FALL OF GONDOLIN.

Comprehensive Overview of "The Fall of Gondolin" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Plot Summary: "The Fall of Gondolin" is a narrative that delves into the final days of the last major elven kingdom in Middle-earth during the Second Age. The story revolves around the city of Gondolin, founded by King Turgon, a Noldorin Elf who rebelled against the rule of the Valar (gods) in Valinor and fled to Middle-earth. The city was meticulously hidden and endured for centuries, but it was eventually betrayed and destroyed by Morgoth, the primary antagonist of The Silmarillion.

The narrative centers around Tuor, a human who becomes the instrument of Ulmo, the sea-god. Guided by Ulmo, Tuor embarks on a perilous journey to Gondolin, where he becomes great and marries Idril, Turgon's daughter. Their son, Eärendel, is foreseen to play a crucial role in the future of Middle-earth. However, Morgoth discovers the location of Gondolin through treachery and launches a devastating attack on the city, involving Balrogs, dragons, and numerous Orcs. The tale concludes with the escape of Tuor, Idril, and their son Eärendel as they flee southward, looking back at the blazing wreckage of their city.

Key Themes:

1. Tragedy and Loss: The story is fundamentally a tragedy, reflecting the loss of a major elven kingdom and its inhabitants. This theme is reminiscent of "The Children of Húrin," another work by Tolkien that explores the devastating consequences of Morgoth's actions.

2. Hidden City: The concept of Gondolin as a hidden city underscores the theme of secrecy and the consequences of being discovered. This motif is central to the narrative, highlighting the efforts of Turgon and his people to keep their city hidden from Morgoth.

3. Divine Intervention: The role of Ulmo and other Valar in guiding Tuor and influencing the events leading to the fall of Gondolin adds a layer of divine intervention to the story. This theme explores the complex relationship between the Valar and the mortal inhabitants of Middle-earth.

4. Human-Elven Alliance: The union between Tuor, a human, and Idril, an elf, symbolizes an alliance between different races in the face of a common enemy. This alliance is crucial for the survival of Eärendel and sets the stage for future events in Middle-earth.

Critical Reception:

• Mixed Reviews: The book has received mixed reviews, with some critics noting that it is a collection of manuscripts, summaries, and notes from Tolkien, which might not be as polished as his other works.
• Historical Significance: Despite the mixed reception, the book is significant in Tolkien's legacy as it maps the timeline of his Middle-earth stories and provides insight into the early history of the world.
• Editorial Challenges: The book was edited by Christopher Tolkien, who faced the challenge of piecing together fragmented narratives and notes left by his father. This process has been noted by critics, who acknowledge the complexity of reconstructing a coherent story from incomplete sources.

Overall, "The Fall of Gondolin" offers a rich and detailed exploration of Middle-earth's history, delving into themes of tragedy, secrecy, and divine intervention. While it may not be as polished as some of Tolkien's other works, it remains a crucial part of his literary legacy.