Fingolfin

[Manveru]

Name: Fingolfin (meaning: not given in the canonical works*)
Born: in Valinor V.Y.t. (Valian Year of the Trees) 1190
Died: in F.A. (First Age of the World) 456
Race: Elves
Division: Noldor
House: House of Fingolfin
Son of Finwe and Indis
Brother to Finarfin, half-brother to Feanor
Wedded to Anaire
Father to Fingon, Turgon and Aredhel
Accounted High King of the Noldor from F.A. 1
The color of Fingolfin was Blue and Silver

* A possible derivation appears in The Peoples of Middle-earth (The History of Middle-earth Vol. XII): XI The Shibboleth of Feanor. Here, Fingolfin is a contraction of Finwe Nolofinwe adapted to the sounds of Sindarin. The meaning would be 'Finwe, wise Finwe' (according to this source, Finwe originally named each of his three sons after himself).

(At this point I think it's needed of mentioning that I haven't read HoMe yet and in my 'study' of Fingolfin I mainly used The Silmarillion, so... I'm sorry if there are some 'inconvenient' info that may annoy more 'experienced' members. This note about 'name-meaning' I found on Encyclopedia of Arda website.)

In brief:
Fingolfin The second son of Finwë, the elder of Fëanor's half-brothers; High King of the Noldor in Beleriand, dwelling in Hithlum; slain by Morgoth in single combat.

from The Silmarillion - Index Names
Sounds interesting, doesn't it? So...

... buckle your seat belt, Dorothy, 'cause Kansas is going bye-bye.;)

Let me take you on a fabulous journey through life of the best Elda ever to tread the paths of Arda...
(All you mad Feanor's fans... don't read it! -- kidding:D)

[Manveru]

The wedding of his father was not pleasing to Fëanor; and he had no great love for Indis, nor for Fingolfin and Finarfin, her sons. He lived apart from them, exploring the land of Aman, or busying himself with the knowledge and the crafts in which he delighted. In those unhappy things which later came to pass, and in which Fëanor was the leader, many saw the effect of this breach within the house of Finwë, judging that if Finwë had endured his loss and been content with the fathering of his mighty son, the courses of Fëanor would have been otherwise, and great evil might have been prevented; for the sorrow and the strife in the house of Finwë is graven in the memory of the Noldorin Elves. But the children of Indis were great and glorious, and their children also; and if they had not lived the history of the Eldar would have been diminished.
No question about that! :D

Not much is known about the first years of Fingolfin's life. Except for that not very good relations with his half-brother (though it was rather Feanor's attitude that created such an atmosphere--but I do not want to judge it). We know only that he and his brother, Finarfin, were growing to their full stature during the Noontide of Valinor, the finest period in history of the Blessed Realm. But nothing lasts forever...
Due to Melkor's cunning and lies that he spred the Noldor began to feel 'uncomfortable' in the realm of the Valar.
When he saw that many leaned towards him, Melkor would often walk among them, and amid his fair words others were woven, so subtly that many who heard them believed in recollection that they arose from their own thought. Visions he would conjure in their hearts of the mighty realms that they could have ruled at their own will, in power and freedom in the East; and then whispers went abroad that the Valar had brought the Eldar to Aman because of their jealousy, fearing that the beauty of the Quendi and the makers' power that Ilúvatar had bequeathed to them would grow too great for the Valar to govern, as the Elves waxed and spread over the wide lands of the world.

The Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
High princes were Fëanor and Fingolfin, the elder sons of Finwë, honoured by all in Aman; but now they grew proud and jealous each of his rights and his possessions. Then Melkor set new lies abroad in Eldamar, and whispers came to Fëanor that Fingolfin and his sons were plotting to usurp the leadership of Finwë and of the elder line of Fëanor, and to supplant them by the leave of the Valar; for the Valar were ill-pleased that the Silmarils lay in Tirion and were not committed to their keeping. But to Fingolfin and Finarfin it was said: 'Beware! Small love has the proud son of Míriel ever had for the children of Indis. Now he has become great, and he has his father in his hand. It will not be long before he drives you forth from Túna!'

The Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
Thus the lies 'heated', even more, the relations between the sons of Finwe and caused the great unrest in Tirion.
Of course the chief blaim was laid upon Melkor, but was it only he, who was guilty of all that had happened? "Some ears that would heed him, and some tongues that would enlarge what they had heard", pride and jealousy of the High Princes of the Noldor... But can we really blaim Fingolfin? Let's see what happened next.
Then there was great unrest in Tirion, and Finwë was troubled; and he summoned all his lords to council. But Fingolfin hastened to his halls and stood before him, saying: 'King and father, wilt thou not restrain the pride of our brother, Curufinwë, who is called the Spirit of Fire, all too truly? By what right does he speak for all our people, as if he were King? Thou it was who long ago spoke before the Quendi, bidding them accept the summons of the Valar to Aman. Thou it was that led the Noldor upon the long road through the perils of Middle-earth to the light of Eldamar. If thou dost not now repent of it, two sons at least thou hast to honour thy words.'
But even as Fingolfin spoke, Fëanor strode into the chamber, and he was fully armed: his high helm upon his head, and at his side a mighty sword. 'So it is, even as I guessed,' he said. 'My half-brother would be before me with my father, in this as in all other matters.' Then turning upon Fingolfin he drew his sword, crying: 'Get thee gone, and take thy due place!'
Fingolfin bowed before Finwë, and without word or glance to Fëanor he went from the chamber. But Fëanor followed him, and at the door of the king's house he stayed him; and the point of his bright sword he set against Fingolfin's breast 'See, half-brother!' he said. 'This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.'
These words were heard by many, for the house of Finwë was in the great square beneath the Mindon; but again Fingolfin made no answer, and passing through the throng in silence he went to seek Finarfin his brother.

The Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
Hmm... reading this excerpt it seems to me that when Tolkien was writing about pride and jealousy, it must have been relating to Feanor's actions. What was the only 'fault' of Fingolfin, IMHO, was him being too hasty, but I guess it's understandable. This little excerpt reveals a few of his great virtues--calm and reason--two important 'values' any great king should possess.

[Manveru]

After that little "incident" Feanor was summoned to appear before the Valar to answer all his words and deeds. He was not held guiltless, for he it was that had broken the peace of Valinor and drawn his sword upon his kinsman. He was bidden to leave Tirion for twelve years:
and Mandos said to him: 'Thou speakest of thraldom. If thraldom it be, thou canst not escape it; for Manwë is King of Arda, and not of Aman only. And this deed was unlawful, whether in Aman or not in Aman. Therefore this doom is now made: for twelve years thou shall leave Tirion where this threat was uttered. In that time take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art. But after that time this matter shall be set in peace and held redressed, if others will release thee.'
Then Fingolfin said: 'I will release my brother.' But Fëanor spoke no word in answer, standing silent before the Valar. Then he turned and left the council, and departed from Valmar.

from the Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
That "row" should have ended that day. It was proved that it all was caused by Melkor's lies, but Feanor was too proud (IMHO) to understand it, to accept Fingolfin as a "full" brother, to accept his "pardon". All in all, Fingolfin acted "fair"... his "model" shone again. ("O, Feanor, all could have gone in a slightly different direction if you had cast away that stupid pride of yours..." - Manveru;)).

Although Melkor's cunning was unmasked and his "escape portended toils and sorrow to come, and indeed none could tell what further hurts would be done to Arda ere he could be subdued again, at this time Manwe designed to heal the evil that had arisen among the Noldor." So... he threw a splendid party. All were invited: Valar, Maiar, Vanyar, Noldor (Teleri were not much interested in it, though), except for Feanor--he was commanded to come! And "brothers" met again:
Nevertheless he [Feanor] met Fingolfin before the throne of Manwë, and was reconciled, in word; and Fingolfin set at naught the unsheathing of the sword. For Fingolfin held forth his hand, saying: 'As I promised, I do now. I release thee, and remember no grievance.'
Then Fëanor took his hand in silence; but Fingolfin said: 'Half-brother in blood, full brother in heart will I be. Thou shalt lead and I will follow. May no new grief divide as.'
'I hear thee,' said Fëanor. 'So be it.' But they did not know the meaning that their words would bear.

