Quenta 13 — Of the Return of the Noldor
Chapter 13 of the Quenta Silmarillion
Summary
The Noldor, landing in the north, fell at once upon the Orcs delivered to them by Morgoth, and in the first of the great battles, Dagor-nuin-Giliath, the power of the servants of the shadow was broken back to Angband. But the victory was paid for: Fëanor, pressing on alone toward the gates of Morgoth, was set upon by Balrogs and died of his wounds, leaving his seven sons bound by the Oath to the Silmarils. Maedhros, eldest of the sons, was taken by Morgoth and hung by the wrist from Thangorodrim, until Fingon out of the love of his youth rescued him, cutting off his hand to free him from the chain. Maedhros, in honour, renounced the kingship of the Noldor and the crown passed to Fingolfin, who kept the High Kingship thereafter. The Noldor then took up their chief realms about the north, and a leaguer, the long siege of Angband, was set to hold back the enemy for years untold. The chapter ends with the watch of the Noldor strengthened and the shadow held at bay before the great stronghold of the north.