Glorfindel

## Biography

### Years of the Trees

Laurefindelë was born in Tirion during the Noontide of Valinor. With reluctance, he followed Turgon and the host of Fingolfin to middle earth but took no part in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. He would come to be known as Glorfindel, the Sindarin translation of Laurefindelë.

### First Age

From his arrival in middle-earth to his death in the Fall of Gondolin, Glorfindel never left the host of Turgon. He fought alongside the Fingolfin's host in the Battle at the Lammoth and followed Turgon in the Dagor Aglareb (Glorious Battle).

#### Establishment of Gondolin

Glorfindel was appointed as Lord of the House of the Golden Flower by Turgon upon the establishment of Gondolin. He was popular and beloved by all of Gondolin.

#### Aredhel's Escort

When Aredhel, sister of the King, chose to seek out the sons of Fëanor, Glorfindel and two other lords (Ecthelion and Egalmoth) were chosen to escort her. However, the company was denied entrance at Doriath, the realm of Elu Thingol and Melian the Maia. They sought to travel North, around Doriath, but lost Aredhel near Nan Dungortheb. Aredhel herself managed to escape, but the three lords where driven out by the host of Ungoliant and returned to Gondolin with great sorrow.

#### Nírnaeth Arnoediad

Glorfindel fought alongside King Turgon in the Nírnaeth Arnoediad (Battle of Unnumbered Tears). It was there that High King Fingon was slain. Upon defeat, as Turgon's forces retreated, Glorfindel and Ecthelion held their flanks.

#### Fall of Gondolin

During the Fall of Gondolin, when the forces of Morgoth besieged the city, Glorfindel and the House of the Golden Flower defended the Great Market from the Orcs. The Golden Flower was ambushed and continued to fight until a great fire-drake arrived. Glorfindel and his house cut their way through the orcs where they were reinforced by the House of the Harp, who defied their craven lord, Salgant. The House of the Golden Flower regrouped at the Square of the Palace, one of the last houses still fighting. With the aid of Tuor and his House of the Wing, Glorfindel defended the Square until Egalmoth reinforced him and Ecthelion was slain by Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs. Upon the death of King Turgon, the Gondolindrim escaped through Idril's way with Glorfindel and his soldiers as their rearward. Glorfindel lost many men, and as the Gondolindrim made their escape, they were ambushed by a Balrog, whom Glorfindel leapt forward to face. He successfully defended himself from the Balrog's attacks and struck its helm of iron. Victorious, he pierced the belly of the Balrog and drove it off of the cliff, but it grabbed Glorfindel by the hair and the both of them fell into the abyss.

His body was borne up by Thorondor, Lord of the Eagles, who returned the it to Glorfindel's people. The Gondolindrim had wept upon witnessing his death for they loved him dearly. They buried him on the cliffs of the mountains which surrounded Gondolin. It is said that yellow flowers grew upon his resting place, despite the rocky surroundings.

### Second Age

Glorfindel was re-embodied by the Valar for his good deeds and his reluctance to leave Valinor. He dwelt there until S.A. 1600, when he was sent back to Middle-earth by Manwë as an emissary of the Valar. To aid him in his task, he was granted powers nearly equal to that of a Maia.

### Third Age

Glorfindel likely dwelt in Lindon for a time with Gil-galad, Cìrdan, and Elrond. However it is certain that he eventually moved to Rivendell.

#### Battle of Fornost

Glorfindel turned the tide of the Battle of Fornost against the Witch-king of Angmar. The Witch-king fled the battle in fear of Glorfindel, who prophesied that no mortal man would bring about his doom.