Tolkien Gateway

Battle of the Thousand Caves

This article is about the battle between Elves and Dwarves. For the battle between Dior and the Sons of Feanor, see Sack of Doriath.
Battle of the Thousand Caves
Henning Janssen - Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol.jpg
Date: F.A. 503
Place: The Elven city of Menegroth
Outcome: Dwarven Victory


Dwarves of Nogrod



The Battle of the Thousand Caves[1] was a battle between the Dwarves of Nogrod and the Elves of Menegroth.


[edit] Background

The Silmaril that was rescued by Beren and Lúthien remained in the treasury of Thingol of Doriath who desired to have it always at hand. In the last years of Hurin's life he brought to him the famed Nauglamir, the Necklace of the Dwarves, from Nargothrond.

Having the two great treasures, he decided to unite them by fastening the Silmaril into the Dwarven necklace. The Dwarves that made that work desired the Silmaril from the beginning, and when the work ended he refused to give it to him. In the conflict Thingol was killed. The rest of the Dwarves were hunted down and slain as they fled home, and Nauglamir was taken from them. Two survived the slaughter, and made it to their home of Nogrod in the Blue Mountains. They lied saying that Thingol killed the Dwarves that made the Nauglamir, refusing to pay them for their work.

After the death of Thingol Melian returned to Valinor. Her magical control upon the woods of Doriath waned after her.

[edit] Opposing Forces

The Dwarves of Nogrod were enraged hearing the lies of their kinsmen, and decided to avenge their fallen artisans. Although the Dwarves of Belegost refused to aid them, they formed a great host. They entered Beleriand, and, crossing Aros, marched west towards Doriath. Nothing could stop them, as the Girdle of Melian waned after Melian departed.

The Sindarin captains were intimidated by the Dwarven host, and they scattered without hope. The Dwarves found resistance only by the Sindar inside Menegroth.

[edit] The Battle

The losses were heavy on the both sides during the grievous battle. Mablung was defending the treasury where the Nauglamir lay, and there he was killed before its doors, and the Silmaril was taken. After they plundered its treasures, they made their way home to Nogrod.

[edit] Aftermath and Repercussions

Before leaving, Melian had told Mablung to warn Beren about the evil deed of the Dwarves. Indeed, with the help of Green-elves and Ents he ambushed the Dwarves near Sarn Athrad. During the battle the host was destroyed and the treasure of Menegroth fell in Ascar. Save the Nauglamir which Beren brought to Lúthien.[2]

[edit] References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Doriath": "For there was battle in the Thousand Caves"