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| image=[[File:Kimberly - Gil-galad.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Kimberly - Gil-galad.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Gil-galad" by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]
| caption="Gil-galad" by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]
| pronun=
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[eˈreɪnjon ˈɡilɡalad]}}
| othernames=''Artanáro''/''Rodnor'' ([[Quenya|Q]]/[[Sindarin|S]], [[Father-name|fn]]),<br/>''Ereinion'' ([[Sindarin|S]], [[Epessë|epessë]])
| othernames=''Artanáro''/''Rodnor'' ([[Quenya|Q]]/[[Sindarin|S]], [[Father-name|fn]]),<br/>''Ereinion'' ([[Sindarin|S]], [[Epessë|epessë]])
| titles=[[High King of the Noldor]]
| titles=[[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| position=
| location=[[Havens of Sirion]]; [[Lindon]]
| location=[[Havens of Sirion]]<br>[[Lindon]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]
| language=[[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| language=[[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=c. {{FA|450}}
| birth=c. {{FA|455}}
| birthlocation=Unknown
| birthlocation=Unknown
| rule={{FA|510}} - {{SA|3441}}
| rule={{FA|510}} - {{SA|3441}}
| death={{SA|3441}}
| death={{SA|3441}}
| deathlocation=[[Siege of Barad-dûr]]
| deathlocation=[[Siege of Barad-dûr]]
| age=c. 3581
| age=c. 3576
| notablefor=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Fingolfin]] ([[The Silmarillion]])<br/>[[House of Finarfin]] (later notes)
| house=[[House of Finarfin]]
| parentage=[[Fingon]] ([[The Silmarillion]])<br/>[[Orodreth]] (later notes)
| parentage=[[Orodreth]] & unnamed [[Sindar|Sindarin]] lady<ref name=Parentage>{{PM|XI5}}, pp. 349-351</ref>
| siblings=none ([[The Silmarillion]])<br/>[[Finduilas]] (later notes)
| siblings=[[Finduilas]]
| spouse=
| spouse=
| children=
| children=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=
| height=
| hair=
| hair=Silver<ref>{{NM|P2iv}}, p. 186</ref>
| eyes=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| clothing=
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| steed=
| steed=
}}
}}
{{Pronounce|Ereinion Gil-galad.mp3|Ardamir}}
 
<center>{{quote|Gil-galad was an Elven-king<br>Of him the harpers sadly sing<br>The last whose realm was fair and free<br>Between the Mountains and the Sea.|From [[The Fall of Gil-galad]], as translated by [[Bilbo Baggins]]}}</center>
<center>{{quote|Gil-galad was an Elven-king<br>Of him the harpers sadly sing<br>The last whose realm was fair and free<br>Between the Mountains and the Sea.|From ''[[The Fall of Gil-galad]]'', as translated by [[Bilbo Baggins]]}}</center>
'''Ereinion Gil-galad''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[eˈreɪnjon ˈɡilɡalad]}}) was the sixth and last [[High King of the Noldor]].  
'''Ereinion Gil-galad''' was the sixth and last [[High King of the Noldor]].  


== History ==
== History ==
===First Age===
===First Age===
The exact date and place of Gil-galad's birth is not given.
The exact date and place of Gil-galad's birth is not known.


He was still a child at the time of the [[Dagor Bragollach]] when [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]]. As a result his father<ref group=note>In the [[Silmarillion]], Gil-galad's father was [[Fingon]]; in later notes [[Tolkien]] changed him to [[Orodreth]], but never incorporated this change in a narrative. See [[#Other Versions of the Legendarium]]</ref> sent him (and his mother<ref name="Ruin">{{WJ|Ruin}}</ref>) to [[Círdan]] at the [[Havens of the Falas]] for safekeeping.<ref>{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref> After the fall of Minas Tirith, the [[Pass of Sirion]] was open to Morgoth's hosts although they were still kept at bay by the still mighty realm of [[Hithlum]] and also the power of Nargothrond. Hithlum was destroyed after the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] and thus there was no power left that could withstand the enemies, and the ports at the Falas were besieged and captured. Yet Círdan, Gil-galad and many other Elves could flee from death on ship and established a refuge upon the [[Isle of Balar]] and a small haven at the [[Mouths of Sirion]].<ref>{{S|Fifth}}</ref>
He was still a child at the time of the [[Dagor Bragollach]] when [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]]. As a result, his father<ref group=note>In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Gil-galad's father was [[Fingon]]; in later notes [[Tolkien]] changed him to [[Orodreth]], but never incorporated this change in a narrative. See [[#Other versions of the legendarium]]</ref> sent him (and his mother) to [[Círdan]] at the [[Havens of the Falas]] for safekeeping.<ref>{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref> After the fall of [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]], the [[Pass of Sirion]] was open to Morgoth's hosts, although they were still kept at bay by the still mighty realm of [[Hithlum]] and also the power of Nargothrond. Hithlum was destroyed after the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] and thus there was no power left that could withstand the enemies, and the ports at the Falas were besieged and captured. Yet Círdan, Gil-galad, and many other Elves could flee from death on ship and established a refuge upon the [[Isle of Balar]] and a small haven at the [[Mouths of Sirion]].<ref name=Fifth>{{S|Fifth}}</ref>


