Dagor Aglareb
| Dagor Aglareb | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conflict: Wars of Beleriand | |
| Date: F.A. 60 | |
| Place: Across the lands north of Beleriand, and especially on the plain of Ard-galen | |
Outcome: Decisive victory for the Noldor
| |
| Combatants | |
|
Forces of Morgoth | |
| Commanders | |
| Strength | |
|
Unknown |
Unknown |
| Casualties | |
|
Unknown |
Completed destroyed, not one survivor[1] |
The Dagor Aglareb, the "Glorious Battle", was the third battle of the Wars of Beleriand, fought between the Noldor and the forces of Morgoth.
History
Prelude
During the sixty years following Dagor-nuin-Giliath, the Noldor established their foothold in Middle-earth as well as making contact with the native Sindar. Morgoth's informants thought the Elves were busy with domestic affairs rather than martial vigilance.
Battle
As the Ered Engrin spewed forth fire, Orcs poured forth across Ard-galen and passed through the Pass of Sirion in the west and Maglor's Gap in the east. Smaller bands of Orcs broke off from the larger host and strayed into West and East Beleriand, where they were destroyed by other Elven forces.[2]
Meanwhile, the main force of the Orcs spewed forth from Angband across the plains to the highlands of Dorthonion.[2] Soon, armies under Fingolfin and Maedhros counter-attacked from both east and west. The Orc armies were caught between the hammer and anvil of the two elven forces, with most of the Orcs being destroyed, and the remnant retreating towards Angband.[2] The Noldor pursued them, and utterly destroyed what remained of their enemies within sight of the peaks of Thangorodrim.[2]
Aftermath
The Noldor, having been reminded of their ever-present danger, tightened their leaguer. This was the beginning of the Siege of Angband, which lasted almost four hundred years.[2] Only scattered incidents broke this time of peace. After ninety-five years, there was a small attack on Fingolfin, which was quickly defeated.[2][3] A century later, Glaurung, then only a half-grown dragon, drove the Elves to the protection of the highlands, but he was forced to retreat from Ard-galen by the archers of Fingon.[2] Morgoth ceased open assaults, and during the Long Peace he employed his powers instead through stealth, treachery, and enchantment of prisoners.[2]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor", pp. 131 '...pursuing them across ard-galen destroyed them utterly, to the least and last...'
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §155
| War of the Great Jewels | |
| First Battle · Dagor-nuin-Giliath · Dagor Aglareb · Dagor Bragollach · Nirnaeth Arnoediad · War of Wrath | |
