Gothmog (The First Age)

Gothmog is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. He appears in The Silmarillion. Gothmog is a servant of Melkor (I.e. Morgoth) and leads or participates in many of his invasions throughout Arda. Though extremely formidable, Gothmog would meet his end at hands of Elf lord Ecthelion during the surprise attack on the hidden city of Gondolin.

Background

Gothmog descended into Arda along with the rest of the Ainur. He is a Maia and thus considered among the ranks of powerful spirits such as Olórin and Curumo. Although he is a Maia, he belongs to a subgroup of fiery spirits known as the Valaraukar. On Middle-earth and to the children of Iluvatar, the Valaraukar are known only as Balrogs. Like all the Maiar, Gothmog came to Arda with pure intentions to help carry out the vision of Arda that was sung by Eru and the Valar during the music of the Ainur. But Gothmog, like the other Balrogs, fell prey to Morgoth's lies and promises of power and pledged his allegiance to him.[1] He is known as Lord of the Balrogs and the high captain of Angband.[2] Second only to Sauron, Gothmog was one of Morgoth's most powerful servants and thus held vast authority over his armies.[3]

Notable battles

Dagor-Nuin-Giliath (I 1)

Dagor-Nuin-Giliath (I 1)[4] took place before the Moon and Sun arose and was the first time the Elves witnessed the might of Gothmog. After a minor victory, Fëanor, consumed by the flame of his own wrath, attempted to conquer Angband and defeat Morgoth himself. Fëanor pursued this idea with a small number of soldiers and it was then that he came upon Gothmog and his Balrogs. Soon Fёanor stood alone; but long he fought on with all Balrogs alone, so how was mightiest the strength, valour and endurance, of all the Children of Iluvatar, though he was wrapped in fire and wounded with many wounds. But at the last Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs, smote him to the ground.[5]

Nirnaeth Arnoediad (I 472)

Nirnaeth Arnoediad (I 472)[6] occurred after hundreds of years of Angband under siege, during the last battle in of the Wars of Beleriand, Gothmog emerged from the depths of Angband to subdue the enemies of Morgoth. It was in this battle where Gothmog took the life of King Fingon with his axe[2], causing the ultimate defeat of the Elves and their allies.

The Fall of Gondolin (I 510)

The Fall of Gondolin (I 510)[7] began with a surprise attack on city of Gondolin, in which Gothmog and the Elf lord Ecthelion of the fountain came upon each other in combat. Though Gothmog succeeded in killing Ecthelion and sacking the hidden city, it was in this battle that Gothmog would be defeated by Ecthelion and thus the Lord of the Balrogs was killed by the silver spike placed upon the helm of the Elven Lord, whose arms were wounded and unusable.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Tolkien, J. R. R. (1977). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-345-32581-5.
  2. 1 2 Tolkien, J. R. R. (1977). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 230. ISBN 978-0-345-32581-5.
  3. ↑ Fisher, Mark (2002). "Gothmog". The Encyclopedia of Arda.
  4. ↑ Fisher, Mark (2013). "Dagor-nuin-Giliath". The Encyclopedia of Arda.
  5. ↑ Tolkien, J. R. R. (1977). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 122. ISBN 978-0-345-32581-5.
  6. ↑ Fisher, Mark (1998). "Nirnaeth Arnoediad". The Encyclopedia of Arda.
  7. ↑ Fisher, Mark (2008). "Gondolin". The Encyclopedia of Arda.
  8. ↑ Tolkien, J. R. R. (1977). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 291. ISBN 978-0-345-32581-5.
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