In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad [[Fingon]], High King of the Noldor, was slain, and the crown passed to his brother [[Turgon]] in Gondolin. When Gondolin was lost, Gil-galad received the Kingship of the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> He and Círdan maintained the refuge upon Balar and the small port at the Sirion estuary until the [[War of Wrath]] and the end of the First Age.
In the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Fingon]], High King of the Noldor, was slain, and the crown passed to his brother [[Turgon]] in Gondolin. When Gondolin was lost, Gil-galad received the Kingship of the Noldor.<ref name=Gondolin>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref> He and Círdan maintained the refuge upon Balar and the small port at the Sirion estuary until the [[War of Wrath]] and the end of the First Age.


===Second Age===
===Second Age===
After the destruction of [[Beleriand]] during the [[War of Wrath]], Gil-galad founded a kingdom in [[Lindon]] in the far northwest of Middle-earth, roughly between the [[Blue Mountains]] and the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] around the [[Gulf of Lhûn]] and the havens of [[Forlond]], [[Harlond (Lindon)|Harlond]] and [[Mithlond]] were founded.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Many Elves, both the [[Sindar]] and the [[Noldor]] joined him. But soon there was again unrest among the Noldor, and many of them left Lindon and led by [[Celebrimbor]] founded the realm of [[Eregion]], probably also stirred up by the finding of ''[[mithril]]'' in [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Also some of the Sindar and many of the [[Nandor]] did not wish to live with the Noldor, who had done them a [[Second Kinslaying|great evil]], and migrated eastwards to [[Lothlórien]] or [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Gil-galad was an Elvenking.jpg|thumb|left|''Gil-galad was an Elvenking'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
After the destruction of [[Beleriand]] during the [[War of Wrath]], Gil-galad founded a kingdom in [[Lindon]] in the far north-west of Middle-earth, roughly between the [[Blue Mountains]] and the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] around the [[Gulf of Lhûn]] and the havens of [[Forlond]], [[Harlond (Lindon)|Harlond]], and [[Mithlond]] were founded.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Gil-galad was the last heir of the kings of the Noldor in exile, and acknowledged as High King of the Elves of the West.<ref name=sa>{{App|SA}}</ref> Many Elves, both the [[Sindar]] and the [[Noldor]] joined him. But soon, there was again unrest among the Noldor, and many of them left Lindon. Led by [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of Fëanor, they founded the realm of [[Eregion]], probably also stirred up by the finding of ''[[mithril]]'' in [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Also, some of the Sindar and many of the [[Nandor]] did not wish to live with the Noldor, who had done them a [[Second Kinslaying|great evil]], and migrated eastwards to [[Lothlórien]] or [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].


When Prince [[Aldarion]] of [[Númenor]] came to [[Middle-earth]], they established friendship with the [[Elves]]. In {{SA|882}} Gil-galad gave him [[Gil-galad's letter|a letter for his father]], the [[King of Númenor]], [[Tar-Meneldur]]. He warned him that a new shadow had arisen in the [[East]] and besought him for aid.<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>
When Prince [[Aldarion]] of [[Númenor]] came to [[Middle-earth]], they established friendship with the [[Elves]]. In {{SA|882}} Gil-galad gave him [[Gil-galad's letter|a letter for his father]], the [[King of Númenor]], [[Tar-Meneldur]]. He warned him that a new shadow had arisen in the [[East]] and besought him for aid.<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>


[[File:Lelia - Gil-Galad.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Lelia - ''Gil-galad'']]Around the year 1000 of the [[Second Age]], [[Sauron]] tried to make contact with the Elves under the name of [[Annatar]], the "Lord of Gifts". But Gil-galad and Círdan did not trust him and rejected his proposals. Sauron though, was welcomed in Eregion and the [[Rings of Power]] were forged.<ref name="Rings"/> Around {{SA|1600}} Sauron, though, had forged [[the One Ring]] in secret, and when the Elves of Eregion found out that they have been betrayed, Sauron demanded the Rings, and when they refused, in {{SA|1695}} he invaded [[Eriador]], and the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Second}}</ref> Celebrimbor had rescued the Three Rings of the Elves in time, sending [[Narya]] and [[Vilya]] to Gil-galad, while the third ring [[Nenya]] was given to [[Galadriel]].<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Irsanna - Gil-galad.jpg|thumb|''Gil-galad'' by [[:Category:Images by Irsanna|Irsanna]]]]
Around the year 1000 of the [[Second Age]], [[Sauron]] tried to make contact with the Elves under the name of [[Annatar]], the "Lord of Gifts", but Gil-galad and Círdan did not trust him and rejected his proposals. However, Sauron was welcomed in Eregion and the [[Rings of Power]] were forged.<ref name="Rings"/> Around {{SA|1600}}, Sauron forged [[the One Ring]] in secret, and when the Elves of Eregion found out that they were betrayed, Sauron demanded the Rings, and when they refused, in {{SA|1693}} the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref name=sa/> Celebrimbor had rescued the Three Rings of the Elves in time, sending [[Vilya]] and [[Narya]] to Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] in Lindon, respectively, while the third ring [[Nenya]] was given to [[Galadriel]].<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
 
