The War of Wrath

Little is known about the war for none of the Elves of Middle-earth partook in the fighting, rather the Vanyar (Elves who stayed in Valinor) and the forces of the Valar took part. Morgoth released all of his mighty force to defend himself but it was not enough. The Balrog's were destroyed, save a few who retreated into the deep recesses of the earth. "Orcs perished like straw in a great fire" (p. 251, The Silmarillion) and it would be years before they troubled Middle-earth again. The few remaining Edain (Men of the Three Faithful Houses) fought with the Valar and the deaths of great lords like Barahir, Huor, and Húrin were avenged. The greater part of Men fought with Morgoth. In desperation Morgoth released a weapon not yet seen in Middle-earth: winged-dragons.

At this the advance of the Valar was halted. "But Eärendil came, shining with white flame, and about Vingilot were gathered all great birds of heaven and Thorondir was their captain, and there was a battle in the air all the day through a dark night of doubt" (p. 252, The Silmarillion). At last Eärendil killed Ancalagon the Black, the mightiest of the winged-dragons. Angband was invaded and Morgoth cowered in the deepest of his mines. He did not even try to fight. He was captured, his feet cut off, and thrust into the Timeless Void beyond the world. Prisonors long in his captivity were freed. And the Silmarils from his crown were entrusted into Eonwë's, the herald of Manwë, care.

Hearing this Maedhros and Maglor took counsel. Only two Silmarils remained along with two of Fëanor's son. Maglor being weary of the curse sought to go with Eonwë to Valinor but Maedhros felt the Oath would rest unfulfilled and follow their every step. They snuck into Eonwë's camp, killing the guards and capturing the Silmarils but it was not done quietly. As the camp arose in wrath the brothers prepared for death. But Eonwë would not permit their deaths and they went away unchallenged.

The Silmaril burned the hand of Maedhros, as was foretold long before, and in madness he cast himself with the Jewel into a chasm in the earth. Maglor as well could not endure the pain and he cast his jewel into the Sea and there he remained. Maglor sung songs of longing and regret all his days for he was a great singer like Daeron of Doriath. Thus ended the Silmarils one buried in the deeps of the earth, one lost in the Great Sea, and the last shining brighter than any star in heaven.

Middle-earth was forever changed by this great war. The lands no longer resembled their old features, the Sirion River, for example was no more. The host of Valinor prepared to sail back to the Undying Lands. They met the remaining Elves and were given the love and pardon of Manwë and the invitation to return to Valinor. Yet not all wished to leave Middle-earth. "Among those were Círdan the Shipwright, and Celeborn of Doriath, with Galadriel his wife, who alone remained of those who led the Noldor to exile in Beleriand. In Middle-earth dwelt also Gil-galad the High King, and with him was Elrond Half-Elven, who chose, as was granted to him, to be numbered among the Eldar; but Elros his brother chose to abide with Men" (p. 254, The Silmarillion).

Yet even though the First Age ends, and Morgoth is captured, and pardon has been granted, some evils could not be wholly overcome: "the lies that Melkor, mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days" (p. 255, The Silmarillion). Alas, what a fitting allegory to humanity (though not Tolkien's intention). That the curse of sin lives in generation after generation ever ready to rear it's destructive ways. Even after the great battle at Golgotha, where ultimate victory was secured for my soul, the sin of my flesh is ever at odds within my spirit ready to bear dark fruit.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 545-590

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 251-255