from the Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor
I bet Fingolfin never thought about "such" guidance of his older brother. Knowing what would happen out of it, he would never swear these words. It was an impuls, brother's love... yes, I guess it was that and the words of Fingolfin were suppose to mean that only. All could have been good... but Melkor didn't sleep. And brother's love was again put into "trial".
All that befell next had some impact on Fingolfin's life... I won't tell the story in full (you all know it well, right?;)). In brief: due to Melkor's cunning plan and help of Ungoliant, nearly at the same time, Valinor lost its Light (death of the Two Trees), Feanor, Fingolfin and Finarfin lost his father, the Noldor - their King (Finwe's death) and the great unrest fell in the Undying Lands. The worst news was that Melkor managed to escape taking with him the Silmarils, which contained the last "sample" of the Light of the Trees. He escaped and hid himself in his old fortress of Angband in Middle-earth. And all hope for bringing the Light again to Aman seemed lost.
Those happenings could no longer stay the Noldor, already eager to leave (due to Melkor's lies, they dreamt of great kingdoms in Middle-earth etc.), in the realm of the Valar. So when Feanor showed up in Tirion and started an "open" rebel against the Valar, he nearly succeeded in convincing his people to follow him, yet:
Fingolfin and Turgon his son therefore spoke against Fëanor, and fierce words awoke, so that once again wrath came near to the edge of swords.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
All in all, greater part of the Noldor were eager to leave, but not all wanted to see Feanor as their "guide"...
For though he had brought the assembly in a mind to depart, by no means all were of a mind to take Fëanor as King. Greater love was given to Fingolfin and his sons, and his household and the most part of the dwellers in Tirion refused to renounce him, if he would go with them; and thus at the last as two divided hosts the Noldor set forth upon their bitter road. Fëanor and his following were in the van, but the greater host came behind under Fingolfin; and he marched against his wisdom, because Fingon his son so urged him, and because he would not be sundered from his people that were eager to go, nor leave them to the rash counsels of Fëanor. Nor did he forget his words before the throne of Manwë.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
"Thou shalt lead and I will follow." Would Fingolfin have stayed in Aman then if he hadn't sworn these words in haste? I don't think so. The above quote gives too many "good" reasons for him to come along... (emphasis added)

[Manveru]

and the Noldor were over-ruled. Therefore they continued their march; and the House of Fëanor hastened before them along the coasts of Elendë: not once did they turn their eyes back to Tirion on the green hill of Túna. Slower and less eagerly came the host of Fingolfin after them.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
Alqualonde. The beautiful Haven of the Swans. Home of the Teleri Elves, the Mariners. The most tragic place in whole Aman. It was there where the worst "deed" came to pass. The Kinslaying! No one of the Noldor was held blameless, but can we judge those who followed Fingolfin together with Feanor and his host?
Thereupon Fëanor left him [Olwe], and sat in dark thought beyond the walls of Alqualondë, until his host was assembled. When he judged that his strength was enough, he went to the Haven of the Swans and began to man the ships that were anchored there and to take them away by force. But the Teleri withstood him, and cast many of the Noldor into the sea. Then swords were drawn, and a bitter fight was fought upon the ships, and about the lamplit quays and piers of the Haven, and even upon the great arch of its gate. Thrice the people of Fëanor were driven back, and many were slain upon either side; but the vanguard of the Noldor were succoured by Fingon with the foremost of the host of Fingolfin, who coming up found a battle joined and their own kin falling, and rushed in before they knew rightly the cause of the quarrel; some thought indeed that the Teleri had sought to waylay the march of the Noldor at the bidding of the Valar.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
Although they helped Feanor to win the ships calling down the Curse of the Valar upon themselves as well:
'Ye have spilled the blood of your kindred unrighteously and have stained the land of Aman. For blood ye shall render blood, and beyond Aman ye shall dwell in Death's shadow. For though Eru appointed to you to die not in Eä, and no sickness may assail you, yet slain ye may be, and slain ye shall be: by weapon and by torment and by grief; and your houseless spirits shall come then to Mandos. There long shall ye abide and yearn for your bodies, and find little pity though all whom ye have slain should entreat for you. And those that endure in Middle-earth and come not to Mandos shall grow weary of the world as with a great burden, and shall wane, and become as shadows of regret before the younger race that cometh after. The Valar have spoken.'