As Sauron invaded [[Eriador]], Gil-galad sent [[Elrond]] to aid Eregion and also called on Númenor for aid.<ref>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref><ref name=sa/> Elrond was unable to avert Sauron, and with some survivors, they retreated to [[Imladris]].<ref name="Galadriel"/>  


Sauron conquered [[Eregion]] quickly and the forces from Lindon that Gil-galad had sent under the command of [[Elrond]] came too late and were too small, and fled far north, where Elrond established the stronghold of [[Rivendell|Imladris]].<ref name="Galadriel"/> While Sauron sent most of his army west to attack [[Lindon]] he had to leave a strong detachment behind to contain Elrond.<ref name=UTC>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>
Eriador was being overrun until a great fleet of the [[Númenóreans]] sent by [[Tar-Minastir]] arrived at Lindon. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated.<ref name=sa/><ref name="Galadriel"/> After this war, the Elves were not further troubled by Sauron for a long time, and Gil-galad passed the ring Vilya to Elrond and he appointed Elrond as his vice-regent.<ref name="Galadriel"/>.


The war lasted on, until a great fleet of the [[Númenóreans]] arrived at Lindon. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]].<ref name="Galadriel"/> After this war, the Elves were not further troubled by Sauron for a long time. During this time, Gil-galad passed the rings Narya and Vilya to Círdan and Elrond, respectively, and he appointed Elrond as his vice-regent.<ref name="Galadriel"/>.
When [[Tar-Calion]] captured Sauron and took him to [[Númenor]], the Westlands found peace, and Gil-galad was free to extend his power to the north, south, and east beyond the [[Anduin]].<ref name="Rings"/>


When [[Tar-Calion]] captured Sauron and took him to [[Númenor]], the Westlands found peace, and Gil-galad was free to extend his power to the north and south, and east, beyond [[Anduin]].<ref name="Rings"/>
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], [[Elendil]] and his sons came to Middle-earth and founded the realms of [[Gondor]] in the south and [[Arnor]] in the north. To honour Elendil, Gil-galad built the [[White Towers]], which housed [[Elostirion-stone|one of]] the [[Palantiri]].<ref name="Rings"/>
[[File:Abe Papakhian - Last Alliance.jpg|thumb|left|''Last Alliance'' by [[:Category:Images by Abe Papakhian|Abe Papakhian]]]]
But Sauron also escaped, and Gondor was soon attacked; Elendil's son [[Isildur]] had to flee, and sailed north to his father. Elendil and Gil-galad then formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] against Sauron in {{SA|3431}}.<ref name=sa/> It is said that the hosts of Gil-galad joined Elendil at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]<Ref name=Knife>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>


After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], [[Elendil]] and his sons came to Middle-earth and founded the realms of [[Gondor]] in the south and [[Arnor]] in the north. Gondor was soon attacked by Sauron and Elendil's son [[Isildur]] had to flee, and sailed north to his father, where the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] was formed with Gil-galad.  
In the following years, the Allies marched to [[Imladris]] where they camped for three years. Then they crossed the [[Misty Mountains]], and marched south, where they [[Battle of Dagorlad|defeated]] a great army outside [[Mordor]]. They broke through [[Cirith Gorgor]] and besieged [[Sauron]]'s [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]].<ref name=sa/> Gil-galad fought with his long sword and his spear [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] that was much feared by the enemy.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name=Knife>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>
[[File:Maureval - Ereinion Gil-galad.jpg|thumb|Maureval - ''Ereinion Gil-galad'']]
[[File:Abe_Papakhian_-_I_Behold_(colour).jpg|thumb|''I Behold'' by Abe Papakhian]]
It took several years for the Allies to gather their forces but ultimately they marched on Mordor and defeated a great army in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]]. They broke through [[Cirith Gorgor]] and besieged [[Sauron]]'s [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]].
When the siege had lasted for seven years, it became so pressing that Sauron himself sallied forth. By his power, the siege was broken, and his army advanced to the slopes of [[Orodruin]]. There he was engaged by Elendil and Gil-galad in a single combat. Sauron was defeated but both Gil-galad and Elendil were killed in the act.<ref name=sa/> In the [[Scroll of Isildur|Scroll]] he wrote in [[Minas Tirith]] before riding north, Isildur wrote that Gil-galad was killed by the heat of Sauron's hand.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>


