The Fall of Gondolin

About “The Fall of Gondolin”

The Tale of the Fall of Gondolin features two major powers: Morgoth, the embodiment of evil, who rules from his fortress of Angband, and Ulmo, the Lord of Waters and second most powerful of the Valar. Ulmo secretly supports the Noldor, including the Elves Húrin and Túrin Turambar. Gondolin, a hidden city built by Noldorin Elves who rebelled against the Valar, becomes central to the conflict. Morgoth seeks to destroy it, while the Valar debate whether to intervene. Tuor, cousin of Túrin, is guided by Ulmo to Gondolin, where he marries Idril, daughter of Gondolin’s king, and their son Eärendel is foretold to have great importance. Morgoth discovers Gondolin through treachery and launches a devastating attack. The city falls, and Túrin, Idril, and Eärendel escape. The tale ends with them beginning a new journey, leading to the unwritten Tale of Eärendel. This story, part of Tolkien’s three "Great Tales," was edited by his son and presented in sequence.