I know that Nirnaeth Arnodiad was the most terrible of all wars and because of the tremdous losses of both side it was called what it is, the battle of unnumbered tears.
"there's only one way to win a war: shout, shout, and shout again!" - The Duke of Wellington ((Blackadder - Stephen Fry))
Here are the names of the wars, in order of occurence:
The first battle has no name, it was fought between Morgoth's hosts and the Sindar who had stayed behind in Middle-earth. There was no real winner. After this battle Doriath became protected by the Girdle of Melian.
The Second Battle (Dagor-nuin-Giliath, The Battle-under-Stars) This is the first battle between the forces of Morgoth and the newly arrived Noldor. Feanor falls in this battle, though the forces of Morgoth had been severly weakened.
The Third Battle (Dagor Aglareb, The Glorious Battle) This was the only battle in which a victory against Morgoth was complete. The Elven forces defeated the army of orcs within sight of the gates of Angband. It was also the beginning of the Siege of Angband. 100 years after this battle, Glaurung first appeared, but he was driven back to Angband.
The Fourth Battle (Dagor Bragollach, The Battle of Sudden Flame) This battle was the beginning of the end for the Noldor and their allies. It was heralded by flames, and volcanic eruptions. the fires from these eruptions burnt all the plain before the gates of Angband to ashes, and killed many soldiers stationed there. Following the fires came orcs lead by Balrogs, and Glaurung, who was now full grown. This battle lasted from winter to spring. The forces of Angband broke through Dorthonion, and the seige was broken. Fingoflin's lands were untouched, and Meadhros' forces were the only ones not destroyed in the east. Upon hearing of the defeat, High King Fingolfin galloped madly to Angband and dueled with Morgoth, where despite his best efforts, he was crushed by the mght of the Dark Lord.
The Fifth Battle (Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Battle of Unnumbered Tears) This was the last battle in which the Noldor fought against the undefeatable Morgoth. Meadhros made one last effort to defeat Morgoth in battle, and made a cunning strategy. but despite his cunning, treachery would win the day for Morgoth. The forces arrayed against Angband itself, were being overrun. the day was kept from ending in utter ruin by the arrival of Turgon leading 10,000 soldiers to battle. He saved Fingon's forces from utter defeat. Finally the eastern host, lead by Meadhros finally arrived, only to be attacked by yet another army loosed by Morgoth, and it was lead by Glaurung, and Gothmog Lord of Balrogs. He was then attacked by men he had called allies, specifically the easterlings led by Uldor the Black. He was then attacked by a force of men from the hills. His army quickly scattered. The Dwarves managed to drive off Glaurung, allowing Meadhros' forces to retreat. The eastern force faired no better, as Gothmog killed Fingon along with most of his forces. Turgon returned to Gondolin at Hurin's advice, while Hurin and all of his men formed a living wall to gaurd their rear. there the men all perished, save Hurin alone, who was captured and taken to Morgoth. The forces of elves and men, were scattered, never to fully unite against Morgoth again.
The Great Battle (War of Wrath)
In this battle the forces of the Valar attack Angand. The gigantic force of Morgoth (it filled all the plain of Anfauglith) was swept aside or fled, and the balrogs were destroyed or escaped. Then Morgoth loosed the Winged Dragons, lead by Ancalagon the Black, and it drove back the forces of the Valar. The dragons were at last defeated by Earendil, and a swarm of eagles. Earendil personally killed Ancalagon, and in his fall, Thangorodrim was broken. the pits of Angband were laid bare, and all the realm of Morgoth was obliterated.
now we have something to discuss.
Love is a very powerful force, especially when its formed into a coherent beam of death.
Of course there is also the smaller battles in Beleriand such as the seige of Gondolin and the fall of Nargothrond. And then there was the final downfall of Doriath in with the Silmaril was taken and two of Feanors sons died. There was the battle on Amon Rudh where Turin was captured and Beleg Cuthalion almost died. There was the battle where Finrod Felagund gave his life for Beren on Tol Sirion and in the fortress of his own making. Then Luthien Tinuviel came and defeated Sauron.
04-06-2004 09:04 PM