When the siege had lasted for seven years, it became so pressing that Sauron himself sallied forth. By his power the siege was broken and his army advanced to the slopes of [[Orodruin]]. There he was engaged by Elendil and Gil-galad in a single combat. Sauron was defeated but both Gil-galad and Elendil were killed in the act. Gil-galad was the last High King of Noldor. In the scroll he left in [[Minas Tirith]] before riding north, Isildur wrote that Gil-galad was killed by the heat of Sauron's hand.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>
Thus died the last High King of Noldor, and this title was never claimed by any other Noldo of Middle-earth.


Gil-galad's weapon was the spear [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]].
== Etymology ==
{{Pronounce|Ereinion Gil-galad.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Gil-galad'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, meaning "Star of bright light",<ref name=RGEO>{{RGEO|Notes}}, p. 73</ref> "Starlight"<ref name=Knife></ref> or "Star of Radiance".<ref name=Finwe>{{PM|XI4}}, pp. 347-348</ref> The name consists of the elements ''[[gil]]'' ("star") + ''[[galad]]'' ("radiance").<ref name=RGEO></ref>


== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
According to a version, this name was an [[epessë]] given to him because his armour and shield were overlaid with silver and included a device of white stars, so they shone in the distance like a star.<ref name=Finwe></ref> A later version explains it was his [[mother-name]].<ref name=Parentage>{{PM|XI5}}, pp. 349-351</ref>


Gil-galad was originally, and briefly, conceived as a descendant of [[Fëanor]].  
''Gil-galad'' already appears in ''[[The Etymologies]]'' as [[Noldorin]] for "Starlight".<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "GIL"</ref>


Later, and through the writing of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', he was considered a son of [[Finrod Felagund]], until Tolkien decided that Felagund was unmarried and childless.
==Other names==
As a descendant of kings, the [[Sindarin]] birth name of Gil-galad was '''''Ereinion''''' ("Scion of Kings"), from plural ''[[aran]]'' ("king") + ''[[-ion]]'' (patronymic suffix).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''ar(a)''</ref>


A marginal note by Tolkien from around this time (the late 1950s) suggested that Gil-galad might be the son of [[Fingon]]. This suggestion was taken up by Tolkien's son and literary executor [[Christopher Tolkien]] in the published version of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', which states that Gil-galad is the son of [[Fingon]]. He also edited a line in ''[[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]'' which originally referred to Gil-galad as a member of the House of Finarfin to make it consistent with the published ''Silmarillion''. Christopher stated many years later in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'' that this decision to make Gil-galad a son of Fingon was an editorial mistake on his part and did not represent his father's conception of the character. Christopher suggested that it would have been better to have left Gil-galad's parentage obscure.<ref name="PM|XI5">{{PM|XI5}}</ref>
Gil-galad's [[Quenya]] name was '''''Artanáro''''', or in Sindarin '''''Rodnor'''''.<ref name=Parentage>{{PM|XI5}}, pp. 349-351</ref> Paul Strack explains it can be translated as "Noble Fire".<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-1045550461.html|articlename=Q. ''Artanáro'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=5 November 2020}}</ref>
Tolkien's final decision for Gil-galad's parentage appears to have been that he was a son of [[Orodreth]], who was at the same time changed from being a son of [[Finarfin]] to a son of [[Angrod]].<ref name="PM|XI5">{{PM|XI5}}</ref> This conception, however, was never incorporated into the written stories of ''The Silmarillion'', and aspects of it — notably the downgrading of Orodreth into a son of Angrod — would have required considerable reworking of the existing text.


== Etymology ==
An unclear name is '''''Finellach''''', included in [[Gil-galad's letter]] to [[Tar-Meneldur]] (but omitted by [[Christopher Tolkien]]).<ref name=Parentage>{{PM|XI5}}, pp. 349-351</ref> [[David Salo]] explains it can mean "Flame of Hair and Eye".<ref>{{HM|GS}}, p. 349</ref>
''Gil-galad'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, meaning "Star of bright light". The name consists of the elements ''[[gil]]'' ("star") + ''[[galad]]'' ("radiance")<ref name=RGEO>{{RGEO|Notes}}, p. 73</ref>. According to a note this name was given to him because of the brightness of his eyes <ref name="Ruin"/>.
''Gil-galad ''was his [[Amilessë|mother-name]], and it was his preferred name in his youth. His [[father-name]] was '''''Rodnor''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈrodnor]}}), or in [[Quenya]], '''''Artanáro''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌartaˈnaːro]}}).


