Dagor Bragollach

In J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth, the Dagor Bragollach was the fourth battle of the Wars of Beleriand, known as the Battle of Sudden Flame.

It began when Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband, which had held for four hundred years. On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming Ard-galen, which was renamed Anfauglith. Many elves perished as they fled from these flames, from the fire and the smoke. Many Sindar renounced the war, and abandoned their Noldor allies and fled south to Doriath. Morgoth's armies of Balrogs and Orcs, led by Glaurung first of the Foalókë, overran the highlands of Dorthonion, and Angrod and Aegnor, together with Bregolas, Lord of Ladros and brother of Barahir, died in battle. Maglor's horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of Lothlann, and Maglor's Gap was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand itself. Maglor retreated after heavy losses to Himring, where he helped defend the city of Maedhros. All the forts of March of Maedhros was overrun, but the ferocity and valour of Maedhros was unmatched in the battles, so Himring could not be taken as the Orcs fled before him.

The Pass of Aglon was also breached, although Morgoth's forces suffered severe losses, and Celegorm and Curufin fled via the north marches of Doriath towards Minas Tirith. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forts of Mount Rerir, and defiled Lake Helevorn, scattering south through Thargelion into East Beleriand. Caranthir fled to Amon Ereb, where he and Amrod built defences. From there they slowly freed East Beleriand of the Orcs, aided by the Laiquendi, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border. Survivors from Dorthonion and the other eastern realms rallied in Hamring, inspired by the deeds of Maedhros. Maedhros managed to recaptured Aglon and closed that pass to Morgoth's forces. Thingol sent no direct aid to the Noldor, and the strength of Doriath grew as Sindar refugees settled there.

Minas Tirith in the Pass of Sirion in the West under Orodreth held, and Orodreth's uncle and Lord Finrod Felagund came north from Nargothrond with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the Fen of Serech. The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed but for a sortie by Barahir, who descended from Dorthonion and rescued the Elven lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the Ring of Barahir. Orodreth would hold out for another year or two, until he was finally driven from Tol Sirion by Sauron and Draugluin. Celegorm and Curufin aided his escape,and as result found refuge in Nargothrond.

Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the Ered Wethrin around Hithlum also held, although barely.

Thus the Siege was broken, the sons of Fëanor scattered, Fingolfin shut up in Hithlum, and Orcs roamed at will throughout the north.

When Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, learned of the heavy casualties of so many Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith. The Orcs fled at rumour of his approach, and even the Balrogs thought Oromë had returned. When Fingolfin arrived at Thangorodrim, he challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of Angband itself, they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, Ringil, wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet, he was felled by Morgoth's mace, Grond, and crushed beneath Morgoth's foot. Morgoth would have defiled his body even further, but was saved by Thorondor, King of Eagles.