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
and still followed him, in the end, he couldn't think of them anything else but "needless baggage" and left them in Araman, taking all the ships and fleeing to Middle-earth. Then at the mouth of the firth of Drengist he utterred:
'What I have left behind I count now no loss; needless baggage on the road it has proved. Let those that cursed my name, curse me still, and whine their way back to the cages of the Valar! Let the ships burn!' Then Maedhros alone stood aside, but Fëanor caused fire to be set to the white ships of the Teleri.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
("Bad Feanor, really bad! Shameful deed!" - Manveru:mad: )
Then Fingolfin seeing that Fëanor had left him to perish in Araman or return in shame to Valinor was filled with bitterness; but he desired now as never before to come by some way to Middle-earth, and meet Fëanor again. And he and his host wandered long in misery, but their valour and endurance grew with hardship; for they were a mighty people, the elder children undying of Elu Ilúvatar, but new-come from the Blessed Realm, and not yet weary with the weariness of Earth. The fire of their hearts was young, and led by Fingolfin and his sons, and by Finrod and Galadriel, they dared to pass into the bitterest North; and finding no other way they endured at last the terror of the Helcaraxë and the cruel hills of ice. Few of the deeds of the Noldor thereafter surpassed that desperate crossing in hardihood or woe. There Elenwë the wife of Turgon was lost, and many others perished also; and it was with a lessened host that Fingolfin set foot at last upon the Outer Lands. Small love for Fëanor or his sons had those that marched at last behind him, and blew their trumpets in Middle-earth at the first rising of the Moon.

The Silmarillion - Of the Flight of the Noldor
------------
To be continued... I only need some sleep, pls, excuse me *yawning*

[Manveru]

After crossing that icy hell of Helcaraxe, Fingolfin and those that survived the killing journey marched exactly the same way as Feanor... still "following" him (but now they have other reasons to do so).
But as the host of Fingolfin marched into Mithrim the Sun rose flaming in the West; and Fingolfin unfurled his blue and silver banners, and blew his horns, and flowers sprang beneath his marching feet, and the ages of the stars were ended. At the uprising of the great light the servants of Morgoth fled into Angband, and Fingolfin passed unopposed through the fastness of Dor Daedeloth while his foes hid beneath the earth. Then the Elves smote upon the gates of Angband, and the challenge of their trumpets shook the towers of Thangorodrim; and Maedhros heard them amid his torment and cried aloud, but his voice was lost in the echoes of the stone.
But Fingolfin, being of other temper than Fëanor, and wary of the wiles of Morgoth, withdrew from Dor Daedeloth and turned back towards Mithrim, for he had heard tidings that there he should find the sons of Fëanor, and he desired also to have the shield of the Mountains of Shadow while his people rested and grew strong; for he had seen the strength of Angband, and thought not that it would fall to the sound of trumpets only.

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
"No love was there in the hearts of those that followed Fingolfin for the House of Fëanor..." No wonder. They left them to perish out there, up North. And though most of the followers of Feanor repented from that shameful deed of burning of the ships and though Feanor himself "abandoned" this world, still Fingolfin "held the sons the accomplices of their father." The atmosphere got tense again, but Feanorians, seeing there was greater strength with Fingolfin, withdrew and moved their camp on the southern shore of the Lake Mithrim, so that it became "natural" borther between the dissenting hosts.
Only thanks to Fingon's great deed, i.e. setting free Maedhros from the bondage at the precipice upon Thangorodrim, set the contention at naught (at least nearly):
For Maedhros begged forgiveness for the desertion in Araman; and he waived his claim to kingship over all the Noldor, saying to Fingolfin: 'If there lay no grievance between us, lord, still the kingship would rightly come to you, the eldest here of the house of Finwë, and not the least wise.'