As a High King of the Noldor, his [[epessë]] was '''''Ereinion''''', "Scion of Kings" (from ''[[erain]]'' = "kings" and ''[[-ion]]'' = "son").
Another isolated name was '''''Finwain''''',<ref>{{NM|P2iv}}, p. 186</ref> clearly [[Sindarin]], a combination of ''fin'' (Sindarin for ''[[Finwë]]'') + ''[[gwain]]'' ("young").


== Revised genealogy ==
== Revised genealogy ==
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Gil-galad Heraldic Device.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Gil-galad's heraldic device, by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
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{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>
</div>
== Other versions of the legendarium ==
===Earlier versions===
Gil-galad appears for the first time in the second version of ''[[The Fall of Númenor]]'' (written c. [[1937]]), along with [[Elendil]] (in the previous conception, Elrond is the leader of the Elves who remained behind). Both create a great league of Elves and Men and fight [[Thû]] in [[Mordor]], but both are slain by him. In that text he is mentioned as a descendant of [[Fëanor]] and an Elven king of Beleriand.<ref>{{LR|P1II3}}, p. 29. Cf. Commentary on §14</ref>
In a marginal note of §28 of the conclusion of ''[[Quenta Silmarillion (Lost Road)|Quenta Silmarillion]]'', Tolkien pencilled the names ''Gilgalad'' and ''Lindon''.<ref>{{LR|P2VI}}, ''Commentary on the conclusion of the Quenta Silmarillion'', p. 337</ref> This note was probably used by Christopher Tolkien to introduce Gil-Galad at the end of [[Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath|chapter 24]] of the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', beside Círdan, Celeborn, and Galadriel.<ref>See [[Douglas C. Kane]], ''[[Arda Reconstructed: The Creation of the Published Silmarillion]]'', p. 235.</ref>
===Parentage===
[[File:Karolina Węgrzyn - Scion of Kings son of Fingon (colored).jpg|thumb|''Scion of Kings son of Fingon'' by [[Karolina Węgrzyn]]]]
Later, and through the writing of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', he was considered a son of [[Finrod Felagund]], until Tolkien decided that Felagund was unmarried and childless.<ref name="Ruin">{{WJ|Ruin}}, pp. 242-243</ref>
A marginal note by Tolkien from around this time (the late 1950s) suggested that Gil-galad might be the son of [[Fingon]]. This suggestion was taken up by Tolkien's son and literary executor [[Christopher Tolkien]] in the published version of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', which states that Gil-galad is the son of [[Fingon]]. He also edited a line in ''[[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]'' which originally referred to Gil-galad as a member of the House of Finarfin to make it consistent with the published ''Silmarillion''. Christopher stated many years later in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'' that this decision to make Gil-galad a son of Fingon was an editorial mistake on his part and did not represent his father's conception of the character. Christopher suggested that it would have been better to have left Gil-galad's parentage obscure.<ref name=Parentage/>
Tolkien's final decision for Gil-galad's parentage appears to have been that he was a son of [[Orodreth]], who was at the same time changed from being a son of [[Finarfin]] to a son of [[Angrod]].<ref name=Parentage></ref> This conception, however, was never incorporated into the written stories of ''The Silmarillion'', and aspects of it — notably the downgrading of Orodreth into a son of Angrod — would have required considerable reworking of the existing text.
Gil-galad's descent from Fingon may have been abandoned due to its problematic implications for the right of Turgon to the High Kingship. Except for the remarkable and well-documented case of the [[High King of the Noldor#Earlier Kings|Dispossession]] of the House of Fëanor, the High Kingship passed from one holder to the next with preference given to the sons of the latest King in birth order before the younger brothers of the latest King in birth order.<ref name=Fifth />
As such, Turgon taking the High Kingship after the death of Fingon in {{FA|472}} with Fingon's son Gil-galad already more than 17 years old would represent either a criminal usurpation or a remarkable and noteworthy violation of the principle of patrilineal primogeniture<ref name=agnatic>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primogeniture#Agnatic_primogeniture Primogeniture, Wikipedia]</ref> that describes all previous inheritances of the High Kingship. Tolkien did not portray Turgon's succession as unjust or exceptional in any extant writings,<ref name=Gondolin/> so it is unlikely that he intended Turgon's succession to be anomalous in such a way.


==Portrayals in adaptations==
==Portrayals in adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Gil-galad.jpg|thumb|Gil-galad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]
{{Gallery
|title=Gil-galad in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Gil-galad.jpg|Gil-galad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gil-galad.jpg|Gil-galad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the prologue, Gil-galad is shown as one of the bearers of the [[Three Rings|three Elven rings]]. Later, he is present at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Battle]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] wielding his spear [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]]. His death is not shown, and he does not take down [[Sauron]]. He is played by [[Mark Ferguson]].
:In the prologue, Gil-galad is shown as one of the bearers of the [[Three Rings|three Elven rings]]. Later, he is present at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Battle]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] wielding his spear [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]]. His death is not shown, and he does not take down [[Sauron]]. He is played by [[Mark Ferguson]].
:The bodies of Gil-galad and Elendil can be seen on [[:File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Isildur mural.jpg|the mural depicting the Siege]] in the [[House of Elrond]].
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gil-galad appears in several flashbacks depicting the the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. His ultimate fate is more accurate to the books than the film version, showing [[Elendil]] and Gil-galad both battling and defeating [[Sauron]] at the cost of their lives.


