Long Peace

From Tolkien Gateway
The days of The Long Peace by Elena Kukanova

The Long Peace is a term referring to the extended peace in Beleriand in the later First Age during which Morgoth did not try to break the Siege of Angband. It began with a failed sortie by Glaurung[1] in the year 260[2] and ended with the Dagor Bragollach[3] in 455[4] 195 years later.

During this period the Elves of Beleriand prospered, with only minor conflicts with the Orcs. It was also during the Long Peace that the Edain passed into Beleriand from the east.

History[edit | edit source]

The Siege of Angband held the forces of Darkness within Angband. Glaurung the Worm attempted to break it, managing to drive the Noldor off Ard-galen, however he was too young, and was pushed back by Fingon. It was then decided that Glaurung should wait to mature until ready to strike back.[1] This long wait allowed for the races of Beleriand to recover and prosper.

The first major event during those years was the arrival of the Edain into Beleriand, looking for the land of the Gods in the West. Finrod quickly befriended these first Men and advised them to settle in Estolad in the realm of Amrod.[5]

Around that time, the Haladin, the Folk of Marach, and the Easterlings crossed over the Blue Mountains into Beleriand. The Haladin dwelt in Thargelion as scattered groups until a host of orcs assaulted their territory in F.A. 375. They built a stockade between the angle of Gelion until Caranthir's army could relieve them. Haleth, who had become Chieftain following the death of her father and brother, declined a fief in his lands and moved on to Talath Dirnen to settle in the Forest of Brethil.

In F.A. 402, Orcs attempted to break through the Pass of Aglon, but the people of Bëor helped Maedhros and Maglor threw back the invaders.[6] This was the first time Men fought on behalf of the Eldar. Their head was also given the region of Ladros of Dorthonion.

The Marachians remained in Estolad after the Beorians, becoming close allies with the House of Fingolfin in Hithlum and then moved to the southern slopes of the Ered Wethrin; during the time of Hador in F.A. 416 they were granted permanent fief of Dor-lómin.

During this time, Angband also built its forces and Glaurung grew stronger. The period ended when finally the Siege was broken in the Dagor Bragollach.[3]

References