Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad (Ch. 20)
Chapter Twenty: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad
The Union of Maedhros
Beren and Lúthien returned to Doriath, but Melian grieved the loss of Lúthien’s immortality and turned away from her. After this, Beren and Lúthien lived in Tol Galen until their death. They had a son named Dior, who was Thingol’s heir.
In this time, Maedhros was emboldened by the victory of Beren and Lúthien against Morgoth and urged the Eldar to unite against him. He formed the Union of Maedhros. However, the Oath of Fëanor loomed over the Noldor, and he received little help from the rest of the Eldar. Maedhros and his brothers demanded that Thingol give them the Silmaril, or else become their enemy. Melian counseled him to surrender it, but Thingol refused. Celegorm and Curufin vowed to kill Thingol, and Thingol fortified Doriath.
The Nirnaeth Arnoediad
With the help of the Naugrim and some of the houses of Men, Maedhros prepared for war with Morgoth. The hosts of Turgon from Gondolin came unexpectedly to aid Fingon.
The Treachery of Men
“Yet neither by wolf, nor by Balrog, nor by Dragon, would Morgoth have achieved his end, but for the treachery of Men. In this hour the plots of Ulfang were revealed…”
Morgoth had many spies amongst the houses of Men, and they ultimately betrayed the Eldar. The Naugrim stood firm against Glaurung, and if not for them, all of the Noldor would have perished. Fingon and Turgon were attacked by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs, and Fingon was killed. Húrin and Huor urged Turgon to return to Gondolin, and so he escaped. Huor was then slain, and Húrin stood alone. At last he was taken alive to Morgoth.
Morgoth’s victory was great, and the sons of Fëanor were scattered. Thus ended the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
The Aftermath of Battle
The servants of Morgoth roamed freely, destroying as they desired. The Easterlings who had served Morgoth were given the realm of Hithlum. At Turgon’s bidding, Círdan built seven swift ships to ask the Valar for help; only the ship of Voronwë returned.
Morgoth was obsessed with Turgon, and the thought of finding him consumed his mind. Húrin was brought before Morgoth but would not yield to him, so Morgoth cursed him and forced him to watch as everything he loved was destroyed. Morgoth also cursed Húrin’s family/offspring.
Morgoth commanded his servants to gather the slain into a great pile, and the Elves named it the Hill of Slain, or the Hill of Tears.
Important Quotes
"Yet neither by wolf, nor by Balrog, nor by Dragon, would Morgoth have achieved his end, but for the treachery of Men. In this hour the plots of Ulfang were revealed."
Discussion Questions
What causes disunity between the Elves at the beginning of the chapter?
How is Morgoth able to gain his victory?
What is the result of Morgoth's victory on the relationship between Elves and Men?
How does Húrin respond to Morgoth's demands? What is his consequence?
What becomes of the slain at the end of the chapter?