'''2010: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
'''2010: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Gil-galad appears in the prologue holding one of the Elf-rings. He is also an unlockable character, despite never playing into the storyline. He can be found in a cave in south-west [[Gorgoroth]]. His gear is not accurate, however; he wields an Elven sword (instead of Aeglos) and golden shield in the game, though ''The Fall of Gil-Galad'' describes a silver shield.
:Gil-galad appears in the prologue holding one of the Elf-rings. He is also an unlockable character, despite never playing into the storyline. He can be found in a cave in south-west [[Gorgoroth]]. His gear is not accurate, however; he wields an Elven sword (instead of Aeglos) and golden shield in the game, though ''The Fall of Gil-Galad'' describes a silver shield.


== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Gil-galad|Images of Gil-galad]].
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Revision as of 18:35, 5 November 2021

Gil-galad
Noldo
Kimberly - Gil-galad.jpg
"Gil-galad" by Kimberly
Biographical Information
PronunciationS, [eˈreɪnjon ˈɡilɡalad]
Other namesArtanáro/Rodnor (Q/S, fn),
Ereinion (S, epessë)
TitlesHigh King of the Noldor
LocationHavens of Sirion
Lindon
AffiliationLast Alliance of Elves and Men
LanguageQuenya and Sindarin
Birthc. F.A. 455
Unknown
RuleF.A. 510 - S.A. 3441
DeathS.A. 3441 (aged c. 3576)
Siege of Barad-dûr
Family
HouseHouse of Finarfin
ParentageOrodreth & unnamed Sindarin lady[1]
SiblingsFinduilas
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorSilver[2]
WeaponryAeglos
GalleryImages of Gil-galad
"Gil-galad was an Elven-king
Of him the harpers sadly sing
The last whose realm was fair and free
Between the Mountains and the Sea.
"
― From The Fall of Gil-galad, as translated by Bilbo Baggins

Ereinion Gil-galad was the sixth and last High King of the Noldor.

History

First Age

The exact date and place of Gil-galad's birth is not known.

He was still a child at the time of the Dagor Bragollach when Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband. As a result, his father[note 1] sent him (and his mother) to Círdan at the Havens of the Falas for safekeeping.[3] After the fall of Minas Tirith, the Pass of Sirion was open to Morgoth's hosts, although they were still kept at bay by the still mighty realm of Hithlum and also the power of Nargothrond. Hithlum was destroyed after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and thus there was no power left that could withstand the enemies, and the ports at the Falas were besieged and captured. Yet Círdan, Gil-galad, and many other Elves could flee from death on ship and established a refuge upon the Isle of Balar and a small haven at the Mouths of Sirion.[4]

In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Fingon, High King of the Noldor, was slain, and the crown passed to his brother Turgon in Gondolin. When Gondolin was lost, Gil-galad received the Kingship of the Noldor.[5] He and Círdan maintained the refuge upon Balar and the small port at the Sirion estuary until the War of Wrath and the end of the First Age.

Second Age

Gil-galad was an Elvenking by Jenny Dolfen

After the destruction of Beleriand during the War of Wrath, Gil-galad founded a kingdom in Lindon in the far north-west of Middle-earth, roughly between the Blue Mountains and the Great Sea around the Gulf of Lhûn and the havens of Forlond, Harlond, and Mithlond were founded.[6] Gil-galad was the last heir of the kings of the Noldor in exile, and acknowledged as High King of the Elves of the West.[7] Many Elves, both the Sindar and the Noldor joined him. But soon, there was again unrest among the Noldor, and many of them left Lindon. Led by Celebrimbor, grandson of Fëanor, they founded the realm of Eregion, probably also stirred up by the finding of mithril in Khazad-dûm. Also, some of the Sindar and many of the Nandor did not wish to live with the Noldor, who had done them a great evil, and migrated eastwards to Lothlórien or Greenwood the Great.