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
Thus Fingolfin became the High King of all the Noldor in Beleriand. Most of his people dwelt in Mithrim about the shores of the great lake in the beautiful land of Hithlum:
To the west of Thangorodrim lay Hísilóme, the Land of Mist, for so it was named by the Noldor in their own tongue because of the clouds that Morgoth sent thither during their first encampment; Hithlum it became in the tongue of the Sindar that dwelt in those regions. It was a fair land while the Siege of Angband lasted, although its air was cool and winter there was cold. In the west it was bounded by Ered Lómin, the Echoing Mountains that marched near the sea; and in the east and south by the great curve of Ered Wethrin, the Shadowy Mountains, that looked across Ard-galen and the Vale of Sirion.

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
(...) chief fortress was at Eithel Sirion in the east of Ered Wethrin, whence they kept watch upon Ard-galen; and their cavalry rode upon that plain even to the shadow of Thangorodrim, for from few their horses had increased swiftly, and the grass of Ard-galen was rich and green.

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
And the Siege of Angband began.

[Manveru]

Just a brief look (if anyone needs it;)) on the map of Beleriand. Fingolfin's abode marked.

Sorry for my 'lousy' hand... it shakes so much... well, nevermind...

[Lhunithiliel]

in continuation - Manveru's last posts on the topic
__________________________

Fingolfin was the strongest, the most steadfast, and the most valiant.

The Silmarillion - Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalie
But what's most important...
...being of other temper than Feanor...

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
Exactly. They were like fire and water. Yes, I guess it's a perfect comparison. Fingolfin always calm, but not a 'wimp' (he wasn't always that calm and peaceful, but we'll get to that later; I guess everybody has some "borders"...), just like water (looks so peaceful, calms down with its "singing" flow, yet, when bursts it can destroy and spread terror). Whereas Feanor, well, like Finglofin himself once said:
'King and father, wilt thou not restrain the pride of our brother, Curufinwë, who is called the Spirit of Fire, all too truly?'

The Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
I know (and you know, everybody knows ;)) that Feanor "lost" his mind after what had happened in Valinor. I know he was one of the greatest Eldar before leaning his ear to cunning words of Melkor (after that, after his "rebelion", to me, he was the most "stupid" Elda ever! Well, maybe only Thingol was dumber than him;) Sorry for these "strong" words...). Why am I saying all this? I know many people (including GG who runs this fine Gallery -- GG, I hope there won't be any censorship here:p;)) like Feanor, but in fact, as a High King (he claimed this title himself, but still...) he simply "sucked". He did nothing for the sake of his people (or rather didn't do anything that could be of some profit to them). Again everything can be explained with his "madness", but didn't Fingolfin lose his father too? Didn't he also love him dearly? I'm sure he did. But still he remained calm and "healthy on his mind". Anyway... maybe it has no connection with this work (though I think there's no better description than comparison, right?), maybe I strode off a little from the main path, but everytime I read about Fingolfin, it always "hurts" me that so much attention and admiration is given to Feanor... while Fingolfin is usually "overlooked". And he was so much better than this "boasting-with-pride-most-selfish" Elda Arda ever born...
Getting back to "work"...
Fingolfin was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) High Kings of the Noldor. Full of "positive" features ("... being of other temper than Feanor..." speaks for itself, for me--the best feature:D). I mentioned calm and reason. Now we know he was also "the strongest, the most steadfast, and the most valiant" of the sons of Finwe... "and not least wise" as Maedhros said. He knew how to forgive, yet, was merciless towards his foes. He was one great diplomat, knew how to deal with potential allies:
When twenty years of the Sun had passed, Fingolfin King of the Noldor made a great feast; and it was held in the spring near to the pools of Ivrin, whence the swift river Narog rose, for there the lands were green and fair at the feet of the Mountains of Shadow that shielded them from the north. The joy of that feast was long remembered in later days of sorrow; and it was called Mereth Aderthad, the Feast of Reuniting. Thither came many of the chieftains and people of Fingolfin and Finrod; and of the sons of Fëanor Maedhros and Maglor, with warriors of the eastern March; and there came also great numbers of the Grey-elves, wanderers of the woods of Beleriand and folk of the Havens, with Círdan their lord. There came even Green-elves from Ossiriand, the Land of Seven Rivers, far off under the walls of the Blue Mountains; but out of Doriath there came but two messengers, Mablung and Daeron, bearing greetings from the King.
At Mereth Aderthad many counsels were taken in good will, and oaths were sworn of league and friendship;

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
not only of Elven kind:
Fingolfin, as King of all the Noldor, sent messengers of welcome to them [the Men]; and then many young and eager men of the Edain went away and took service with the kings and lords of the Eldar.

