Maeglin

Maeglin Gondolin prince, the son of Eöl the Dark Elf and Aredhel daughter of Fingolfin.

"*He resembled in face and form rather his kindred of the Noldor, but in mood and mind he was the son of his father. His words were few save in matters that touched him near, and then his voice had a power to move those that heard him and to overthrow those that withstood him.*"

Pic taken from: https://www.deviantart.com/samo-art/art/Maeglin-of-the-House-of-the-Mole-755004981

## Lore

When Aredhel left Gondolin to wander through Beleriand, she met Eöl in Nan Elmoth. She stayed with him, eventually giving birth to Maeglin. The child grew up hearing tales of Gondolin, the Hidden City, and his uncle, Turgon. Most importantly, he heard that he had no heir to the throne, thus the idea of leaving the dark places of Nan Elmoth was born in his mind. Years later, Aredhel left Eöl and she took Maeglin (who stole his father's sword, Anguirel) with her, both of them returning to Gondolin. However, Eöl had followed her. In judgment before Turgon, he was told that he could not leave Gondolin, and attempted to kill Maeglin with a poisoned dart. But he hit Aredhel instead when she sprang before Maeglin to protect him. She later died, and Eöl was cast down to his death from the city walls under Maeglin's eyes; and his father saying he would die the same death .He was now an orphan, but Turgon held him in honor, and Maeglin both learned and taught much. He found rich lodes of metals in the Echoriath surrounding the city, and forged weapons of steel stronger than had been seen before. His mine in the northern Echoriath was named *Anghabar*, which provided a great wealth of steel and forged metals. In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Maeglin refused to remain behind as regent, and went forth to battle with Turgon, proving valiant at need, though he was wise in council as well. He was present when Turgon and Húrin met in the middle of the battle, and heard the prophetic words of his king, and he didn't forget them. After the army of the Gondolindrim came back from battle, the seventh and final gate of Gondolin, the Gate of Steel, was created by Maeglin. Even though he was one of the mighty of Gondolin, he most desired Turgon's daughter Idril, who was his first cousin. But there was no hope for him, as the "Eldar wedded not with kin so near". Moreover, Idril perceived an evil coming from him, and for as long as Gondolin existed, she avoided him. Thus, the love inside Maeglin's heart turned to darkness. Though he had neither her nor the kingship of Gondolin, he endured it in silence, waiting for an opportunity to seize them both. When Tuor came, carrying Ulmo's warning of the danger to Gondolin, Maeglin sat on the right hand of Turgon and argued against Tuor. Tuor's marriage with Idril further incensed Maeglin, who rebelled against Turgon and Tuor. Later, seeking after metals, Maeglin defied Turgon's order to stay within the mountains, and was captured by Orcs and brought to Angband. Morgoth promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the Elder Days. Maeglin returned to Gondolin saying nothing about his encounter, but many people noticed a change. Most thought it was for the better, though Idril suspected something and began work on Idril's secret way. When the Fall of Gondolin took place, Maeglin tried to kill Eärendil and take Idril for himself. But Tuor caught up with him and they fought upon the walls of the city. Maeglin lost and he was thrown down to his death, striking the mountain three times before falling into the flames.

## Bounds

### Anguirel

Sword of the noldorian Prince, kept in the Gondolin.