When Prince Aldarion of Númenor came to Middle-earth, they established friendship with the Elves. In S.A. 882 Gil-galad gave him a letter for his father, the King of Númenor, Tar-Meneldur. He warned him that a new shadow had arisen in the East and besought him for aid.[8]

Gil-galad by Irsanna

Around the year 1000 of the Second Age, Sauron tried to make contact with the Elves under the name of Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts", but Gil-galad and Círdan did not trust him and rejected his proposals. However, Sauron was welcomed in Eregion and the Rings of Power were forged.[6] Around S.A. 1600, Sauron forged the One Ring in secret, and when the Elves of Eregion found out that they were betrayed, Sauron demanded the Rings, and when they refused, in S.A. 1693 the War of the Elves and Sauron began.[9][7] Celebrimbor had rescued the Three Rings of the Elves in time, sending Vilya and Narya to Gil-galad and Círdan in Lindon, respectively, while the third ring Nenya was given to Galadriel.[10]

As Sauron invaded Eriador, Gil-galad sent Elrond to aid Eregion and also called on Númenor for aid.[11][7] Elrond was unable to avert Sauron, and with some survivors, they retreated to Imladris.[10]

Eriador was being overrun until a great fleet of the Númenóreans sent by Tar-Minastir arrived at Lindon. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated.[7][10] After this war, the Elves were not further troubled by Sauron for a long time, and Gil-galad passed the ring Vilya to Elrond and he appointed Elrond as his vice-regent.[10].

When Tar-Calion captured Sauron and took him to Númenor, the Westlands found peace, and Gil-galad was free to extend his power to the north, south, and east beyond the Anduin.[6]

After the Downfall of Númenor, Elendil and his sons came to Middle-earth and founded the realms of Gondor in the south and Arnor in the north. To honour Elendil, Gil-galad built the White Towers, which housed one of the Palantiri.[6]

Last Alliance by Abe Papakhian

But Sauron also escaped, and Gondor was soon attacked; Elendil's son Isildur had to flee, and sailed north to his father. Elendil and Gil-galad then formed the Last Alliance of Elves and Men against Sauron in S.A. 3431.[7] It is said that the hosts of Gil-galad joined Elendil at Amon Sûl[12]

In the following years, the Allies marched to Imladris where they camped for three years. Then they crossed the Misty Mountains, and marched south, where they defeated a great army outside Mordor. They broke through Cirith Gorgor and besieged Sauron's Dark Tower.[7] Gil-galad fought with his long sword and his spear Aeglos that was much feared by the enemy.[13][12]

I Behold by Abe Papakhian

When the siege had lasted for seven years, it became so pressing that Sauron himself sallied forth. By his power, the siege was broken, and his army advanced to the slopes of Orodruin. There he was engaged by Elendil and Gil-galad in a single combat. Sauron was defeated but both Gil-galad and Elendil were killed in the act.[7] In the Scroll he wrote in Minas Tirith before riding north, Isildur wrote that Gil-galad was killed by the heat of Sauron's hand.[14]

Thus died the last High King of Noldor, and this title was never claimed by any other Noldo of Middle-earth.

Etymology

Gil-galad is a Sindarin name, meaning "Star of bright light",[15] "Starlight"[12] or "Star of Radiance".[16] The name consists of the elements gil ("star") + galad ("radiance").[15]

According to a version, this name was an epessë given to him because his armour and shield were overlaid with silver and included a device of white stars, so they shone in the distance like a star.[16] A later version explains it was his mother-name.[1]

Gil-galad already appears in The Etymologies as Noldorin for "Starlight".[17]

Other names

As a descendant of kings, the Sindarin birth name of Gil-galad was Ereinion ("Scion of Kings"), from plural aran ("king") + -ion (patronymic suffix).[18]

Gil-galad's Quenya name was Artanáro, or in Sindarin Rodnor.[1] Paul Strack explains it can be translated as "Noble Fire".[19]

An unclear name is Finellach, included in Gil-galad's letter to Tar-Meneldur (but omitted by Christopher Tolkien).[1] David Salo explains it can mean "Flame of Hair and Eye".[20]

Another isolated name was Finwain,[21] clearly Sindarin, a combination of fin (Sindarin for Finwë) + gwain ("young").

Revised genealogy

Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finwë
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olwë
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Írimë
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230
 
Eärwen
b. Y.T.
 
unknown sons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finrod
Y.T. 1300 - F.A. 465
 
Angrod
d. F.A. 455
 
Eldalótë
b. Y.T.
 
Aegnor
d. F.A. 455
 
Galadriel
b. Y.T. 1362
 
Celeborn
b. F.A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Orodreth
d. F.A. 495
 
 
 
 
 
Elrond
b. F.A. 532
 
Celebrían
b. S.A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GIL-GALAD
d. S.A. 3441
 
Finduilas
d. F.A. 495
 
Elladan
b. T.A. 130
 
Elrohir
b. T.A. 130
 
Arwen
T.A. 241 - Fo.A. 121
 

Other versions of the legendarium

Earlier versions

Gil-galad appears for the first time in the second version of The Fall of Númenor (written c. 1937), along with Elendil (in the previous conception, Elrond is the leader of the Elves who remained behind). Both create a great league of Elves and Men and fight Thû in Mordor, but both are slain by him. In that text he is mentioned as a descendant of Fëanor and an Elven king of Beleriand.[22]

