Belegost

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Belegost
File:Belegost map.gif
General information
LocationNortheast of Mount Dolmed
CapitalBelegost
People
LanguageKhuzdul, Sindarin

Belegost was one of two great Dwarven cities in the Ered Luin.

Description

Belegost lay the north central part of the Ered Luin, and was home to the Dwarves of Belegost. During the mid First Age its king until Nirnaeth Arnoediad was Azaghâl.

History

The Dwarves of Belegost were friends to the Sindar and later also the Noldor of Beleriand. They did not join the Dwarves of Nogrod in the Sack of Doriath, and actually attempted to dissuade their fellow Dwarves from it.

Belegost apparently survived the War of Wrath, although it was recorded as having been 'ruined' at that time. Many Dwarves from Belegost joined Durin's folk in Khazad-dûm 60 years after the war, but there were always Dwarves on the Eastern side of the mountains. Whether Belegost was at least partially rebuilt is unknown.

Etymology

Belegost (beleg + ost) is a Sindarin translation of the original Dwarvish name Gabilgathol and all mean "Great City".

Unlike other names of the Silmarillion, the texts gives us also an English rendering, which is possibly from Westron: Mickleburg. Mickle is a root meanng "big"; see also Michel Delving.

References