The Silmarillion - Of the Coming of Men into the West
He was glad to see them in his sevice:
Among them was Malach son of Marach, and he dwelt in Hithlum for fourteen years; and he learned the Elven-tongue and was given the name of Aradan.

------------

Now Hador Lórindol, son of Hathol, son of Magor, son of Malach Aradan, entered the household of Fingolfin in his youth, and was loved by the King. Fingolfin therefore gave to him the lordship of Dor-lómin, and into that land he gathered most of the people of his kin, and became the mightiest of the chieftains of the Edain.

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
Great victories were his "share" like that one of the Glorious Battle when:
Morgoth, believing the report of his spies that the lords of the Noldor were wandering abroad with little thought of war, made trial of the strength and watchfulness of his enemies. Once more, with little warning, his might was stirred, and suddenly there were earthquakes in the north, and fire came from fissures in the earth, and the Iron Mountains vomited flame; and Orcs poured forth across the plain of Ard-galen. Thence they thrust down the Pass of Sirion in the west, and in the east they burst through the land of Maglor, in the gap between the hills of Maedhros and the outliers of the Blue Mountains. But Fingolfin and Maedhros were not sleeping, and while others sought out the scattered bands of Orcs that strayed in Beleriand did great evil they came upon the main host from either side as it was assaulting Dorthonion; and they defeated the servants of Morgoth, and pursuing them across Ard-galen destroyed them utterly, to the least and last, within sight of Angband's gates.

The Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor
but also bitter defeats... that came suddenly... "in flames"... yes, Dagor Bragollach, the Battle of Sudden Flame.
So great was the onslaught of Morgoth that Fingolfin and Fingon could not come to the aid of the sons of Finarfin; and the hosts of Hithlum were driven back with great loss to the fortresses of Ered Wethrin, and these they hardly defended against the Orcs. Before the walls of Eithel Sirion fell Hador the Golden-haired, defending the rearguard of his lord Fingolfin, being then sixty and six years of age, and with him fell Gundor his younger son, pierced with many arrows; and they were mourned by the Elves. Then Galdor the Tall took the lordship of his father. And because of the strength and height of the Shadowy Mountains, which withstood the torrent of fire, and by the valour of the Elves and the Men of the North, which neither Orc nor Balrog could yet overcome, Hithlum remained unconquered, a threat upon the flank of Morgoth's attack; but Fingolfin was sundered from his kinsmen by a sea of foes.

The Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin
That could have been prevented (at least it would not turn into such a slaughter), but nearly no one wanted to harken to High King's plans to assault Angband (though "this counsel was wise according to the measure of his knowledge") and " Morgoth was free to labour in his deep mines, devising what evils none could foretell ere he should reveal them." That was, IMHO, one of the greatest mistakes of the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand...

[Lhunithiliel]

in continuation - Manveru's original post
____________________

Now news came to Hithlum that Dorthonion was lost and the sons of Finarfin overthrown, and that the sons of Fëanor were driven from their lands. Then Fingolfin beheld (as it seemed to him) the utter ruin of the Noldor, and the defeat beyond redress of all their houses; and filled with wrath and despair he mounted upon Rochallor his great horse and rode forth alone, and none might restrain him. He passed over Dor-nu-Fauglith like a wind amid the dust, and all that beheld his onset fled in amaze, thinking that Oromë himself was come: for a great madness of rage was upon him, so that his eyes shone like the eyes of the Valar. Thus he came alone to Angband's gates, and he sounded his horn, and smote once more upon the brazen doors, and challenged Morgoth to come forth to single combat. And Morgoth came.

The Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin
Yes. Time for the greatest duel in history of Middle-earth (see the pic below). Hang on, Fingolfin! Down, Morgoth!!!
Therefore Morgoth came, climbing slowly from his subterranean throne, and the rumour of his feet was like thunder underground. And he issued forth clad in black armour; and he stood before the King like a tower, iron-crowned, and his vast shield, sable on-blazoned, cast a shadow over him like a stormcloud. But Fingolfin gleamed beneath it as a star; for his mail was overlaid with silver, and his blue shield was set with crystals; and he drew his sword Ringil, that glittered like ice.
Then Morgoth hurled aloft Grond, the Hammer of the Underworld, and swung it down like a bolt of thunder. But Fingolfin sprang aside, and Grond rent a mighty pit in the earth, whence smoke and fire darted. Many times Morgoth essayed to smite him, and each time Fingolfin leaped away, as a 'lightning shoots from under a dark cloud; and he wounded Morgoth with seven wounds, and seven times Morgoth gave a cry of anguish, whereat the hosts of Angband fell upon their faces in dismay, and the cries echoed in the Northlands.
But at the last the King grew weary, and Morgoth bore down his shield upon hint Thrice he was crushed to his knees, and thrice arose again and bore up his broken shield and stricken helm. But the earth was all rent and pitted about him, and he stumbled and fell backward before the feet of Morgoth; and Morgoth set his left foot upon his neck, and the weight of it was like a fallen hill. Yet with his last and desperate stroke Fingolfin hewed the foot with Ringil, and the blood gashed forth black and smoking and filled the pits of Grond.
Thus died Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, most proud and valiant of the Elven-kings of old. The Orcs made no boast of that duel at the gate; neither do the Elves sing of it, for their sorrow is too deep. Yet the tale of it is remembered still...

The Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin
Of course it is. I don't know how it'll sound to you all, but... I heard a song made to honour this valiant warlord. Yeah, it's true. It is performed by some descendants of the Men of Middle-earth... It's called Time stands still by Blind Guardian (for those of you who haven't heard it or aren't fond of heavy metal or hard rock... whatever;) I provide the lyrics):

Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)

Light fails at dawn
The moon is gone
And deadly the night reigns
Deceit
Finally I've found myself
In these lands
Horror and madness I've seen here
For what I became a king of the lost?
Barren and lifeless the land lies

bridge:
Lord of all Noldor
A star in the night
And a bearer of hope
He rides into his glorious battle alone
Farewell to the valiant warlord

chorus (repeat 2x):
The Fate of us all
Lies deep in the dark
When time stands still at the iron hill

I stand alone
Noone's by my side
I'll dare you
Come out
You coward
Now it's me or you
He gleams like a star
And the sound of his horn's
Like a raging storm
Proudly the high lord
Challenges the doom
Lord of slaves he cries
Slowly in fear
The dark lord appears
Welcome to my lands
You shall be damned

bridge
chorus

The iron crowned
Is getting closer
Swings his hammer
Down on him
Like a thunderstorm
He's crushing
Down the Noldor's
Proudest king
Under my foot
So hopeless it seems
You've troubled my day
Now feel the pain

bridge
chorus

The Elvenking's broken
He stumbles and falls
The most proud and most valiant
His spirit survives
Praise our king
Praise our king
Praise our king
Praise our king
********
OK. That was a little intermission. Hope it doesn't seem to you like a "blasphemy". It's a really good song (actually the whole album is great; in the mood from the Sil) and I wanted to add it here.

After the death of Fingolfin...
Morgoth took the body of the Elven-king and broke it, and would cast it to his wolves; but Thorondor came hasting from his eyrie among the peaks of the Crissaegrim, and he stooped upon Morgoth and marred his face. The rushing of the wings of Thorondor was like the noise of the winds of Manwë, and he seized the body in his mighty talons, and soaring suddenly above the darts of the Orcs he bore the King away. And he laid him upon a mountain-top that looked from the north upon the hidden valley of Gondolin; and Turgon coming built a high cairn over his father. No Orc dared ever after to pass over the mount of Fingolfin or draw nigh his tomb, until the doom of Gondolin was come and treachery was born among his kin.

The Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin

THE END