In a marginal note of §28 of the conclusion of Quenta Silmarillion, Tolkien pencilled the names Gilgalad and Lindon.[23] This note was probably used by Christopher Tolkien to introduce Gil-Galad at the end of chapter 24 of the published Silmarillion, beside Círdan, Celeborn, and Galadriel.[24]

Parentage

Scion of Kings son of Fingon by Karolina Węgrzyn

Later, and through the writing of The Lord of the Rings, he was considered a son of Finrod Felagund, until Tolkien decided that Felagund was unmarried and childless.[25]

A marginal note by Tolkien from around this time (the late 1950s) suggested that Gil-galad might be the son of Fingon. This suggestion was taken up by Tolkien's son and literary executor Christopher Tolkien in the published version of The Silmarillion, which states that Gil-galad is the son of Fingon. He also edited a line in Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife which originally referred to Gil-galad as a member of the House of Finarfin to make it consistent with the published Silmarillion. Christopher stated many years later in The Peoples of Middle-earth that this decision to make Gil-galad a son of Fingon was an editorial mistake on his part and did not represent his father's conception of the character. Christopher suggested that it would have been better to have left Gil-galad's parentage obscure.[1]

Tolkien's final decision for Gil-galad's parentage appears to have been that he was a son of Orodreth, who was at the same time changed from being a son of Finarfin to a son of Angrod.[1] This conception, however, was never incorporated into the written stories of The Silmarillion, and aspects of it — notably the downgrading of Orodreth into a son of Angrod — would have required considerable reworking of the existing text.

Gil-galad's descent from Fingon may have been abandoned due to its problematic implications for the right of Turgon to the High Kingship. Except for the remarkable and well-documented case of the Dispossession of the House of Fëanor, the High Kingship passed from one holder to the next with preference given to the sons of the latest King in birth order before the younger brothers of the latest King in birth order.[4]

As such, Turgon taking the High Kingship after the death of Fingon in F.A. 472 with Fingon's son Gil-galad already more than 17 years old would represent either a criminal usurpation or a remarkable and noteworthy violation of the principle of patrilineal primogeniture[26] that describes all previous inheritances of the High Kingship. Tolkien did not portray Turgon's succession as unjust or exceptional in any extant writings,[5] so it is unlikely that he intended Turgon's succession to be anomalous in such a way.

Portrayals in adaptations

Gil-galad in adaptations

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

In the prologue, Gil-galad is shown as one of the bearers of the three Elven rings. Later, he is present at the Battle of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men wielding his spear Aeglos. His death is not shown, and he does not take down Sauron. He is played by Mark Ferguson.
The bodies of Gil-galad and Elendil can be seen on the mural depicting the Siege in the House of Elrond.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Gil-galad appears in several flashbacks depicting the the War of the Last Alliance. His ultimate fate is more accurate to the books than the film version, showing Elendil and Gil-galad both battling and defeating Sauron at the cost of their lives.

2010: Lego The Lord of the Rings:

Gil-galad appears in the prologue holding one of the Elf-rings. He is also an unlockable character, despite never playing into the storyline. He can be found in a cave in south-west Gorgoroth. His gear is not accurate, however; he wields an Elven sword (instead of Aeglos) and golden shield in the game, though The Fall of Gil-Galad describes a silver shield.

Notes

  1. In The Silmarillion, Gil-galad's father was Fingon; in later notes Tolkien changed him to Orodreth, but never incorporated this change in a narrative. See #Other versions of the legendarium

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The parentage of Gil-galad", pp. 349-351
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Two. Body, Mind and Spirit: IV. Hair", p. 186
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin"
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VI. The Tale of Years of the Second Age"
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Knife in the Dark"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  15. 15.0 15.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Notes and Translations", in The Road Goes Ever On (J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann), p. 73
  16. 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of Finwë's descendants", pp. 347-348
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entry "GIL"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry ar(a)
  19. Paul Strack, "Q. Artanáro m.", Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon (accessed 5 November 2020)
  20. David Salo (2004), A Gateway to Sindarin, p. 349
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Two. Body, Mind and Spirit: IV. Hair", p. 186
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part One: II. The Fall of Númenor, (iii) The second version of The Fall of Númenor", p. 29. Cf. Commentary on §14
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", Commentary on the conclusion of the Quenta Silmarillion, p. 337
  24. See Douglas C. Kane, Arda Reconstructed: The Creation of the Published Silmarillion, p. 235.
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Two. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin (Chapter 15)", pp. 242-243
  26. Primogeniture, Wikipedia
Gil-galad
House of Finarfin
Born: c. F.A. 455 Died: S.A. 3441
Preceded by:
Turgon
High King of the Noldor
F.A. 510 - S.A. 3441
None
Title abandoned