Nirnaeth Arnoediad

In midsummer of the year 472 of the First Age, the free peoples of Beleriand gathered for their boldest gamble against Morgoth. The Union of Maedhros — Noldor, Sindar, the Men of the Edain, Easterlings, and the Dwarves of Belegost — marched to end the Dark Lord in a single hammer-and-anvil stroke. It ended in the greatest catastrophe of the age: the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. A planted lie and a moment of grief broke the plan before it could strike. Morgoth unleashed Glaurung and his Balrogs; the traitor Ulfang turned upon the host from the rear; High King Fingon fell to Gothmog, his banner trodden in the dust. Only Húrin remained, crying "Aurë entuluva" — day shall come again — seventy times before his capture. From this ruin rose the green grass of the Hill of Slain, Huor's prophecy of Eärendil, and the seed of every rescue still to come.

Published

7 July 2026

Runtime

27 min 44 sec