegund and Morwen daughter Baragund. "But none ever saw again the men that they had left" (p. 155, The Silmarillion). At last there were only 12 who remained with Barahir. His son Beren, his nephews Belegund and Baragund (sons of Bregolas) and nine faithful servants: Radhruin, Dairuin, Dagnir, Ragnor, Gildor, Gorlim, Arthad, Urthel, and Hathaldir. "Outlaws without hope they became, a desperate band that could not escape and would not yield, for their dwellings were destroyed, and their wives and children captured, slain, or fled" (p. 155, The Silmarillion).

I am a sucker for these epic battles. There is something about standing tall against all odds like Fingolfin or seeing no hope of escape but not yielding like Barahir's outlaws. I will most likely never face a desperate situation as described in this reading (and Tolkien describes battles in a most lucid way). Yet, in the battles that wage in my heart, in the seemingly mundane tasks of life how will I respond? Perhaps I'll never escape my battles with pride, lust, selfisness, etc--but that does not mean I need to yield to them. May I, may you, push forward against all odds and never give up.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 455-456
Toady's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 150-155